Sunday, June 26, 2011

Nob Hill Haus is Leader in Los Angeles Sustainability

Check out the video I did yesterday of one of my favorite days in Los Angeles.  Finally a fully sustainable home arrives.  Congratulations to owners / architects, Frank Pasker and Grit Leipert for tackling one of the toughest utilities in the city.  Being the first modern home permitted for Gray Water usage is a huge deal, not to mention the time and process involved with instructing a city on how it actually is to work.  Yesterday, the owners opened their doors and invited the community into their home to see this template for the 'Home of the Future' as this meets maximum sustainability standards.  In May of 2011, the couple received recognition by the City of Los Angeles for your "environment friendly attitude and for the outstanding creativity in architectural and sustainable design in building your new home "The Nob Hill Haus".




The excerpt from their recognition on the project.

If you were unable to check out the home tour yesterday at 4825 Nob Hill Dr, Mount Washington and have questions I may be able to answer, feel free to give me a call, 213-305-8537.
In the meantime, have a modern day!

Steve Ward
Realtor®, SFR®
Mid-Century Modern Architecture Specialist
modernhomeslosangeles
Keller Williams Realty - Los Feliz
Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource
DRE Lic #01871422
213.305.8537 direct
steve.ward.la@gmail.com
MODCOM - LA Conservancy Modern Committee

Friday, June 24, 2011

Stiffle It! This Carla Ridge Mid-Century Had Me At Hello!

1575 Carla Ridge, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew we could be sitting side by side sharing the joys of one another.  This breath-taking 2-story 1961 Mid-Century Modern estate for sale in the exclusive and gated Trousdale Estates area features 4 bedrooms / 6 bath within 7,513sf of completely renovated and well-maintained living space1575 Carla Ridge, Beverly Hills 90210 provides the utmost in privacy and refinement in architecture .  Currently listed for $10,700,000 through listing agent James Muske.  Stay off the grid as this outstanding eco-friendly Mid-Century Modern masterpiece is ready and rarin' to be sold!
Upon entry, you are welcomed by a glass-enclosed elevator that takes you up to a gallery-like space.  Your eyes can't help but to wander immediately through the airy and spacious environment.  From floor to ceiling this home truly is a work of art.  After 44 years, this home is being offered for the first time to prospective buyers looking for the ultimate in Modern.
The step-down living space provides a comfortable and cozy setting along with the handsome stone-faced fireplace.  The beautiful hardwood floors shine throughout this Mid-Century home.   The natural light in this room is spectacular with the tilted almost-floor-to-ceiling glass windows.  Such a beautiful nuance to this Modern.
With a gourmet kitchen locked and loaded, you are ready to have some guests stop over for some cocktails and snacks, not to mention all of the formal sit-downs you are able to accommodate with the use of the expansive kitchen including a Butler's pantry.  There is plenty of gathering space with a island featuring a gas stove-top and seating area.  A Breakfast Bar may come in handy when doing brunches or having family gatherings.
Beautiful glass tiles keep this bathroom clean, open and spacious.
I love this Crow's Nest-like Master Bedroom with a seating area overlooking the beautiful outdoors.  The vaulted ceilings keep the expanse of the room prominent. With access to an outdoor terrace inviting the outdoors in and other architectural details in just this room alone, expresses the architectural philosophy we see throughout the whole home.  I think if I only posted the picture below and just wrote about this listing, people would really understand what I had to say in relation to the whole house.
The Master Bath is truly an escape from it ALL.  This room feels massive with an over-sized steam shower and separate soaking tub.  You can bath away all of your challenges away while enjoying the warmth of the radiant heated porcelain floors. 
The Master Bath comes with dual walk-in closets with plenty of organized space. 


