Featured
Visionary Home In Rancho Palos Verdes
The architectural masterpiece at 2822 Colt Road in Rancho Palos Verdes stretches far beyond the modern aesthetic. State-of-the-art, the almost conceptual structures, elements, and water features of this compound demonstrate a functionality that is both forward-thinking and deliberate. “This home is meant for someone that has amazing taste in architecture,” offers Greg Geilman of The DOMO Group – RE/MAX Estate Properties.
To that end, contrary to the natural order of the home-seeking experience, whereby a buyer proceeds with a checklist for the perfect property, this imaginative wonder keeps its own checklist for what constitutes its ideal inhabitant. Top of the list: one who is well-traveled, possibly with celebrity status and, above all, an astute eye for design and a fervor for architecture. This person is also keen to entertain yet demands privacy.
Given these demands, this home, which boasts 5,900 square feet of living space (including five bedrooms and seven and one-half baths), was cleverly designed with multiple structures surrounding an oasis of water to complement the shape of the land, showcase unbelievable views, and form a completely private estate that does not encroach on its neighbors. Including over 2,000 square feet of outdoor living space, as well, this three-structure compound is made up of a main house, guest house, and pool house. Just outside an impressive pivot gate, which foreshadows the massive glass front door in the main house, is housekeeping quarters with a kitchenette, and a three-car garage.
Each structure is wrapped floor to ceiling in walls of sliding, German-engineered Schuco glass that open to promote a flowing and organic indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Modern elements of cement, Gold Mangaris wood, porcelain, and stainless steel create a harmonious foundation made brilliant via natural light flooding through skylights and the endless glass that also reflects a beautiful environ. At the heart of the compound, Baja wading reefs and a heated spa flank a massive lap pool. The bridge connecting the main house and the pool house offers the opportunity for a friendly dive competition.
Water features play a big role here: an ankle-deep reflection pool with a resort-style moat and scattered soothing waterfalls trim the main house. Meticulously groomed grassy lawns nod to the homes’ minimalist quality with just hints of indigenous ice plant in built-in cement planters that do not disrupt the natural habitat. Views beyond the premises are grand too. Bordered by treetops from the neighboring property far below, scenes of the ocean stretch clear to Long Beach and the San Gabriel Mountains, and, with only a canyon to the other side, the property remains private and protected.
With an acre of land, the goal to showcase stunning views in every direction, keep the pool warm and house cool, and ultimately provide seclusion is beautifully achieved. The result is a property that, from the inside-out, offers complete privacy yet full visibility.
The main house is a seductive complex. From provocative glass walls that open completely to the outdoors, surrounded by astounding views, to gleaming porcelain floors, the pure aesthetic is sensual in nature. A sunrise is never sweeter than from the master bedroom: Imagine waking to see a sky radiating vibrant colors from floor to ceiling. The master suite also features a private outdoor viewing deck connected by a dual-sided fireplace, private entry, and glass-shrouded master bath with a Carrara marble steam shower and, center stage, an infinity tub built for two. All is complete with the ultimate custom-designed closet with built-ins.
The balance of the main house includes a guest bedroom suite and main living areas designed with an open floor plan. One instantly envisions a chic dinner party with guests dining among city lights and gorgeous ocean vistas, or an occasion even more grand, easily catered from a sleek gourmet kitchen featuring two prep islands and an eat-in bar, a professional-grade butler’s area, wine refrigerators, Miele appliances and Pedini cabinetry.
The second structure holds the guests’ quarters to grant friends a visit in style. The bright, oversized suites are streamlined, with sky-high ceilings and well-planned kitchenettes. The two guest rooms in this structure overlook the ocean and canyon, as well as offer the best close-ups of the main pool. Nearby, a wide viewing deck surrounds the glass and concrete pool house which opens onto the inviting heated pool.
Even from inside the pool house one can see across the pool to the ocean and through the glass walls of the main house. This space is ideal for playing host to memorable parties year-round. Inside, a full kitchen with eat-in bar is conveniently located for serving guests. A large living space with gas fireplace is wonderfully suitable for watching sports or perhaps to place a pool table as the anchor of a desired game room. Attached is a hot sauna and two changing cabanas with full baths.
“An architectural task such as this was a long time in the making,” states Geilman. “This property couldn’t be reproduced today for this price because the property value alone has increased so dramatically since the purchase of the land.” Considering every convenience, this luxurious modern compound emerges, with unmatched value, as the ultimate resort-style retreat.
