Timeless Piece of Mid-Century Modern Architecture History

The Jenkyns House, 1960. Josef Van der Kar, AIA Architect, is now available for sale. The listing begins to describe the property by saying, "Like Van der Kar's iconic Wohlstetter House, the residence is lifted from the street and a slanted roofline creates a dramatic soaring effect." Walls of glass on both levels and multiple decks allow for true California indoor/outdoor living and expose relaxing reservoir views. With three bedrooms and an office, this is good size property in a highly desirable location. This is an opportunity to own a timeless post and beam design and a piece of mid-century architecture history.

The furniture captures the 60's vibe nicely as well, don't you agree?

1973 Redesdale Ave, Silver Lake

$1,070,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,840 Sq. Ft 8,451 Lot Sq. Ft.

Listing and Photos courtesy of Barry Gray - Deasy Penner & Partners

If you would like to see this mid-century jewel in a great Silver Lake location in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com. If you have always wanted to own a swanky mid-century home, this is a great opportunity to grab a good one.

Updated Spanish W/ Pool in Great Los Feliz Location

This brand new listing N of Los Feliz Blvd in a great Los Feliz location looks good. I will admit that I am not a huge fan of the Spanish style architecture; however, this one does a nice job of mixing the old character of the homes 1933 roots but with an updated touch of modern style and systems. A nice size home with "4 Bedrooms in the main residence, 3.5 baths, master suite w/original tile work, wedding cake detail plastering, restored glass & ironwork, newer systems including central A/C & heat." The kitchen is a true chef's kitchen with high end appliances and an eat in area. The home opens up to a nice size yard, sparkling pool, and guest house (last picture after the break). This is a great example of California indoor/outdoor living in a desirable location. If you have been looking for an updated property with Spanish style architecture, this could be exactly what you've been waiting for.

3525 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Feliz

$1,397,000 4 Bed 3 Bath 2,788 Sq. Ft / per owner 8,457 Lot Sq. Ft.

Listing & Photos courtesy of Konstantine Valissarakos - Sotheby's Int'l Rlty-Los Feliz

This property is sure to generate a significant amount of interest, so don't delay. If you would like to see this stunning updated Spanish style home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Small But Sleek Echo Park Architectural Hits the Market

Echo Park Architect Simon Storey purchased this small home in Echo Park in 2007, and after a complete remodel and addition, this home is now back on the market. The original purchase shows this small home at just 330 sq. ft! It has been totally redone into a larger, albeit still small, 2 bed/1 bath 924 sq. ft modern architectural. A great example of efficiency and urban living with a rooftop deck and nice views in this loft like structure. Within walking distance to Elysian Park, and all the new shops and restaurants of Echo Park, this dynamic modern home represents a great condo alternative at an affordable price.

See the transformation with a picture of the front of the original house before the architect did the work after the break.

1416 Fairbanks Place, Echo Park

$559,000 2 Bed 1 Bath 924 Sq. Ft / per owner 780 Lot Sq. Ft.

Front of the house before

Front of the house after Listing & Photos courtesy of Ken Shapiro and Alicia Lawhon - Silverwood Properties & Keller Williams Realty

If you would like to see this newly redone architectural home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Trousdale Estates Mid-Century With Clean Lines

Quality mid-century jewel in the highly desirable Trousdale Estates section of Beverly Hills on the market for the first time in 43 years. To give you an idea of the neighborhood, this designer property in the same neighborhood is currently in escrow; the asking price is over $10M. This particular property has been listed for some time, and the only drawback is that it does not have a city view; however, what it does have is that air of mid-century 1962 swankiness. The home clearly needs updating to bring it into the modern masterpiece that it deserves, but you can see that the lines and bones are definitely there in this one. The listing points out a highlight that "The seamless transition between the interiors and the private yard and swimming pool are further complimented by a southwestern position, maximizing the tranquil mountain and sunset views." This is a dream location and a house that just requires some vision, and one could have themselves a superior mid-century modern masterpiece.

470 Castle Place, Beverly Hills

$2,699,000 (Reduced from $3,125,000) 3 Bed 3.5 Bath 3,158 Sq. Ft 22,640 Lot Sq. Ft.

Listing & Photos Courtesy of Debra Love & Scott Cook - Architecture 8, Inc.

