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Celebrity Real Estate: Hayden Christensen Lists Studio City Architectural Home

Friday, October 26, 2012 / No Comments

Hot off the presses from the always informative Lauren Beale at LA Times Hot Property comes word of Hayden Christensen's Studio City home for sale at $2,495,000. Mr. Christensen is a Canadian born actor who gained fame with his popular role as "Anakin Skywalker" and later "Darth Vader" in George Lucas' Star Wars Episode II and III (I wonder if Hayden knows that the original ILM studios were started in nearby Van Nuys). 

The home measures 5 Bed/5 Baths on 6,302sqft on a total lot size of 0.78 acres built in 1990. This home has a modern-contemporary architectural style which I unfortunately dont know who is the architect. 

According to the listing:
Celebrity owned Architectural Modern with 6300 sq ft on 3/4 acre. Linen white gallery walls, sisal carpets & rich walnut floors. Step down liv rm w/ fireplace, high ceilings + French doors open to large private flat yard. Formal dining room, large open gourmet kit/family room w/ fireplace opens to pool and rear yard. 2nd floor family rm w/ fireplace, 3 bdrms all opening to view terraces with spa. Entire 3rd floor lavish master suite with elevator, views, fplce, large bath w/ his/hers areas, elevated tub + double walk in closets. Great outdoor entertainment areas w/ salt water pool, spa, 2 enclosed flat yards , mature trees + oversize 3 car garage.
This home was last purchased on September 22, 2003 for $1,425,000 which the property records indicate was actually purchased by Hayden's brother, Tove Christensen, who is also an actor and film producer. Based on the current asking price if it sold, which has already been reduced by $155,000,  would net Tove a profit of $1,070,000 before taxes, commissions, carrying costs, and any other expenses associated with the property. Not sure where the Christensen brothers are heading off to but maybe they are seeking independence as they get older. 

You can view more SFV Celebrity Real Estate here










Images courtesy Hilton & Hyland

1960's Topanga Canyon and Sherman Way Blvds.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012 / 1 Comment
DeYoung Automotive on the top right, Harvey's restaurant on the top left, and KFC at the bottom right.
And a classic picture I found from one decade earlier....
Image courtesy Pierce College

The Benson House by Frank Gehry in Calabasas

Monday, October 22, 2012 / No Comments
[Update August 21, 2013]: This home sold for $790,000 on June 28, 2013.

[Original Post]:
23685 Clover Trail
2 Beds/2.5 Baths on 1,719sqft on a total lot size of 0.35 acres built in 1981 in Calabasas by Frank Gehry which known as the Benson Home. This home is being listed on the market for the first time by the Benson's for $895,000.

According to the listing:
The Benson House, 1981 :: Frank Gehry, Architect. Applying his deconstructivist "village" concept to a sloped view site in Calabasas, Gehry expresses the family home as a discrete collection of volumes, one containing the living quarters, another the sleeping quarters, and an un-built carport. A palette of materials such as asphalt roofing used for exterior sheathing, plywood both painted and unfinished, concrete floors, and unfinished exposed rafters provide striking contrasts and the suggestion of a house as yet unfinished. Two bedrooms, a loft work space, and two bathrooms are separated from the open, voluminous living space with a third bathroom and laundry by exterior corridors and connected by wood bridges. Large windows capture stunning views of the Valley below. This landmarked home is being offered for the first time by the Benson Family. Calabasas Historical Landmark No. 2.
You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here.

Also check out these links:

Frank O. Gehry The Architect's Studio

City of Calabasas Historical Designation

Valleymodern.com

Architizer.com










Images courtesy Deasy Penner & Partners

Cliff May Designed Studio City Home Hits Rental Market

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 / No Comments
11248 Sunshine Terrace
2 Bed/1 Bath on 989sqft on a total lot size of 10,994 built in 1954 Studio City. According to the listing, the home was built by Cliff May and hit the rental market for $3,100 back in mid August 2012. I am a little late in reporting this one and I believe its no longer available. 

From the listing:
Perched on a knoll, behind a gated drive is a quintessential Cliff May home built in 1954. Walls of glass glass and superb architecture make this creative space a one of a kind dwelling for the eclectic connoisseur of life's finer things. 2 bedroom and 1 bath home on a large, very private lot. The designer style kitchen plays to dining and living areas; all flows seemlessy to the grassy yard, coy ponds and gorgeous views of the valley beyond. This is a rare opportunity to occupy one of the foremost architect's offering, on one of the best lots the hills have to offer. In close proximity to Ventura shops and restaurants as well as the studios. Call agent for exclusions.
You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here.













Images courtesy Rodeo Realty

Celebrity Real Estate: The Studio City Home Claimed To Be The Last Resting Place for Beatles George Harrison Sold

Tuesday, October 16, 2012 / No Comments
3738 Laurel Canyon Blvd
3 Bed/3 Bath on 2,891 sqft on a total lot size of 0.71 acres built in 1941 Studio City. This home recently sold on October 10, 2012 for $1,489,000 which was $40,000 less than original list price of $1,529,000. The home was previously owned by Gavin de Becker who is a security specialist for governments, large corporations, and celebrities. 