PRESENTED BY
Greg Geilman | 310.504.3630
& Rob Freedman | 310.291.7779
of The DOMO Group – RE/MAX Estate Properties
and Tim Smith | 949.717.4711
of The Smith Group
List Price
$4,495,000
Jean de Merry: Craft Of An Era
Before starting his adventure in the United States, Jean de Merry was a French novelist working in his country of origin. Naturally curious and always seeking inspiration, de Merry learned about the techniques used by his family for four centuries to operate a leather tanning business in a small town of France.
Then he discovered the work of design icons and, in particular, Eileen Gray. All of this knowledge encouraged his new career and led to the launch of his eponymous furniture line in 2001 with his partner, Christian Darnaud-Maroselli. The duo chose Los Angeles to open their first showroom and atelier.
Since the beginning, their objective was clear: “uphold the craft of a bygone era.” Comprising seating, lighting, case goods, and decorative art, the Jean de Merry line is created with old French techniques that are adapted to rich materials such as woods, leathers, shagreen, parchment and bronze. “It’s all in the method,” de Merry says.
“We are applying very special methods to our materials.” Quality and craftsmanship are at the heart of everything that Darnaud-Maroselli and de Merry do. “What appeals to us most is the balance of male and female characteristics in the pieces,” explains Darnaud-Maroselli, who sees a yin and yang quality throughout the Jean de Merry collection. Indeed, while the richness of materials gives the creations a feminine touch, the sleek lines add a masculine look.
“The end results are wholly new designs rooted in older forms and based on traditional ways of manufacturing,” describes de Merry.
In addition to the three exclusive lines by Jean de Merry, Dylan Farrell and Jean-Louis Deniot, the brand also represents Atelier d’Amis, Callidus Guild, Natasha Baradaran, Kimberly Denman, Patricia Roach and Philip Nimmo, among others.
The beautiful yet functional pieces of design adorn interiors all over the planet, from high-end residential projects to commercial ones such as BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman in New York; Peninsula hotels in Chicago and New York; The Beverly Hills and Bel-Air Hotels in Los Angeles, one of the Crown hotels in Melbourne, Australia, and luxury fashion boutiques Dior and Tiffany & Co.
In summer of 2016, Jean de Merry’s Los Angeles flagship moved to a 10,000-square-foot space located in the Pacific Design Center. Featuring 40-foot high ceilings, subtle colors and sophisticated finishes, it showcases the different collections in a harmonious atmosphere.
“Pacific Design Center was particularly appealing to us with its dynamic showroom space, which allows us to curate an exceptional buying experience while engaging the brand with new demographics,” Darnaud-Maroselli says. Jean de Merry also has boutiques in New York, Chicago and Dallas, and is represented in other U.S. cities, as well as in other countries.
A few months ago, new pieces were added to the collection, including the Duna sofa, Eaton sideboard, Gali & Gao side tables, Hanna wall sconce, Capsula mirror and Ceara armchair, to name a few. Every creation by Jean de Merry follows the same ethos: “Never modish but always stylish and relevant, these pieces are the heirlooms of the future.” jeandemerry.com
PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY OF JEAN DE MERRY
Buyer’s Dream Home New Beverly Hills Flats Home
Newly built, this European-style villa designed by noted architect Hamid Gabbay not only is found in the prestigious Beverly Hills Flats, it is also equipped with almost every over-the-top amenity imaginable. Think lavish conveniences such as a commercial-grade elevator; gym with sauna and steam shower; sleek wine storage; a restaurant-sized bar with alabaster back-lit countertops; 12-seat movie theater; and large covered loggia that opens onto an inviting grassy lawn leading to a sparkling pool and spa, just to name a few.
“This is a home that buyers are looking for . . . brand-new construction with all the bells and whistles,” confirms Steve Frankel of Steve Frankel Luxury Estates Group, who is co-listing the residence with Linda May of Hilton & Hyland for $15.9 million. “Buyers are looking for homes they can move right into and that don’t need remodeling or rebuilding, and the majority of the homes in the Flats are older and in need of work.”
Nestled on a 12,532-square-foot parcel of land at 603 N. Bedford—within walking distance to a bounty of shops and restaurants—this contemporary, six-bedroom abode features 10,000-plus square feet of open, voluminous and light-filled living space on three levels. Expect dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, designer lighting, intricate crown molding and soaring ceilings throughout, along with retractable doors to provide a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
Show-stopping is a grand two-story foyer with spiral staircase sporting ornate wrought-iron railings; main-floor office/study with built-in bookcases and a fireplace; formal dining room with herringbone flooring and a wine room; and an elegant living room with a martini bar and fireplace. The gourmet eat-in kitchen boasts high-end appliances, a large center island, and butler’s pantry, while the master suite is resplendent with a seating area with fireplace, dual closets and marble baths, and an expansive terrace overlooking the grounds.
