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.

Franklin Hills Mid-Century Opportunity

An attractive new mid-century home has hit the market in the highly desirable Franklin Hills of Los Feliz. This is the neighborhood I personally live, so know it well, and am definitely a fan of the location for a multitude of reasons. This particular property looks nice with an open floor plan, floor to ceiling walls of glass leading out to the outdoor space, and many original built ins. The listing states that, "A central brick fireplace, wood paneling, cabinetry and other period details are just some of the features that embody the modernist movement of the era." The bedrooms are a bit small, and I wish it had one more bathroom; however, this is a stylish home with great roots that lies on a 7,210 lot which affords the owner future possibilities. There are also multiple patios to relax on and take in the views from the hills. This is a great opportunity to own in a fantastic location.

2000 Mayview, Los Feliz

$799,000 3 Bed 1 Bath 1,111 Sq. Ft. 7,210 Sq. Ft. Lot

Listing and Photos courtesy of Robert Carey & Katrina Webb - Sotheby's Int'l Realty

If you like mid-century homes and this is your price point, this one could be perfect. There is a finite supply of these style homes, so I wouldn't delay, as I am sure this home will attract significant attention. If you would like to see this property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Spanish Compound on Huge Lot Near The Beach

Behind private gates on a arguably the best Mar Vista street is this stunning Spanish Compound on a massive park like lot. The size of the lot in this location is extremely rare, and thus represents a great opportunity to own a ton of land just a mile or so to the ocean. This upgraded home with views wraps around the 19,000 sq. ft lot with a soccer field of flat yard space, a sparkling pool and private spa. The 6,000 square foot home itself appears to be nicely upgraded throughout with a 5 bed/5 bath main house and an additional 1 bed/1 bath guest house, each with it's own kitchen. Loads of character and charm in this 1928 Spanish style home with all of today's modern amenities spread out over a sensational parcel of real estate. Imagine all you and your family could do with all of that outdoor space...

3547 Mountain View, Mar Vista

$2,995,000 (Reduced from $3,195,000) 6 Bed 6 Bath 6,013 Sq. Ft. 19,256 Sq. Ft. Lot

Listing and Photos courtesy of Cynthia Ambuehl - Partners Trust Brentwood

This is a genuine opportunity for a rare piece of property in a very nice location. If you would like to see this stunning property in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Guess? Co-Founder Lists Beverly Hills Mansion for $63M

Armand Marciano, one of the three brothers that co-founded the fashion company Guess? Inc, has just listed his sprawling Beverly Hills, Calif. estate for a lofty $63 million. This puts this home up amongst some of the highest priced real estate available currently in the United States. The recently completed property lies on an extremely rare almost 20 acre view property, 5 of them flat, in the highly desirable 90210 zip code, one of America's wealthiest cities. The home is massive at 30,000 sq ft with 10 bedrooms (7 in the main house and 3 in the guest house) and 22 bathrooms, and although it has all the modern amenities for today's buyer, the home pays homage to it's "timeless European elegance, which include a formal living room, dining room, library, commercial-grade gourmet kitchen, breakfast nook, family room, gym, game room, projection screening room, wine cellar & dining room." The perfectly manicured grounds are all very private with stunning views, mosaic tile pool, fountains, and tennis court. This is a tough property to duplicate due to it's massive size and location, perfect for anyone desiring a one of a kind home in prime Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills

$63,000,000 10 Bed 22 Bath 30,000 Sq. Ft per owner 860,310 Sq. Ft Lot (Nearly 20 Acres)

Listing and Photos courtesy of Joyce Rey - Coldwell Banker & Kurt Rappaport - Westside Estates Agency

This house will be shown to pre-qualified buyer's only, but if you would like to qualify and see this home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Interesting Design Ideas

While looking through the MLS, I found some interesting pictures and design ideas from various homes currently listed for sale. These are all from high end homes; however, no matter what type of property you live in, you may be able to incorporate a variation of these ideas into your space.

I absolutely love the first shot, as the walls of glass simply disappear and make it seem as if from one's bed they could just hop to one of the skyscrapers off in the distance. Talk about bringing the outside in right.

I have not seen the circle back splash detail in the kitchen before, and like the way it pops against the all white kitchen.

I like the texture of the walls, which really brings the bathroom to life.

A good idea on how to break up a large room, and can put either the bathroom or closet behind the bed area.

If you have a rooftop deck, why not work on your putting stroke while enjoying the views? All pictures courtesy of the MLS

Social Media's New Power and Influence

Image via Design You Trust

Modern Architectural in Laurel Canyon Section of the Hollywood Hills

Off of Laurel Canyon in the hills above Sunset is this modern architectural redo with clean lines and designer finishes. The home is uber sleek with an open floor plan, nice wood flooring, a sleek updated kitchen with carrera marble countertops and top of the line appliances. The chic fireplace with built in flat screen and book ends anchor the stunning open living area. The master bedroom is huge with high ceilings, a sitting area, and luxurious master bath with Phillipe Starck fixtures. Walls of glass throughout the house lead out to an outdoor cabana area, garden, and nice canyon views. In the Wonderland school district with easy access to Hollywood, the Westside, or the Valley, this could be a nice property for the modern enthusiast.