Attention architects, designers, and fans of mid-century architecture, if you have been looking for "the one," this may be it! It has been on the market for awhile now, so feel that we can perhaps negotiate this down even further and get yourself a deal in an A+ location. If you would like to see this swanky mid-century treasure in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Small But Chic Home in Los Feliz

Look at this gated modern redone home in highly desirable Franklin Hills neighborhood of Los Feliz. It looks small, but good. This is a great home in comparison to a condo, as it is gated, private, and offers a spacious grassy yard. The living/dining area looks very clean and chic with it's white flooring and white walls. The kitchen has been updated as well with new cabinetry and granite countertops. It has two bedrooms, but there is also a bonus space used as an office per the listing. The property has all updated plumbing and electrical. The location is really convenient right by Prospect Studios, as it is just blocks from all the hip restaurants and stores on Hillhurst and Vermont, and not far from the Sunset Junction. This looks nice for the money, and is definitely worth considering if it meets your criteria.

4132 Prospect Ave, Los Feliz

$529,000 2 Bed 1 Bath 5,401 Lot Sq. Ft.

Listing & Photos courtesy of Gregory Harris - Coldwell Banker-BH North

If you would like to see this great stylish home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Private Gated Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Hills Home w/ Great Video

Check out this new listing to hit the market in the Hollywood Hills. The gated home was recently remodeled with polished concrete flooring, updated baths, a gourmet kitchen, and a nice water feature in the entryway. I am a big fan of concrete flooring, as it looks sleek and is easy to maintain, especially if it comes with radiant heat, which this one does. The open floor plan with large floor to ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the property and create a great indoor/outdoor flow. There are three good sized bedrooms and three full bathrooms. The outdoor space is a great place to relax on the weekends or entertain your friend's and family. A good location within minutes of the heart of all that new Hollywood has to offer.

Make sure to check out the marketing video after the break. I have to give the listing agent his just due on this one, as it is nicely done, and gives a sense of the "lifestyle" one could have, should they want it, if they lived there. Well done Sir.

6816 Pacific View Dr, Hollywood Hills

$969,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 1,732 Sq. Ft. 5,000 Lot Sq. Ft.

Listing & Photos/Video courtesy of Eric Lavey - Keller Williams Realty BH

This is another nicely remodeled mid-century home in the Hills that is sure to draw a lot of attention. If you would like to see this stylish home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Mid-Century Compound with Pool in Hollywood Hills

I have not seen this property in person, and I wish there were more pictures of the interior, but from what I have seen I am intrigued. The outdoor space looks picturesque and relaxing. I really like that there is also a flat grassy area along with the sparkling pool on the over 10,000 sq. ft lot. The house is a mid-century post and beam style with an open floor plan and walls of glass leading out to the outdoors. It is only two bedrooms; however, I would assume there is the ability to easily expand. The light wood flooring throughout the property look great. Having recently posted a listing on Bennett, it is a great street in a convenient location to everything. This is definitely something worth seeing, and possibly jumping on. The value is definitely there on this one!

3300 Bennett Dr, Hollywood Hills

$899,000 2 Bed 2.5 Bath 1,900 Sq. Ft. 10,780 Lot Sq. Ft.

Listing & Photos courtesy of Justin Paul Huchel and Zach Goldsmith - Hilton & Hyland

If you would like to see this mini compound with a beautiful outdoor space and pool in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

SOLD -- Two Bedroom Hollywood Condo

We just closed escrow today on this short sale condo in the Cahuenga Tennis Club condominiums. This is a building located in the Hollywood Hills, and is loaded with amenities and finely manicured grounds. Having made their offer back in April, the Buyer had to be and was patient while waiting for the bank's approval on the price. It was wise for her to hang in there, as she got a great deal. I think there are plans to do some remodeling and make it shine. I wish the new owner the best.

2700 E Cahuenga #4209, Hollywood Hills

$245,000 (Short Sale) 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,002 Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If interested in finding a similar opportunity please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Recent Home I Sold Back on Market as a Flip

I sold this property back in the middle of April, and it has been redone, upgraded, spiffed up and now it is back on the market. When I sold it, the home had many more issues then just aesthetic, so the Seller had to put in significant capital in order to bring this home back to the glamour of it's 1920's roots. It appears that they did a nice job on the property, and quick. Compare the pictures here with the way it was before. The wood flooring in the living and family rooms were a great addition. I love what they did with the fireplace in particular, as it looks so much better in it's current state. They of course painted a clean white throughout, took down the questionable art, and staged the property with nice furnishings; all of which go a very long way during the Buyer's first impression. They also put in all new white cabinetry and grey Caesarstone counters in the kitchen, which look much much better. The master bathroom also looks many times better now with it's dual sinks, and new tile work. The property always had potential, but just needed someone with the know how and energy to bring the home back.

