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In 2009 MINIMAL. USA designed a sleek kitchen for the renovation of the Clock Tower, the most expensive apartment in Brooklyn. You can have this kitchen and views of Manhattan from the well known Clock Tower Building for a cool $25,000,000. I definitely recommending clicking over to check out Minimal's kitchen and bath designs, as they are stunning examples of clean lines and form meets function.
Images courtesy of The Contemporist.
I had to go to a real estate office today to drop off some paperwork on a deal I just finalized in Los Feliz, and it is such a beautiful day out I took out my camera and started walking. Being a "Hollywood Guy," I have obviously been to the Village here and there, but mostly infrequently so was exploring a little bit. There were many people out and about today on both Hillhurst and Vermont, having lunch, walking, shopping, or riding bikes. There are a ton of restaurants and some boutique shopping in a close proximity to one another, which makes for a great neighborhood feel. In general I really enjoyed the vibe, and look forward to venturing into the area more often.
A notable restaurant is the Alcove
Great outdoor area at the Alcove
You can guess that the shopping center next door to the Alcove gets a ton of people trying to park there and go to the Alcove
In this one mixed-use building, there are Italian, Sushi,& Brazilian restaurants, with loft style apartments above.
Pizza spot
Sandwich spot
Several small boutique shops from up and coming designers
The Library
Interesting religious neighbor pairing
Took this pic of the Dresden while driving, which I don't recommend, but it produced an interesting effect
View up Hillhurst towards the Hills
Great day for a bike ride
Palm tree lined street just off Hillhurst
Look at this Modern Post & Beam that just hit the market today. Located up a private knoll and gated off of famed Mulholland Dr., this post and beam property has been updated with "cutting edge design elements," according to the listing. The well laid out space and pocket sliding glass doors allow for perfect true indoor/outdoor California living. The property has stunning views of the city from every room. The listing points out, "Highlights include European kitchen with Miele appliances, 2 living areas, gated drive, multiple skylights, vaulted ceilings, sliding walls of glass, glass roll-up garage door, high ceilings, outdoor fireplace, bamboo & stone floors. Alluring Master bedroom boasts 2 separate bathrooms & wood burning fireplace." It definitely sounds and looks good to me. This is nothing less then a dynamic property in a prime location.
7275 Mulholland Dr., Hollywood Hills
$1,475,000 2 Bed 3 Bath 2,000 Sq. Ft (per owner) 6,750 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos courtesy of Susan L Andrews - Hilton & Hyland
Relatively speaking, there are not that many "done" houses in the hills with jaw dropping views, so if you have been dreaming of one, this could be it. If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.
I was perusing the MLS to see what is out there for my various buyer client's today, and came across these listings. In Silver Lake and Los Feliz there are currently four nice looking homes available under $600,000. Any of these, depending on one's taste, would work well for someone who would prefer to own a house with a yard as opposed to a condo. They are all in nice locations with close proximity to many goods and services. If you are currently looking or have considered looking, see below for what you could get for your money in the current real estate market.
1421 N Occidental, Silver Lake $595,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 5,000 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos courtesy of Eric Lavey - Keller Williams Realty Beverly Hills
2233 Fair Oaks View, Silver Lake $579,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,072 Sq. Ft 4,400 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos courtesy of Steve Flores - Prudential CA Los Feliz
2322 Lake View, Silver Lake $569,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,083 Sq. Ft 8,058 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos courtesy of Alicia Ortiz - Real Estate Connection
3335 Glenhurst, Los Feliz $569,000 2 Bed 1 Bath 852 Sq. Ft 5,400 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos courtesy of Courtney N Smith - Nourmand & Associates
Which one of these do you like the best?
If you would like get any further information on any of these properties or would like to see one in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.