“This home sets a new standard in Beverly Hills with its grand proportions and clean interior lines,” says Frankel. “It’s the unique and gorgeous property that today’s buyers are seeking.”
Offered by:
Steve Frankel of Steve Frankel Luxury Estates Group
and Linda May of Hilton & Hyland
List Price:
$15.9 million
Photographs courtesy of Simon Berlyn
Coveted Home On A Quiet Cul-De-Sac In Santa Monica
There’s something magical about the ocean end of San Vicente. Perhaps it’s the road itself, thick with trees and a central meridian lush with landscaping. Maybe it’s the rows of beautiful homes, breathtaking and stately, or the smell and feel of the sea that cools the air even on the warmest days of a California summer. There are beautiful late-model cars, and joggers and bicyclists enjoying the outdoors, their dogs loping rhythmically behind.
There’s no need to ever leave this neighborhood with so much at your fingertips: Montana Avenue, with its award-winning shops and restaurants, is just a few streets away; the beach is but a short walk; Third Street Promenade offers movie theaters, and the Brentwood and Riviera Country Clubs beckon with their four-star amenities and carefully vetted clientele.
Not to mention that, with access to PCH and the 10, the rest of the city’s benefits are so easily accessible. This is Los Angeles as you always imagined it could be, with beauty in every moment.
That feeling is reinforced when you arrive at this magnificent home in Santa Monica. Nestled in a private cul-de-sac just north of San Vicente, the ideal location brings you to the first box on your list—check. Unlike the other side of the Boulevard, the streets are quiet, rarely traversed by foot traffic other than the people who live and work here. If safety, solitude and knowing your neighbors are priorities, 121 Esparta Way appears to be the answer.
The home extends its welcome even before you step inside. Manicured plantings and a balanced facade with a separate entryway for each car telegraph that this expertly crafted house has been constructed with a modern family in mind.
Reclaimed European white oak floors extend from just inside the entryway, one space on a long list of those with the refined finishes and impeccable details that characterize this home. High-coffered ceilings, wainscoting, chair railings, and black gold marble fireplaces emphasize the impression of quality. Here is a space made for gracious and magnanimous entertaining.
An imposing kitchen with natural black soapstone counters, two islands, a full pantry, two refrigerators and the best of Miele’s meticulously-made appliances arouse envy even before they’re put to work by a chef (and catering staff, hired for the evening to create and plate hors d’oeuvres for guests to sample), or a father, whipping up his legendary pancakes, piled high with whipped cream and berries, as children and friends wait at one of the counters or around the breakfast table.
But, while it’s said that everyone always ends up in the kitchen, when it comes to this home, other features are equally alluring. Certainly, given so much voluminous square footage—a lot of approximately 12,000 square feet, the home more than 8,400 square feet over three spacious levels—parents and children can play host simultaneously and separately.
Whether for informal or large-scale occasions, this home offers plenty of options for year-round entertaining. There’s the large open-plan family room, with folding doors that fully open it to the backyard and a generous limestone patio with room for a long dining table. Along with heaters, inset into the roof, and a barbecue, there’s the sunken marble fire pit that helps make this area a welcoming gathering spot on chilly evenings.
Warm up here after a dip in the pool and a long soak in the hot tub. Or, with a carefully curated Spotify playlist providing background music piped in via the residence’s entertainment system, it sets up the perfect finish to a long dinner shared with good friends.
The bar, game area, and den on the lower level are another draw. After a pool tournament and a few specialty cocktails, garnished with fresh fruit found at the nearby Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, invite colleagues to stay for a screening.
The tiered and insulated theater room is a comfortable spot for just such a moment. For more significant evenings, a formal dining room and living room provide the ultimate setting.
Of course, entertaining is but one of the pleasures of having a house that lives as beautifully as this one. The hospitality it extends to guests is only matched by the luxury that it brings to everyday activities.
This is a place that functions equally well for private times as it does for public occasions, with each of the six en-suite bedrooms, including one on the lower level, offering the ideal living quarters for a nanny or long-term visitor, guaranteeing the ultimate in rest and relaxation.
Certainly, the master bedroom is a complete retreat unto itself, with a cavernous closet, private office, and an exquisitely appointed bathroom with separate toilet rooms. It is tempting to spend entire weekends here, and with a lower-level home gym on the premises, that is entirely possible.
