Hollywood Hills Stylish Mid-Century Home

Stylish Mid-Century home just listed in the Hollywood Hills. This one is in a nice location above booming Hollywood, and features an open loft like floor plan in the main living area with dark hardwood flooring. The recently renovated kitchen features Caesarstone counters, Ann Sachs tiles and appliances by Miele, Viking and Liebherr. Two bedrooms upstairs, and one on the lower level, which is currently configured as an office/media room. It's got a nice mix of vintage elements and modern touches, and is a nice looking home in a good location with a pool just in time for the summer.

What are your thoughts on this home, finishes used, and the price?

6309 Ivarene Ave, Hollywood Hills

$999,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 1,926 Sq. Ft 7,140 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Geoff Clark - Deasy Penner & Partners

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

Modern Architectural in the Franklin Hills of Los Feliz

Lying in a great location high up in the Franklin Hills is this modern updated home with architectural lines and high end finishes throughout. It just hit the market and looks very clean. The home has a wide open floor plan with new custom windows and doors that blur the line between indoors and out. The doors lead out onto large decks perfect for soaking in the views of the city. The kitchen has been redone with updated with appliances fit for a chef, including a new Viking range/stove and Bosch Dishwasher. This is a nice looking property with beautiful finishes in a desirable location.

2312 Lyric Ave, Los Feliz

$999,000 3 Bed 3.5 Bath 2,000 Sq. Ft 3,615 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Jonathan Watters - Foundation Real Estate

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

Recent Trip to Palm Springs - Riviera Hotel

I recently went down to Palm Springs for the weekend to visit my grandparents. We stayed at the famed Riviera Hotel. After undergoing a huge renovation on this former 60's hot spot, Noble House Hotels & Resorts re-launched this historic property in October 2008. It is a beautiful property in a stunning setting with a nod to the mid-century aesthetics, but with an updated modern twist. As usual, I should have taken more pictures, but managed to snap a few of the Hotel, room, and pool plus a few about town shots.

I was struck by the pictures over the cabanas at the pool from the 1960's, and the fact that besides the fashion, the scene basically is identical to how it was when I was there in 2011. Some things never change, and I suspect lounging at the pool in the sun will still be happening in 2050.

For more information and images you can visit the Hotel Riviera's Website.

Photos by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

His Way - Producer Jerry Weintraub Lists $42.5M Malibu Estate

I recently saw the HBO documentary entitled "His Way" about Producer Jerry Weintraub's illustrious career in show business. I think I had heard the name before, but didn't know too much about him before seeing the documentary. I must say I was impressed and inspired by the man's ability to flat out make things happen throughout his almost fifty year professional career. Mr. Weintraub started his own management company in 1964, where he handled huge stars like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. He went on to manage John Denver's career in 1970. Jerry Weintraub began producing movies in 1975, and ended up producing huge blockbusters including, all of the "Karate Kid" and "Ocean's" Movies, among many others.

Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

$42,500,000 7 Bed 11 Bath (in main house) 11,180 Sq. Ft 288,807 Sq. Ft Lot (6.63 Acres)

I wish I could find some more interior shots, as the outside ones of the actual house aren't all that impressive, considering the price point. Obviously the extensive grounds is what makes this one special, and after the break you can get a glimpse of this amazing property which spans almost seven flat acres in a prime westside location just south of Paradise Cove. This size compound is huge and extremely rare for beachfront property. It comes with 500 feet of beach frontage!

"Besides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and private beach access, Weintraub’s home includes 7 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms in the main house. There are more sleeping quarters in the two guest houses also on the property. The compound also features a deluxe equestrian center with two stables and large riding ring as well as lighted tennis courts and pool." - Zillow Blog

According to The Real Estalker, Weintraub purchased the property in two pieces: he paid $950,000 in 1978 for a four-acre parcel and $450,500 for the second 2.25-acre parcel in 1980. Sounds like those investments will work out well for Mr. Weintraub. Not as nice as he originally hoped though, as the property was previously listed in 2008 for a whopping $75,000,000. I hope he has better luck this time around with the more realistic price.

I am not worried about this media kingpin though, as Mr. Weintraub also owns several other large and lavish homes including a double lot spread on Doheny Road in Beverly Hills (just down the road from the Ozzy Osbournes), a house in Palm Desert just outside of Palm Springs, and another place in Kennebunkport, Maine. The man is definitely doing it his way in a major way.

Listing and Photos courtesy of Christopher Cortazzo - Coldwell Banker

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

Love This Clean White 1961 House in Bel-Air

I don't necessarily love all the furniture, but the house is nothing short of amazing. Originally designed by famed architect Richard Dorman, AIA, in 1961, this mid-century home has been updated for any modernist buyer's tastes. The floor plan is wide open with free flowing connectivity of rooms, all based in stunning terrazzo flooring, and surrounded by walls of glass leading out to the stunning pool. The master bedroom has been transformed with a luxurious spa like bathroom, and huge walk in closet. The home is located on prestigious Stone Canyon in Bel-Air and has relaxing views of the Stone Canyon Reservoir. On the market in 2009 for as high as $4,200,000, the listing sums up the current offering nicely by saying, "Finally, an exceptional example of modernist architecture at a realistic price."