The story goes that George Harrison of The Beatles who was in his last days of fighting lung cancer hooked up with Gavin de Becker and tried to arrange a secretive funeral. Harrison did not want to die in a hospital or his mansion in the UK. So fellow Beatle Paul McCartney offered his place in Beverly Hills Post Office which he had purchased on March 16, 2001 for $3,995,000 from fellow rocker Courtney Love who purchased it from comedienne Ellen Degeneres in 1997 for roughly $3 million. 

Harrison died on 29 November 2011 at McCartney's house with family nearby. To prevent McCartney's home from becoming a shrine, de Becker's firm instead used a fake address of 1971 Coldwater Canyon Drive (which would hypothetically be near to McCartney's home if there was a home listed with that address) on the death certificate (also here) as a decoy which worked for several months. Afterwards, Gloria Allred gets involved and calls shenanigans on everyone. So de Becker releases an updated death certificate with de Becker's Studio City address including a fake picture of Harrison and his wife Olivia standing in front of de Becker's mailbox.   Finally the death certificate was corrected stating Paul McCartney's home which was filed on March 16, 2002.

So for a brief period of time, the de Becker home in Studio City was known as the last home of George Harrison but really wasnt as Harrison passed away at McCartney's Beverly Hills PO home. 









Images courtesy Prudential California Realty

Celebrity Real Estate: Former SFV Native NFL Star Sells Chatsworth Home At A Loss

/ No Comments
[Update January 23, 2014]: The Sherman Oaks home was listed for sale at $2,795,000 on January 23, 2014 with more details and pictures here

[Original Post]:
Images courtesy Rodeo Realty
Former NFL Raiders running back, Justin Fargas, sold a Chatsworth home at a loss. Fargas is a native of the SFV who was born in Encino and attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks before attending USC. He was drafted by the Raiders in 2003 and played there until 2010 where he was dropped. The Denver Broncos briefly picked him up in 2010 but later released him before the start of the season. His dad is Antonio Fargas who is famous for playing "Huggy Bear" on Starsky and Hutch as well as other roles in several films and TV shows. 

The 4 Bed/2.5 Bath on 2,255 sqft on a total lot size of 7,515 sqft built in 1957 listing states:
This Beautiful Landscaped corner lot opens up to. 4 Bedrooms 2 1/2 baths. 3 bedrooms down including the Master with it's own separate dual tub and shower. . The upstairs bedroom has it's own bathroom, very spacious. Sliding glass doors lead out to a spectacular entertainers backyard with a pool and spa. Move in condition, just bring your furniture.
Fargas purchased this home on March 11, 2004 for $570,000 and sold for $500,000 on September 28, 2012. This transaction represents a loss of $70,000 not factoring in carrying costs, renovation costs (if any), commissions, and taxes. 

Its not known why Justin Fargas sold his Chatsworth home but its possible that he is trying to downsize after his retirement from the NFL considering that he recently purchased a Sherman Oaks home on July 17, 2008 for $2,295,000.



Images courtesy Prudential California Realty
The Sherman Oaks home measures 3 Beds/5 Baths on 4,892 sqft on a total lot size of 0.49 acres built in 2000. The listing states:
ATTN: ROCK STARS, HIPSTERS, ARCHITECTURAL BUFFS! ONE-OF-A-KIND LOFT-STYLE RESIDENCE. CUTTING-EDGE MODERN ON SPRAWLING PARK-LIKE GRAOUNDS. LARGE SCALE LIVING W/ ENORMOUS VOLUME/SPACE. 3+5, INCLUDING SEXY MASTER. 2-STORY LR, MEDIA, SLEEK KITCHEN & BATHS. CONCRETE FLOORS, RECESSED LIGHT, SURROUND SOUND, ART WALLS. MULTIPLE WINDOWS & TERRACE DECK OVERLOOKING VAST RESORT STYLE YARD, SURROUNDED BY MATURE TREES. SECLUDED 1+1 UNPERMITTED GH, POOL, GATED ON CELEBRITY BLOCK. A TRUE UTOPIAN SHANGRI-LA!
You can view more SFV Celebrity Real Estate here.

Celebrity Real Estate: Tamar Braxton and Vincent Herbert List in Hidden Hills In Less Than A Year

Monday, October 15, 2012 / No Comments
[Update April 27, 2014]: I am just finding out this info so I apolgize for the delay but Tamar Braxton and Vincent Herbert moved to Calabasas which was discussed here at the Realestalker. Additionally, this home was purchased by John and Gloria Gembia who originally sold this home to Braxton and Herbert in 2011. In return, the Gembias leased the home to Los Angeles Dodger Matt Kemp for $30,000 per month according to TMZ

[Update June 19, 2013]: According to TMZ and later confirmed through property records at Blockshopper, the power couple sold this home for $6.9 million on March 11, 2013. There has been an ongoing discrepancy on the price that Braxton/Herbert originally paid for the home which is either $3.4 million or $6.9 million. I highly doubt that the price paid is $3.4 million because the property taxes are based on an assessed value of $6.9 million which doesnt match the $3.4 million figure floarting around out there. I have no idea why this discrepancy exists. So based on the $6.9 million paid, Braxton/Herbert sold at a breakeven price but that doesnt include taxes, carrying costs, any renvoations, and commissions. Commission alone for a $6.9 million home at 6% equates to $414,000  resulting in a significant loss but I could be wrong on my numbers. One other random note revealed by the Realestalker is that this home was purchased by the same people who sold it to Braxton/Herbert which seems rather fishy if you ask me. 

