Celeb R.E.: Denise Richards Struggling to Sell Hidden Hills Resort Like Mansion With Dog Hotel

Celeb R.E.: Denise Richards Struggling to Sell Hidden Hills Resort Like Mansion With Dog Hotel

Monday, November 30, 2015 / No Comments

Listing images courtesy Douglas Elliman/Richards image courtesy Wikipedia/The Heart Truth

The always informative Lauren Beale at LA Times Hot Property was the first to reveal that actress Denise Richards listed her Hidden Hills home on June 1, 2015 for $7,749,000. Fast forward roughly 6 months and there have been no takers while at the same time no price drops. 

The home measures 6 Beds/7 Baths on 8,284 sqft on a total lot size of 1.14 acres built in 1991. The listing description states:

Premier Hidden Hills Estate! Completely remodeled with the absolute finest quality throughout is this striking approximately 8300 square foot showplace! Interior features include a grand two story entry, tasting room with custom temperature controlled wine walls, expanded state of the art gourmet kitchen with pizza oven, two separate offices and more. The amazing living room is truly one of a kind boasting a back lit onyx fireplace, wet bar, built in seating, cathedral ceilings and all designed with an awesome "lounge" setting. Among the homes other attributes is a specially built dog hotel/kennel ideal for pet lovers! The resort quality grounds are second to none! Two magnificent pools boast cascading water features, grotto, beach entry and more. There is also a custom built 800 square foot cabana, outdoor kitchen and massive lush manicures lawns. All in a beautiful private setting with mountain views! This truly is one of Hidden Hills finest!

Richards originally purchased on August 3, 2007 for $4,395,000 just as the housing bubble was unwinding. Richards tried to sell again  numerous times from 2008 to 2010 where it was listed for $3,299,000 on January 8, 2010.

Image courtesy Ewing and Associates Sotheby's International Realty. Note these images are not from Richards time of ownership

Prior to the Hidden Hills home, Richards was living in another Hidden Hills home (shown above) directly across the street which measures 5 Beds/4.5 Baths on 5,188 sqft on a total lot size of 1.02 acres built in 1954. Richards purchased this property on June 28, 2006 for $4 million and later sold at a $200k loss on November 21, 2007.

And prior to the Hidden Hills home, Richards was living in a historic Encino estate with Charlie Sheen from 2004 to 2006. They were married from 2002 to 2006 which despite the death threats and restraining orders, ended up having a mutual relationship. Richards even lived in one of Sheen's Mulholland Estates homes while her Hidden Hills home was being remodeled. The Encino estate has been home to many celebrities and was originally owned by Al Jolson. The Encino property was most recently sold by Leeza Gibbons to Tina Drew, mother of Jessica Simpson which you can read more about it here. 

You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here.

Woodland Hills Aerial Postcard

Woodland Hills Aerial Postcard

Wednesday, November 25, 2015 / No Comments

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Burbank Airport Nighttime Postcard

Burbank Airport Nighttime Postcard

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Panorama City Mall Postcard

Panorama City Mall Postcard

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Celeb R.E.: Former NBA Baller and Grant High Alum Gilbert Arenas Lists Encino Hideway

Celeb R.E.: Former NBA Baller and Grant High Alum Gilbert Arenas Lists Encino Hideway

Friday, November 20, 2015 / No Comments

Listing images courtesy Dwell California Real Estate & Investments. Arenas image courtesy Wikipedia/Keith Allison

The informative folks at the LA Times Hot Property first revealed on November 19 that Gilbert Arenas' Encino home being listed on the market for $3.495 million on November 18, 2015. Arenas was born in Florida but raised in the Valley Glen section of the SFV where he graduated from Grant High School with his #25 jersey being retired. 

He would later go on to play at the University of  Arizona and was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 2001 NBA draft second round. He would go on to win numerous awards, accolades and become an all-star. He was nicknamed "Agent Zero" because of his jersey number being zero and "Hibachi" referring to the Japanese barbequing device which mean "bowl of fire." He even has an NBA rule named after him aptly called the "The Gilbert Arenas Rule" which allows teams the ability to resign restricted free agents who had not been first round picks like in the case of Arenas. 

After a fruitful career in the NBA earning more than $140 million, things started to go downhill when in 2009 playing for the Washington Wizards, Arenas was found storing unloaded firearms in his locker for the Washington Wizards. This action not only violated NBA rules but also D.C. ordinances. He was later suspended for the 2010 season as a result of his actions and his NBA career declined having last played for the Shanghai Sharks in 2012 - 2013. 