What is truly amazing is that most Mid-Century Modern homes designed by some truly talented architects typically were eco-friendly, even in today's standards.  With complete pride-of-ownership here, the updating of this home to allow maximum sustainability is what makes this home a MODERN.  
  • Skylights providing natural sunlight.  
  • The pool with solar heated water.  
  • Photo voltaic panels connecting directly to the Southern California Edison grid.  
  • Vent-less fireplaces fueled by eco-friendly bio-ethanol.  
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows providing natural light.  
  • Thermal double-pained UV windows with motorized shades providing relief from the harsh Southern California sun.  
  • Bamboo, cork, natural stone and glass providing an even further sustainable approach.  
I mean, this place just doesn't stop!  She's got me and I've got 'Sucker' written all over me.
Bonus Rooms and More Features:
Along with the wonderful architectural details that are too numerous to mention them all, the home has many hide-outs and provides many different environments to enjoy indoors and out.  You can relax in the Library and catch up on some Trade publications or perhaps turn up the music and hang out in the media room with full bar set-up.  This house really is ready to rock! 
Once you step outdoors and into the pool area, you notice immediately the tranquility of this estate.  You might be throwing down some AC/DC inside the house, but once you leave, you are met with a zen-like environment uniting you with nature.
The architectural detailing with the use of flag stone stacked on the wall's facade keeps the feeling of nature as the natural stone compliments the surroundings. This listing is a brilliant display of fine architecture of the Mid-Century period.  
With plenty of outdoor space including balconies, terraces, fountain and fireplace, you are ready to take on and enjoy nature's elements.
Situated on .83 acres of land, there are many areas outdoors with intimate gathering places to relax and enjoy nature.  A beautiful fountain with cascading water sets your heart at peace.  You can also enjoy the outdoor fireplace in the evenings when the cool chill sets upon the city.
A price change was noted on June 22 (MLS#11-532431) from the original list price of $11,900,000 The listing will have an Open House for the public on Sunday, June 26 from 2-5pm.  If you are unable to make it and would like to schedule a private showing, feel free to give me a call, 213-305-8537.

In the meantime, have a modern day!

Steve Ward
Realtor®, SFR®
Mid-Century Modern Architecture Specialist
modernhomeslosangeles
Keller Williams Realty - Los Feliz
Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource
DRE Lic #01871422
213.305.8537 direct
steve.ward.la@gmail.com
MODCOM - LA Conservancy Modern Committee


*Square footage is as per R.E.S.T.

MCM 911 - Cliff May Rancho Needs Major Reno

3068 Kallin Avenue, Long Beach 90808
This 1955 Cliff May-designed 4 bedroom / 4 bath Mid-Century Modern Rancho is in some serious MCM 911 condition!  Anyone looking for a renovation project should be interested in this courtyard-style home located in the 800 acre El Dorado Park located in Long Beach.   3068 Kallin Avenue, Long Beach 90808 has got great bones and waiting for someone's love.  Redfin shows it is currently listed for $489,000.  Listing courtesy of William Smith.
Located within the Rancho Estates tract, you will find the property to be quiet and serene.  With over 1,270sf* of interior space, plus a converted two-car garage to allow for an additional 500sf*, provides plenty of room in this open floor plan.  The interior lot is allowed to be fenced-in entirely due to the specific zoning code for this particular neighborhood.  You can maximize your living space by creating outdoor gardens throughout the 5,300sf parcel.
The tract itself is a quiet area as it is bordered on two sides by the 800 acre El Dorado Park, which limits traffic through the neighborhood and provides a throw-back in time when kids can play in the neighborhood streets without the worry of heavy traffic through the community.  Having the Park close by allows on to take advantage of Southern California nature providing a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city life.  This neighborhood is bordered by the San Gabriel River bike path.  Anyone who knows, knows you can ride from your Rancho to Seal Beach using the bike path. 
You can visit the Cliff May Home Registry to find a list of homes designed by the architect providing you with and interactive Map and the ability to add your own Cliff May designed home to the registry. The home is in poor condition and agents are asked to accompany all showings through the listing agent.  Buyer to investigate all findings.  Short Sale alert.  Depending on the offer, this listing (MLS#P786128SC) may move out of a Standard-type sale and go into a Short Sale transaction with only one lender involved.

If you are interested in seeing this listing and would like to schedule a showing, feel free to give me a call, 213-305-8537 or contact me through modernhomeslosangeles.

In the meantime, have a modern day!

Steve Ward
Realtor®, SFR®
Mid-Century Modern Architecture Specialist
modernhomeslosangeles
Keller Williams Realty - Los Feliz
Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource
DRE Lic #01871422
213.305.8537 direct
steve.ward.la@gmail.com
MODCOM - LA Conservancy Modern Committee


*Square footage is as per R.E.S.T.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

5606 Green Oak: The Right Design Choices

Transforming a 1953 Ranch into a 2-story contemporary home with incredible attention to detail and design may be hard for some.  Not for these owners!  You can see how the owner took pride in transforming the 2B/1.5Ba by adding an additional 1,000sf* and a second story, creating a 4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath architectural delight in over 2,800sf* of natural light and the finest of resources.  With a refined creative mind comes this wonderful result.  Welcome to 5606 Green Oak Dr, 90068, a perfect example of how to transform a house into a contemporary home through thoughtful renovation and additions (and of course, some cash).  Take advantage of this offering at $1,799,000 for this inspiring Los Feliz hills home.  Listing courtesy of the lovely Bonnie Bryant.