1711 Stone Canyon Rd, Bel-Air

$2,895,000 3 Bed 3.5 Bath 2,970 Sq. Ft 13,020 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Billy Rose & Christopher Miller - Prudential CA - Beverly Hills

Of course the home has been updated with modern finishes, but the amazing thing to me when you think about it is that this home was designed and built in 1961, and yet it remains just as beautiful and stunning a home today as it was back then. This is my favorite type of architecture, and represents a great opportunity for a buyer who appreciates a similar aesthetic. If you would like to see this fine home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

2 Dynamic Mid-Century Modern Homes Listed Above The Sunset Strip

Two redone mid-century homes in the Hollywood Hills above the Sunset Strip with superb finishes were listed this week. They both are almost identically priced, and offer a ton of home in prime locations. The first one is high up Nichols Canyon on Devista, and is a bit more stark and modern with it's white flooring than it's selling competitor. The other is up famed Sunset Plaza Dr and lies on Rising Glen; it is definitely modern and updated, but retains a more warm "homey" feel. They both have nice pools and city views.

See the rest of the first listing and the second home after the break. Which one do you like better? Please comment and let me know as I am interested in hearing your thoughts.

7508 Devista Dr, Hollywood Hills

$2,950,000 4 Bed 4.5 Bath 3,352 Sq. Ft 15,860 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing and Photos courtesy of Barry Sloane - Sotheby's Int'l Rlty - BH

1420 Rising Glen, Hollywood Hills

$2,900,000 3 Bed 3.5 Bath 3,850 Sq. Ft 12,000 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing and Photos courtesy of Judy Feder - Nourmand & Associates-BH

Two really nice looking listings that are beyond move in ready and nicely merge style and function. Which one do you like better based on the pictures? If you would like to see either or both of these properties in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Love This Soho Loft; NYC

Anyone that follows this blog knows I am a huge fan of lofts. It is the soaring ceilings, walls of glass, and just wide open space that really does it for me. I don't operate in the Manhattan real estate market, but definitely love the aesthetics of modern lofts in old pre-war buildings. The right mix of modern and vintage character is just special. I saw this one on NY Curbed, and think it looks amazing. So cool in fact that I had to share it with you guys. There are starting to be a few more of these in Los Angeles, especially as Downtown Los Angeles continues to be redeveloped, but doubt many can touch this Soho loft. Curbed describes it as, "It's a 4,500-square-foot 4BR with 15' ceilings and eight cast iron columns." If you are wondering, this third floor loft at 84 Mercer in Soho, will run you a cool $7,000,000.

Listing & Photos Courtesy of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate (some pictures via Curbed NY)

Well Priced Mid-Century in Beachwood Canyon Still Available

This listing hit the market a bit over a month ago, and is still available. I think it is a good looking opportunity for a cool mid-century post & beam house in highly desirable Beachwood Canyon. The property has an open floor plan surrounded in walls of glass leading out to large decks and unobstructed city and canyon views. Upgraded chef's kitchen with black granite counter tops and newer cabinets opens up nicely to living and dining area, great for entertaining. The listing describes the "Downstairs loft-style master or guest suite has mini kitchen, tile sunken tub bath and sitting room, den or office with sliding glass doors that open to an extra large deck surrounded by serene canyon & city vistas." This property opens up tremendous opportunities to live in as is or further upgrade to your tastes to create a modern showcase.

2844 Lambert Dr, Hollywood Hills

$869,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 2,604 Sq. Ft (per owner) 3,650 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Rose Ware & Terry Canfield Schmidt - Prudential CA

This is a nice location with a great open floor plan leading out to large decks and stunning views. If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Lafayette Square

I have a client who is currently looking in this small pocket known as Lafayette Square in Mid-City Los Angeles, so have come to learn and appreciate it recently. It is a small community, founded in 1913, and designated by the city of Los Angeles as a HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone) because of it's history and architecture. With about 225 homes in the area, one can only access the square by car through one street, St. Charles (off of Crenshaw Blvd.), as the rest of the ends are all gated. This definitely adds to both a community feel and safe neighborhood vibe. The residents in this location take their character original homes seriously, and should one try to change too much of the outside of the house, can be told to put it back by the city. While the outside of the homes retain their original charm and character, some of the homes have been updated inside for more modern conveniences. There are varying types of architecture in the square, but all lie on large lots, and appear quite stately from the street. Even though I definitely lean towards mid-century and modern architecture, I can appreciate the beauty and history that these homes provide.

Read more on the history of Lafayette Square on Wikipedia, including the famous names that have lived in this community over the years.

This was the home, designed for himself, of noteworthy architect Paul Williams.

Pictures by Eric Smilay for Smilay Properties

If you would like to learn more about the properties currently available in this area, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

High Design Kitchen Remodel At The Clock Tower; Brooklyn

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.

Exploring The Los Feliz Village

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

Modern Post & Beam; Hollywood Hills

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.

Four Nice Listings on the Eastside under $600K

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.

New Hollywood Hills Modern Architectural

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.

Phillipe Starck Designed Wireless Speakers

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

Royal Couple's "Starter Home" Valued at over $76M

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.

So Fresh & So Clean in West Hollywood

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.

New Better Shelter Remodel in Highland Park

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.

Updated Westside Home at Reasonable Price

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.

SOLD -- Character Spanish in the Hollywood Hills

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!