Famed Cuban-American alto saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer Paquito D’Rivera is looking for a buyer for his longtime home in New Jersey.
Located on the Hudson River waterfront, the majestic North Bergen Colonial he’s been calling home since 2001 is currently on the market for $1.65 million, with Angela Cuciniello of Coldwell Banker Realty in Hoboken holding the listing.
“It is an honor to have been selected by Paquito to represent his amazing home,” said Cuciniello about working with the jazz icon.
D’Rivera, celebrated both for his artistry in Latin jazz and his achievements as a classical composer, has 5 Grammy Awards (and 9 Latin Grammys) under his belt, and an impressive total of 16 nominations.
He has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Carnegie Hall for his contributions to Latin music, among many other industry accolades that recognized his achievements — which spanned decades and tens of solo albums and collaborations. Paquito D’Rivera was also one of the founding members of the United Nation Orchestra, a 15-piece ensemble organized by Dizzy Gillespie to showcase the fusion of Latin and Caribbean influences with jazz.
At 75, he is still busy composing classical pieces for clarinet and performing, including collaborations with classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
The jazz legend bought the New Jersey house back in 2001 for $750,000, and the 4-bedroom home has served as his primary residence ever since. And as it turns out, there aren’t many like it.
“This is a rarity, one of only three Colonials of this size nestled on Boulevard East with sweeping views of the sparkling Manhattan skyline from across the Hudson,” listing agent Angela Cuciniello tells us. “It is rich in history and touched by fame.”
Originally built in 2011, the 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom brick home has been well maintained and updated throughout the decades, retaining its historic charm.
D’Rivera expanded the house’s original footprint, adding a two-story addition, a supersized chef’s eat-in kitchen, a junior bedroom suite on the second level, and five-zone climate control throughout more than 4,100 square-feet of space.
The home’s charming features include a formal entrance foyer, a three-story staircase, large rooms with 10-foot ceilings, detailed moldings, and an abundance of windows, including stained glass.
See also: Tony Soprano’s house is a real-life home in New Jersey — and the pool and driveway look awfully familiar
Highlights of the first floor are a living room with marbled fireplace, a den that opens to a large blue-stone terrace, and a sizeable formal dining room. On the upper two floors are four generously sized bedrooms, three full baths and a Juliette balcony that overlooks picturesque postcard views of the New York City skyline and Hudson River.
The lower level offers a spa, sauna, steam room and a billiards room.
Designed to entertain, the home features a heated Gunite swimming pool, while the backyard outdoor space is enclosed by motorized steel gates.
The location doesn’t leave much to be desired, as Paquito D’Rivera’s house is just a short stroll away from shopping and dining on the waterfront, and an approximately 20-minute commute to New York City.
Featured image credit: Jump Visual courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty, insert Jacek Proszyk, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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A stylish duplex loft with 14-foot ceilings and oversized windows in West Chelsea has recently landed on the market. And it has some star power to add to its appeal.
The New York City apartment — set in the former industrial-turned-luxury-condo Loft 25 building at 420 West 25th Street — was once owned by veteran actor Matthew Modine, and served as his home for close to five years.
Renowned for his versatile career, which spans iconic films and TV shows such as Full Metal Jacket, Birdy, and a captivating portrayal of Dr. Martin Brenner in the critically acclaimed Netflix series Stranger Things, Modine also made an appearance in this summer’s blockbuster Christopher Nolan-directed movie, Oppenheimer.
In 2008, Modine acquired his stylish urban retreat, a 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom apartment with an exquisite private terrace. Set within the meticulously converted building that echoes the artistic spirit of Chelsea, the abode served as a tranquil haven for the actor during his time in the city.
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He then brought it to market in late 2012 and capitalized on his star power to attract buyers. How, you might ask?
Well, the movie and TV star narrated (and made a brief appearance) in the property’s video listing, going over some of the most notable features of his NYC abode. And it did the trick, as Modine sold the place in early 2013 for $2,175,000.
Now, 10 years after its former celebrity owner parted ways with the West Chelsea condo, the 1,668-square-foot unit is back on the market. The property is listed for $2.5 million with Jed Lewin, Esq. and Monica Park, both with The Agency.
