Savvy Duo’s Los Angeles Home Review

This week was not as WOW as last week. There was one house, however, that was unique, original and had something very different to offer and that was 636 Tuallitan Rd. in Brentwood, for $7,750,000. We actually almost sold this house when it was just a tear down (long story). What was and still is incredibly special about this property is the land. There is literally a Redwood forest surrounding the property with old growth that makes you feel completely transported. It’s romantic and fairy-tale like. The only negative about the location is the neighboring house. As you advance up the driveway you must pass by a hideous, old, Van Nuys special with a chain link fence that has black and white aluminum strips through it. It’s a shame the developer could not buy this house as well and incorporate it into the property, but we’re in L.A. However, once you are within the gates the Van Nuys special disappears not only from sight but from consciousness as you are imported into a much more fabulous world. The developer made the most of the land and created an outdoor movie theater – yes that’s correct – and a dual level yard. One area is a flat grassy pad and the other is an elevated pathway that literally takes you into the forest. Off of the master there is a deck that extends out into the woods as well with a Jacuzzi and plenty of sitting and lounging area. There’s no need for fences or screens, you’re in the forest. The whole house does a magnificent job of bringing the outdoors in. The style we would say is a modern, craftsman lodge. It has 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths and incredible entertaining areas. This is truly an example of California outdoor living at its best.

Keeping in the world of Brentwood high-end real estate, we also saw 480 Homewood. It’s listed for $9,350,000. It has 6 bedrooms, 7 baths. The house is nearly 10k sq. ft. and the lot is over 20k. It’s all flat and there is a huge backyard with a pool and a gracious cabana. It’s traditional and has all the bells & whistles and Carrere Marble you could desire. However, honestly, and maybe we’re just jaded L.A. Realtors, but we found it boring. We’ve seen it before. Beautiful, yes, but there was nothing original to grab us. The house needs personality. And, truthfully, there is another traditional at 428 Homewood being offered right now for $6,495,000. That house is only about 5500 sq. ft. but the lot is bigger and quite frankly better. The backyard at 428 Homewood is spectacular with a pool, a sports court, a big beautiful grassy area and a detached gym. If you can make it with only 5500 sq. ft., we suggest 428 Homewood.

Finally, for those whose budgets don’t allow for Brentwood mansions, we also saw a great little condo in Brentwood for $589,000. It’s located at 11646 Chenault. The courtyard style building is totally remodeled with new windows, doors and hard surfaces. The unit is a little over 1000 sq. ft. and has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. It unit has real hardwood floors, crown moldings, a remodeled kitchen and a small balcony. It’s move-in ready and a great buy for the location. We can remember when it was impossible to get even a condo in Brentwood for less than 700k. Times are a’changin’ and the deals are here! If you’re interested in further information about these or other properties get in touch with The Savvy Duo.

Savvy Duo’s Los Angeles Home Review

What a great week for houses! It nurtures our souls and feeds our creative spirit to see beautiful, artistic houses. Every week we enter into strangers’ homes and thereby we enter their worlds. We get a glimpse into their spirits, minds and emotions. Let’s face it; a person’s environment speaks volumes about whom and what they are. And take it from us, some people have FABULOUS all figured out.

247 S. Carmelina in Brentwood, listed at 3.295m is such a house. This is one of the most unique and special properties that we have seen in the past nine years — in any price range. It was built in 1926 and it’s like a French Chateau. Constructed of old stone with a turret entry and leaded glass front door, you are immediately transported to another time and place. The current owners gutted the entire house when they bought it and reconfigured and rebuilt the home. Many of the materials such as flooring, tiles, doors and hardware are antiques imported from Europe. The living room contains an inglenook – a small alcove lined with bookshelves – a perfect spot to grab some solace. The house is not huge, about 3300 sq. ft., perfectly laid out and very intimate. The rooms are not there solely for the sake of having space; every inch of the home has meaning and purpose. The result is a romantic, charming, modern-castle environment that feels warm and approachable. There’s nothing stuffy about it. There is a lovely pool and a modest but beautiful grassy area in the back and then a guest house above the detached garage, fully wired with a full bath and perfect as an office or guest quarters. If you are in this price range and you have an appreciation for architecture and antiques you owe it to yourself to see this one.

Next, 10492 Lindbrook in Westwood listed at 1.95m is another escape from the city into an eclectic, artistic, timeless world. The house is a Spanish hacienda built in 1935. It has been restored yet the charm and character of the architecture remain perfectly intact. The living room is stately with wide plank wood floors, a fireplace, beamed ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. Frankly, what is so dramatic and affecting from the moment you enter this house is the current owner’s art collection and the combination of colors and textures that give this house so much personality. Each room is interesting and beautiful in its architectural detail, but each room also has its own personality and life. The kitchen is remodeled and is lovely without being flashy. The backyard is like an outdoor living room with a fireplace and couches and there is a grassy area for play as well. There is an office adjacent to the garage and the closet in the master bedroom is fit for Carrie Bradshaw. Actually judging from the shoe collection, she might actually live there.

