Life in The Hills

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Beverly Hills, CA, United States
As a native Southern Californian, I am blessed to have grown up in an area that encompasses year-round beautiful weather, amazing Real Estate, great cuisine, and world influencing entertainment. Having some of the most outstanding homes in America within a 5 mile radius definitely makes my role as a Beverly Hills Realtor unique! In and out of the Golden Triangle, guiding sellers and buyers through their real estate journey, in a one of a kind neighborhood, is a fulfilling and exciting career which I am grateful to have and am happy to share with you. Selling real estate in this area of the country is not just a privilege, it's a lifestyle as well as a gift.

December 24, 2011

2011 Best Celebrity Homes

Believe it or not folks, another year has floated by and 2011 is about to have its wrap party! As most observers across the world pay attention to the daily life of Tinseltown's finest.... where they eat/shop, what they are wearing, and who they are sleeping with... I favor a 24/7 bird's eye view of what Hollywood power players are buying and selling in The Hills world of real estate.

With every year end comes the good 'ole tradition of "Best of" lists ranging from best dressed, to best failures and best body. All silliness aside, leave it up to me to provide you with a list of this year's best real estate transactions for industry heavy hitters throughout Hollywood. Counting down the 10 best homes from east to west, this year's list will comprise of many styles and sizes of homes for you to enjoy.

While Celebs stack up on real estate all around the country, many consider a home in Hollywood as a must, for the obvious reason of industry access. Stroll down 2011 memory lane to see my top 10 picks of entertainment real estate.

#10 - Derek Hough's West Hollywood Contemporary Condo

Right in the center of all the hustle and bustle is the famed Fountain Ave. For those who have traveld more than a few months through the streets of Hollywood, you quickly learn that Fountain Ave. is your friend. The legendary Bette Davis once gave a reporter a snide but precise remark on how to make it in Hollywood, "Take Fountain!" Dancing With The Stars blondie Derek Hough took that advice and invested into a sleek, eco friendly condo on the westernmost area of the street.

The newly constructed luxury unit comes equipped with an open floor plan, Ceasarstone counter tops (my favorite), stainless steel appliances, tree top city views, bamboo wood flooring, high ceilings, no common walls, double pane windows, designer bathrooms and secured parking. Mr. Hough had the pleasure of sharing this community with a fellow young star, Chris Brown, who has recently moved out of the building due to massive amounts of parking tickets and a tentative lawsuit from his neighbors who don't appreciate his radical behavior. Whoops!!! After sitting on the market for over 500 days, this condo was picked up by Derek for a simple $595,000.





Listing Brokerage: Prudential - WH
Selling Brokerage: Coldwell Banker - BH East

#9 - Katey Sagal's Architectural Abode

Big laughs and good times are what we think about when we see the bright eyed smile of Katey Sagal. While most relate to this talented Actress as the long time "Peg Bundy", Katey has continued to grace our presence over the years and is most recently acknowledged for her successful role on the FX hit, Sons of Anarchy. The role favored by her loving husband and creator of the show, Kurt Sutter, afforded Katey a Golden Globe statue this year... a perfect addition to her lovely new digs! 

High up in The Hills of west Bel Air, Sagal and Sutter swooped up this private property sitting on over an acre and a half of lush land. The 5 bed 5.5 bath house boasts close to 4,000sqft of living space, views all the way out to the ocean, numerous cantilevered decks, aggressive A frame lines with high ceilings, tons of wood, concrete and glass throughout, and a welcoming swimming pool. The award winning couple dropped a cool $3,695,000 for this one of a kind beauty. 






Listing Brokerage: Deasey Penner & Partners
Selling Brokerage: Sotheby's - BH 

#8 - Katy Perry & Russell Brand Let Go of Los Feliz

Pop music and pop culture made quite the mark in 2011, and many would say that bubble gum like Katy Perry was the heavy hitter on the charts. Whether she is kissing girls and liking it, or boasting about the life of a California girl, Perry brings a smile to millions of faces on a daily basis. Brit funny man, Russell Brand, may in fact be the biggest fan of Katy, proving so by putting a ring on her finger and making her his bride. Although they loved their majestic mini mansion in the hills of Los Feliz, Brand and Perry let go of this wonderful home in late July.

Poised along a tree-abundant corridor, this magnificent 1922 residence is a grand and fully gated haven. Manicured grounds surround the home with wide paved walkways accented and stone balustrades. Fully renovated interiors have modernist approach utilizing linen white-colored walls ideal for gallery display or contemporary furnishings. With 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and great attention to detail, the home spread out over 4,700sqft. Nearly 20 sets of French doors beckon to grassy yards or terraces overlooking inspiring views & grounds. Master suite is ballroom sized w/13'ceilings, fireplace, pa bath & walk-in dressing room. The upstairs library provides recreational space, full bath & separate office accommodations. A classic pool overlooks grassy play yard and spacious grounds on a 14,000sqft lot. Perry and Brand said bye bye to Los Feliz and walked away with a sale price of $3,300,000.






