Baronial, with fleet space
LA VILLA SERENA, a contemporary Mediterranean in the Beverly Hills area, provides some clues as to what a buyer can expect in new construction and amenities in the $20-million-plus price range.
Secluded and at the end of a cul-de-sac, the sprawling home sits behind 10-foot-high mahogany gates on a promontory with expansive city views.
The estate, completed earlier this year, has a formal motor court and adjacent, enclosed parking for 10 cars in what is being billed as a car museum. But the buyer needs to provide the cars. Perhaps the builder had talk-show host and car collector Jay Leno in mind.
An arched, glass and wrought-iron entry door leads inside, where baronial public rooms have 24-foot-high, hand-carved ceilings and decorative tile adorns a sweeping staircase.
The gourmet kitchen has an island, limestone counters, hand-carved marble sinks and a walk-in refrigerator. There are two wine cellars.
Off the master-bedroom suite is an area for yoga, massage and working out.
About this house: It took four years to build the house, designed by Jesse Castaneda for indoor-outdoor living and entertaining. On its nearly 1 1/2 acres of grounds are an infinity-edge pool, a spa, a fire pit and fountains. There are two full catering kitchens. Doors off the great room open to a terrace.
Where: The Beverly Hills post office area.
Asking price: $24.95 million
Size: The home has six bedrooms and nine bathrooms in 15,000 square feet of living space.
Additional features: The library has a wood-paneled ceiling and walls. The home has six fireplaces, an office and a service entrance.
Listing agents: Drew Fenton, (310) 560-7777, and Joseph Babajian, (310) 248-6400, both at Prudential California Realty, (310) 777-7800.
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To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, send high-resolution color photos with caption information on a CD and a detailed description of the house to Ruth Ryon, Real Estate Section, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A., CA 90012. Question may be sent to homeoftheweek@latimes.com.