This interesting modern architectural home in the Hollywood Hills has just hit the market today. The home is over 2500 sq. ft and has been totally redone with all new electrical, plumbing, and of course high end fixtures. The flooring is travertine throughout the property. The kitchen is all new as well with Caeserstone counters and all Viking appliances. The home lies high up in the hills and according to the listing, "From the Master bedroom you can see the City, Ocean on one side and Hollywood sign, Canyons on the other." The views are great, but another added bonus is that area of flat grassy yard, which is somewhat rare in the Hollywood Hills.
What do you think of the design and selection of finishes?
8841 Appian Way, Hollywood Hills
$1,875,000 4 Bed 3.5 Bath 2,503 Sq. Ft 7,110 Sq. Ft Lot
Is that a bathtub in the Master Bedroom?
Listing & Photos courtesy of Celeste Andrews Drum - Real Estate eBrokers Inc.
If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com. Also, should you like the idea of owning a modern architectural, but maybe this one isn't quite it, we do know of others currently available.
I saw an ad for these super sleek wireless speakers in 944 Magazine this week. 944 nicely describes the stylish speakers by saying, "The tech whizzes of wireless multimedia brand Parrot have forged an unlikely partnership with legendary architect Philippe Starck. Parrot's Zikmu In Color By Philippe Starck wireless speakers are sleek, colorful and ultramodern, seamlessly melding a fashion-forward aesthetic with high-tech functionality. The long, lean speakers can play crystal-clear audio from devices like the iPod and iPhone, and are enhanced with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. They can also communicate with each other from anywhere in a room, delivering surround sound without the use of wires. In five eye-catching shades, such as Sorbet Lime and Dragon Red, the sculptural speakers also make a serious visual statement, accenting a room's existing color palette." Designer Phillipe Starck explains the benefits of this product in this way, "Zikmu is the simplest design possible at present. Our device is totally modern, not just because of all its technical capabilities, but also because it is as simple as possible. Its only purpose is to produce the maximum effect, with the most advanced and incredible technology, and the least amount of material. Now that is what I call magic."
“WHAT WE DESIGNED IS NOT A LOUDSPEAKER. WHAT WE DESIGNED WAS VIBRATING AIR.” - Phillipe Starck
Available at Design Within Reach 332 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica
Curbed gives us an idea of the "small house" that Prince William and Kate will be moving into after their wedding. It is not Buckingham Palace, where they will eventually live, but the Clarence House, as it is called, should suit the newlywed's just fine I would think. According to Curbed, via British real estate site Zoopla (think Zillow for the UK), the home is valued at over $76,000,000! Now that is a lot of zeros. Oh to be young and a part of the Royal Family.
Great uber modern minimalist home just completed in prime West Hollywood location. The house has been redone with all white everything; including, concrete flooring, walls, baths, and high end fixtures, which give off a super fresh and clean aesthetic. There is a two bedroom and two bath main house with all floor to ceiling pocket windows that lead out to a "vibrant California landscape." In addition, there is a sweet permitted two story loft guest house with kitchen and bath. One can rent out the guest house or great for a mother in law unit or home office. This is a prime location that surely will always be desirable.
8735 Rangely Ave, West Hollywood
$1,399,000 2 Bed + Great Loft Like Back House 2 Bath 5,057 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos courtesy of Ronald Goldhammer - Prudential CA - Beverly Hills
This is a very cool modern home in a great WEHO location. If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.
Everyone's favorite flipping team, Better Shelter, has just unveiled their newest remodel to hit the market in Highland Park. This is a growing area, and this home is close to all the new goods and services on York blvd. The home itself has undergone the classic Better Shelter remodel with their typical mix of rich dark hardwood flooring, an open floor plan, and updated bathrooms. The kitchen has been nicely redone with butcher block counters and a deep farm sink. The living room has 14' soaring vaulted ceilings, which is a huge plus for me personally. The backyard has been redone as well with drought resistant landscaping. There are great mountain views from the upstairs loft bedroom. Once completed, they also put their classic and stylish staging furniture in it, which goes a long way in showing the buyer how one could live in it and makes the home look fresh and cool. Another job well done, that is sure to sell quickly.
