The Kawahara Residence, by Architect Craig Ellwood

I kinda dig the way the listing agent describes this property on the listing, as it is quite poetic with great word choices, so am going to include it here for you.

"First offering: The Kawahara Residence, 1969, Craig Ellwood, Architect. This iconic masterwork composed in steel and glass, with its refined detailing, clearly achieves Ellwood's stated objective of "beauty through order." The residence is a literal embodiment of the Miesian aphorism "Less is More." The upper level living area is a glass envelope supported by the ground level bedrooms, a plan that elevates the house to seemingly merge with the sky, transforming the measurable into the immeasurable. A new master suite, accessed by a glass bridge, and designed by Ellwood Associate James Tyler, FAIA directly opens to the pool, spa and gardens. The property is located in the equestrian community of Rolling Hills Estates, and is within the Palos Verdes School District. With its half-acre lot, the house offers a pastoral setting while maintaining easy access to nearby urban amenities."

6 Shadow Lane, Rolling Hills Estates Palos Verdes

$1,595,000 4 Bed 4 Bath 3,365 Sq. Ft 22,770 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing and Photos Courtesy of Crosby Doe - Crosby Doe Associates, Inc.

This is a great chance to own a mid-century jewel done by a noteworthy architect on a large lot. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Open House Here Today 1-4 pm, Please Stop By -- Hollywood

Stunning Hollywood condo with spectacular multi-million dollar views. Building is gated and set back off Beachwood Dr, allowing for privacy and serenity. Feels like you are away from it all in desirable Beachwood Canyon area of the Hollywood Hills, yet just minutes to the heart of the action of new Hollywood. Ideal condo open floor plan with the large bedrooms on the opposite sides of the living, dining, and kitchen open area. Very light & bright with 9' ceilings throughout. French doors lead out to the large balcony, which showcases some of Hollywood's most iconic buildings below. 180 degree view of the Capitol Records Building, new W Hotel, Hollywood & Vine, and more. Great building with large pool, spa, gym, and secure access. Traditional sale.

2222 Beachwood Dr #314, Hollywood Hills

$545,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,332 Sq. Ft

This is a great condo in a great location with jaw dropping views. One can always update the kitchen or baths, but can't find this view at this price in many places. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Two Houses on a Lot, 1 Modern, 1 Vintage -- West L.A.

A unique and creative space created by owner/architect Emily Jagoda. The modern home is both practical and visually pleasing, taking inspiration from California's great architectural pedigree, yet remade in Jagoda's own vision. It is 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with concrete flooring, an open floor plan, and the unique use of windows throughout the home allow for a ton of natural light. The vintage house has been upgraded, and is 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. They both have private outdoor spaces as well. In a growing westside location, this is an opportunity to own a mini-compound in coveted West Los Angeles. For more information, see the video of the creation of the property by the architect/owner herself here.

2500 Tilden Ave, West Los Angeles

$999,000 5 Bed 4.5 Bath 2,665 Sq. Ft 5,280 Sq. Ft Lot (Figures are for both houses combined)

Great outdoor area to entertain in for the modern home

Front of the Vintage house

Listing & Photos Courtesy of Crosby Doe -- Crosby Doe Associates, Inc.

This is a unique opportunity to own two homes for the price of one. Especially on the westside, where one would be surprised how little a million dollars gets you, this is an excellent value. A good mix of modern and vintage, live in one and lease out the other, or use one for an office/creative space. Opportunities abound in this one. I spoke to the listing agent today, and both houses are currently leased for a total of $6100/mo, which makes for a nice investment, as this would definitely cash flow with 20% down. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Hollywood Hills Fixer w/ Views

I just visited this complete fixer today. It's at a nice price with great potential. Lying high up in the hills of Beachwood Canyon is this Spanish fixer with incredible views of downtown and Hollywood below. The property is very private, as it sits down below it's Vasanta street address. Currently the property is separated into two units, both separately metered; however, can easily be put back to it's intended (and zoned) usage of a single family house. I can envision a large deck off that runs the length of the front allowing the owner to relax and soak in the views. Will definitely take some work to get it back to it's glory days; however, with a bit of money and elbow grease, this could be a dynamic view property in a highly desirable location.

2436 Vasanta Way, Hollywood Hills

$599,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,312 Sq. Ft 5,000 Sq. Ft Lot per owner

Listing Courtesy of Juan Longfellow & Tracy Fink - Sotheby's Int'l Realty

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you are an investor, architect/contractor, or just someone looking for a project, this may be it. Not many options available in this location anymore at under $600,000, so can potentially get in low, fix up, and sell or live in a million dollar house! If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Unique Creative House -- Hollywood Hills

Interesting and unique creative home north of Franklin in the Hollywood Hills. According to the listing, the home was "built in 1926 and designed like a Bauhaus space, this great 1 bed, den, library,1 bath, FDR home has a great open floorplan with natural light, has a huge kitchen, big architectural windows, hwd floors and a great guest apartment." Many ways to utilize this property depending on one's needs. In a great location just minutes to New Hollywood, this private space is available for the hip and creative buyer.

