Don't Bet The Farm!

2300 Baxter St.
Los Angeles, CA 90039

I like this new listing in Silver Lake, but I am worried that it is priced too high.  What do you think?

It is a very chic re-envisioned 1930s bungalow transformed into what looks like a Virginia farmhouse.  I know that last sentence makes this pad seem questionable, but it's not.  Barbara Bestor did it in 2004 and it is very, very cool! But is it worth $925,000? It was sold for $372,000 in 2003 before the renovation.



Here is the situation:  It is listed as having 1,625 SF.  Per the assessor, it is 1,330.  I imagine that the converted garage makes up the difference.

Per the listing, "The pitched roofline and cement board siding evoke an east coast farmhouse, but simple interior volumes, sustainable materials & industrial ingredients are classic California modern."



It sits way above the street on a mostly usable 7,303 SF lot.  There is not much to say about the landscaping or outdoor spaces.  They are very spartan to say the least. The home possesses some decent views (away from the reservoir) and a nice deck from which to enjoy them.



The interior is very well conceived and makes great use of the small space.

It is listed at $925,000, has 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. It is in Clifford Elementary.
Listing is courtesy of Barry Gray of Deasy Penner & Partners

If you want to see it, let me know. Email or call anytime!  (310) 991-3808

MINTZ



John Abides! Lautner in The Hollywood Hills

After seeing the Big Lebowski for about the 1000th time last Friday at Lebowski Fest LA, I was already in a Lautner kind of mood!  Then this one hit this morning.  

John Lautner’s Polin House from 1947 (3542 Multiview) appeared in my inbox and was on Caravan today.
Coming back from an inspection in the Valley, I stopped in to check it out.  Up a shared driveway are dueling Lautners.      

They own the promontory, making the most of the jetliner views it offers.  I indignantly banged on the door of the wrong one before making my way to the correct house. Lautner incorporated long walls of glass, sharp angles and open spaces into these houses.  

Only 1,342 SF, it is not a large house by any means.  Dwarfed by the Sheats Goldstein Residence in The Big Lebowski, this is a very different but very livable space for a couple or single person.

It is billed as having 3 bedrooms, but one has been converted into a very cool study and one is a lower unit not accessable from the interior.


So essentially it is a very indulgent 1-bedroom pad.

With 27,000+ SF of land (mostly hillside) it is a nice chunk of the hill.  Overlooking the Valley below, it is clear why this lot was chosen.

Offered by Aaron Kirman & Chad Rogers of Hilton & Hyland

For sale at $1,495,000, that’s $1,114/SF.  Worth it for a Lautner?  Well... How badly do you want it? 

If you want to see it, let me know! Call (310) 991-3808 or email anytime.

MINTZ




Meet me for Tequila at Hollywood & Vine!

I just listed a fantastic 2-story live/work loft in the heart of Hollywood. You might recognize the building. It has a giant Patron bottle on the top!


Located at the most famous intersection in the world, this penthouse unit sits 12 floors above the iconic corner.


Enter on the lower floor which can be used as a studio space, office, 2nd bedroom etc.



Upstairs is a swanky living area with high ceilings, 2 bathrooms, a custom Viking kitchen and  plenty of room to entertain!



The views are spectacular and can be enjoyed form large windows facing 2 directions (north & east).

Click!

Bring the party upstairs to the rooftop deck and make the patrons at Dre's jealous.  You can see them from here... so they can see you!


6253 Hollywood Boulevard Penthouse 1106


It is available for sale or lease. $675,000 & $3,800/month.

Call or email for details! (310) 991-3808


MINTZ

Simple. Elegant. Refined. Buy this Silver Lake house now!


1973 Redesdale Avenue, 90039

Another Josef Van der Kar, AIA hit the market this weekend. This wonderful Silver Lake home exemplifies the renowned architect’s point of view… And by point of view, I mean aesthetically, not politically.  For an interesting read about Van der Kar’s amazing connection to cold-war-era politics, click here.