Set in a converted industrial loft building in the heart of Chelsea’s vibrant Gallery District, the stylish unit has 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 1 half bath, and an open-concept living area accented by a ventless Carrara marble fireplace.
Fully renovated — with no expenses spared — the duplex loft features an impressive gourmet kitchen fitted with top-of-the-line appliances (Miele, Sub-Zero, Wolf), flowing Calacatta marble countertops, and ample storage.
Both bedrooms are generously sized, offering peaceful retreats with en-suite bathrooms adorned with exquisite Waterworks fixtures, according to the listing.
Tall, 14-foot ceilings and oversized windows that flood the space with natural southern light add to the loft’s appeal, as does the charming outdoor space, where we find a secluded retreat equipped with a full-sized grill.
Future owners and residents also get to enjoy all the perks that come with living in the Loft 25 building, and to immerse themselves in the West Chelsea art scene, with galleries and cultural venues just steps away.
A full-service luxury doorman condo, the building has a full-time staff, a live-in super, and a whole range of upscale amenities, including a gym, screening room, zen garden, and a 5,000-square-foot roof deck complete with gas grills, an outdoor shower, and panoramic views.
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Ever wondered where Jen Landon — best known as “Teeter” from the immensely popular neo-Western drama series, Yellowstone — rests her head at night?
Landon, who first rose to fame playing Gwen Norbeck Munson in the CBS soap opera As the World Turns, a role that earned her three consecutive Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series, owns a stylish architectural townhome in Venice, Calif., one that she’s now ready to part ways with. And it looks like she’s headed towards a speedy sale.
The Yellowstone actress listed her 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in mid-September, asking $1,795,000 for her stylish Venice pad. A couple of weeks later, the property is already under contract, with listing agents Katie Crain and John Podhor with Compass having already secured a buyer for the charming celebrity home.
Inside ‘Yellowstone’ actress Jen Landon’s house in Venice, Calif.
While it bears no resemblance to the sprawling Yellowstone ranch, Jen Landon’s house has quite a few noteworthy features, including a killer location in one of the most desirable pockets of Venice.
The 2-bedroom townhome is “perfectly located West of Lincoln and just a few blocks away from both Abbot Kinney and Rose Ave, close to the endless amount of incredible restaurants and shops that the neighborhood has to offer,” according to listing agent Katie Crain.
Built in 2009, the townhome sits behind lush bamboo hedges to ensure the utmost privacy for its current celebrity owner. And while it’s impressive by all accounts, the Yellowstone actress’s house is a refreshing change from the massive abodes Hollywood actors and TV stars tend to call home.
The home’s bright and eye-catching exterior fits right in with the vibrant, eclectic Venice community
The 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence boasts soaring ceilings, bamboo floors, and large glass windows throughout its somewhat modest 1,930 sq. ft.
The open living and dining areas flow seamlessly to an impressive kitchen that features PaperStone countertops, a breakfast bar, ample storage, and high-end appliances
The upstairs primary bedroom comes with a lounge area, custom closet, en-suite bathroom with a separate soaking tub, rain shower and dual vanity
The Venice townhouse has a generously sized rooftop deck with breathtaking 360-degree views, creating the perfect space for entertaining guests
The eco-friendly home’s expansive roof space can also be used to plant an edible garden, as it was designed and piped for this exact purpose
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Former Major League Baseball outfielder Justin Upton is looking for a buyer for his ultra-stylish Orange County home.
Upton, who played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Angels before becoming a free agent in 2022, wants $6,795,000 for the 5-bedroom home, which sits in a prime area in the notoriously pricey Newport Beach.
The property is located in the coveted Dover Shores neighborhood, a small community on the Back Bay in Newport Beach, where homes are rarely up for grabs.
“The Dover Shores area is highly desirable due to it being located in Mariners School District which is a blue ribbon school nearby,” listing agent Annie Clougherty of Compass tells us. “Prices are holding and demand continues to be strong in this area due to many buyers relocating to Newport Beach.”
