Roll Hall of Famer Robbie Robertson of The Band sleek contemporary residence and a modern Steven Ehrlich, AIA-designed loft in Venice that really does have it all.
ell-known in Venice circles as “The California Poppy House” due to the exterior’s eye-catching silhouette of the state flower etched into a second-floor aluminum screen and bright-red accents on the bottom level, this timeless yet modern gem at 732 Brooks Ave.
When Via Veneto first began serving fine Italian fare almost two decades ago on Main Street in Santa Monica—a fairly run-down area at the time, almost an extension of the Venice Beach boardwalk—many people thought that its born-and-bred Italian owners, Fabrizio Bianconi and Marco Cialini, were a little bit off their rockers. Now, 16 years later, the intimate and romantic restaurant has carved out quite a home for itself amid the blossoming neighborhood, serving as a favorite spot for celebrating special occasions—from birthdays to anniversaries to engagements—and attracting a loyal clientele that includes a regular cast of celebrities.
Call it the ultimate confluence of events that have come home to harvest on the Los Angeles real estate scene: Homebuyers are both shying away from water-guzzling lawns and growing increasingly interested in having farm-fresh, organically-grown ingredients on hand. The result? Single and multi-family luxury homes offering the ultimate in homegrown harvest amenities.