Kristen Doute Reveals Exactly What Made Her Fall in Love with Her New Home

Kristen Doute made a huge investment last year when she purchased her first home. Located in the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles — yes, yes, that’s also where Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix, Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright, and Tom Schwartz and Katie Maloney-Schwartz also own homes! — Kristen’s sunny abode is the epitome of cute curb appeal. The yellow house features a lovely front yard, an adorable porch, and even a winding brick walkway—we see why the Vanderpump Rules author was sold.

During a recent tour of her manse with Open House TV, however, Kristen revealed that her fixer upper had other key features that pushed her to buy. “I describe my personal style as boho chic with a modern twist and I really loved the character of this home and how old it is,” she said. “But it was also really closed in, it had dark wood floors, so I just wanted to open it up and make it feel light and airy.”

Kristen spent lots of time gutting the kitchen and turning her garage into the James Mae office space, but she revealed it was the house’s ample outdoor spaces that truly sold her on the investment. “This space is really why I bought this home,” Kristen said during the tour, showcasing her multi-level backyard. “It’s so relaxing, I wrote most of the book in my backyard!”

And since moving in, Kristen has taken full advantage of that lovely space, adding lots of grass and plants, a super-chill outdoor living room and even a hot tub. Looking good, Kristen!