Listing Brokerage: Teles Properties
Selling Brokerage: Partner's Trust

#7 - Miley Cyrus Goes Mid-Century

Disney powerhouse, rock star wild child and mega millionaire are all fair descriptions for none other than little miss Miley Cyrus. Growing up in what seemed to be overnight, the Hannah Montana superstar took Hollywood by storm in a matter of months. From her sometimes strange commentary, to her unusually close relationship with her Father, Miley seems to always catch the attention of the media with an agenda of being bigger and better year after year. This level of entertainment success justly calls for one super cool pad in The Hills of LA.

North of Ventura Blvd in The Hills of Studio City, Miley picked up this beautiful single story home to call her own. The mid-century modern single story gated & walled very private compound has been re-imagined from studs to ceiling with meticulous attention to style and design combining the ultimate California indoor/outdoor living experience and is the perfect celebrity hideaway. Situated on a promontory of approximately 1.15 level and useable acres, the abundance of light floods the open floor plan with walls of windows and rich dark stained oak floors. There is a huge spa inspired master suite, steam shower, expansive professional style kitchen, 5.1 surround sound, pre-wired for internet, large motor court and 3 car garage. 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms complete this 5,100sqft pad. Cyrus dropped a cool $3,900,000 on her sexy new home!







Listing Brokerage: Sotheby's
Selling Brokerage: Dilbeck Real Estate 

#6 - From Stiller to Statham
Funny man Ben Stiller and bad boy Jason Statham have one particular thing in common, a love for great real estate! While they play very different roles behind the camera, they share the same taste in homes which justifies the property swap between the two earlier this year. Up in the hills of the gorgeous Outpost Estates, this beautiful property screams traditional Spanish elegance, class and sophistication. Mr. Statham should be very proud of his new digs, for I can personally say it is a one of a kind property in The Hills of LA!

Step through the gates of this walled compound and into the crown jewel of Outpost Estates. Here sits a 1929 authentic Spanish meticulously restored and sensitively updated. This 4 bed and 4.5 bath beauty boasts some of the finest attention to detail I have seen yet, and it shows in every room throughout all 5,300+ sqft. The feel of this home and the property grounds reflect on the elegance of a Santa Barbara like compound, truly stunning! Stiller sold this gem to Statham for a chunky $7,325,000!






Listing & Selling Brokerage: Sotheby's

#5 - Ellen & Portia's Beverly Hills Estate

As we all know, Beverly Hills takes pride in having some of the countries most lavish, large and extremely expensive pieces of property. And daytime talk show hot shot Ellen DeGeneres, and her beautiful wife Portia de Rossi are well versed in the 90210 real estate game. Although they picked up Brad Pitt's beautiful Malibu beach home in recent weeks, this spread in BH caught my eye as the top 10 contender. 

With no success in selling, Ellen and Portia decided to pull the home off of the open market just this week, but that does not mean this property does not deserve some praise as a great piece of real estate.  The pad is located in an extremely private and prime area on its own street in Beverly Hills, behind gates on over 3 acres of expansive land. This incredible modern compound features an approximate 9,200sqft main house, plus two guest houses/studios (with a total of approximately 15,000 sf), and another full separate 3 bedroom house which can function as an additional guest house or large office. The property features every conceivable amenity with state-of the-art security, all constructed with the finest level of taste, quality, and craftsmanship. The estate features incredible grounds, gardens, and spectacular city views overlooking the Los Angeles Basin. At a price point of $49,000,000 with no buyers, Ellen and Portia will have to continue and enjoy this beautiful and unique compound as their own.








 Listing Brokerage: WEA

#4 - Matthew Perry's Sexy Outpost Estate

Whether you are enjoying a classic episode of Friends or laughing at one his silly comedic movies, Matthew Perry knows how to bring a smile to faces worldwide. His high level of success affords plenty of good times for his fans as well as some impressive real estate to call his own. Mr. Perry exemplifies contemporary flare when it comes to his collection of fine homes, and this stellar Outpost Estate bachelor pad is a prime example of how he likes to live. 

Situated on a cul de sac street in the Hollywood Hills this sleek and sophisticated architectural home makes a bold yet refined statement. Gleaming white terrazzo floors and disappearing walls of glass open onto the patio and pool and look out over the city beyond. Exceptional views encompass the city lights and landmarks as well as dramatic canyon views of protected hillside. Enjoy the finest lifestyle The Hills affords with over 4,000sqft of living. Top it off with 3 beds and 3.5 baths, a chic gourmet kitchen, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a home theater. This property can be yours today for a subtle asking price of $5,695,000!