If you’re a lover of predawn circuit training, rest assured that with the gym’s Pavigym flooring, a specially designed rubber material that reduces noise and vibration, a vigorous workout session would not wake the family. A steam shower and cedar sauna would, however, make for a bracing start to a busy day.
Though it is hard to leave the house such as this one for the chaos of the outside world, remembering all you might have to come home to, helps. Pull out a bottle from the wine cellar, with its black smoke mirror backdrop and cedar shelving, and compose a toast to a life well-lived.
PRESENTED BY
Drew Fenton, Bjorn Farrugia, and Alphonso Lascano, Hilton & Hyland and Charles Pence, Pence Hathorn Silver
List Price
$14,995,000
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL JONASON
Ben Rahn High Visuality
Had Ben Rahn started architecture school as he planned, it’s entirely possible that he might have designed some of the spaces he now shoots as an architectural photographer.
But in discovering what seemed to be a large number of dissatisfied young architects and the fun of photographing architecture and interiors, he pictured an entirely new career—quite wisely, as it turns out.
Gibbs Smith
Now with A-Frame, the studio he founded in 2003 with offices in Toronto and Brooklyn, and a book, The Modern A-Frame, under his belt, Rahn has achieved maximum exposure for his work—images of spectacular spaces from residences to retail and more.
That we see these spaces so spectacularly is not all his doing. “Some spaces just are what they are,” says Rahn, with the humility of a native Canadian, despite the fact that to his clients, who, along with architects like Santa Monica-based Hagy Belzberg, include developers and designers, he is the man with the camera.
Gibbs Smith
Awarding not a moment of self-promotion to himself, Rahn only adds: “It’s pretty easy to make an amazing look amazing.” But something “a little less design-forward that still serves an important function? That’s harder.”
Between the technical and artistic is where Rahn does his best work. “A beautiful abstract photograph doesn’t tell you anything beyond the frame,” he notes. “If I can build a narrative, then I can make a space more compelling.” Even largely undeviating spaces, like a hospital.
Gibbs Smith
“Part of what we do is informational,” Rahn continues. “With health care, maybe the architecture isn’t as spectacular as a museum or an art gallery, but it serves a really important function. We try to show how architecture actually engages with the user, which is invaluable to what you don’t see, like good medical outcomes. It’s easy to go down the design-fetish hole and find yourself somewhere where the end user doesn’t matter. I want it to matter.”
Clearly, Rahn is no vanity-project photographer; his first foray into architectural photography was shooting abandoned buildings. True, he is in glossier territory these days—Rahn’s work frequently appears in top shelter mags including Interior Design—but his is a process guy’s way of working.
He starts with lighting, considers conditions, and consults with collaborators. While a less thoughtful lensman’s first tendency might be to find a corner in order to fit everything possible into the frame, “the more effective photograph is one that is edited and looked at in a tighter way to find the essence of a space,” says Rahn, who thinks about how to distill a project to a series of smaller images as opposed to just “big wide shots that show everything and nothing.”
Gibbs Smith
In bringing his abandoned-buildings appreciation for authenticity to higher-profile projects, Rahn has become a top draw in architectural photography, which offers “a slower way of working than other kinds of photography,” he notes. “I like that it’s more contemplative.
Gibbs Smith
There’s a different energy.” As for leaving thoughts of architecture school behind, Rahn, with no regrets, takes this view: “It’s been an incredible design education. I see something new every day.” aframestudio.com
PHOTOGRAPH: COURTESY OF BEN RAHN FROM THE MODERN A-FRAME, REPRINTED BY PERMISSION OF GIBBS SMITH
A Slice Of Heaven In Hermosa Beach
During WWII there were radar towers in the South Bay poised atop Tennyson Place in Hermosa Beach, and the reason had everything to do with the altitude. Rumored to be the highest point west of Pacific Coast Highway, this area remains an ideal spot for building one’s dream home.
There are oversized parcels of land, the draw of an exclusive beachside neighborhood and best of all, prime views—stretching across ocean and hillside.
“It’s a very unique spot because the lots are massive”
says real estate agent Rob Freedman, who is co-listing the property, “and it’s pretty sleepy back there. It’s a hidden gem.”
On a particularly lofty Tennyson lot, a custom home (more like a mini-compound) was erected a few years ago. The approximately 7,300-square-foot home spanning three levels was designed in dreamy partnership with its plethora of outdoor places, and the resulting atmosphere is one of private, fresh-air luxury. Step inside and, though you may still technically be in the South Bay, just a one-minute drive from Pacific Coast Highway, you’re guaranteed to feel somewhere far, far away.