What do you think of the remodel, and will the Seller get their asking price?

3249 Bennett Dr, Hollywood Hills

$1,049,000 4 Bed 4 Bath 2,458 Sq. Ft. 4,930 Lot Sq. Ft.

Listing & Photos courtesy of Courtney N Smith & Kurt Wisner - Nourmand & Associates

Obviously, I have spent a considerable amount of time at this property, so know it and the street very well. In addition to the 3 bed/3 bath main house, there is a 1 bed/1 bath guest apartment with kitchen and it's own private entrance, as it is a legal duplex. This could help pay the mortgage, or great for an office or artist's studio. If you would like to see this newly redone Spanish style home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Silver Lake Architectural w/ Lakefront Views

Look at this recently listed modern home with clean lines and walls of glass out to the Lake of Silver Lake. Imagine relaxing on those balconies with the water views in the heart of the city. Lying in the coveted Ivanhoe School District, the property itself has been recently redone with modern touches and high end finishes. I personally like the wood flooring they chose that runs throughout the home. The listing describes the master area as, "A huge master suite boasting it's own sitting room, private terrace to city views, large master bedroom w/high ceilings, deluxe master bath with rainforest shower head in glass backlit shower, great soaking tub w/views." The property has an ample yard that one could put in a pool down the road, or a vegetable garden. Within walking distance to great restaurants, coffee shops, and of course the Lake. This could be a great place to call home.

2264 Moreno Dr, Silver Lake

$1,398,000 3 Bed 3.5 Bath 2,633 Sq. Ft. 5,662 Lot Sq. Ft.

Listing & Photos courtesy of Rosemary Low - Sotheby's Int'l Rlty-Los Feliz

There is only a small supply of homes in the heart of the city with water views, which surely will increase the demand for this one. If you would like to see this architectural home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

International Yoo Designed Modern Building; Berlin

Those of you that follow the blog know that I am a big Phillipe Starck fan. Having previously posted about Starck's design in India, this is the latest project from yoo, a large International design and development firm. I don't do any real estate in Berlin, Germany; however, had to post this as I love the whimsical interior design of Starck. I also love all the modern details throughout the building, including the entryway, lobby, and pool (pictures after the break). The projects website describes the building by saying,

"Occupying the last of Mitte’s choicest downtown river front locations, yoo berlin is the newest, most prestigious address in the heart of the city. Yoo berlin’s facade captures Berlin’s love affair with the dramatic. Within, yoo inspired by Starck designs juxtapose modern with classic, satire with passion and shape with form to create an extraordinary living experience."

If you like the furnishings, here is a link to some of Starck's designs available for purchase.

Berlin is lucky to be getting this instant classic. We need more modern chic buildings in Los Angeles. Perhaps I will build one one day.

Pictures courtesy of Yoo Berlin

Futuristic Newly Built Modern Architectural

Take a look at this futuristic modern home just built and listed for sale on famed Mulholland Dr. in the Hollywood Hills. Positioned on a knoll and designed like a space ship ready to take off into the view. Designed by Michael Rostami of Unicon Builders, this home is stunning combination of disappearing walls of glass, steel, and concrete. The views are out of this world, as one looks over all of Los Angeles from the perch of this fine home. The living room with fireplace flows out to the 33 foot infinity pool, and when the glass is removed, the lines become blurred between indoors and outdoors for that true California living experience. High end everything with only the sleekest finishes used. The master suite is enormous and is positioned over the city with an ultra-hip bathroom and a roof top deck. There is also a 1,100 sq ft permitted guest house or office with full bathroom. The listing describes this home as, "The ultimate trophy compound & work of art." They may be right.

7691 Mulholland Dr, Hollywood Hills

$6,750,000 5 Bed 6 Bath 6,000 Sq. Ft./ow 17,859 Lot Sq. Ft/ow

Listing & Photos courtesy of Joshua & Matthew Altman - Hilton & Hyland

This is a rare home that is tough to duplicate, and in short, may be special. If you would like to see this futuristic modern home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Sleek Modern Outpost Architectural; Hollywood Hills

Chic modern architectural home in the desirable Outpost Estates area of the Hollywood Hills. Designed by an Architect for their personal home, and now available. The home features a double height living room, ideal open floor plan, Brazilian walnut hardwood flooring, and high end kitchen and baths. The outdoor space has been utilized remarkably well, and flows out from the living room. It is a secluded private yard with a pool, sitting areas, and great landscaping. I have shown this property previously, and it is very well designed. If you like modern architectural homes, this is a great area, and could be the one...