Upon entering the property, you immediately notice the custom iron gate entrance with a Modern aesthetic.  Just a small indication of all the wonderful custom attributes this listing provides. 
When you walk through the front door, you are met by a soaring Living Room ceiling with a skylight filling the space with natural light.  The handsome stone-faced fireplace will also keep you cozy during those chilly moments in Los Angeles.
With plenty of room to spread out, this home is ready for a family to sprawl.
The Media Room is an extension of the Living Room with a glass wall leading to the outdoors. 

This home features a great floor plan with a sun-drenched gourmet kitchen.  Truly, the natural light through skylights and walls of glass, is one of the best features of this home, giving it Modern merit. 

Through the Kitchen you will find an additional guest bath, large laundry area and entrance to garage. 
This is such a cool custom feature in the Dining Area.  This Craftsman-style compartmentalized folding, swing, moving additional storage and eating space is perfect for the Thanksgiving Kids Table.  ALL of the custom metal work is top-notch.  The chandelier is pretty amazing, as well.  I wish a got a better photo of it to show you guys.
The Kitchen / Eating area continues through to the outdoor BBQ area to enjoy all of Southern California's sunshine in a tranquil and serene setting.
You can enjoy the pool with spa and waterfall while entertaining in the back yard.  The water cascading down large rocks and dappling into the pool provides a constant peace.
The sleeping area on the first floor features spacious bedrooms with separate Bath area.


One of the bedrooms in the back opens to the backyard and faces the waterfalls.  Beautiful.

Again, you cannot help notice all the special details within this home.  For example, the stair railing is one clean machine.  The craftsmanship is exceptional.  I just wish the photo below was exceptional...  As you enter the second story, you can't help notice the wood ceilings.  The owners chose to keep the line of the ceiling continuous through the second story by separating the Master Bedroom and office with glass partitions enabling light to continue throughout the whole upper floor Master Suite and Office area. 

The upstairs features a lovely outdoor deck to keep the theme of the indoor/outdoor lifestyle the Modernists were known for.  Look at the angles and walls of glass! 

The Master suite set above the rest of the house is a lovely retreat for those who want the distance between them and the kids.  The addition of the second story above the Garage area and Kitchen adds additional square footage, as well as a crow's nest ready for a flight of dreams.

Above the Kitchen area is a private Office area with a separate bath.  Many organic features with custom built in storage units and cabinetry.  Again, the craftsmanship...  Bravo!  The attention to detail is once again noticed.

The large pool with spa is incredibly inviting.  I kinda wanted to jump in as the heat of the day started to rise.  Tucked up on the hillside, you will find an observatory deck and a multipurpose Yurt.
This practical space is perfect for anyone looking for a guest staying the night, enjoying the convenience of camping in the backyard?  Heck.  Why let a guest enjoy the space?  It is a perfect retreat for anyone looking for a tranquil and inviting space anytime of the day or night.  In general, The Yurt, a type of dwelling used for centuries in Asia, is a portable, cheap, efficient and eco-friendly multi-purpose addition to any home. 


The Observatory Deck at the top of the hillside in the back gives one yet another perspective of the hillside area. 

As there is an eco-system for maintaining the pool, it is easy to keep it warm.  You can see the rubbing tubing laid out on the roof area heating the water.
As you can see from the floor plan below, the downstairs in laid out in three sections consisting of the Eating Area, Living Area and Sleeping Area.  The flow of this home is amazing with many rooms leading directly to the outdoors.

I do not typically find renovations / additions pulled-off well and that is what made me so interested in this particular listing.  It wasn't until I was in the house when I discovered all of the wonderful organic characteristics the owner chose.  The informal approach to the floor plan and design gives this renovated dream home Mid-Century Modern influences of this renovated dream home are what got me.


Redfin shows the listing(MLS#11-533037) last sold to the current owner for $440,000.  I know this is a bad photo taken from the MLS, but it gives you an indication of how much work and love went into this home.  Even with today's offer price of $1,799,000 which is about 642/sf, this place comps out well for the area and the home's features!  

C'mon.  The Yurt, people!

The listing will have an Open House for the public on Saturday and Sunday (6/18 & 6/19) from 2-5pm.  If you are unable to get there on your own and would like to schedule a showing, feel free to give me a call, 213-305-8537.

In the meantime, have a modern day!

Steve Ward
Realtor®, SFR®
Mid-Century Modern Architecture Specialist
modernhomeslosangeles
Keller Williams Realty - Los Feliz
Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource
DRE Lic #01871422
213.305.8537 direct
steve.ward.la@gmail.com
MODCOM - LA Conservancy Modern Committee


*Square footage is as per R.E.S.T.