Listing Brokerage: Partners Trust: BH

#3 - Ken & Lisa Vanderpump Go Architectural

Rounding up the top 3 celebrity homes of 2011, expect only the best and the biggest to claim a JustinTheHills bronze, silver and gold! With the continued success of their boutique restaurants Sur, Sur Lounge, and Villa Blanca (my FAVORITE lunch spot), along with the added endeavor of Real Housewives of BH, Ken and Lisa have had quite the year! Although the current Bravo season portrays the life of Lisa & Adrienne Maloof as neighbors in the guard gated Beverly Park, the Vanderpumps sold that home this year before moving into what is, in my opinion, a stunning architectural property just around the corner from their previous mega mansion. 

Down a long private & gated drive lies a triumph to contemporary architecture in a prime Beverly Hills location. Custom built for a renowned designer as her own personal residence, this magnificent estate features the finest materials with no expense spared. Details include a two story library w/ French polished ebony wood, reverse painted glass, walnut floors, exterior yorkstone imported from England & hand-troweled plaster. The graceful and open plan incorporates a grand scaled incredible great room with top-of-the-line gourmet chef's kitchen, media room and luxurious spa like master suite with his & her baths. Surrounded by mature oak trees enhancing natural privacy, the impeccably manicured two acre grounds create a tranquil setting perfectly designed for outdoor living. Enjoy this beautiful piece of real estate with endless views, water elements, large swimmers pool and an exterior guest house. Ken & Lisa swooped this home off the market at a final sales price of $10,200,000.











Listing Brokerage: HIlton & Hyland
Selling Brokerage: Platinum Properties

#2 - Jennifer Aniston's Trousdale Triumph

Just by chance, our silver winner happens to be one of the most renowned sales of 2011, owned by one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood in one of the most esteemed community in North America. That's right, I am talking about the sale of Jennifer Aniston's impressive Trousdale estate! With no explanation needed, Jen comes in as a top talent and highly sought after professional in both the TV and film business. Her beauty, sense of humor, elegance and poise all contribute to her All American image, and this gorgeous property I'm sure added to that perfect smile on her pretty little face.

The Hal Leavitt re-designed masterpiece was restored with the finest in quality, style & taste. Every detail is presented in a cohesive blend of wood, glass and stone, bringing the outdoors in and the entertainment flow out. Tucked away behind long private and gated drive, this prime Beverly Hills estate exists as an unparalleled retreat of perfection with commanding 180-degree views and the ultimate in privacy & security. Sublime grounds featuring flowing gardens, ponds, fountains, pool and spa give you the ultimate life of relaxation. Extraordinary master suite evokes the ultimate sense of calm with dual baths, Japanese ofuro tub, sunken spa tub, steam shower, and over-sized closets. Constructed with the utmost consideration for sustainability & smart house technology, this estate reflects the timeless quality & environmental sensitivity that is synonymous with the world's finest residences today. Jen went straight to the bank after a Russian billionaire came in and snatched up this beauty for $35,000,000!
















Listing Brokerage: Coldwell Banker - BH South
Selling Brokerage: Coldwell Banker - Mission Viejo
#1 - Vera Wang Takes The Gold!
Helping woman all around the world adore their wedding day in one of her luxurious gowns, Vera Wang is a heavy hitter in Hollywood as the most powerful wedding dress designer. Her classic ways spill over into her taste in homes, which is taking my spot for the BEST celeb home of 2011. WINNER!!! Also residing in the best (in my opinion) neighborhood in Beverly Hills, this Trousdale Estate is an architectural marvel and a stunning piece of art that Vera now calls home. From the moment I stepped into this home, my breath was taking away and I barely caught it as I walked away from what I would dub as my dream home. Sparing no expense with the consideration of perfection, this home really has everything one could want in a perfect contemporary palace. 

Completely private, sitting off the street, the home welcomes you with a large motor court. A 3-year build has produced a defining structure that sets a new bar in quality, amenities, and emotional experience. Upon walking across the enormous water feature you realize you're looking at an almost all glass home. The 12-foot clearsceiling in the living room gives it immense volume as you overlook the best city light and ocean views in Trousdale. This 4 bedroom sexy home simply hovers over a sea of lights that seemingly engulfs every room in the house. Featuring top brands such as Boffi, Poliform, Vantage, and Biticino switches. Vera Wang will live the dream here and it cost her $9,200,000 to make it her own!

















Listing Brokerage: WEA
Selling Brokerage: WEA