5049 San Rafael, Highland Park
$489,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 1,482 Sq. Ft 4,791 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos courtesy of Courtney Poulos - Brock Real Estate
Where else in LA can you get a redone to the 9's home close to the city under $500K? If looking for a 3 bedroom home that has been updated with style in Northeast LA, this could be it. Homes from these guys always go fast, so don't delay. If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.
I showed this property recently to a buyer of mine, and thought it was very well done. Lying in a great neighborhood in the Westside Village, this home although not large, has been updated very nicely. The pictures on the listing don't really do it justice either. On the Westside in this price range you often find real fixers, or really really small houses that have been updated. I suppose this one falls nicely in the middle. The home could be expanded, as many others on the street have done, but is quite charming how it is. Both bathrooms are really nice with upgraded finishes, nice tile work, and a separate shower and tub in the master. The living room/dining room area had a ton of light, nice wood flooring, and a brick fireplace. The garage has been finished with drywall and the HVAC runs into it, which could make for a great office or bonus room area. The home had great curb appeal, as well as a large deck and grassy area in the back for entertaining and lounging. In the backyard was also a huge old Redwood Tree that added to the ambiance.
3117 Glendon Ave, Mar Vista
$895,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,324 Sq. Ft 5,656 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos courtesy of Janet Reichmann - Coldwell Banker - BH East
If you have been looking for a nice updated home on the westside and only need two bedrooms, this is a great opportunity for you. If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.
My seller's closed escrow today on this Spanish home in a great Hollywood Hills neighborhood. When I first met with the owner's at the house, I thought this was a great character Spanish home that if priced well would sell relatively quickly, and I was right...sort of. It first "sold" close to the original asking price of $899,000, meaning we accepted an offer and went into escrow within the first two weeks of it being on the market. Then came inspections. The inspector uncovered numerous issues ranging from serious problems to minor ones. The buyer, understandably so, decided it was more work then they were prepared to take on and cancelled escrow. This happened two more times, as even though we continued to reduce the price and disclose everything upfront, the buyer would do an inspection of a different kind and a new issue would arise. It was crazy. Then we finally changed the marketing up to appeal only to investors, professional flippers, or contractors. This is what this house really needed. We got a great offer from an experienced buyer, and just closed escrow. I am very happy for my seller's to get this done. I can't wait to see what the buyer does with it, and if it will be back on the market done to the 9's in six month's or so. I wish them well with it. The potential is definitely there.
3249 BENNETT DR, HOLLYWOOD HILLS
$749,000 (Sold for $700,000) 3 Bed + 1 bed apartment w/ separate entrance 3 Bath 2,458 Sq. Ft 4,930 Lot Sq. Ft
Listing by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties - Pictures by David Barton. Thanks David, great work!
A design by Ryan Korban for pro Skateboarder Chad Muska. Photographer: Patrick Cline. Photo via 1st Dibs
Perusing through the internet and blogs today, I stumbled upon a few good ones. I first ended up on Desire to Inspire. They have great housing and interior design posts that are, you guessed it, intended to inspire one's own interior's. In looking through their list of blogs they like, I clicked on So Haute, which I think the name got me. So Haute had a post and link to 1stdibs write up and pictures about a young Manhattan designer that just did Pro Skater Chad Muska's apartment in New York. Click on that link to see more about up and coming designer Ryan Korban, and get a glimpse into his aesthetic viewpoint and how he works. I like his mix of edgy and soft, old world and urban, that somehow all seem to come together perfectly. Enjoy.