Arenas bad luck continues to follow him as he has made headlines recently with a lawsuit filed against Boulevard Management Inc. and business manager Lester Knispel for mismanaging his funds causing to lose millions where Arenas is seeking more than $40 million in damages. Arenas also has a highly publicized relationship with Laura Govan who stars on Basketball Wives LA who is also the mother of 4 of his children. 

The home measures 5 Beds/4.5 Baths on 5,853 sqft on a total lot size of 0.58 acres built in 1951. The listing description states:

High in the hills of Encino, Nestled behind the private gates of an interminable driveway, there's a Tuscan Villa. .With its three car garage and parking for ten additional, this home lends itself to the entertainer in you. As you enter this estate, the first thing you'll notice is that every corner is angled for the breathtaking VIEW. From Warner Center to Media Center, all is yours to survey! Rich hardwood and polished travertine floors lend to the luxurious feeling that this home embodies. No expense has been spared in the care and attention to the smallest detail and the sense of "home". The towering ceilings in the family room create a spacious environment for gatherings and the room to room flow of the downstairs layout is perfect for epic entertaining. The stackable sliding doors when opened, create an airy, indoor/outdoor living space in the center of the home. Five fireplaces add to the warmth of this estate, creating several areas for cozy discussions. The nucleus of this Italian inspired masterpiece is, of course, the kitchen. Viking is the brand of choice for both the indoor and outdoor chef's kitchens. 6 burners with a large griddle, an oversized, built in refrigerator, full double oven and a farmhouse sink, all the tools of an avid cuisinier.

Arenas purchased this home on September 27, 2007 for $3.1 million and stands to profit $395K before expenses. 

You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here.

My Presentation to the Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society

My Presentation to the Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society

Tuesday, November 17, 2015 / 1 Comment

Back on October 14, 2015, I was asked by the fine folks at the Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society to deliver a presentation about Canoga Park which is titled Location Stalking Canoga Park's Cultural & Historical Impact based on content from the blog as well as others that also found notable locations including Delta Bravo Urban Exlporation Team and the West San Fernando Valley Then and Now Facebook group. 

Essentially, the presentation is a collection of postcards, filming locations, celebrity real estate, historical locations, and current real estate development which are the main topics on my blog. With these topics, I explained how I believe some of these locations has had a cultural and/or historical impact that many can relate to. The presentation does not include the verbal portion so some of it might be hard to understand as it just the visual portion. 

Hope you enjoy it. The presentation is shown below but depending on where you receive this post, your viewer might not support Scribd and you might need to visit the blog page to view it.

You can view more SFV History here.  

Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society Presenation

Celeb R.E.: Selena Gomez Moving Out of Calabasas After Less Than 2 Year Ownership

Celeb R.E.: Selena Gomez Moving Out of Calabasas After Less Than 2 Year Ownership

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Listing images courtesy Douglas Elliman/Gomez image courtesy Wikipedia/Lunchbox LP Flickr

TMZ first broke the news on November 13, 2015, that former Disney Star and singer, Selena Gomez, is selling her Calabasas mansion for $4,495,000 which was also listed on Nov 13. The property measures 6 Beds/7 Baths on 7,786 sqft on a total lot size of 3.15 acres built in 2004. Gomez barely purchased the property on March 21, 2014 for $3,690,000 which at today's asking price would represent a hefty $805K gain. The listing description states:

Extremely rare & private compound in the illustrious Mureau Estates gated community of Calabasas. Sprawling over 3 acres, this exceptional custom home provides every amenity expected of a luxury estate. Main house has 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, 5 fireplaces, stone tile floors, kitchen w/ Sub Zero fridge/freezer, Wolf Range/Oven, dual dishwashers, chef's island, breakfast nook area, full bar, & large pantry. Master retreat w/ sitting area, spa like bath, steam shower, & enormous closet. Property features a magnificent back yard w/ pool/spa, cabana, Viking outdoor kitchen, & brick pizza oven. Other entertaining areas include a formal dining room w/ floor to ceiling windows, & a beautiful outdoor courtyard. Home also features a large gym, theatre, 4-car garage & parking for 10+ cars, guesthouse w/ full size kitchen, full bath, walk-in closet, terrace w/ fireplace. Home systems include built-in surround sound, Sonos, Control 4, security cameras, 4-zone heating/cooling, & solar panels.