The architect is Louie Tomaro, whose assembly of geometric angles, plentiful glass, and overhanging eaves are cleverly softened by an inviting palette of Spanish cedar, white stucco, and textured stone. Indoors, sunlight and stirring views are everywhere.
“When you get panoramic first-floor views, and panoramic second-floor views, that’s very unusual,” points out co-listing agent Bryn Stroyke. It’s not by accident but by meticulous planning that palm trees, blue skies, and ocean vistas follow you through home and yard. “The way the home is situated on the site takes full advantage of the lot,” explains Freedman, whose real estate acumen is supplemented with a Cornell architecture degree. “It’s got about a good a view that you can get in Hermosa Beach.”
The home opens onto the formal living room, a floating space with walls of glass on three sides, revealing grand vistas. “The living room became the perfect space to utilize the cantilever which welcomes you as you enter in the front door,” says architect Tomaro.
“Entering the living room gives the sense as if you are floating over the ocean in the view beyond.” From the exterior, it’s one of the home’s most captivating features—a glassy cube seemingly held up by air. “The floating, cantilevered look softens things,” says the home’s builder, Dan Bronner of Dolphin Construction. “It really lightens up a big structure.”
The main floor of the home’s interior hosts a myriad of clean-cut and spacious gathering spaces, nearly all of them designed to grant instant access to the outdoors via endless glass walls and doors that pocket neatly into the walls.
The openness of the home lends a flow to, and between, indoor and outdoor spaces. “The style of the Tennyson project is a coastal contemporary home that was driven by the family’s active lifestyle,” explains Tomaro. “The clean lines and floor-to-ceiling glass create a modern feel that allowed us to fully capitalize on the stunning views this sight had to offer,” he adds.
The kitchen, for instance, a gleaming place of wood, steel, and stone, adjoins not only the outdoors but also a spacious family room and a sitting nook—a pure white space that connects dramatically to the back yard via glass walls.
“The sliding doors that pocket into the wall allows you to join the front and back of the house together,” notes Bronner. “It’s a wonderful place to have an entertaining evening, and have it flow seamlessly from the back yard, through the house, and into the front yard.”
Speaking of the outdoors, the size of the lot affords plenty of al fresco areas; each varies but all look and feel like the leisured grounds of a world-class resort. “There are multiple entertainment areas,” Tomaro describes, “with the pool and yard providing a focal point for the public and private spaces to wrap around, creating a constant indoor-outdoor relationship.”
Due to the amount of space, says Stroyke, “There are no hard decisions. You’re able to accommodate everything. The back yard features an elegant swimming pool and spa adjacent to a covered cabana that’s ideal for warm-weather lounging.
Steps away is a tidy sports court, and at the southwest corner of the grassy front yard, a spacious hot tub with a dramatic fire feature. “You can sit with quite a few people, have a glass of wine and overlook Catalina Island with fantastic views,” says Freedman.
Back inside, the top floor features four of the home’s five bedrooms, including a mellow master suite with a custom mahogany beam-work ceiling, inlaid fireplace and fresh-air sitting balcony that faces the ocean square on—one of the home’s many spots to ponder the brilliant colors at sunset.
An equally prime place is the master bath suite, a luxurious space decked in wood and natural stone, with plentiful ocean views, even from the soaking tub and the generous walk-in shower.
Not to miss on this floor is a grand deck, over 1,000 feet in size, adjoining a spacious gym and dance rehearsal studio. Cleverly shaded to blunt the sun’s strongest rays, and capture a full panorama of ocean views, from north to south, this private space beckons as a lounge for everyday use, or as an ideal site for full-blown soirées.
Rounding out the home’s star-studded amenities is a lower level with a plush theater, chic wine cellar and kid-friendly recreation room. A seven-car garage, in addition to an exterior parking area, is a convenient touch for a home that’s bound to have guests.
“It’s a big, pavilion home that at once is perfect for a family, yet has this architectural verve about it that’s livable, yet uplifting,” says Freedman. Indeed, this sculpted and elegant place, soaked in light and ocean vistas, and stocked with abundant outdoor spaces satisfies the most-sought-after trifecta in South Bay luxe house hunting.
There’s no need to make those not-uncommon compromises, such as swapping views for size, and foregoing pool dreams in order to save precious lawn space. As Stroyke simply sums it up: “With this property, you can have your cake and eat it too.”