Purchased for just $275,000 by its current owner in 1995 it is listed today at $1,070,000 after what seems to be extensive renovations, repairs, care and a devotion to Van der Kar’s original vision for the home.



With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in 1,840 SF it sits back from the street overlooking the reservoir. The 8,451 SF lot is being maximized for true California outdoor living.



 Offered by Barry Gray of Deasy Penner & Partners

Are you in the market for a home?  If so, give me a call at 310-991-3808 or shoot me an email anytime.


MINTZ

Grand Theft Abode- Steal this house!

  

2190 Talmadge St. in Los Feliz

It’s called “The Gogol House, 1939” according to the listing.  Raphael Soriano is the architect responsible.  At $1,195,000 this 2,779 SF home built in 1939 could be yours! The current owner purchased it for $915K in 2003 (over asking).


 
Soriano was an influential figure in the evolution of “mid-century” architecture; home design practices and their implementation.  This is a great example of his early work.

 
It is important to note that he is a fellow Trojan, having graduated from USC in 1934… FIGHT ON!




What do you get for your million-two?  3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, decks, glass and a great pedigree to hang on your wall!
 



The listing rightfully states that this is “a rare opportunity to own an important residence by an iconic, mid-century modern architect.”  
 

 
 
Offered by Deasy Penner & Partners



If you want to see it, send me an email or call me at: (310) 991-3808

MINTZ 

"A tale of 2 Ficketts" or "Now You CAN Be Fickle About Fickett"

Two great Ficketts in one week?  Not far from each other either!  This property, located at 3122 Nichols Canyon Rd. in Nichols Canyon, is the 2nd offering in the past few days built in the same neighborhood in the same year by the same guy... MY fellow Trojan, Edward Fickett. The man designed over 60,000 homes, so I guess it's understandable.


Nevertheless, it is a spectacular home that has been tastefully updated and renovated, yet it seems to maintain Eddie's original intention.


The 2,510 SF house is perched on a respectable 8,400 SF lot with 4 bedrooms & 3.5 bathrooms.


There seem to be so many walls of glass that I think you are going to have to invest in some freestanding art.  There is nowhere to hang your Calder!


Per the listing: "The open living plan revolves around a dramatic glass atrium that anchors the center of the house and provides incredible light."


"Floor-to-ceiling sliders open the entire rear of the house to the pool & decks."


This is a great house for realizing your California dream.  Fickett masterfully arranges space, both indoor and out, for relaxation among simplicity.... But, you can put your racket away. This one doesn't have a cantilevered tennis court either!

Offered by Geoff Clark of Deasy Penner & Partners

The property is listed for $1,895,000

If you want to see it, shoot me an email or give me a call at: (310) 991-3808

MINTZ

What's the definition of Buff? Burleigh! Oh... you can throw a Hensman in there too!

I had the pleasure of spending time in this gorgeous, very "original" mid-century "tour de force" built by Buff & Hensman. 820 Burliegh Drive in Pasadena


The Norton House, built in 1954 is an iconic example of Buff & Hensman's work at the time and is exemplary of the contribution their firm made to home design and architecture in the 1950s and beyond.  


Available again after being purchased by it's current owner almost exactly 1 year ago it is listed $15,000 below it's selling price in April 2010. Offered at $1,295,000, it will sell quickly.  


It's just shy of 1900 SF with 3 Bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, but the open floor plan, the indoor/outdoor flow, abundance of light and the lush landscape beyond its enormous walls of glass makes this house feel huge!



The little things... like this Picasso-esque mosaic above the range and the original cork floors and those unforgiving floor to ceiling windows that will not crumble into a thousand pieces if you walk into one by accident, but rather gut you from stem to stern (be careful, I almost did it) make this home a veritable time capsule.


It's all about the reveal! You park in a modest carport above the property. Walking down into the enclave provides a feeing of privacy. Partially through your short walk the property reveals its striking landscaping which is entirely centered around an actual flowing stream (water diverted from a nearby lake).  There are fish. There is a bridge.  The grounds are lush, verdant and make for a wonderful experience, appreciated inside and outside the home.