2613 Carmen Crest Dr., Hollywood Hills

$2,749,000 3 Bed 2.5 Bath 3,480 Sq. Ft. 5,652 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing & Photos courtesy of Louise Leach & Juan Longfellow - Sotheby's Int'l Realty

If you would like to see this sleek architectural home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

New Stunning Mediterranean Condo Lease Listing; West LA

Large stunning Mediterranean condo available for lease. Lying in a highly desirable Brentwood adjacent location is this large 1700 sq. ft 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath modern home. The condo features a wide open floor plan with a true chef's kitchen opening up to the large living room, which is surrounded in windows allowing a ton of natural light to flood the property. The living room features a fireplace and rich dark hardwood flooring. 3 balconies in total! Can be leased furnished or unfurnished. Newer building built in 2006. Available August 10th. Simply one of the nicest units you will find.

1522 Amherst Ave #201, West Los Angeles

$3,495/mo (Furnished or Unfurnished) 3 Bed 3 Bath 1,700 Sq. Ft.

This is a great opportunity to lease a high end modern condo in an ideal Westside location just minutes to everything. If you would like to see this great property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Palm Springs Mid-Century Retreat

I've been away from the blog for a week or two now, and I apologize for the hiatus. I'm back now.

On a recent weekend several friend's and I snuck out of Los Angeles to lay by the pool and relax for a bit in Palm Springs. The desert is the home of mid-century architecture, the Rat Pack, retired folks (including my Grandmother), and HEAT. My good friend Erin was able to hook up this fine mid-century pool house for the weekend through one of her associates. It is available for rent to anyone who is interested, but more about that later. When we visited the heat was out in full force, as temperatures hit 119 degrees! As you can imagine, most of the weekend was spent in and around the pool, which was fine with us. The ample backyard with flat grassy areas to run around (tough to find at a reasonable price in the Hollywood Hills area is all I kept thinking) and huge pool and spa played centerpiece for the weekend nicely.

The house itself was a recently remodeled mid-century butterfly roof home in prime Rancho Mirage. As you can see by the pictures, the home had a great mix of modern and vintage elements, which is my personal favorite.

The property has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a large open floor plan. The master suite has it's own wing with sitting room and office area. The entire back of the property is full floor to ceiling windows enticing one to go outside. The bathrooms are very modern with rain shower heads and European finishes. The furniture is impeccable, and most importantly the beds are loaded in luxurious comfort. To find out more about the property, see more pictures, and find it's pricing and availability visit here. If you are taking a trip to Palm Springs and have 6-8 in your group, I would definitely recommend staying here over a hotel.

New Lease Listing @ Celebrity Broadway Lofts Building; Hollywood

Having previously leased this unit, the current Tenant will be moving out soon, so the property will be available again August 15th. This is a designer NYC style loft in the most desirable loft building in Hollywood, filled with celebrities and VIP's. Here is a great opportunity to live in the center of Hollywood's growth on the world famous intersection of Hollywood & Vine. The fully furnished loft designed by noteworthy east coast designer comes fully stocked with everything, including a large approximately 50" flat screen TV. There are not a ton of lofts in Hollywood, and this is widely considered the best building, so this is an opportunity not to be missed. The full service building and it's amenities, including valet parking, gym, concierge, ability to order from Katsuya downstairs, and stunning rooftop pool and lounge are unmatched in the city.

1645 Vine #605, Hollywood

$3,850/mo Fully Furnished w/ Designer Furnishings 1 Bed 1 Bath 1,000 Sq. Ft.

See more pictures of the loft and the building, and a video here.

If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Cool Mid-Century Modern Flip in Los Feliz

This mid-century home has just undergone an amazing transformation, and in an unbelievably short time, and now looks stunning. Lying north of Los Feliz Blvd in the Los Feliz Estates, is this architecturally designed 1969 wow house. The property recently sold for $1,175,000 in March of this year, well above it's asking price of $975,000. Here is how it looked when the current owner's purchased the fixer. In less then 3 month's the property has been completely redone, upgraded, and even put in a pool. They also added another bedroom, and one and a half bathrooms. I must say these guys did an amazing job with the home in a very short time. Assuming they did not cut a ton of corners and the workmanship is solid, this is a very impressive flip. I guess you can't call it that until it sells, but by the looks of it, I don't think they will have any trouble making that happen.