According to TMZ, the reason for the move is due to numerous stalkers and 911 calls despite the fact that the home is in a gated community and a short hop over the fence to Hidden Hills. Gomez has been widely discussed on this blog as we first talked about her in the past listed below: 

1. Encino rental that was sold in 2012, 
2. A Tarzana ranch home that was sold in 2014 to Nick Young, and Iggy Azalea 
3. For a brief period, there was even a rumor that Jonah Hill purchased the Tarzana home and sold it to Gomez but that was later corrected. 
4. And the purchase of the Calabasas home back in 2014. 

Its not known where Gomez is heading to next but she will be on tour for most of 2016 and just revealed that she is battling Lupus undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Gomez seems to have a place in heart for the SFV so hopefully she still calls it home but obviously needs to live in a gated community like Hidden Hills or other secure locations. 

On a side note, Gomez selected Josh Altman of Million Dollar Listing fame to represent her. Also there is an open house this Friday if you are inclined to make an offer. 

You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here. 

77 Unit Eldercare Facility Planned for St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church in Northridge

77 Unit Eldercare Facility Planned for St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church in Northridge

Wednesday, November 11, 2015 / No Comments

Image courtesy Google Maps

This latest project calls for the construction of two independent three story Eldercare facilities at 17341 W. Roscoe Blvd not too far from the old White Horse Inn located in between White Oak and Louise Ave. The development is proposed by the St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church which will be built in two phases with 53 units in Phase II-A and 24 units in Phase II-B with the same number of parking spaces at each building. I believe there is already an existing 58 Eldercare facility (shown on the right in the map above) bringing the total number to 135 when this project is completed. 

The hearing notice doesnt mention an exact location so I tried to put two and two together and I believe the larger 53 unit building will be built to the right of the property shown on the map above at 17361 Roscoe Blvd which was last purchased on April 15, 2013 for $498K. The smaller 24 unit building, I believe, will be built to the left of the church at 17455 Roscoe Blvd which was last purchased on December 17, 2002 for $396K. Dont quote me on the locations above as they are a guess. If anyone knows more information, please share.

You can view more SFV Architecture and R.E. here. 

St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church Eldercare Facility Project

Celeb R.E.: Wayne Brady Makes a Deal on Third Sherman Oaks Home

Celeb R.E.: Wayne Brady Makes a Deal on Third Sherman Oaks Home

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Listing images courtesy Coldwell Banker; Brady image courtesy Wikipedia/Josh Hallett

The always hilarious Your Mama at the Realestalker Variety revealed that the "Let's Make a Deal" host, Wayne Brady, purchased a Sherman Oaks home for $2,525,000 back on August 28, 2015. The ranch style home is at the edge of Sherman Oaks with great views of the SFV. The home measures 5 Beds/5.5 Baths on 4,202 sqft on a total lot size of 0.69 acres built in 1954. The listing description states:

Private, gated view estate set back from the street up a private driveway. Rare one story with an open floor plan, high ceilings and unobstructed city light and mountain views! 5 bedrooms, each with en suite baths. Separate office with view. Great kitchen with a center island opens to the family room with fireplace. Large living and formal dining rooms. Master suite has high ceilings, fireplace and a sitting area. Separate maids room and indoor laundry room. Gated driveway leads to the 3 car garage. Bel Air adjacent location near Mulholland Drive. Large 30,000 sq. ft. lot with grass play area.

Brady is no stranger to the SFV as he previously owned two Sherman Oaks home from 2002 - 2005 and 2005 - 2013 as well as a Tarzana home from 2000 - 2002 which is discussed in more detail here. Prior to this home, Brady was living in a Pacific Palisades condo that sold in October.  

You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here. 

Farmers Ranch Market To Become Mixed Use Apartment in Van Nuys

Farmers Ranch Market To Become Mixed Use Apartment in Van Nuys

Tuesday, November 10, 2015 / No Comments

Image courtesy Google Maps

Urbanize.LA reported on November 5, 2015 that a new mixed use residential project is coming to the former Farmers Ranch Market at 7111 Sepulveda Blvd near the intersection of Sherman Way. The project proposes a six story building with 180 apartments and approximately 4,750 sqft of ground floor retail. There will be two levels of underground parking for up to 327 vehicles and 204 bicycles. 

The property was purchased by Fayz Holdings LLC on April 20, 2015 for $4,940,000 from the George and Eva Attar Trust of Whittier. The Attar trust purchased the property on February 16, 1994 for $940K which was one month after the infamous Northridge earthquake. The Attar's also own apartment complex in Sherman Oaks, 2 apartments in Glendale, and a Ranch Market in Montebello similar to the one mentioned in this post. 

The property measures 11,782 sqft on a total lot size of 53,197 sqft built in 1977. 

