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Eric Hughes joins forces with Standard Architecture to transform two neighboring homes into a sprawling family compound.

- Max Berlinger

When one Beverly Hills couple found out that their beloved neighbor had sadly passed away, W they went over with condolences for her family and an offer. "How do you make the transition from 'Sorry for your loss' to 'Can I make a bid?"" the husband wondered at the time.

They had good intentions. Not only did the couple want to ward off a real estate developer who was putting up soulless spec houses in the area, but they also wanted to turn the home into a place to accommodate their aging parents. The neighbor's children were amenable to the idea, and a deal was struck. The problem was, neither of the couple's parents cared to move in. "It turned out, for us," says the wife, who works in talent representation, "if you build it, they won't come."

To mastermind combining the two properties, they called upon ELLE DECOR A-List interior designer Eric Hughes, who had helped them with a previous, less intensive renovation. "What's unique about this project is that there are two separate structures, but they're connected visually with the landscaping," Hughes says.