And Justin Upton’s house has quite a few features that stand out — even for the posh area it’s set in. According to Annie, “In this area most commonly referred to as Dover Shores, finished basements and subterranean levels are very rare.”
Upton’s house “boasts an impressive, fully livable finished entertainer’s basement. Exceptional details include 100-year-old fabricate wood turned wood floors and a tri-level floating staircase with three-inch treads.”
But before we move on to the impressive entertainer’s basement, let’s take a minute to gloss over the many other attributes of the Newport Beach house.
Clocking in at almost 6,000 square feet of living space, the former MLB player’s house has 5 bedrooms, 6 full baths, and 1 half-bath.
Originally designed by Randall Coombs Architects and reimagined by Scottsdale-based DeCesare Design Group, the residence’s polished interiors feature rich solid oak hardwood floors (carefully milled from 125-year-old reclaimed barnwood), expansive 17-foot and 15-foot sliding door systems that open to the outdoor areas, and plenty other luxe finishes.
The home has an open floor plan anchored by a chef’s kitchen, fitted with top-of-the-line Thermador appliances, juxtaposed against handmade butcher blocks and lava stone countertops. From the main living area, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors lead to an outdoor deck, built-in barbecue, and fire pit.
But the pièce de résistance is the three-level centerpiece floating staircase with 3-inch solid oak treads, a striking symbol of architectural ingenuity.
Four bedrooms are on the upper level, while a fifth bedroom, bonus room, and kitchen sit on the main level of the stylish abode.
The basement level is where the fun’s at, featuring a surround sound movie theater, bar with popcorn maker, and a glass-enclosed wine cellar — making it the ideal space to entertain guests.
The upscale Newport Beach house is listed for $6,795,000, with Annie Clougherty at Compass holding the listing.
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TOMS Shoes found Blake Mycoskie has been keeping busy lately.
After making headlines a while back with his staggering $100 million pledge to support psychedelic research (which has the potential to develop treatments for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues), Mycoskie tied the knot with former model Molly Holm.
And while we don’t know where the happy couple spent their honeymoon, we do know that they won’t be spending any time at Mycoskie’s house in Costa Rica — as the TOMS Shoes founder has recently listed his Playa Hermosa retreat for sale.
Priced at $4.2 million, the house is co-listed by Andrea Bissinger and Reese Langston of 2Costa Rica Real Estate.
To provide a little background for those who aren’t familiar with his work, Blake Mycoskie first introduced the ‘Buy-One-Give-One’ concept in 2006 — where his footwear company would match every pair of shoes sold with a new pair of shoes to someone in need through partnerships with non-profit organizations and was the first of its kind (now defunct).
His trail-blazing approach to social entrepreneurship soon led him to launch other product lines, including eyewear, apparel, and coffee.
Close to winning a million dollars in the second season of the reality TV show The Amazing Race, which he participated in with his sister, Mycoskie continued his journey to South America, where he witnessed the difficulties children faced in attending school without shoes.
Later, a subsequent trip to Argentina gave him a strong impetus to establish a for-profit business while adopting giving back to the community as its core business model.
In 2019, TOMS announced it was searching for new ways to participate in charity work beyond its pioneering concept. Fast forward two years, the company now donates a third of its profit to grassroots organizations, such as those working to end gun violence.
Inside TOMS Shoes founder ‘s idyllic escape in Costa Rica
The millionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist’s scenic coastal home in Playa Hermosa at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is truly a one-of-a-kind surfer’s paradise.
‘‘Playa Hermosa”, which translates as ‘Beautiful Beach’, is a name that has come to encapsulate the pristine natural beauty of this very beach, offering future owners a tranquil haven of peace, serenity and comfort in the popular town of Santa Teresa.
Just a two-minute walk from the area’s thriving surf precinct welcomes a stunning stone walkway that leads to the main entrance, revealing a beautifully landscaped garden that wraps around the entire indoor living space. Inside, every designated zone opens up to the outside with floor-to-ceiling windows, making each space in the home stand out.