The only silver lining here is that at least there are no more "prostitute" motels being built on Sepulveda. 

You can view more SFV Architecture and R.E. here. 

Dion Neutra's Scheimer House in Tarzana Hits the Market For the First Time Ever; The Home of Filmation's Founder

Dion Neutra's Scheimer House in Tarzana Hits the Market For the First Time Ever; The Home of Filmation's Founder

Wednesday, November 4, 2015 / 2 Comments

Images courtesy John Aaroe Group

18918 La Montana Pl

4 Beds/5 Baths on 5,500 sqft on a total lot size of 2.88 acres built in 1972 in Tarzana available for $5.5 million on November 2, 2015. This home was designed by Dion Neutra, the son of legendary architect, Richard Neutra, who designed many significant architectural homes in the SFV and beyond (click on link for list of homes). The home was owned by the late Louis Scheimer who was the genius behind Saturday morning cartoons who ran Filmation Studios in Reseda best known for He-Man, Fat Albert, Star Trek, and The Original Ghostbusters. Filmation sadly closed its doors in 1989 after being acquired by Westinghouse. You can read an in depth article about Filmation in Reseda and Scheimer who passed away on October 2013, two days before his 85th birthday. 

Scheimer commissioned Neutra to build this home and therefore it's the first time on the market. So you have the son of the greatest architect and a legend behind cartoons and I am just foaming at the mouth wishing I could buy this home although the $1K per square foot price tag is not helping one bit. This is definitely going to need a special buyer as similar sized homes in the area are going for half that price. So good luck to the family and realtor with this sale. Also the square footage is incorrect at 5,226 so that actual price per sqft is $1,052. 

From an architectural standpoint, the home's beauty speaks for itself as seen in the limited pics below. 

The listing description states:

Richard and Dion Neutra, 1972: One of the most significant architectural offerings in the U. S. Neutra was a master at integrating architecture within it's natural surroundings with the home sitting atop an expansive, nearly 3 acre, promontory with breathtaking 360 degree views. This estate boasts 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, an incredible outdoor space which features a sparkling swimmer's pool, hot tub and unique designer water features flowing seamlessly through the house. This home is truly an architectural masterpiece.

You can view more SFV Architecture and R.E. here.

Unique Fickett Home in Studio City's Fryman Canyon Sells

Unique Fickett Home in Studio City's Fryman Canyon Sells

Tuesday, November 3, 2015 / No Comments

Images courtesy Wish Sotheby's International Realty

 11927 Ashdale Lane

4 Beds/2.25 Baths on 3,347 sqft on a total lot size of 0.37 acres built in 1975. This home recently sold in Studio City for $3,225,000 on July 8, 2015 after being listed at $3,225,000. Prior to the sale, the home was last purchased on August 9, 1974 for $21,000 which may have been a land purchase.  

The listing describes this home as a Mid Century Modern by Ed Fickett but it looks different compared to other Ficketts in the SFV. Fickett was dubbed the "creator of the San Fernando Valley" and the "Frank Lloyd Wrigt of the 50's." He has designed more than 60,000 structures including the pool complex at the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park, the extension of the Nethercutt Antique Car Museum in Sylmar, the original Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, the passenger and cargo terminals at the Port of Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Police Academy, and devised the master plans for the Edwards and Norton Air Force bases (LA Times and Daily News). Examples of other Fickett homes in the SFV can be found here, here, and here. 

The listing description states: 

Architect to the Stars, Edward H. Fickett, FAIA, brilliantly bridges the aesthetic divide between structure & nature in this iconic exemplification of the Mid Century Modern. The privileged venue is Fryman Estates; magical woodlands of hallowed ground, moments from major studios, the Westside, famed Ventura Blvd, & in the Carpenter Charter School District. A sweeping renovation emphasized only the finest natural materials to deepen the connection between house & site. The 3-year installation of imported ledgestone & hand cut quartzite placed inside & out create full continuity of the elements. Expansions of glass disappear into the walls; the home extending into open air. Indoor & outdoor living are seamlessly blended. Sumptuous minimalism gracefully unifies living areas bathed in translucent light. The kitchen is outfitted with Italian cabinetry & Meile appliances. Interiors feature a meditation atrium, wine room, stone & marble clad baths, & an office. The rear terrace presents as a refined modernist sanctuary with salt water Pebble Tec pool & spa, outdoor shower, fireplace, & Viking BBQ; an idyllic Zen retreat, where stresses & extremes are put into a comforting balance. An extraordinary lifestyle, combined with the beauty of undisturbed nature awaits!

You can view more SFV Architecture and R.E. here.