2251 N Hobart, Los Feliz

$1,599,000 3 Bed 3.5 Bath 2,483 Sq. Ft. 15,313 Sq. Ft. Lot

Listing and Photos courtesy of Boni Bryant & Joe Reichling - Sotheby's Int'l Realty

This is a great looking property with a ton of outdoor space and explosive views of the city in a prime location. Don't delay on this one. If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

SOLD -- Stately Lafayette Square Tudor (Represented Buyer)

My Buyer just closed escrow yesterday on this stately Tudor home in the desirable neighborhood of Lafayette Square. Built by Guy V. Colf in 1923, this impressive home oozes curb appeal and is loaded with vintage details throughout the home. The property has a large living room with fireplace, media room, and huge master bedroom also with fireplace. The kitchen was recently updated with granite counter tops, and high end appliances, including a Viking six burner range. The back of the property features a large yard with lush green grass, fire pit, and sparkling pool. There is no question the home could use further updating, and my client is up to the challenge. I can't wait to see what she does with the home, both in upgrading what is there, expanding it, and restoring it to it's earlier glory years. We also got a $15,000 credit to fix up some of the dated issues and deferred maintenance on the property, so all in all my client got a great deal, and she is thrilled. Beyond making a living, seeing my client's excited about their real estate transactions is what it is all about! Enjoy your new home Jo.

1838 Buckingham, Lafayette Square

Sold for $900,000 (Asking Price was $949,000) 5 Bed 3 Bath 3,045 Sq. Ft. 8,760 Sq. Ft. Lot

Listing and Photos courtesy of Rhonda Payne - Rodeo Realty

If you would like to see what other properties are available in and around this area, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Modernist Architect Allyn E. Morris's 1958 Home-Studio; Silver Lake

The listing does a good job of describing this interesting architectural property built by Modernist architect Allyn E. Morris in 1958. Here is how the listing describes the home:

"Morris' own home, dramatically cantilevered into a Silver Lake hillside, was described by Julius Shulman as 'the best work Morris ever did.' Trained as an engineer and first apprenticed to Lloyd Wright, Morris melded an industrial aesthetic with organic, Wrightian principles. The studio, with its mezzanine master, 2-story living room & open kitchen, dining area & lower ground-floor office (convert to 2nd bedroom?) opens like a magic glass lantern, affording extraordinary views out to the San Gabriels. Meticulously restored & preserved by the current owner, & retaining original custom bathroom fixtures, mosaic, brickwork, glass and hardware, with an updated kitchen following the original blueprints with approval from Morris himself. Counterweighted windows open the living space to a broad terrace with remarkable ease, an astonishing & ingenious variation on the California open-plan model. Additional historic and current photography, history and description here."

2390 Silver Ridge Ave, Silver Lake

$668,000 1 Bed 2 Bath 1,026 Sq. Ft. 4,800 Sq. Ft. Lot

Listing, Description, and Photos courtesy of Michael D. Phillips - Crosby Doe Associates, Inc

This is an architecturally significant property in a good location with views. There are obvious ways to add another bedroom and bathroom if desired, and one may be able to have this property registered as a LA Cultural/Historic Monument, and thus Mills Act status and the tax benefits that go along with it. If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Sunset Strip Mid-Century Stunner With Views

Here is a great condo alternative in a fantastic neighborhood just off famed Sunset Plaza Dr in the Hollywood Hills above the Sunset Strip. The main space has open beamed ceilings to complement the open floor plan with an updated kitchen, all looking out to stunning views of the city below. Not large by any means, but with it's two bedrooms and two baths, decks, in ground spa, and incredible city views, this updated mid-century home's hip style will surely be attractive to a lot of buyers. The listing states that at night the home is even better by saying, "This house must be seen at dusk and evening when the twinkle of city lights and the quiet of this cul-de-sac street make all forget this is L.A." All in all, a stylish house in a great location with views.

1567 Viewsite Dr, Hollywood Hills

$995,000 (Reduced from $1,099,000) 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,100 Sq. Ft. per owner 4,980 Sq. Ft. Lot

Listing and Photos courtesy of Patrick Martin - Sotheby's Int'l Rlty-Sunset

If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.