See also: Prince’s former Beach House in the Caribbean, now known as Emara Estate
This luxury Costa Rica estate boasts two open-floor homes — a one-story residence and a two-story house with a central path separating the common living areas and bedrooms, providing much-needed privacy.
Designed by prolific architect Benjamin Garcia Saxe, the magnificent private abode sits on a 12,368-square-foot lot with a tropical jungle-like concept completed in 2020.
Founder and design director of Studio Saxe, Saxe’s design is inspired by his quest to explore human relationships with the natural environment through architecture. And the result is astounding, a perfect fusion of modern design and the unspoiled beauty of nature.
The dual-home compound spans 6,458 square feet, featuring a total of 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 2 half baths, as well as a cinema, a children’s playroom, bike storage, and a swimming pool.
The two-story main house has a spacious balcony in the second-floor bedroom, a fantastic way to welcome each new day and soak up the gorgeous Costa Rican morning sunshine.
But what’s even more striking is its double-height living room clad with elevated wooden screens raised above an exposed steel beam, seamlessly integrating with the rest of the outdoor space to create a breezy yet cozy and intimate atmosphere.
And to top it all off, the covered outdoor kitchen features three elongated wooden chandeliers that accentuate the overall design, creating a harmony between simplicity and elegance. The magical sound of the ocean waves in the background — it’s music to the ears.
Stepping into the communal areas of the property, the kitchen island takes center stage with a built-in cooktop that completely opens up to the family room and transitions to a modern pool lounge, removing the boundary between the interior and exterior parts of the house – indeed, making it the heart of the home.
Incorporating clerestory windows in the kitchen and family room that date all the way back to ancient Egyptian temples adds an extra note of charm and brings in additional natural light while keeping the house cool all year round — a testament to Saxe’s meticulous attention to detail and flair for design.
Another notable amenity of this modern beach home is the resort-style semi-open bathroom with a vanity overlooking the garden through partially white-painted walls, a relaxing oasis to unwind after a busy day. And the best part – the bathroom is naturally ventilated, evoking a sense of connectedness to nature.
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In the world of sports, only a handful of names can rival the legendary status of Lionel Messi.
Known as the Messi-ah of soccer, the Argentinian athlete has racked up countless achievements and awards, including the elusive World Cup in 2022, which took him 16 years to finally win.
When he’s not busy scoring goals and making defenders question their life choices, Leo Messi is living it up in his seriously swanky mansions and condos. He has a net worth of around $600 million, so it comes as no surprise that Messi would splurge on his homes.
With properties in different parts of the world, many fans wonder – “Where does Leo Messi live now?”
The star athlete has been busy growing his real estate portfolio since 2017, so it can be hard to keep up with his whereabouts. But, as he is currently playing for Inter Miami, he has now settled in Vice City.
And while he’s still keeping things under wraps — until he finds the right mansion to put down roots in Miami — we’ve put together a list of Lionel Messi’s houses and condos in recent years, to give you an idea of the soccer star’s options when it comes to housing.
Lionel Messi bought a couple of million-dollar condos in Miami
Back in 2019, before his MLS move to Inter Miami, Messi dropped $5 million to buy an oceanfront condo unit at Porsche Design Tower in Sunny Isles Beach.
His unit totals 3,555 square feet and has three bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms (swipe for pics).
The 60-story luxury condominium offers ultra-luxurious amenities, including a car elevator that allows residents to drive their cars straight to their apartments, providing privacy for high-profile celebrities and billionaires. Messi reportedly sold his unit for $7 million in 2021.
Later, he purchased another luxe Miami penthouse at the Regalia Residences, just 10 blocks away from his first condo.
Messi decided to go big on the upgrade and purchased the whole ninth floor for $7.3 million.
The four-bedroom penthouse has lots of living space, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that framed the scenic beach views perfectly. Seven months after he closed the deal, Lionel Messi’s condo was relisted and ended up back on the market.
He lived in a lavish mansion in Barcelona
Prior to his move to the States, Messi’s primary residence was a lavish mansion in Barcelona.
He built the property in the upscale Bellamar neighborhood in Castelldefels. According to reports, he bought the house in 2009 for $2 million and spent millions more on renovations. It is rumored that he bought the adjacent lot as well, just because the neighbors were too noisy and he wanted some privacy.