PRESENTED BY
Rob Freedman | 310.291.7779
of The Domo Group – RE/MAX Estate Properties
Bryn Stroyke | 310.880.3436
of Stroyke Properties
List Price
$16,750,000
Pantone’s Color of the Year —Eye-Catching Coral
With the announcement of Pantone’s 2019 The color of the Year, forgo fear and apply this optimistic, playful and eye-catching tone at home
1 MM LAMPADARI BALLOTON TABLE LAMP BY MATTEO ZORZENONI, MMLAMPADARI.COM
2 HONEYCOMB STUDIO CORAL + GOLD MINIMALIST BUD VASE, $16, HONEYCOMB STUDIO.COM
3 MONTAUK PROJECT BY STUDIO ROBERT MCKINLEY, ROBERTMCKINLEY.COM
4 YORK WALLCOVERINGS LUXURY PAISLEY, $64.99/ROLL, YORKWALL.COM
5 HAY KALEIDO, $20-65, US.HAY.DK
6 KITCHEN AID ARTISAN® SERIES 5 QUART TILT-HEAD STAND MIXER, $499.99, KITCHENAID.COM
7 ANTHROPOLOGIE VELVET ELOWEN CHAIR $398, ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MM LAMPADARI, HONEYCOMB STUDIO, NICOLE FRANZEN (LIFESTYLE), YORK WALLCOVERINGS, HAY, KITCHEN AID AND ANTHROPOLOGIE
Modern Home Screams L.A. Nature, Architecture & Privacy
Certain elements characterize a great home in Los Angeles. First and foremost is the proximity to nature. Privacy is a marker too, and architecture that harmonizes with the environment another.
A midcentury modern-style home with a pool, low-slung profile, flat roof and large expanses of glass that blur the boundaries between indoors and out is ideal. Unfortunately, this elusive triptych is increasingly difficult to find within the city’s boundaries. But this combination of privacy, nature, and architecture finds an eloquent expression at 14400 Villa Woods Place.
First, the accessibility to nature here is a feature at the heart of the homes located in the Will Rogers State Park neighborhood—a fact that’s immediately clear when winding up Will Rogers State Park Road. The softly curving drive quickly erases the memory of busy Sunset Boulevard in favor of lush, rolling hills and cavorting wildlife: parades of waddling ducks, leaping deer, and clusters of curious rabbits are a common occurrence here.
The destination, one of the first houses built in this community with two bedroom wings that stretch out from a central living space, has been cited to embrace both the pool and the unbroken vista of the Park’s 168 acres.
A private gate in the property’s fence offers direct access to its numerous hiking paths and horse trails, breathtaking lookout points, elegant lawns, and polo fields, with additional trails that connect the home to Topanga and Temescal Canyon State Parks. There’s no need for a weekend place. With the countryside your backyard, escape is always within reach.
The home’s setting offers the twin attributes of solitude and privacy. While situated within a few minutes of the sophisticated dining, shopping and cultural pleasures of Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica, including the Getty Museum and Rick Caruso’s vibrant Palisades Village, and within moments of PCH, this hidden enclave is a world unto itself.
Located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this area, which sees infrequent traffic, is unique in its ability to provide children with a protected space in which to ride bikes and skateboards (witness the skateboard ramp at the end of the block). Parents who remember the blissful anonymity of their childhood explorations will appreciate this rare gift; they’ll also enjoy the peace of mind afforded by the safety of their secluded enclave.
Last but certainly not least is the home itself. Building on the foundation of solid construction and beautiful craftsmanship that are the hallmarks of midcentury modern style, the single level home, ideally positioned on a generous lot, has been remodeled and updated, with an eye for both beauty and modern conveniences as its driving factors and a solar-heated pool and fire pit.
Expansive walls of glass flood the large central living room and book-lined dining area with light and overlook the pool, creating the perfect space for entertaining friends and family, whether for a casual weekend brunch with a few friends—with plenty of space for outdoor lounging, entertaining and dining, such a day will fly by—or an elegant cocktail soirée for a hundred or more guests. A fire pit is a natural place to gather.
Inside the home, wood-burning fireplaces, cathedral ceilings, and wood floors suffuse the interior with inviting warmth. The balanced proportions of these rooms, which also hooks the family room, bar, and 3/4 bath, as well as a spacious eat-in kitchen into the rhythm of daily life, allow each member of the family to find their own space while still enjoying the feeling of comfort that comes from visual contact.
This interconnectedness allows for the natural ebb and flow between privacy and togetherness. The beautifully landscaped grounds, flush with citrus trees that are plump with fruit, include a large rear yard complete with a soccer pitch lit for nighttime play, a zip line, and a tree house.
