Julia Morgan Day at the Annenberg Community Beach House

In celebration of trailblazing architect Julia Morgan's posthumously awarded 2014 AIA Gold Medal, the Annenberg Community Beach House will be offering special "Julia Morgan Legacy Tours" on Sunday, March 2nd from 11am to 2pm. The 5-acre Beach House was originally the site of actress Marion Davies' rambling estate, which was developed in the 1920's by William Randolph Hearst. As with his iconic Hearst Castle, Hearst leaned heavily on Morgan's architectural vision for the design and layout of the estate. These docent led tours will highlight Morgan's contributions to the what currently stands as the impressive Annenberg Community Beach House.

William Randolph Hearst & Julia Morgan during construction of the Hearst Castle in 1926

Palm Springs Modernism Week - February 13-23, 2014

This Friday marks the start of Palm Springs Modernism Week, an 11-day celebration of mid-century design, architecture and culture. Aside from the standard home tours and Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale, this year's PS Modernism Week will feature a number of related events including: a Vintage Trailer Show, Neighborhood Walking Tours, Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, a Christopher Kennedy Showcase, Man About Modernism: An Evening with Stephen Collins, Prefab Showcase and Modern Living Expo, Sand and Sea - Modernism in Palm Springs and Sarasota, and much more. Visit modernismweek.com for further details and to purchase tickets.

Tramway Gas Station :: Albert Frey, Robson C. Chambers, Architects

Reception at the Frank Sinatra Estate

Bright Contemporary :: Outpost Estates

Designed by an Architect as his personal residence, this recently-built home features soaring ceilings and walls of glass in an ideal Outpost Estates location. The open, loft-like rooms are filled with light, warmed by beautifully stained wide-plank walnut floors and views of the property’s mature landscaping and surrounding hillside. A voluminous living area features a built-in entertainment center, crushed glass fireplace and opens on to the sparkling pool. The open plan kitchen boasts top of the line appliances and tasteful finishes. There are 3 bedrooms, one of which has been configured as an office, with open walls and large windows to take advantage of the home’s best views. There is a large laundry room as well as a meticulous 2-car garage. Seller is very motivated and this home is priced to sell.

2613 Carman Crest, Hollywood Hills

for sale $2,495,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000 

The Architecture of the Sochi Olympics

Bolshoy Ice Dome

Today marks the official start of the 22nd Winter Olympics. Aside from being one of the most controversial Games in recent memory, it's proven to be, by far, the most expensive - clocking in at around $50 billion (for context, 2010's Vancouver Games came in at about $7 billion). Here's a look at some of the architectural venues that lofty price tag has afforded this year's Games.

Adler Arena

Ice Berg Skating Palace

Robert Byrd Architectural :: Hollywood Hills

Designed by Robert Byrd in 1952, this home is a great example of his indoor-outdoor architectural style and comes complete with his signature embedded bird house over the garage. Beautifully detailed throughout and completely updated for today’s lifestyle, it has wonderful light and views. The romantic master bath boasts a claw foot tub, and a stunning kitchen is outfitted with professional grade appliances by Wolf and Sub Zero. The living area opens onto lush private gardens highlighting the property's original charm and flair. It is an absolute gem.

8281 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood Hills

for sale $1,349,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

Mid-Century Modern :: Studio City

Perched atop the hills, at the edge of a quiet cul-de-sac, sits a mid-century modern oasis. Meticulously re-imagined by a celebrated designer, this turn key home represents the finest in California indoor/outdoor living. Walls of glass open up to a gorgeous, lushly landscaped yard on an oversized lot with outdoor dining, fire pit, and a flat grassy area. Citrus trees and a hanging chair adorn this woodsy backyard, which is often visited by neighborhood deer. Inside, a vast great room is flanked by double fireplaces and an abundance of natural light. A stylish dining room beacons guests to enjoy themselves, while a state of the art kitchen hosts a breakfast bar, large farmhouse sink, and comes complete with bosch refrigerator and duel-fuel AGA range. Upstairs, two large guest bedrooms and a beautiful guest bath are overshadowed by the impressive master suite, complete with a dream closet and free standing modern soaking tub.

Located within the Carpenter Community Charter School district, and just minutes from Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Studio City and Universal City, this home is ideally situated for busy Los Angelites. However, much of the charm lies in the "away from it all feel" as it is perfectly tucked away from the noises and bustle of the city below. Renovated with an incredible attention to detail and an obvious joy, 3172 Dona Susana Drive is unique and delightful. There's even a secret room in this playful home: come visit and see if you can find it!

