Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Lynn and Dean Lemont.
The Frogtown Magical Cabin is an under-the-radar production and event venue. The cabin was built in 1907 – with limited information available about the original owners, and having consulted with contractors, they theorize that it could have been a fishing cabin for the LA River, just a short walk away. Situated on over 21,000 SF of land, the Cabin feels as if it’s from another era, in another place – it’s surrounded by large trees, plants, birds and butterflies. Entering the property is a stark contrast from the urban feel beyond the gates.
Dean purchased the Cabin back in 2002, reportedly only the third owner since it was built in 1907. Though there were other offers, he was able to beat out the other buyers because he happily agreed to adopt two lovely Australian Shepherds that “came with the house” – they were foster rescues the seller wanted to place in a forever home. Dean was then working as an actor and in 2006, he met Jennifer on the set of an AT&T commercial – they played husband and wife. Life imitated art and their romance continued off-set and soon Jennifer moved into the Cabin with Dean. Combined, they owned the two dogs, and also four cats, bunnies and a tank of fish (not to mention lots of fat, happy squirrels living in the huge pecan trees). They loved animals and both had a passion for refining and improving the grounds and property.
The Cabin is now 112 years old and over the years they have made many updates inside and out – radiant floor heating in the bedroom, skylights in the living room, fresh paint, a repurposed clawfoot tub and new tile in the bathroom, a large outdoor artisan-inspired patio & fire pit, and ongoing maintenance and updates to the nearly half-acre of greenery and nature surrounding the Cabin.
Since 2017, the Cabin has been a popular location venue for production and special events. The Cabin has served as the backdrop for everything from intimate photo shoots to music videos, television and film productions, commercials, web series, immersive theater, and intimate live performances. The Cabin has also hosted limited private parties, weddings, and special events.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, the process of building the business at the Cabin has been pretty smooth. Because of the unique style of the property and it’s location surprisingly close to downtown, the Cabin allows creatives and/or people organizing a celebration to have a “we’re still in LA?!” experience without driving very far. That leads to a wide variety of guests and opportunities for the Cabin.
Dean and Jennifer say they love providing a space where people can “create and celebrate”. Also, each has worked in various aspects of production over the years which helps them provide better service. Managing expectations, communicating clearly and being sweet and upbeat has allowed them to form lasting relationships leading to referrals and repeat business for the Cabin.
One logistical concern they have during production is that their rescue cat Meow Meow, who is used to having the whole 20,000-square foot lot to hunt lizards, doesn’t feel displaced. Meow Meow is the Cabin’s mascot – she is an excellent huntress and has been very adaptable with all of the productions and events coming and going at the Cabin.
The Frogtown Magical Cabin – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Jennifer says, “Being surrounded by trees and nature and having so much space delights our clients. Nine times out of ten they say, ‘I can’t believe this is here – this is amazing!’ It’s a surprise because it’s a like a little mini park, right in the middle of an urban neighborhood.”
Dean adds, “We don’t advertise – we like being under the radar. The property feels like it could be in many different places. People have told us it reminds them of Topanga, New Orleans, Hawaii, Tennessee, Minnesota… It’s even played as Jamaica! But we are only 10 minutes from Downtown LA and so the location makes the logistics very convenient.”
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
We’ve been lucky enough to watch several lovely, amazing couples celebrate their love for one another, host milestone birthday celebrations, baby showers, and kids birthdays play a small part as the backdrop for countless creative projects of all stripes, and throughout it all, meet amazing, talented, wonderful people. It’s been great!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.frogtownmagicalcabin.com
- Phone: 323.333.6340
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frogtownmagicalcabin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frogtownmagicalcabin/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
