COACHELLA COMPOUND
Always wished you could live like the Kennedys—complete with your very own collection of homes where you can while away the days playing tennis or head to the nearby resort for a round of golf? Not to mention the resort-style grounds and breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Now’s your chance with this five-home Coachella Valley compound that has hit the market for the first time ever for $5.5 million.
Situated on a 1.83-acre parcel at 49200 Avenida El Nido in La Quinta—within the gates of the exclusive La Quinta Country Club—the residential complex was built more than 40 years ago as a desert getaway by Lloyd’s of London exec Bud Buettner and features a quintet of fully furnished residences boasting more than 11,000 square feet of living space (including 14 bedrooms and 13 baths). Affectionately known as the “Tennis Oasis,” the property is highlighted by a lighted, regulation-sized court where the owner would vie against the likes of tennis pro Jack Kramer, NFL Coach Chuck Knox and USC’s Pat Haden.
Other high points include a welcoming pool and spa; an outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue; a large playing lawn ideal for a game of croquet; and a wealth of citrus and palm trees. Also notable is the design of the homes, which was largely completed by noted Palm Springs interior designer and artist Donald Lloyd Smith (who worked on Liberace’s nest and many high-end resorts). Smith’s artwork even can be seen gracing the walls of each abode. The entire property is listed by Jeff, Vicky and Kevin Botsford with Partners Trust, and Kathy and Charlie Coulter of Coulter & Assoc.
photos courtesy of Robert Caldwell and Jason Speth
TROUSDALE TROPHY
Aaron Kirman of John Aaroe Group has sold the former Beverly Hills estate of late comedian and philanthropist Danny Thomas for $65 million. Situated at 1187 N. Hillcrest Road—on a 2.5-acre promontory in the sought-after Beverly Hills community of Trousdale Estates—the palatial seven-bedroom, 10-bath property features 18,000 square feet of living space.
Highlights of the Moorish-inspired residence include sweeping 360-degree views of the entire L.A. basin and the ultimate in designer details (including $2.5 million in Baccarat chandeliers, gold-leaf crown molded ceilings and hand-woven carpets), along with a ballroom, media room, and opulent dining and living rooms.
As for the private grounds, they are showcased by a pool, along with dining and viewing pavilions ideal for entertaining and enjoying the city scenery. Rounding out the property’s special appeal is a motor court with parking for 20 automobiles.
photos courtesy of Simon Berlyn Photography
BEVERLY PARK BEAUTY
A gated Colonial mansion belonging to film producer Anton Lessine—son of Mikhail Lesin, Russia’s former minister of media and mass communications—has been listed by Aaron Kirman and Neyshia Go of John Aaroe Group for $29 million. Found at 10 Beverly Park—along a ridge line on more than 4 acres in the exclusive guard-gated community—the residence boasts 13,500-plus square feet of living space exhibiting opulent design details including parquet flooring, and imported marble and hand-carved woodwork.
Among the show-stopping amenities: seven bedrooms (including a master suite with his-and-her closets and bathrooms, plus a separate sitting room with stunning canyon and city views); a gourmet chef’s kitchen with a large walk-in pantry; a 16-seat movie theater; a gym with sauna and steam room; a billiards room; and luxe grounds complete with a pool and gazebo, as well as a collection of intimate gardens.
photos courtesy of Matthew Momberger
DRUMMER’S DIGS
Travis Barker of Blink-182 fame has placed his contemporary Cheviot Hills residence on the market for $4.75 million. Found at 2706 Club Drive—just south of Century City—the custom-built, two-level home features more than 4,000 square feet of living space highlighted by cutting-edge design.
Included are four bedrooms (most notably, the stylish master suite with three walk-in closets and a bath sporting ceramic and walnut finishes and a built-in vanity), along with a living room that features 13-foot ceilings and 10-foot-tall windows; an open-plan kitchen with a lengthy island that extends to an outdoor terrace via retractable walls of glass; a media lounge; an al fresco dining area with built-in barbecue; and a heated saltwater pool. Steve Frankel of Coldwell Banker is the listing agent.
photos courtesy of Jeff Ong for exteriors, Berlyn for interiors
SWEET MALIBU
Singer-songwriter Neil Diamond has purchased a Malibu retreat at 33330 Pacific Coast Highway for $7.25 million. Situated in the Encinal Bluffs community—in a private cove overlooking the beach—soaring ceilings and walls of glass easily capture the stunning coastline views.
“The scale and volume of the home is very impressive, which allows for lots of natural light and amazing ocean views from almost every room,” says Sandro Dazzan, who co-listed the home with Irene Dazzan-Palmer, both of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
“The most special part of the property is the access to one of the most secluded and private coves in all of Malibu.”
Featuring more than 4,000 square feet of open living space, the five-bedroom, seven-bath property offers a massive great room, a gourmet chef’s kitchen and a master suite with dramatic ocean views, along with an office, gym and sauna. Outdoors, one will find an infinity pool and spa, barbecue area and direct beach access.
photos courtesy of Simon Berlyn Photography