Five bedrooms—a pair with a shared bath on either wing, plus a master suite with generous French doors opening on to the pool—ensure a space for everyone to dream. Guests will especially enjoy the anonymity of coming and going at their leisure, content not to disturb the rest of the house when tiptoeing in after midnight or enjoying a late-night snack.
For those who work at home, an office designed with built-in storage is directly accessible from the carport. Its dual work stations discretely overlook the pool, allowing parents to catch up on work while keeping an eye on their children. When it’s time for a break, grab the dog and call the kids to join you on the half-mile trek up to Inspiration Point.
From here you can see from Santa Monica Bay all the way to downtown. If a home is all about location, you couldn’t have picked a more perfect spot. Top of the world, indeed.
PRESENTED BY
Ellen McCormick
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California
310.560.0271
List Price
$5,850,000
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL JONASON
Jodie Foster Lists Coldwater Canyon Home for $15.9M
Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster has listed her 7,500-square-foot Coldwater Canyon home in Beverly Hills home for $15.9 million. According to the Observer, Foster spent $11.75 million for the secluded walled and gated property in June 2012, and she and her wife Alexandra Hedison have made it their primary residence, according to Yolanda’s Little Black Book, which first spotted the listing.
The five-bedroom, 5.5-bath house, which is situated on a 0.65-acre parcel, originally was built in 1952 and has since been expanded and remodeled. A private walkway leads to a two-story formal entry, which has a dangling light fixture and a staircase with a dark wood railing. The formal living room, which contains a grand fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows, is found between a media room and a formal dining room. The listing is held by David Kramer of Hilton & Hyland.
Rafael Zakaria’s First Spec Home Lists for $48M
Rafael Zakaria’s first spec home hits the market for $48 million. According to Mansion Global, Zakaria spent four years building the 20,000-square-foot mansion, which includes large walls for artwork, open-plan living areas, and sculptural elements.
Among the highlights: a large O-shaped wooden sculpture that appears to hold up the second story of the house; a giant Italian chandelier that dangles through the center of the staircase and connects the three floors; and Portuguese limestone and Italian Calacatta marble throughout.
Among the other features is seven bedrooms (including two staff bedrooms); five fireplaces; a 20-person movie theater; a wall of wine; a gym; a spa; a tennis court; a 16-car garage; and a pool with fixed recliners that seem to float on the surface of the water. Rayni Williams is listing the property with her husband, Branden Williams, both of Hilton & Hyland. They are co-listing the home with Aaron Kirman of Compass.
CS8 Photo/Christopher Amitrano
Arthur B. Rubinstein’s Home Hits the Market for $1.75M
The Beachwood Canyon estate of the late TV/film composer Arthur B. Rubinstein (WarGames) has entered the market for $1.75 million. Originally built 1915, the home at 2516 Hollyridge Drive was purchased by Rubinstein in 1985. Included is 3,526 square feet of living space highlighted by a grand entry leading to an expansive living room with a bank of windows to take in the view, while a separate sitting area featuring a fireplace.
The formal dining room overlooks the living areas and boasts a wall of windows and French doors that open to one of many outdoor patios and pool area. The spacious kitchen is equipped with a butler’s pantry and open bar area, while art deco-inspired stairs lead to an elevated landing and a large master bedroom suite, two additional bedrooms, three baths, and a sunroom. The home is listed with Candace Gunther, Roland Wilhelm and Alex Ford of Compass.
Photos by Shawn Bishop, courtesy of Compass
Manhattan Beach-Modern Home
The Sand Section west of Highland Avenue, south of Manhattan Beach Boulevard, presents an incomparable lifestyle opportunity for residents where one can bask in the sun beachside, yet on enough of a hill for more privacy and stupendous views.
Stretching 90 feet north to south along Highland, this property captures heart-stopping scenes from bookend balconies. To the north, one can see to Malibu and beyond, and, from the multiple south facing decks, enchanting vistas of Catalina and Palos Verdes. Couple beach proximity with walkability to village-like downtown Manhattan Beach and all it offers, and 235 4th Street just might have it all.
This brilliant modern home emanates warmth and character from the exterior forward, with vertical wood trimming and a mix of metal and glass details that accent clean lines. Entering the home through its dramatic foyer is as welcoming an experience as if arriving at a luxury resort featuring a soft palette of natural colors and textures.
A mix of concrete, wood, and bronze run steadily through the property yet there are elements of surprise in each space: tiles imitating wood, vertical stacked stone, live edge wood details, and metal counters posing as lacquered wood. Meanwhile, glints of light patterns from custom-designed fixtures, bottom-lit cabinetry, and back-lit mirrors foster an overall relaxing ambiance.
