May 20th 2-5

941 25^th Street

A pleasant surprise, as I rarely get out to Santa Monica. A new build Spanish style that actually manages to stay true to its roots, instead of delving into McMansion. Yes, it is large but the rooms are proportionate and the detailing is magnificent. There are two levels and a basement plus a detached three car garage on the alley. The lower level has a giant laundry room, media room with bar and powder and a frankly depressing bedroom. The main level has a sunken living room with a small terrace on the front yard, large foyer with sweeping stair, library, dining, panty with secondary staircase and the kitchen family room sprawl. None of the rooms are gargantuan, but good sized. The layout is very open and wraps around a small garden courtyard with a fountain. There are many nice details, such as the myriad of Juliet balconies, older windows and tiling. It is done well. The downside is a small yard with no pool and some rooms are very dark. Its 5 bedroom, 8 bath (you need that many) in 5,600 sqft on an 8,300 sqft lot asking 4.5 million.

1162 Sunset Hills Road

There are some spectacular modern homes above the sunset strip. This is just not one of them. It was anemic and a tad dull, plus is smelled funny. It has all the requisite Hollywood rooms, the main rooms plus the gym, sauna, spa and theatre. It just is done in such a cold fashion. The only room with a view is the double height kitchen/family room and that view is sidelong at best. This room seems to be the focus of the whole house. There are the lower entertainment levels opening to the boring pool and depressingly concrete yard. One word; Landscaping. There is a truly spectacular cabana though. All and all, too many things aren’t working here. 4 beds and 7 baths in 6,343 sqft on an 8,430 sqft lot asking 5.2 million.

9140 St Ives Drive

A hop away from the aforementioned home is one full of character, view and all at a lower price. This home on Saint Ives is different in the best way, it sets itself apart from its neighbors but not in a grotesque way. The home is small from the street, but that is just deception. There is a very nice entry courtyard and then the main house. The main level features an open and very nice kitchen, dining and living. And it is very small. But I would actually buy the furnishings here too. The upper level has two bedrooms, both good sized with private bathrooms. The master is bigger with direct views. Both bathrooms are unique, thank god. Lower level is tall, great big ceilings. It’s sort of a game room with a bedroom of to one side. Outside there is a nice wood deck with a curving zero edge infinity pool with shelf and tub. It is different and gorgeous. There is a huge cabana with fireplace off to a side. On an even lower level, down a very narrow spiral staircase is a Moroccan themed gym and spa. Not digging it as much, but still nice. I really like this house, it is unique. The downside is that it is a touch small. 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms in 4,500 sqft on an 8,000 sqft lot or so. Asking 4.295.

1764 Viewmont Drive

This home is in a little gate community tucked above Sunset Plaza, stuffed in the hill between two terrifying retaining walls. The first thing you notice is the private street; it’s not a pothole minefield like most Hollywood streets. The home has three levels. Bottom level has garage, theatre and another bedroom that opens onto a very tiny yard. Mid level is entrance, with powder living room, dining room and kitchen. Rooms open onto a deck and small but infinity pool. Seriously nice views but a very steep drop down that giant retaining wall. Some nice touches, the home is a weird modern style. Top level has master and two bedrooms sharing a bath. It is a very slick home, but maybe a touch boring when compared other Hollywood Hills homes. Seriously, everything is looking the same now. Its 6,000 sqft with 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths on top of a 8,593 sqft lot. Asking 5.995 though knowing Hollywood it will be on the market every few years or so.