Written by Wendy Bowman
These show-stopping properties are more than befitting of the industry icons that have called them home
Producer’s Palace
Hitting the market for $15.5 million is the dazzling Brentwood residence of veteran music executive/producer Ron Fair (mentor to superstars from Christina Aguilera to The Black Eyed Peas) and his wife, singer/songwriter/actress Stefanie Ridel (formerly of the girl group Wild Orchid). “This estate is one of the most unique and spectacular properties in the city,” says listing agent Billy Rose of The Agency.
“The architecture is terrific; the grounds are magical and provide destinations and spaces for all sorts of experiences; the location is prime; and four additional guest houses/structures give an incredible optionality to a broad cross-section of potential buyers.” Situated at 499 Halvern Drive, the gated, plantation-style compound has been lovingly renovated and restored and features five buildings—including two guest casitas outfitted as separate recording and broadcast studios; a gym; glass-walled office; and main house—all with a total of nine bedrooms and 16 baths. The main house features almost 11,000 square feet of living space highlighted by six bedrooms (including a sumptuous master suite with dual closets and baths); three large-scale family/living rooms; a massive dining room sporting a magnificent glass ceiling; chef’s kitchen with adjacent catering kitchen; and black-and-white tiled lounge with walk-in bar. The expansive resort-style grounds encompass almost an acre and are replete with a pool and spa; outdoor dining area with an enclosed kitchen; a rose garden; pond; greenhouse; and top-of-the-line playground.
photos courtesy of The Agency
Unforgettable Indeed
This rare double unit at The Grand Westwood Condominiums in the Wilshire Corridor was home to the late Grammy Award-winning singer Natalie Cole. Now on the market for $2.995 million, the palatial residence occupies units 1004 and 1005 on the 10th floor, offering panoramic views of the city and hills. Built in 1980, the interiors have been fully remodeled and feature almost 3,600 square feet of living area. Among the highlights are four bedrooms— including a luxurious master wing boasting an oversized bedroom with a sitting area and terrace, dual baths (hers with a soaking tub and makeup table, wet bar, office/den and walk-in dressing rooms), along with a gourmet kitchen and an outdoor living room. The residence also comes with all of the perks of condo living, including a 24-hour concierge, valet parking, conference room, gym and pool.
“I’m incredibly honored to be representing the Natalie Cole Estate,” says Michelle Ficarra of The Agency. “My co-listing agent, Joe Babajian, and I sold the property to Natalie in 2003 and it was one of the highlights of my career. She loved the convenience and privacy of high-rise living, the panoramic views and the central location of the Corridor. We are hopeful to pass it on to someone who loves it as much as she did.”
photos courtesy of The Agency
Shooting Star Lists Home
Pro basketball player Chris Paul is selling his L.A. mansion for $11.495 million. Found at 2180 Stratford Circle, in the prestigious guard-gated community of Bel-Air Crest, the contemporary Mediterranean retreat truly has everything imaginable, according to listing agent Ikem Chukumerije of Westside Premier Estates. Among the highlights of the 12,000-plus-squre-foot residence are breathtaking canyon views; a commercial elevator; Crestron home automation; camera system; subterranean wine cellar with storage for up to 500 bottles; 16-seat home theater; billiard’s room; gym with sauna; covered outdoor living/entertainment area; and pool and spa…just to name a few. “The subterranean parking that fits up to 10 cars is a showing favorite,” adds Chukumerije. “The layout is ideal and perfect for a small or big family, and the security of the community and privacy that it brings is also one of the best features.”
photos courtesy of Ikem Chukumerije / SportsRelocation.com
If you happen to be in the market for a countryside estate—complete with L.A. County’s largest vineyard and winery—then Agua Dulce in Santa Clarita is for you…
“This is a fantastic opportunity for wine enthusiasts, entrepreneurs or just families looking for a fabulous weekend retreat,” says Dario Svidler, who is co-listing the property with Robert Morton, both of Partners Trust, for $12.8 million. Belonging to wine industry veteran and Bel-Air resident Barry Goldfarb, the estate sits on 90 acres at 9640 Sierra Highway, just 35 miles outside of L.A., and includes a vineyard with six grape varietals; livestock ranch; 5,000-square-foot Colonial-style home; guest house; wine barrel warehouse; and winery, tasting room and retail space. The buyer also would inherit more than $1.15 million in inventory. “I’m very familiar with Hollywood’s passion for wine, and this is a wonderful opportunity to own your own label and winery and to show it off to your celebrity friends, without traveling three hours,” says Morton.
photo courtesy of Partners Trust
Here’s your chance to own a piece of history…
Christie’s Auction House is selling The Private Collection of President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan. A live auction is set for September 21 and 22 in New York, with an online chance to purchase some truly unique pieces running from September 19-27. The sale includes 700-plus items from the Ronald and Nancy’s post-Presidential home in Bel-Air—estimated in value from $200 to $50,000—including books, memorabilia, furniture, décor and fine art, many objects of which were used by the President and First Lady during their time in the White House. Among the highlights: a signed fragment of the Berlin Wall and a football singed, “Win One For the Gipper Ronald Reagan.” Proceeds benefit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. For details, visit Christies.com.
photo © Christie’s Images Ltd. 2016