“I wanted everything to have an organic feel that is warm and welcoming,” explains Realtor and interior designer for the property, Cindy Shearin of The Shearin Group.
Well known in the South Bay, Shearin hand-selected each component in the residence. Echoing philosophies of Frank Lloyd Wright, she was steadfast in bringing the outdoors in via Fleetwood doors and calculating locations for glass, mirrors, and windows to reflect light, all while mixing metals, wood, and glass to create something radiant and fresh. Also throughout are wide plank French Oak floors and butterfly-cut walnut cabinets and doors that pop against the monochromatic pale walls and ceilings.
Likewise, are the use of beautifully executed built-ins throughout the home. Shearin feels strongly that a home should be designed with an abundance of storage but that those storage areas must complement, not overwhelm the spaces.
At the entrance of the home, a large flex space that Shearin calls “the beach room” spills out onto the front yard via glass Fleetwood doors. Here, party guests might mingle around the striking wet bar while warming up near the contemporary cement fireplace. Hosting a Super Bowl or Fourth of July party, or simply playing pool with family and friends in this space makes for endless indoor-outdoor fun.
Just under 4,000 square feet, the home features four spacious bedroom suites, two powder rooms, and multiple flex spaces. “We decided to stay with four bedrooms to make them generous in size instead of just cramming in a fifth bedroom,” explains Shearin. The large master suite is incredibly inviting; elongated and both charming and comfortable, the space includes an architectural feature wall that cleverly disguises a built-in changing or grooming area. Masculine touches, like leather drawer-pulls on floating built-ins play well flanked against the vertically stacked rough-cut stone fireplace.
Here and throughout the entire home, floating cabinets appear almost weightless. The luxurious master bath, with stingray textured floor tiles, beckons one to rejuvenate in the soaker tub or steam shower. Layers of texture and light give dimension to the minimalistic design details in the bathrooms, like back-lit mirrors and textured tiles with angulation.
“All of the components we used are top-of-the-line—Dornbracht, Watermark, and Waterstone fixtures and Kallista vanities,” explains Shearin. Contemporary components from the bronze or cement sinks to the painted metal cabinets all yield a subtle yet artistic feel.
A work of art in itself, the home’s dramatic, centrally located stairs float beautifully between its four floors with a massive pendant light commanding the space above. This amazing source of illumination was created by Milan-based Argentinian designer Franco Gomez-Paz. The bulbous, almost theatrical, design inspired the balance of the organically designed fixtures throughout the residence.
The top floor hosts the main living areas including the delightfully modern kitchen, which features bold espresso walnut cabinets accompanied by a mix of black and stainless Miele appliances. Meanwhile, a Cambria quartz kitchen island, featuring waterfall edging, is complemented by a walnut eat-in bar… an inspired layout.
Opposite the kitchen is a large dining area that will comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests. Also on this floor is a relaxed family room, with glass doors opening up to a large north facing balcony. Here, one can dine al fresco on the outdoor dining table with a meal grilled on the built-in barbecue. The dining area flows effortlessly into an oversized living room featuring a fireplace and floating walnut cabinet.
The sophisticated living room opens onto a tremendous balcony that overlooks one of the most desirable walk streets in Manhattan Beach. From this deck, one can enjoy gazing at the Pacific Ocean and much of Palos Verdes. This space includes an abundance of neutral-toned floating cabinets and a stacked marble fireplace, as well as the final stop for the residential elevator. The rooms are surrounded by black metal-framed Fleetwood windows that allow natural light to pour into the home.
The bottom floor possesses a nice flex space, perfect for a workout area or office, while just above, on the entry level, is a three-car garage with a modern metal-framed glass garage door. Discreetly tucked away here is the Lifesource Water Filtration system with descaler, a Beach Cities’ necessity.
Rare it is for a Sand Section home to claim a yard but the topography of this lot allows for a flat grassy front and side yard, supplying added space for kids, or a pet, to run and play. In addition, it results in a unique ground floor main entry and a large flat patio area that is perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing and enjoying the sunset. Top it all off with just what every beach house needs—an outdoor shower to rinse off after a surf—and this home truly has it all: grace, convenience, and stunning views.
PRESENTED BY
CINDY SHEARIN, THE SHEARIN GROUP
OF STRAND HILL | CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
310.200.8318
LIST PRICE
$8,300,000
PHOTOGRAPHS BY LINDA COTTER