As Catie Marques Teles and Scott Savarie embarked on their quest to find a home in Los Angeles, they spent six frustrating months exploring various options. Their persistence paid off when they stumbled upon a modern ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in the Eagle Rock neighborhood through Zillow. This ADU features two bedrooms, a kitchen that gleams with light, ample birch cabinets, a charming 1920s-style long driveway, and a private terrace with views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Initially skeptical, having been disappointed several times before, the couple couldn’t believe their luck with this beautifully designed ADU. Spanning 1,000 square feet and transformed from two garages, this space offered exactly what they were looking for. Both Catie, a product marketer, and Scott, a software engineer, realized that its proximity to their best friend’s home, just a four-minute walk away, felt like it was meant to be.
Seven years ago, married architects En Jang and Jooyoung Chung purchased a 1923 Spanish-style bungalow and began dreaming about creating a backyard ADU. As Korean immigrants in Los Angeles without any relatives in the area, they crafted a space solely focused on their vision, free from familial obligations.
Together, they launched Yeh-Yeh-Yeh Architecture Studio, committed to bringing their dream to life while capitalizing on state regulations that permit ADUs to bolster income. After years of reflecting on their plans, they invested $354,000 to construct the new ADU, which now rents for $4,500 a month.
Creating a Space That Feels Like Home
Despite a cooling rental market in Los Angeles, their ADU remains competitive. Zillow reports that the median rent for two-bedroom units in LA is around $3,600, but Eagle Rock listings are below $3,250, while properties in Culver City can reach as high as $4,650. Jooyoung emphasizes, “We poured our hearts into this ADU because we want our tenants to feel it’s their home.”
After living in the main house for four years, En and Jooyoung officially listed the ADU in 2021. Though about 40 prospective tenants viewed the unit—most not genuinely interested in the higher rent—they eventually found the perfect match in the thirty-three-year-old pair of Catie and Scott, who moved in after an earlier tenant relocated to Michigan.
With parking available right in front, the ADU is positioned at the end of a long driveway, making it easy for residents to access their outdoor space. While state laws don’t require ADUs to include parking, the couple chose to provide parking and a driveway to enhance the tenant’s experience. Catie appreciates the effort: “It truly feels like our home. We often step out to our terrace for our morning coffee. Everything here is so peaceful.”
The kitchen is notably impressive, equipped with a 30-inch Forno range and convection oven, a 32-inch Fisher & Paykel refrigerator, and an open design that allows for a view of the backyard during meals. Beyond the two necessary bedrooms and a bathroom, En made sure to maximize the use of hallway space by adding abundant storage options, including a washer and dryer.
While the ADU embodies a modern minimalist style sharply contrasting with the Spanish bungalow’s look, it remains a subtle addition to the property that doesn’t draw attention from the street. The couple successfully integrated design elements—like geometric eaves for shading the terrace—while keeping the interiors simple enough for tenants to personalize.
The exterior is finished with materials reminiscent of traditional Korean design, using pebbles and gravel to keep the unit cool. Catie and Scott, who previously lived in both San Francisco and Berlin, noted, “The indoor climate is incredibly comfortable and cool—something you rarely find in typical rental spaces.”
Ample Storage for Personal Items
Understanding the importance of storage, En and Jooyoung invested $40,000 in custom woodwork to ensure adequate space for their tenants. Catie and Scott feel the 1,000-square-foot ADU offers more spaciousness than their previous 1,500-square-foot home in San Francisco’s Mission District. “We couldn’t even fill all the storage available here,” Scott jokes as he effortlessly hides his sports gear, suitcases, and guitar in cabinets, reflecting their appreciation for cleanliness.
Looking back to the first night after listing the ADU for rent, Jooyoung recalls feeling so anxious he barely slept, worried about any potential issues. However, he’s now ready to assist tenants immediately, having fully understood the building process and the best ways to resolve issues as they arise.
When discussing what they love about the ADU, Catie highlights the unique and well-considered lighting design, which allows natural light to flood in, and the practicality of the layout, “Even with just the two of us living here, there’s plenty of space when friends visit.”
Catie and Scott are thrilled to have formed a friendship with their landlords, En and Jooyoung, who share a mutual appreciation for a great tenant-landlord relationship. Recently, they’ve even started playing tennis together, with Catie playfully asserting, “We’ll get better and be ready for the next challenge!”