If you are curious about any of these wonderful, original properties let us know.

Savvy Duo’s Los Angeles Home Review

Here are this week’s top picks from caravan yesterday. In case you don’t know what we mean by caravan, it’s a period of hours every Tuesday when brokers preview all listings that are new to the market.

5153 Emporia in Culver City is the bargain of the week! It’s listed at 639k and it’s in move-in condition. It’s being sold by the heirs of a little old lady who lived there for 50 years. So, it’s not hip, slick and cool in terms of its finishes, but it’s a solid, good house in a good neighborhood at a great price. Most of the rooms have wood floors, it’s really light and bright, it technically has 4 bedrooms, but one would be better used as a den or a formal dining room. It has a nice little yard and patio too. This is a fantastic pick for first time home buyers.

Another great value is a condo in Westwood at 2237 S. Bentley. It’s got 2 bedrooms and 2 baths in about 1500 square feet and it’s listed at 546k. It’s another great opportunity for first time home buyers. The building has a modern, architectural feel and the unit has lots of glass making it very bright and contemporary. The unit doesn’t need much work – if any. New carpet is all we would say is essential. We haven’t seen anything this nice at this price in Westwood in eons.

Finally, 13737 Bayliss in Brentwood listed at 1.975m is an intriguing buy. The lot is slightly over 11k sq. ft. and it has a lovely flat backyard and beyond that a downward slope. It could be decked out or an infinity pool could be added which would be really gorgeous. The house has 4 bedrooms and is redone in a tasteful, contemporary style throughout. The living room has a huge plate glass wall which really brings the woodsy outside in. It’s true California living. The bedrooms are small, but they’re adequate. Anyone is looking for the palatial master suite will not be satisfied with this home. This came on the market at 2.149m in October ’08 which was basically the worst time ever. Everything was falling out of escrow at that time because people were losing all of their money in the stock market. Then the holidays came and went and this house went without a buyer. Now they have reduced it to a very reasonable number. This is an opportunity waiting to happen for someone.

This week’s Los Angeles housing inventory highlights

It’s a bargain!! No, this is not a joke, 127 N. Cliffwood in Brentwood Park listed at $10,495.00 is a great deal. It’s so gorgeous; we’re not sure where to begin. How about the solarium? It’s a gorgeous room with a glass and steel framed wall and polished concrete floors that looks out to a romantic courtyard, connecting the kitchen with the living room and library. The house, built in 1936, is a Spanish with a Batcheldor fireplace (one of the seven), artistically crafted doors, antique hardware and unique lighting fixtures. Yet, the house isn’t just a great character Spanish. It has a modern, minimalist flair which makes it feel contemporary and hip, not old. The yard is literally a park. The lot is over half an acre, all flat. There is a pool and a recording studio with a bathroom . This would make a great cabana to service the pool . Finally, there is an elegant, light-filled one bedroom, one and a half bathroom guest house with a full kitchen that is truly nicer than being at the Four Seasons. The bad news is that your guests might never leave. The good news is that they would stay out of your hair because their surroundings are so fabulous and romantic. You may never see them.

Ok, you can’t afford ten and a half million – no prob! There’s a great house in Mar Vista for $889,000.00. It’s at 12507 Stanwood and has three bedrooms and one and three quarters baths. It’s a beautiful tree lined street, the kitchen is groovy, and has a Euro vibe. There’s even a little family room that opens to a lovely yard. This house needs nothing, just bring your toothbrush and move in. Seems like a great price for something in such high quality condition in this neighborhood.

The point of our blog is not to trash houses – but sometimes we see something and we just can’t make sense of it. Unfortunately for us today it was 330 S. Saltair in Brentwood. It’s brand new construction, five thousand square feet on a lot that’s under eight thousand square feet listed at $4,395,000. The yard is small and there is no pool. The kitchen is small and in what we can only guess is an attempt at a French Country style. It simply doesn’t come together and the price seems “out there.” But what’s even more “out there” is when you compare this house to a gorgeous, fabulous, amazing house we saw a few months ago in the Encino Hills. The address is 4158 Adlon and the price was just reduced to $3,449,000. Ok, so it’s Encino and Saltair is in Brentwood, we get it. But the Encino house is right up off of Mulholland – not far at all. If that is an option, why would anyone chose the house in Brentwood? The house on Adlon is on top of a hill (a large hill) on a lot that’s over twenty five thousand square feet, largely flat and the house is almost seven thousand square feet of brand new construction. Normally a house like that can feel cold and cavernous, but not this one. The views of pine trees and mountains make you feel like you are in a Big Bear or Tahoe or someplace out of L.A. There e is a pool and flat yard for play. The outside comes in throughout the house via great windows and lots of glass. There is a fantastic outdoor “living room.” The kitchen is killer! The house is gorgeous, fabulous, beautiful! Seeing Saltair today and then seeing that Adlon is basically a million dollars less made us laugh and shake our heads. Hmm. The deals are out there, you just have to know where to look.