The 1907 Silver Lake reservoir, named for Herman Silver, the city water and power commissioner who approved its construction, remains the focal point for the hill-town homes on the winding roads above. Thanks to the popularity of private housing in the 1950s, Silver Lake’s funky neighbourhood features Los Angeles’ highest number of signature homes by master architects.

In 1933, after architect Richard Neutra left Rudolph Schindler’s West Hollywood communal dwelling, he constructed his own family home in Silver Lake. The highly experimental Neutra House utilized light reflected from the water to bathe the upper-level living area, sleeping porches, and a roof deck, while a workshop and guest area were relegated to the lover level.

Olive House, was once of Rudolph Schindler’s particularly intriguing works. In 1927, Bernard Maybeck designed the eclectic Anthony House, which cost a whopping $500,000 to build (at the time).