2061 Ivar Ave, Hollywood Hills

$698,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,207 Sq. Ft 7,013 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing and Photos Courtesy of Rosemary Low -- Sotheby's Int'l Realty

This is an interesting property in a prime location. If you are looking for a unique property at this price point, this one may be perfect. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Open House Today 11-2 pm @ Hollywood Condo For Sale

Stunning Hollywood condo with spectacular multi-million dollar views. Building is gated and set back off Beachwood Dr, allowing for privacy and serenity. Feels like you are away from it all in desirable Beachwood Canyon area of the Hollywood Hills, yet just minutes to the heart of the action of new Hollywood. Ideal condo open floor plan with the large bedrooms on the opposite sides of the living, dining, and kitchen open area. Very light & bright with 9' ceilings throughout. French doors lead out to the large balcony, which showcases some of Hollywood's most iconic buildings below. 180 degree view of the Capitol Records Building, new W Hotel, Hollywood & Vine, and more. Great building with large pool, spa, gym, and secure access. Traditional sale.

2222 Beachwood Dr #314, Hollywood Hills

$545,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,332 Sq. Ft

Beachwood Canyon Area of the Hollywood Hills

I currently have two listings in the Beachwood Canyon area so have been up there quite a bit recently, so felt like making a post about it. If you are not familiar with this area, it is on the east side of the Hollywood Hills just North of Franklin. It used to be known as "Hollywoodland," which is what the current "Hollywood" sign used to say. Driving up Beachwood Drive is a great opportunity to clearly see the iconic sign. It is a laid back atmosphere with mostly Spanish type homes dating back to the 1920's. The nice thing is that it feels like a small town type area, but yet is just up the hill from all the action in Hollywood. There is also the Franklin Village just a couple blocks east down Franklin from Beachwood Dr. It is a sort of hipster hang out if you will, with Bourgeois Pig cafe, Birds Restaurant, and The Citizens Brigade Theater to name a few of the spots in this space. My first apartment out of college was in this area, so have always been fond of it. I have also sold some great homes, and know it quite well, and would definitely recommend the area as a great place to live.

The current look of one side of the street Tunnels today (compare to the picture of the book above) The other side of the street in modern day. Here is how the Spanish home in the middle of the book picture above looks today. The Village Coffee Shop at the top of Beachwood. There is also a local grocery store next door.

Still mostly Spanish homes in this area, but a few architecturals and updated mid-century homes are moving in.

Rumor has it that Madonna used to live in this castle like building on Beachwood Dr.

Joey Tribbiani lived in this Beachwood building on the Friends spin-off Joey, more on that here.

The Franklin Village area. I admit, it's not a great picture.

Streets lined in palm trees, not a bad area to be.

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you wish to discuss more about the real estate in this area and explore it as a potential home for you, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Hollywood Condo For Sale

In Escrow

Stunning Hollywood condo with spectacular multi-million dollar views. Building is gated and set back off Beachwood Dr, allowing for privacy and serenity. Feels like you are away from it all in desirable Beachwood Canyon area of the Hollywood Hills, yet just minutes to the heart of the action of new Hollywood. Ideal condo open floor plan with the large bedrooms on the opposite sides of the living, dining, and kitchen open area. Very light & bright with 9' ceilings throughout. French doors lead out to the large balcony, which showcases some of Hollywood's most iconic buildings below. 180 degree view of the Capitol Records Building, new W Hotel, Hollywood & Vine, and more. Great building with large pool, spa, gym, and secure access. Traditional sale.

2222 Beachwood Dr #314, Hollywood Hills

$545,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,332 Sq. Ft

This is a great condo in a great location with jaw dropping views. One can always update the kitchen or baths, but can't find this view at this price in many places. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Well Designed 200 Sq. Ft Studio in NYC

Malena Georgieva, an aspiring interior designer, has done a lot with a little in her 200 sq. ft studio apartment in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Yes that's right, just 200 sq. ft. The space is definitely small; however, Ms. Georgieva has done a nice job working with what she has. The white walls and kitchen make the apartment appear larger, and she has used artwork to sort of give the different areas the feeling of separate rooms. Lastly, the use of chairs that swivel allow for one to face any section of the apartment. According to NY Curbed, she pays $1,750/mo for this tiny apartment. In any other city in America, including Los Angeles, this would sound like madness, but somehow almost sounds reasonable in the NYC.

