Newsletter: Hot Property: See you at the movies
Good morning.
We never forget a familiar face, especially when that face spans 14,000 square feet with eight bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. This week, our eyes are trained on homes made famous on the big screen and new listings that make a lasting impression.
– Neal J. Leitereg and Lauren Beale
Cameo appearance
Given the movie’s title, one would think that “Beverly Hills Cop” was shot exclusively in 90210. However, the final shootout scene was actually filmed at a grand 1930s Mediterranean compound in Santa Monica.
The sprawling 3.3-acre property recently came under new ownership last month, with Vice Media co-founder and Chief Executive Shane Smith paying $23 million to live out his Axel Foley fantasies.
Vice Media co-founder and chief executive Shane Smith has paid $23 million for a sprawling compound in Santa Monica. (Don Lewis | Inset: HBO)
“Breaking Bad” fans still suffering Walter White withdrawals were recently treated to two Albuquerque listings that were locations for the acclaimed AMC series.
The fictional residence of Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul, is on the market for $1.6 million. Set on a quarter-acre corner lot, the 1940s Spanish Colonial Revival-style house featured prominently in the show, particularly the exterior and a familiar living room setting.
Two homes used as filming locations for the AMC series "Breaking Bad" are on the market in New Mexico. (Eric Trujillo | Frank Ockenfels / AMC)
A second Albuquerque property used in the season finale is also up for grabs at $2.65 million. Known to fans as the fictional home of Elliott and Gretchen Schwartz, the contemporary compound sits behind gates on two acres with a swimming pool and a raised spa.
If comedies are more your style, a historic Pasadena home used as a backdrop in the 1988 buddy comedy “Twins” recently sold for $5.95 million, or $362,000 over the asking price.
Designed by Marston & Van Pelt and built in 1916, the Spanish Colonial Revival-style house was named for its original owner, bicycle part manufacturer and entrepreneur Arthur L. Garford. Wrought iron gates and a circular motor court seen in the film mark the entrance to the Oak Knoll district residence.
The pedigreed Pasadena home was featured in the 1988 comedy "Twins" starring Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger. (Deasy/Penner & Partners | Universal)
Starchitecture for sale
It’s been a banner month for some of L.A.’s biggest names in architecture.
Famed architect Ed Niles' latest project, a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes and sizes, shook things up in Malibu to the tune of $53 million.
Bold accents, steel beams and finished concrete surfaces set the stage for the 8,989-square-foot residence, which draws inspiration from feng shui, the Chinese art of placement and energy flow.
The Ed Niles-designed masterpiece is on the market in Malibu at $53 million. (Everett Fenton Gidley)
For the sophisticated palate, a Bird Streets spec home developed by designer Bradley Bayou engages with offset rooflines, irregularly shaped rooms and textured wall treatments.
Listed for sale at $21.85 million, it has amenities that include a yoga deck, a lower-level lounge and subterranean parking for up to six vehicles.
The newly built contemporary house at 9233 Swallow Drive, Los Angeles, is listed for sale at $21.85 million. (Simon Berlyn)
Private lessons
Thirty years ago this week, Johnny Carson capped off the sale of his Carbon Beach-area home in Malibu to John McEnroe with the first of six two-hour lessons by the tennis star. The private lessons were part of an unusual deal negotiated into the contract and escrow instructions.
These days, it’s another Los Angeles County property that’s bringing stars together. In Topanga Canyon, a tennis court estate owned by real estate investor and legendary playboy Steven M. Powers is on the market for $2.5 million.
Powers has used the property to host a grass-court showcase timed to coincide with Wimbledon since 2012. Dubbed the Wimbledon Pro Am, the amateur event has attracted such former pros as Jimmy Connors, Anand Amritraj, Bill Scanlon, Dereck Restango and Doug Adler, among others.
Real estate investor, developer and legendary playboy Steven M. Powers has put a tennis court estate in Topanga on the market for $2.5 million.
Romancing a buyer
Author Jeraldine Saunders, whose book “Love Boats" spawned the TV series and films, still hasn’t come up with a final chapter for her longtime home in Glendale.
It was in August 2005 that Saunders first offered up the 3,036-square-foot house, but ended up not selling.
The 1950s home, on a half-acre knoll with panoramic cityscape, canyon and hillside views, returned to the market last fall before making another exit from the market this summer.
Jeraldine Saunders, the author behind TV's "Love Boat," listed her Glendale house at $1.999 million. (Marc Angeles | Getty Images)
What we’re reading
Venus and Serena Williams, who have 13 doubles Grand Slam tournament victories to their names, appear to be just as formidable away from the court. The tennis stars this week sold their loft in New York's Garment District for $2.1 million, or $750,000 more than what they paid for the apartment in 2005, reports ESPN. The buyer is none other than litigator Ted Wells, who recently handled the Deflategate incident involving Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
How’s this for family bonding: Related buyers have paid $58.635 million for five units occupying the top six floors of a high-rise on New York’s Upper East Side, according to the Wall Street Journal. The two relatives plan to combine the apartments to create two separate units.
And finally, it might be a good time to dust off those umbrellas. L.A. Times reporter Rong-Gong Lin II brings word of a “Godzilla El Niño” developing in the Pacific Ocean that could bring “once-in-a-generation storms” to the Southland later this year. Those quick to welcome the showers, be warned: The powerful El Niño could have devastating repercussions.
For more luxury real estate, visit us at the Hot Property blog and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
