Storybook escape in Mount Washington

A trip through the property is a sensory experience: the scents of lavender and jasmine, the sound of rustling palms and bamboo. Bells, including this Tibetan one in the kitchen, hang from almost every door.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

A small window built into the front door.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Pink and peacock blue steps, the eye of Horus above the front door — this ain’t Hancock Park, that’s for sure. Now that she has made the place her own, Rivers says the home is perfect for her three children — from left, Lux, 9, Lucy, 4, and Adea, 12.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

A historical photo of Rivers’ house, which was built in 1910.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The living room recently was painted red.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

In Adea’s room, artist Lola Duffy painted a fantasy mural. On the rest of the walls, flecks of shimmering white plastic — scattered when the pale purple paint was still wet — catch the sun’s rays.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Rivers’ bedroom, with its flocked wallpaper ceiling.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The mood is more sedate in this bathroom, where the shower stall is lined with river stones.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The terraced garden has several statues, including this Buddha, left by previous owners, who have included a prop builder for MGM.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Meandering pathways cross the lush terraced hillside, creating an urban refuge.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Lux, in his Pink Floyd T-shirt, stands on stairs his mom made with salvaged concrete. Flora seems to spill from all sides.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)