More Pictures can be found here

Photos Courtesy of Trevor Tondro for The New York Times

Famed Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler Starts Blogging

One of the most influential and successful designers in Los Angeles, Kelly Wearstler, has started a new blog entitled My Vibe My Life. If you don't know her by name, you may have visited or seen some of her iconic designs, like any Viceroy Hotel throughout the world, the Broadway Loft Building in Hollywood, and numerous private properties for client's. For her first post, she has displayed a glimpse into her creative process, by setting up inspirational trays in her large design studio for various projects currently in the works. She has only put up one post so far, but for anyone interested in design in general, this may be a blog worth following and checking back often.

All Photos Courtesy of Kelly Wearstler

Original Mid-Century By Noteworthy Architect in Beverly Hills

Original Post & Beam with open floor plan and walls of glass leading out to the large bright blue pool. Designed by noteworthy architect Richard Dorman. Updated kitchen with granite countertops and relaxing wood burning fireplace. Nice grounds with plenty of sun drenched outdoor space to relax in a great north of the Beverly Hills Hotel location.

2291 San Ysidro Dr, Beverly Hills Post Office

$2,100,000 4 Bed 3 Bath 2,744 Sq. Ft

Listing and Photos Courtesy of Brian Linder & Scott King - Deasy, Penner & Partners

Great mid-century bones in this one, enjoy now, or grab your designer to take this property to the next level. Plenty of options here. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Modern Stylish Sunset Strip Pool Home

Unique, gated, pool home above the world famous Sunset Strip. Very interesting A frame style architecture mixed with modern finishes and soaring ceilings all leading out to stunning views of the city below. The home has an open and flexible floor plan allowing the owner to shape it's layout to fit their specific needs. Large redone pool looks like lounging at a boutique hotel.

1425 Kings Rd, Hollywood Hills

$1,995,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 2,351 Sq. Ft 4,850 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing and Photos Courtesy of Jonah Wilson - Sotheby's Int'l Rlty-Sunset

This is an interesting property that looks like it has been nicely updated. If you are looking for a modern and unique property above the Sunset Strip with views, this may be it. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Lorcan O'Herlihy Designed Architectural Condo

Lying next to the renowned Schindler House next door, this building by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects received the 2008 AIA National Housing Award. It is a stunning example of modern architecture, sleek finishes, and in a fantastic West Hollywood location. The condo has dark rich hardwood flooring throughout, spa like bathrooms, and a Boffi kitchen with Miele & Viking appliances. Walking distance to some of the most desired shopping and restaurants in Los Angeles.

825 Kings, West Hollywood

$849,000 2 Bed 2 Bath 1,220Sq. Ft

Listing and Photos Courtesy of John Galich - Rodeo Realty Inc.

A great high end condo in a highly desirable location. If you've been searching for a single level designer condo, this may be the one. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

John Mayer Sells His Funky Pacific Palisades Pad

Grammy winner and multi-platinum recording artist John Mayer has closed escrow this week on his home in the Pacific Palisades. While it went into contract in just thirteen days at very close to asking price, it looks as if Mr. Mayer took a sizable loss on this one. Per MLS records, he purchased the property in June 2006 for $1,750,000 and just sold it for $1,291,875 (interesting price right?). Celebrities are susceptible to the ebbs and flows of the real estate market just like the rest of us, although I am sure he can afford to take the hit more then your "average Joe" could. Although I think the front is kinda hideous, I do like the interior floor plan with it's soaring ceilings and open floor plan. I also like the furnishings and design accents John added. The property is on a large lot with lush green surroundings, and in very desirable Pacific Palisades. Do you think the Piano pictured is where he wrote some of his many hits?

1274 Calle De Sevilla, Pacific Palisades

Sold for $1,291,875 (Asking $1,325,000) 4 Bed 2.75 Bath 3,648 Sq. Ft 11,852 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing and Photos Courtesy of Christopher Cain & Wayne Saks - Coldwell Banker-Beverly Hills East

Stunning Spanish Property Under the Hollywood Sign

Restored and updated 1926 Spanish property lying high up in the Beachwood Canyon area just below the Hollywood Sign. The indoors was very nicely done with gourmet chef's kitchen with modern appliances, original stenciled beamed ceilings in the large living room with vaulted ceilings, updated baths, and new systems throughout. But what really impressed me about the property was the outdoor space. It is all surrounded by large hedges, so is very private, and also has several meandering pathways leading to flat grassy areas, quiet sitting places for relaxation, and of course a stunning pool and spa. This is a great home for both family living, as well as for entertaining with it's multiple unique outdoor spaces.