Designer Darryl Wilson is not new to the world of real estate or design. According to the bio on his website, Mr. Wilson's father was a "prolific real estate developer credited with building the first high-rise buildings on Ventura Boulevard and the nephew of interior designer-to-the-stars, Ron Wilson, Darryl was immersed in the world of construction and design from a very young age." This is the latest project done by Darryl Wilson Design, and staying true to his mid-century modern roots, he has created another stunning example of his work. It appears the property was purchased in 2007 for $1,500,015, but at the time the home was just 1,423 sq. ft. It has been completely updated and expanded to almost double it's size when it was purchased. The home has stunning views from almost every room, high end finishes, a great floor plan, and a killer master suite. To me Mr. Wilson is combining the best pieces of the game by using all sides of the brain, as he is being extremely creative, but also dealing with the finance and marketing end of the real estate business. Good luck with this project Sir, and we look forward to more of your great work in the future. To see more of Darrly Wilson Design's past projects and press visit their website.
1551 Oriole Lane, Hollywood Hills
$3,200,000 or for lease at $20,000/mo 3 Bed 3.5 Bath 2,700 Sq. Ft per Owner 6,860 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos Courtesy of Darryl Wilson - John Aaroe Group
This is a stunning mid-century modern in a great Hollywood Hills location with views stretching out to the ocean. If this is your style and you have been looking to purchase, this could definitely be the one. If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.
The listing begins to describe this property in this way "A rare opportunity to purchase the ultimate package: an irreplaceable Property, an unparalleled Location, & the Lifestyle offered by sbe Global Concierge." I had read about famed lifestyle brand SBE looking for new avenues of business, and I believe this is the first example of one of their new approaches. Clearly they have design taste as exemplified in their many top tier establishments (think XIV, Katsuya, Hyde, SLS Hotel, and more), which it appears they have put to use in the high end flip of this "bird street" modern lying high above the Sunset Strip. Not only did the buyer get the stunning property with jaw dropping explosive views, they also received "... access to an exclusive lifestyle offered by SBE Global Concierge: a worldwide network of prestigious destinations, hotels, restaurants & nightlife venues," according to the listing. I definitely like both the flip and the concept by SBE. My only question would be for someone that shells out $14,500,000 in cash (they accepted an offer on April 6th and the deal closed on April 8th, cash is king), wouldn't they have all the access they could possibly want? Maybe not, and SBE adds some style and an air of cool to accompany the buyer and his or her cash. At this house though, I am sure you could also stay home once in awhile and get the party to come to you if so desired.
9050 Oriole Way, Hollywood Hills
$17,995,000 (Sold for $14,500,000) 3 Bed 5.5 Bath 5,976 Sq. Ft 34,456 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos courtesy of Jade Mills - Coldwell Banker-BH South
This newly built architectural home comes to us via My Modern Met. It is a stunning example of modern architecture in a most unlikely place. I do not think of Iran when it comes to places known for modern architecture, although this one surely is a beauty. Located in Mohammad Shahr region, near Karaj city, Villa Kiani is set in the middle of a lush green garden. "Architects Makan Rahmanian and Kamran Heirati purposely designed the Villa’s interior space this way so that it became an extension of the landscape. With high ceilings and large glass walls, the house is spaced out perfectly and provides great views of the garden." I have not visited the home, but the concept looks to be well conceived and executed masterfully. Bravo.
Hip remodeled mid-century modern home near popular Lake Hollywood area of the Hollywood Hills. The home features bamboo wood flooring, an updated kitchen with newer stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and limestone floors, and upgraded baths. The living room has a ton of windows allowing for natural light to flood the property, all leading out to the large redwood deck that's perfect for relaxing and entertaining on. With three bedrooms and two baths the property is good size in a great location. At this price, it is a very cool property in a more expensive neighborhood, which makes it wise for a long term investment as well.
3435 Primera, Hollywood Hills
$699,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,508 Sq. Ft 5,840 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos courtesy of Kameron Eliassian & Corina Galen - Redfin
This is a move in ready property at a great price for this area. It is sure to attract a lot of interest, so if you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.