I think that what I like most about this property is that it is introspective and private. What I mean is that most homes are built on the high ground of a property, overseeing all  that surrounds it, striving to make the most of a view even if there is not much of a view to begin with.  This house brings you inside its own little world.  The only view you need is of your own property!  Do you want it?

Offered by Dilbeck Realtors

If you want to see this property, shoot me an email or call me at (310) 991-3808.

Gregory House? Wait... No... Gregory Ain's houses! 3 of em!

3 Gregory Ain designed properties have come on the market in the past few weeks. 

2845 Avenel St. # 1/2
A condo in the esteemed Avelel Housing Project in Silver Lake. Built in 1947 the unit is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom 1,114 SF mid-century showcase.  It is meticulous but expensive. Hitting the streets at $729,000 with a $300/month HOA, you better have some cash in the bank.  At $654/SF it might not appraise.

Listed by: Crosby Doe Associates inc.

Then there is 2769 Highview Ave. in Altadena. This home is part of Ain's Park Planned Homes Development. It is a SFR with 3 bedrooms and 1.75 bathrooms.  The house is 1,344 SF and sits atop a 7,280 SF lot. Also thoughtfully, tastefully and conscientiously renovated & updated it is priced modestly at $619,000 which pencils out to a more reasonable $461/SF. It comes down to where you want to live. Am I right?


Listed by: Prudential California Realty

A few weeks ago, another Gregory Ain residence became available. 3814 Moor St. in Mar Vista. Built in 1948 and having been seriously "lived in," It comes replete with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and all of the original "charm" you could ask for.  Weighing in at 1,414 SF with a 6,489 SF lot. it has potential.  It's a fixer, so bring your vision... and a broom.  It's listed at $649,500.

Listed by: Beach Equities

Of course if you want to see these or any other homes you are interested in, feel free to  shoot me an email or give me a call: 310.991.3808



Don't Cry Wolff!

2400 Carman Crest Dr. 

Thornton Ladd's "Wolff House," 1958, came on the market today. It's one of those situations that you just can't finance.  You pretty much need cash to buy this house, because at $1,995,000 with the public records stating that the house is 1,810 SF, the price of this 2 bedroom, 1.75 Bathroom home is north of $1,100/SF.  I don't see it appraising with any lender anywhere near that price.  But really... what do they know?  This house is amazing and will be a jewel in the crown of some smart collector.

The listing calls it aptly, "a floating glass pavilion over water."  With spectacular light, soaring ceilings and an understanding of the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, it is an iconic piece of modern architecture that must be evaluated on merit, not just comps pulled by an appraiser from the Inland Empire value.

Offered by Rob Johnson of Rodeo Realty

If you want to see this property, please call me at (310) 991-3808 or email me at: mark@mintzRE.com







BACK FLIP! Sweet Digs in Highland Park.

New on the market today is 5049 San Rafael Ave. in HP.  Another great Better Shelter flip! Built in 1922, the charming cottage has been nicely "re-envisioned." and updated, making it ready for sale.


Listed at $489K.  Purchased for $225K in September of last year.  Nice return!


3 Bedrooms & 3 Bathrooms in 1,482 SF on a 4,791 SF lot.


Offered by Brock Real Estate.


Let me know if you want to see it!

MINTZ

3813 Rhonda Vista Pl. In Los Feliz. Sporting Wood!

It's all about the wood!

New on the market today is this ultra contemporary Los Feliz architectural "statement" with very sharp lines, a sterile outward point of view and an ominous exterior.  But there seems to be a wonderful inner core to the home.  The warm tones and softness of the abundant wood and massive walls of glass make it approachable as a house and not just a monolithic piece of art. $2,495,000 get's you 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and 4,106 SF on a huge street to street lot! Offered by Crosby Doe Associates.

If you want to see it, let me know!

MINTZ