2203 Ridgemont Dr, Hollywood Hills

$1,420,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 2,417 Sq. Ft 7,640 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing and Photos courtesy of Thomas O'Rourke - Prudential CA - West Hollywood

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

1950's Traditional in A Great Los Feliz Location, $735K

This charming 1950's traditional in Los Feliz was just listed today and appears to be a good value in a good location. Lying in the Franklin Hills section of Los Feliz with views of the beautiful Shakespeare Bridge is this sunny 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home. The living room features light hardwood flooring which opens up to the outside and leads you into the kitchen with it's tile work and newer stainless steel appliances. Two bedrooms are upstairs, while there is a third bedroom downstairs, which can be used for a variety of purposes. The listing describes the outside by saying, "Enjoy a wonderful patio with plenty of room for outdoor dining and a hot tub. It is surrounded by beautiful greenery with an incredible selection of cactus &succulents, a fountain, a deck & offers a view of the fabulous Shakespeare bridge." This is a good price for a really desirable location and charming home.

1900 Monon St, Los Feliz

$735,000 3 Bed 2 Bath 1,438 Sq. Ft 6,664 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing and Photos courtesy of George and Eileen Moreno - Re/Max - Tri-City

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

Jason Statham's Hollywood Hills Glass House

One of the several fine homes of movie star Jason Statham (Transporter series, Crank, etc) has just become available. This one is positioned high above the famed Sunset Strip in the Hollywood Hills. The listing describes the home and it's architecture by noting that it's "Reminiscent of the famed Glass House by Phillip Johnson." It is full of clean lines, open space, and walls of glass. Surprisingly, the pictures don't appear as bright as one would think the interior would be in a glass house, but may have just been a gloomy day. The home has three bedrooms, one of which was turned into an office with built-ins. The exterior beckons you outside through the glass walls to the private pool surrounded in nice Jay Griffith designed landscaping. This house would be perfect for the minimalist aficionado.

1522 Rising Glen, Hollywood Hills

$2,749,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 2,281 Sq. Ft / per title 15,100 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing and Photos courtesy of Peter Lorimer - Peter Lorimer Group Estates

In a great location, this uber chic celebrity owned home may be exactly what you have been waiting for. If you would like to see this home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

Mid-Century Modern On Great Studio City Street

I have seen this home previously, as it has floated on and off the market for a year or so, and in fact was listed as high as $2,499,000 in April of 2010. I am not sure it is a $2.5M home; however, at almost $1M less I think it is definitely worth talking about. Lying in a prime view street in the Wrightwood Estates, this designer owned mid-century home has been updated with clean lines and superior finishes throughout. I wish there were more interior shots available, but the living room and kitchen look great, and I love the way the walls of glass disappear and lead out to the stunning pool and views. The backyard looks sublime as one either lounges by the pool, or runs around on the flat grass with endless views of the valley below. At 3,000 sq. ft with easy access to everything in Los Angeles, this one looks like a winner. Just imagine what the price would be if it were on the other side of the hill...double?

10955 Wrightwood Lane, Studio City

$1,699,000 (Reduced from $1,879,000) 4 Bed 3.5 Bath 3,000 Sq. Ft / per owner 9,450 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Stamie Karakasidis and Josh Buxbaum - Rodeo Realty

For a mid-century modern enthusiast with high design tastes, who wants to be in a prime Studio City location, this could be it. Just in time for summer, that pool and stunning views await. If you would like to see this home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.

The Gogol House, 1939 by Raphael Soriano in Los Feliz

The listing agent does a very good job of describing the house and it's historical relevance, so rather then just piecing it together, I have enclosed the MLS description in full for your review.

"The Gogol House, 1939. Designed by Raphael Soriano in the International Modern Style, has been called "the purest example of Soriano's early work" and "pivotal to the evolution of the modern California house". 3 bed/3ba is thoughtfully arranged throughout three floors. Main floor 2 bed/2ba, kitchen, living-dining area with glass facade leading to a large deck with southern exposure and city views. Top floor loft/office opens to a rooftop terrace. Lower level is comprised of guest bed/bath, media/music room, laundry and storage room. Detached 2 car garage and rear garden. A rare opportunity to own an important residence by an iconic, mid-century modern architect."

2190 Talmadge St, Los Feliz

$1,195,000 3 Bed 3 Bath 2,779 Sq. Ft 5,619 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing & Photos courtesy of Crystal Heatherly - Deasy Penner & Partners

This home is in the highly desirable Franklin Hills area of Los Feliz, just a few blocks from the goods and services of the Los Feliz Village. This represents a good opportunity to own a historical "work of art," created by a noteworthy architect. If you would like to see this home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com. I am sure that this home will attract a lot of interest given it's location and pedigree, so don't delay if you think it may be the one for you.

Crazy "Statue House" Hits the Market

I am sure you have driven by this house many times on the corner of 3rd st and Muirfield in Hancock Park, and wondered what it could look like on the inside. Well now the property with the 19 David replicas on its front lawn has hit the market and we can get a glimpse into the owner's wild world. While the home is full of carerra marble flooring and lucite furniture (some even hanging from the ceiling), it is much larger then I expected. At 4,832 sq. ft the home has 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms on a nice size lot with sparkling pool. Clearly this one is mostly land value, as I suspect the statues and aesthetic will not be desirable to the majority of buyer's looking for a multi-million dollar home. Perhaps a huge Michelangelo fan will swoop this one up.

What do you think, is the price right, and will this one sell?

304 S. Muirfield Road, Hancock Park

$2,400,000 7 Bed 7 Bath 4,832 Sq. Ft 14,514 Sq. Ft Lot

Listing and some Photos courtesy of Boris Dorfman - Lending Bee, Inc. Some pictures courtesy of LA Curbed

Most likely I am guessing not, but if you would like to see this home in person, please contact us anytime @ 310.600.9172 or email smilayproperties@gmail.com.