Designer done new opportunity for a hip buyer on prime lower Sunset Plaza Dr. Entertaining deck with jetliner views and private pool create great outdoor spaces to complement the redone modern interior. Based on the pictures the property looks great. Done with a definite designer's eye with top level finishes like the custom kitchen, and Dorn Bracht and Grohe fixtures in a great location with views above the Sunset Strip! The listing sums up the house by saying, "This is a done “Strip” listing priced to sell." For the most part, I would have to agree.
1714 Sunset Plaza Dr, Hollywood Hills
$1,450,000 3 Bed 3.5 Bath 2,265 Sq. Ft 5,110 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing and Photos courtesy of Richard Ehrlich - Westside Estate Agency Inc.
If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.
SOLD
It has been a long road with this listing, but today that journey has come to a successful close for all parties involved today. This property is a short sale, and that process can take 3-4 month's to get initial bank approval. In the meantime buyer's get impatient and frustrated, rightly so, and end up cancelling their offer and walking away. It wouldn't be so much of a problem if the bank allowed me to substitute a new buyer with the same terms in, but nope, the bank made us start the process all over again as if it was just submitted to them for the first time. Bottom line is I "sold" this unit now four times, but each time up until now the buyers would walk away for a variety of reasons. See my post about the last time that happened here. Well today that stopped, as the buyer closed escrow and is now the owner of this cool Penthouse condo in a prime Brentwood location. With a bit of attention, this unit could become very special, as the bones are there to do it. I wish the buyer well with it, and congratulate my seller's on concluding this sale once and for all! On to the next one for me.
621 S Barrington #302, Brentwood
Sold for $600,000 2 Bed + Loft 2 Bath 1,920 Sq. Ft
Soaring 18' ceilings in living/dining room provide a ton of volume
Wet bar and gas lit fireplace in the living room
Three balconies in total on the property; largest one shown here
High ceilings in the master bedroom
High ceilings & large walk in closet in guest bedroom
Spacious loft area with direct access to private deck, currently being rented out and used as a bedroom
Large pool & spa provide a peaceful escape in the heart of Brentwood
You can see a detailed tour of the property here
If you wish to find a similar property and value in Brentwood or anywhere in Los Angeles, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.
Fixer alert in a great location North of Sunset just east of Kings on Hollywood Blvd. Clearly the property has tremendous views, which is the backdrop of it's potential of course. It is somewhat hard to judge the space without visiting it in person, but the open floor plan and essentially stripped rooms allow for one to tap into the potential of the homes' blank canvas. With homes in this area easily selling for $2M and up, the potential is there to fix this up to either live in and enjoy or sell immediately at a nice profit. Let the Flipping begin.
8368 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood Hills
$999,900 1 Bed 3 Bath 2,124 Sq. Ft 5,210 Sq. Ft Lot
Listing & Photos courtesy of Harma Hartouni - Keller Williams Encino-Sherman Oaks
If you are an investor or buyer looking for a project, this could be a great opportunity to add serious value to a prime location that will surely always be desirable. If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.
I'm not particularly proud of the pictures, but wanted to give a glimpse into the condo after the occupants moved out and the place was cleaned. It looks like a completely different property. This has been a long listing (more on that in detail after it closes, which is slated for tomorrow), but looks like it will all end well for both my seller client's and the buyer. The new owner got themselves a terrific deal on a short sale, that with a bit of attention and upgrading could become a real "Wow" Penthouse unit in a prime Brentwood location. Out of all the so called "experienced" buyers and investors that saw the property, it took a 25 year old buyer and their parent's to see the real value here. During the final walk through last Friday, they made the comment, "If the occupant's moved out a long time ago and you had it cleaned like it is now, you would have sold it for a lot more money." I totally agree, and trust me had been saying that for sometime now. The kitchen and the bathroom finishes are definitely dated, but with the 18' soaring ceilings in the living and dining area, the bones are there to create something special. I look forward to see what the buyer ends up doing to take the unit to the next level, and hope they are able to enjoy the property for many years to come.
Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties
If you would like to find a similar deal in Brentwood, or anywhere in Los Angeles, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.