Spring is just around the corner and the market is in full bloom. Ease your way into the season with a look at the properties and personalities making headlines this month.
In Hollywood, even estate agents are stars → If selling a home in Los Angeles is an art form, as The Times UK asserts, then our agents are masters of their craft. In an exclusive feature, The Times visits some of L.A.’s most prestigious luxury properties—including 91318 Nightingale, represented by Mauricio Umansky and Alejandra Aldrete, 1041 Laurel Way, represented by James Harris and David Parnes (this property was so hot it’s already been snatched off the market!), and Mr. C Residences, represented by The Agency Development Group—and gives readers a look at the awe-inspiring ways our agents market their multi-million dollar listings. Hint: Lamborghinis, mermaids and Dom Perignon are often involved.
The Beach House, Anguilla → “The two-story home in the must-go destination of Meads Bay rises from the white sand like a sculpture,” The Star writes of The Beach House, a 17,000-square-foot stunner on the shores of Meads Bay in Anguilla—often referred to as the Hamptons of the Caribbean. The work of acclaimed architectural designer Ian “Sugar George” Edwards, the award-winning home, represented by Ian Hurdle, sits on an acre of oceanfront land and boasts ocean and sunset views from almost every room. It features eight bedroom suites, a sprawling, glass-enclosed great room with 12-foot waterfall, home theater, and 133-foot infinity edged pool.
924 Palisades Beach Road, Santa Monica → Situated on Santa Monica’s prestigious Gold Coast just steps from the new California Incline, this contemporary beachfront masterpiece nabbed features in Wall Street Journal and Robb Report. Represented by Santiago Arana and Don Richstone, the three-story residence, exquisitely designed by Molori, features towering walls of glass that reveal panoramic ocean views. Among its covetable features are two pools—a glass-walled pool on the rooftop deck, boasting views from Malibu to Catalina Island, and a backyard pool and lounge with direct beach access—a theater, exquisite master suite with a surround-sound cinema, and flexible guesthouse with walls of glass that frost for privacy with the touch of a button.
5 Star Catcher, Newport → The Newport Coast home of retired NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was the talk of the town this month, scoring features in LA Times, The OC Register, The Mercury News, East Bay Times, and Cottages & Gardens. Located in the prestigious, guard-gated Pacific Ridge community and represented by Andrew McDonald, Farrah Aldjufrie and Linda Chan, the unobstructed canyon front residence is nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and masterfully designed for entertaining. Encompassing 4,798 square feet, it features an open-concept floor plan with soaring ceilings, formal living and dining rooms, a chef’s kitchen with walk-in pantry, game room and sprawling master wing. Perfectly suited to sports enthusiasts and sun worshipers alike, outdoor spaces include a custom basketball court, infinity pool and spa, fire pit and built-in barbecue.
Metropolis and 888 S Olive, DTLA → In a recent survey ranking the 20 fastest-gentrifying ZIP codes in the country, Downtown Los Angeles took the number one spot. The Real Deal caught up with resident Downtown expert Maranda Blanton, who together with The Agency Development Group represents two of the neighborhood’s most coveted luxury offerings— Metropolis, the largest mixed-use development in the Western United States, and 888 S. Olive Street, an 18,000-square-foot penthouse, co-listed with Kerry Marsico. At $100,000 a month, 888 S. Olive is currently one of the most expensive penthouses available for lease on the L.A. market. “It’s the hub of all art, dining and fashion,” Maranda says of Downtown L.A. We couldn’t agree more.
Kings of the Hills → “Beverly Hills is more than just a ZIP code,” Modern Luxury Beverly Hills muses in its latest issue. “It’s synonymous with sophistication and elegance.” It may come as no surprise that The Agency dominated the magazine’s round-up of listings that represent “the crème de la crème of 90210,” including the Joseph Ferrugio-designed contemporary stunner 1251 Shadow Hill Way, represented by Mauricio Umansky, Jon Grauman and Brendan Fitzpatrick, along with 1175 Hillcrest Road, the epic $85 million estate known as Opus, represented by Mauricio.
Where in the World Are the Super Wealthy Buying Homes? → Justin Fichelson weighs in with The Observer. “Rather than buying yet another vacation home in Aspen or a seaside escape in St. Barths, this newly-minted, uber rich crowd is dropping cash on properties in some of the most obvious cities, including New York City, London, Monaco, and more recently, Los Angeles.” Get the inside scoop on who’s buying what where—and why—in Justin’s latest feature.