[Original Post]:





Images above courtesy Prudential California Realty
It was barely less than a year ago on December 13, 2011 that I discussed about the home purchase of Tamar Braxton and Vincent Herbert in Hidden Hills which has surprisingly been listed on the market this past week for $7,595,000.  

Vincent Herbert is an award winning music industry executive and producer who has worked with musical legends like Toni Braxton (of course), Destiny's Child, Whitney Houston, and Lady Gaga. Tamar Braxton (sister of Toni Braxton), is an R&B singer and songwriter and stars with Toni in a reality show, Braxton Family Values. 

In the same December 13, 2011 post, I discussed about Braxton and Herbert selling their Encino home for a  loss and moving into their new Hidden Hills home which they either purchased for $6.9 million or $3.4 million  depending on which property records site is referenced. Those are two big discrepancies! My guess is that the $3.4 million is a typo and they purchased for $6.9 million because that $3.4 million would be one heck of a bargain based on similar comps in Hidden Hills.

However, if the $3.4 million purchase price is correct, the Braxton/Herbert duo stand to make $4,195,000 before taxes, commissions, carrying costs, etc. all in less than a year! If the $6.9 million purchase price is correct, then they stand to make $695,000 before expenses which is still impressive for owning less than a year!

You can view more details about the home on the December 13, 2011 post. Below is the listing description:
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS, NEWER, COUNTRY FRENCH ESTATE WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS. SPECTACULAR, TWO STORY ENTRY OPENS TO SLIDING WALLS OF GLASS. SUPERBLY FINISHED WITH EXCELLENT QUALITY & CRAFTSMANSHIP THROUGHOUT. STELLAR GOURMET KITCHEN WITH HUGE CENTER ISLAND, AMAZING HOME THEATRE WITH 125" WIDE SCREEN AND 7.2 SURROUND SOUND, BEAUTIFULLY FINISHED CUSTOM LIBRARY/STUDY, PUB/GAME ROOM WITH WET BAR AND OUTSIDE WATERFALL, LARGE FORMAL DINING ROOM WITH OPEN BEAM CEILING & ADJACENT WINE CELLAR, EXPANSIVE FAMILY ROOM WITH LARGE CUSTOM FIREPLACE, EXTRAVAGANT MASTER SUITE WITH VOLUME CEILING, ALL STONE BATH, STEAM SHOWER, SPA TUB, DUAL CUSTOM CLOSETS, FIREPLACE(S), WALK-OUT BALCONY, AND FOREVER VIEWS. AMENITIES INCLUDE A TRUE SLATE ROOF, STONE AND PLANK HARDWOOD FLOORS, "INVISIBLE" SPEAKER SYSTEM, GRANITE & MARBLE COUNTERS, ALL STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, ESPRESSO CENTER, MIRRORED ELEVATOR, CONTROL 4 AUDIO-VISUAL SYSTEM, WIRED FOR CRESTRON SYSTEM, MULTIPLE SECURITY CAMERAS, EXPANSIVE BBQ/ENTERTAINING CENTER, SPARKLING POOL & SPA WITH WATER FEATURE, STONE PATIOS, MATURE OAK & PINE TREES, FOUNTAINS, LUSH LANDSCAPE, PRIVACY, AND A WONDERFUL AMBIANCE.
Its not known why Braxton/Herbert are leaving after such a short stay. Additionally, based on the empty house from the listing photos, its looks like they have already left the building. Maybe a new opportunity came along in another part of the country requiring them to leave the SFV behind.

Other celebrities with recent real estate transactions or listings in Hidden Hills include the following:
  1. Billy Blanks (Tae Bo) who recently sold his mansion for $7.3 million. 
  2. Ron Tutor (Construction) who previously leased to Britney Spears and is currently available for less than $10 million.
  3. Beau Bridges (actor) who is trying to sell for under $3 million.
  4. Drake (music) who recently purchased for $7.7 million.
  5. Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne (music/reality) who are trying to sell for close to $13 million.
  6. Taylor Hawkin's (Foo Fighters music) purchase of a former Howie Mandel mansion for $2.7 million.
  7. Morris Chestnut's short sale for $2.3 million.
  8. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's (wrestling/acting) who recently sold for $4 million. 
  9. Also, the Kardashians/Jenners live in this area. 
You can view more SFV Celebrity Real Estate here