3267 Ledgewood Dr, Hollywood Hills

$1,999,999 4 Bed 3.5 Bath 3,083/ow Sq. Ft 9,670 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing Courtesy of Joe Reichling & Boni Bryant - Sotheby's Int'l Realty

Photos by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

This is a very well done property on a great private lot. If you are a fan of Spanish architecture, want a pool and a yard in the Hollywood Hills, this one may be perfect. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Hip New Beachwood Canyon Lease Listing

Hip modern house in the highly desirable Beachwood Canyon area. Wide open floor plan with 9' ceilings throughout most of the property. Property has great indoor/outdoor flow with several large windows opening up to the outside throughout the property. Nice wood flooring throughout, upgraded kitchen and baths. Huge master suite with office area off of the room and balcony overlooking peaceful canyon views. Also a roof top deck, & peaceful zen front sitting area. Remodeled very nicely with great deatails like, deconstructed ceiling and exposed concrete blocks, by contractor owner. Available March 15th.

2591 Glen Green, Hollywood Hills

$4,750/mo 3 Bed 3 Bath 2,010 Sq. Ft 3,150 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing and photos by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

A great lease opportunity on a very cool house in a great Hollywood Hills location. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Ivanka Trump & Her Husband List Greenwich Loft

With the big news this week circulating in the media that the recently married couple of Ivanka Trump, yes that Trump, and her Husband Jared Kushner (owner of the New York Observer and son of New Jersey real estate mogul Charles Kushner) are expecting their first child, I guess they decided they will need more space and recently listed Mr. Kushner's former bachelor pad for sale. Lying in Greenwich Village in the NYC, this 2,042 sq. ft loft in Astor Place is "one of the most sought after converted pre-war boutique loft building downtown Manhattan," according to Street Easy . With two bedrooms, two and a half baths, soaring ceilings, modern finishes, walls of glass and a ton of natural light in a boutique building, what is not to love? According to Curbed NY, Mr. Kushner purchased the property in the Spring of 2009 for $3,225,000. After doing some renovations, the property is now listed for $4,100,000. It will be interesting to see the type of space they land in next. I hear Trump Tower is nice.

I have said it before and will say it again, although there are more popping up, I sure wish there were more character loft buildings like this in prime locations in Los Angeles. That said, I guess we have houses with grassy yards, pools, and stunning views for this kind of money right.

Listing and Photos Courtesy of Torsten Krines - Sotheby's Int'l Realty, and Curbed NY

Hip Architectural in the Oaks Price Reduced - Los Feliz

I first came upon this house when I showed it for lease in 2008 at $20,000/mo to a client of mine, and I immediately loved it. The property was purchased by the current owner for $2,150,000 in 2006 and underwent a complete remodel. At one point in 2008 it was listed for sale as high as $4,895,000. Now, Lying at the top of the exclusive “Oaks” in desirable Los Feliz, this designer architectural home with explosive views has been reduced $500,000 and is under $3,000,000. An exquisite home with designer high end finishes, sleek details, walls of glass, and amazing views from top to bottom. The sparkling pool with a nice flat grassy area surrounding it is an oasis. High above the city, but only minutes to all the action and attractions of both Los Feliz and new Hollywood. It is starting to become a great opportunity for a sophisticated buyer who appreciates style to take advantage and enjoy this great house.

2532 Wild Oak, Los Feliz

$2,995,000 (Reduced $500,000 from $3,495,000) 4 Bed 6 Bath 4,500 Sq. Ft 14,070 Lot Sq. Ft

Listing and Photos courtesy of H. Blair Chang - Prudential Realty

An absolutely stunning home in a great location with too many features to list. Now that the price has come down to this point, the property is only that much nicer for less money. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

A Stylish Prospect - Los Feliz

Lying in the Franklin Hills area of Los Feliz, is this stylishly remodeled property, yet it's character remains intact. An open floor plan with walls of glass, nice wood flooring, and updated chef's kitchen highlight the interior. In addition, some nice tile details in the bathrooms. The indoor outdoor flow and true California living is highlighted in this property with it's multiple patios and outdoor gardens all seemingly connected to the interior.

3909 Prospect Ave, Los Feliz

$749,000 2 Bed 1.5 Bath 1,258 Sq. Ft

Listing and Photos courtesy of Konstantine Valissarakos - Sotheby's Int'l Realty - Los Feliz

Although smaller, this is a great opportunity to live in a very cool area in a house with a good size lot, at a reasonable price. The stylish updates make it that much more appealing. If you wish to see this property, please feel free to contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Pharell's Miami Beach Pad

These pictures came out at the end of last year from The Selby, who has some amazing pictures of the interiors of some very cool properties by the way, but I just felt like reposting since I like the property and am a Pharell fan. I like his music, clothing line, and all around cool vibe; but, I also like his taste in modern pop art and architecture. Look at the details in this Miami property, from the staircase to the ceiling touches, to the walls of glass framing the ocean view. The colorful art sets it off though, with rare pieces from such notable names as KAWS and Takashi Murakami. Not a bad place to relax and hang out for awhile right.

All pictures courtesy of The Selby