When the minds behind The Last Bookstore decide to build a house, you don’t get a mansion—you get a creative refuge. We sat down with our owners, Josh & Jenna Spencer, to talk creative vision, five years of remodeling, & the dream team of
@douglaselliman &
@meridithbaerhome , who helped bring it to life. It’s accessible, barrier-free, & yes, has plenty of shelves for books.
Q. You and your wife spent five years shaping this space. What was the throughline—emotionally or architecturally—that held it all together?
Josh: We bought the house just before we were married. It symbolized our new beginning, drenched with hope and potential. We’re both highly creative, visual people, and deeply sensual when it comes to architecture—meaning we experience it with all our senses.
As a paraplegic, I’m detached from half my body, but openness, spaciousness, and smooth rolling surfaces turn that loss into pleasure. Being able to move freely without obstacles is joy. My wife wanted those things for me. Essentials for her were high ceilings, walls that opened to the outdoors, natural light everywhere, & a large open kitchen. I wanted those things for her. We both wanted books everywhere. We dreamed up the design out of love for each other, and thankfully, we shared the same taste for nearly every detail. Everything was built to delight one another.
2. Describe your idea of Bothwell in three words.
Josh: Instructional. Inspiring. Restful.
Jenna: Calm. Open. Life-giving.
3. Working with
@douglaselliman @meridithbaerhome , how did their expertise influence the final experience?
They helped us see what the home could be for others—not just for ourselves. Our realtors at Douglas Elliman (
@victorcurrie ) pushed us to finish the lingering details that give a home its sense of completion.
@meridithbaerhome transformed the space with furniture and decor that elevated everything around what we had built, giving it clarity & presence that instantly heightened the home experience. Jenna curated the books & plants from
@lostbooksla & our newest store
@lastbookstorestudiocity .
Interested? Private showings this week only via
@victorcurrie .
#douglaselliman #meridithbaerhome