3172 Dona Susana Drive, Studio City

for sale $1,699,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

Hollywood Hills Craftsman, Circa 1902

Elegant Craftsman home, circa 1902, perfectly situated on a large flat lot of over half an acre. Enter the private street through gates to find this oasis, just seconds from Hollywood, and still affording unparalleled space, privacy and quiet. Classic semi circular drive dotted with mature landscaping invites you home. Once inside, the hardwood floors and period details make for an intimate, warm and classic welcome. The first floor consists of large living room with wood-burning fireplace, formal dining room, media room and massive eat-in gourmet kitchen with wrap around views to the outside green spaces. French doors lead to the flat grassy yard, conducive to playing and dining, with plenty of room for a pool. Upstairs, the en suite master bedroom offers city views, a walk-in cedar closet and a separate light-flooded sitting room for reading or quiet contemplation. Two additional bedrooms with their own baths, complete the upper level - with the possibility of splitting the larger bedroom in two and creating a 4th bedroom, guest room or office space. Major estate and compound potential.

Rarely does a property of this caliber and grace become available. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

2004 La Brea Terrace, Hollywood Hills

for sale $2,899,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

Photography by Jim Simmons

A Sneak-Peek at the Revitalized United Artists Theater

With the opening of the Ace Hotel in Downtown LA comes re-introduction the the ornate United Artists Theater. The official unveiling won't occur until February 14th, when it will host its first event - Spiritualized playing their iconic album Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space - here we take a sneak-peek inside at what's to come.

 

Leff/Florsheim House, 1957 :: Donald A. Wexler, FAIA

The iconic post and beam home has been meticulously rebuilt. Entering through a signature Wexler spider leg entrance, the interior atrium and white terrazzo floors throughout compliment the crisp walls and floor to ceiling glass walls. An open floor plan flows effortlessly to the exterior looking onto the swimmers pool and spa with West facing mountain views and recently updated landscape design by Marcello Villano. The en-suite master bedroom opens to the pool and views. Open concept kitchen features Miele & Sub-Zero appliances. A guest bedroom and full bath is thoughtfully situated at the rear of the house. 

Award winning interior designer Luis Ortega designed the interior and newly added outdoor living room and fountain for the current owners. Additional features include a media room, Wexler designed fireplace, air conditioned garage, walled and gated for privacy. 

Sought after by architectural tours and location companies, published in numerous magazines and books, photographed by and modernized with museum quality precision, it is a rare and special offering.

362 W. Via Sol,Palm Springs

for sale $2,899,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

Venice Ocean Front View Home

 

On the beach, impeccable 3 BR/3.5 BA Venice view home. Breathtaking ocean-front main living level perfect for entertaining, includes a dramatic entry, "beach-formal" living room and dining room plus a designer kitchen all with panoramic sea & sand views.

The richly detailed and private master bedroom suite has a sitting area, spacious master bathroom and walk-in closet. Curved staircase leads to the upper level which features a spectacular private vista terrace & fireplace overlooking the beach, a family room/library plus game room with bar. The lower level includes a spacious beach-access guest suite and patio. Private 4-car garage ensures ample parking. 
 

2403 Ocean Front Walk, Venice

for sale $4,395,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

 

Partner Spotlight: Steve Clark

It was almost five years ago that Steve Clark joined deasy/penner as a partner. After an illustrious real estate career, Steve says, “It was the best decision I could make.” No small praise, considering that Steve is not only a Los Angeles native, but also a former rock-and-roll drummer who toured around the globe. We had the opportunity to catch up with this L.A. tastemaker about architecture, tips for buyers and sellers, and his favorite neighborhood.

Do you have a favorite architectural style?

Spanish. I've owned and reinvented two different 1930 Spanish homes, and I love the character and history associated with that time… the colorful tile, the arches throughout, the Magnesite staircases, and of course those gorgeous lath and plaster walls. Really, they don't build houses like that anymore. I look forward to getting home at the end of a long day.

Do you have a favorite house you've sold or bought for a client? 

Tough question! Every client has a unique story, and their homes have stories as well. My favorite part of my career is helping a client make the right match -- whether it's finding the perfect house to buy or finding the right buyer for a listing. My favorite house is the one I'm currently listing. I get emotionally attached. After all, if you don't love it, you're not really representing it, right?

What is your best piece of advice to someone house hunting in the Los Angeles area? 

My clients and I talk extensively about their work, their career, and their lifestyle before even starting to look at homes. Where they work and play is critical. This city can eat you up if you work on one side and live on the other.

What’s something that sellers need to do better?

The internet has changed the way we buy and sell homes. A seller has the opportunity to reach more people than ever before. However, the house has to look its best. Great photos are more important than ever. Make your house look better than it has ever looked before. Stress to your realtor: DO NOT skimp on photos.

What is your favorite LA neighborhood and why?

That's easy… Silver Lake. I’m born and raised here. I've had the opportunity to sell homes from the ocean to the San Gabriel Valley, but I always come back to the epicenter of cool. Each community definitely has its thing, but for me it's Silver Lake, hands down. They're my people.

My Gingerbread Museum As Art

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, Frank Lloyd Wright. Icing, gingerbread, cotton candy, candy wrappers, licorice, sugar.

In honor of the season, we take a look at this impressive collaboration between photographer Henry Hargreaves and food stylist Caitlin Levin as they bring the interpretive art gingerbread construction to bear on famous architectural museums from around the world.

Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS), Antwerp, Neutelings Riedijk Architects. Gingerbread, lego candy, hard candy, sesame candy, chocolate, bubble gum, sour rolls.

Maxxi – National Museum of the 21st Century Arts, Rome, Zaha Hadid. Gingerbread, hard candy, lollipop sticks.

Barbara Hill, Designer :: Dance Hall Redux - Marfa, Texas

Houston designer Barbara Hill brings her signature style to Marfa, transforming a hundred year old adobe dance hall into what Dwell Magazine calls "a sophisticated retreat", a minimalist Modern getaway in the West Texas desert. Facing a sculptural fire pit in the scenic central courtyard, the serene open living area is anchored by a wood burning fireplace and defined by soaring Birch ceilings that unify the space and complement black structural steel. At one end, a custom kitchen features state of the art appliances and a unique cast iron sink that exaggerates the length of cabinets running wall to wall. At the other end, cleverly designed moveable closets create intimate bedroom and bath spaces separate from the main living area. Hand-selected fixtures and carefully curated furniture give the home an easy warmth and livability, at once almost airy and ethereal yet grounded to the site. This home embodies the Marfa aesthetic: clean Modern design connected directly to the landscape.

303 East Texas Street, Marfa

for sale $895,000
contact Brian Linder to request a showing :: 310.592.5417

AIA | LA Art Exhibit: When a Computer Image Doesn't Tell the Entire Story - Drawings and Concepts by William Block

There's still some time left to check out this stunning exhibit at the Los Angeles Chapter AIA.

Modern Renovation by Built Group near Hancock Park

Masterful modern renovation by Built Group in desirable Hancock Park adj. location. The best of new, skillfully and harmoniously integrated into a classic neighborhood home within the 3rd Street Elementary School district. Walk to Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and the best of the arts and design districts!

Quiet, gated and private setting with an incredible grassy back-yard and outdoor dining pavilion.

Open and bright modern plan that is so hard to find in the neighborhood. Sleek modern lines with the warmth of natural woods and lush surroundings. Recessed lighting throughout the home provide and even glow.

Master bedroom suite features a gorgeous spa bath with huge double headed rainfall shower, built-in office area with skylight, and multiple closets with custom built-ins to have you organized and ready on day one. A wall of glass doors opens to the back yard. Spacious second and third bedrooms are joined by a Jack and Jill bath with double vanity and colorful glass tiled shower/tub.

Gorgeous custom built-ins provide storage and architectural appeal to the bright gallery entry hall. Incredible natural light with west facing front exposure, and all day sunlight via multiple architectural skylights. All new architectural quality windows and doors, striking new kitchen with designer appliances and counter-tops, and superb materials and craftsmanship throughout.

Detached architectural pod dwelling makes an ideal home office/studio or creative space. Stunning at night with tropical minimal landscape design featuring towering palms and drought tolerant plantings.

This is a Hancock Park area home for the next generation home buyer.

• 3 bedroom and 2 full bath
• Electric Gated Driveway with walled front courtyard and terraced decks and landscape areas.
• Outdoor dining pavilion with built in table and seating
• Built in office area in master entry hall
• Skylights throughout provide incredible light
• Stylish mid-century lighting fixtures included, and recessed lighting throughout.
• Brand new kitchen with professional appliance package, Viking Gas Range and Caesarstone Counters
• Indoor Laundry Room with full size washer/dryer
• Built ins with custom wood doors provide additional storage
• Custom window blinds throughout
• Alarm System
• Lush landscape design, sprinklers and lighting with timers.
• Fully fenced and gated. Driveway gate works by remote or manually.

 

306 S. Mansfield Avenue, Hancock Park Adjacent

for sale $1,725,000
contact Stephen Parisi to request a showing :: 310.488.7653

My Cabin as Art

With winter fast approaching, we take a look at some architectural turns on the classic winter cabin.

Feral House :: Matali Crasset, Designer

Hardanger Summer Retreat :: Saunders Architecture

Eclectic Laurel Canyon Home

Nestled privately in the canyon, just above Sunset Blvd. near Kirkwood is a truly unique property with a colorful history. With a 16,390 sq ft lot, the approximately 4,200 sq ft house boasts 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms including a 2 story and 2 bathroom guest house. Features of the estate include beautiful hardwood floors, Spanish tiles, marble kitchen, walk in pantry, lots of light, marble baths, remote controlled waterfall pool & spa surrounded by lush landscaping and palm trees, flat grassy side yard, screening room (which could be used as a Theater, Yoga Studio or Dance Room), living room with two tiered open floor-plan, guest bedroom with ladder to a Meditation Tower with views, antique doors and windows from Europe, wood-burning fireplace, tank less water heating system, three HVAC systems, service entrance, guest house with private spa, off-street gated parking for up to 6 cars. Escape from the city and make this your private retreat. Also perfect for entertaining.

1925 Weepah Way, Laurel Canyon

for sale $1,975,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000