The mansion features modern architecture and Mediterranean-themed indoors, with hardwood floors and spacious living areas.
Outdoors, there’s a large garden, a barbeque pit, a pool, and a small playground for Messi’s kids. To keep himself in good shape, Messi also had a small football field installed on the side of his house.
Messi, along with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons, stayed in this mansion for over a decade while he was still playing for Barcelona. It remains unclear if he still owns this property or if he sold it after he switched teams.
Reports say that Lionel Messi also purchased a property near his childhood home in Rosario, Argentina, so he can visit his hometown whenever he wants. Details of this home have been kept secret to protect his family’s privacy.
Leo Messi also has a growing hotel portfolio
Messi doesn’t hold back in his pursuits and this extends to his ventures in the realm of real estate.
He entered the hotel business in 2017 and acquired MIM Hotels, managed by Majestic Hotel Group, run by his brother Rodrigo.
Over the past years, the footballer-turned-hotelier has been adding more properties to his hotel chain. Now, the group owns six hotels with locations in Sitges, Ibiza, Majorca, Baqueira, Sotogrande, and Andorra.
Many football fans can’t help but compare Messi to his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who also runs a chain of hotels. The two superstar athletes can’t seem to shake off the competition even off the field. Messi, however, leads the business game with his expanding luxury hotel chain.
Loving life in Miami
While there have been no reports on where Leonardo Messi lives in Miami, it looks like he and his family have settled into their new life in the US. They were spotted shopping for groceries in the local supermarket, all in casual clothing, looking cheerful and perfectly at ease.
In an interview, Messi shared how happy he is with his decision to move to the States.
“I came here to play and to keep enjoying soccer which is what I loved my whole life and I choose this place because of all those things,” he said.
“I can tell you that I am very happy with the decision I made and for how my family and I live our day-to-day lives and how we enjoy the city and this new experience and how the people received us from the first day, from the people of Miami and the people of the US in general.”
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Star Wars boss Kathleen Kennedy and her equally successful film producer husband, Frank Marshall, are making moves on the real estate front.
Having just released their much-anticipated fifth installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (now playing in theaters around the world) the two are now switching their focus to more personal projects: offloading their stunning Malibu estate, which just hit the market for $18,500,000.
Now, if Kathleen and Frank’s names sound awfully familiar but you’re having trouble placing them, let us refresh your memory.
Best known for high-profile projects like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurrasic Park, Schindler’s List, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, and several Star Wars installments, Kathleen Kennedy earned great success working alongside Steven Spielberg, producing some of his biggest films — which have earned over $11 billion worldwide, including five of the fifty highest-grossing movies in film history.
She’s also been serving as the president of Lucasfilm (George Lucas’ former production company, acquired by Disney in 2012 for $4.2 billion) for over a decade, and is the first and only female award winner of the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.
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Her husband, Frank Marshall, famously worked on box-office hits like Gremlins, the Back to the Future trilogy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Hook, and Empire of the Sun, before co-founding The Kennedy/Marshall Company with his wife in 1991.
Together, the two filmmakers produced The Sixth Sense, Signs, Seabiscuit, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, War Horse, and all four films in the Bourne series. In 2012, Marshall took over as sole principal of the company when Kathleen became Chairman of Lucasfilm, Ltd.
In addition to earning well over a dozen Oscar nominations between them, the couple is also a force in California real estate, having bought and sold multimillion-dollar properties from and to celebrities like Bea Arthur, Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, Tom Selleck, and Steven Seagal.
And now, they’re looking to cash in big by selling their Malibu estate, a contemporary marvel set atop a lush promontory with commanding views of the Malibu coastline.
Inside Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall’s $18.5M Malibu estate
The Indiana Jones producers’ house just hit the market for $18,500,000 — with Stan Richman of Compass in charge of the listing.
Set in a private, gated compound, the home is completely shielded from prying eyes and even from neighboring properties.
“This one-story home sits on a rare 2.2-wide-acre private knoll in Carbon Mesa, with views of Malibu from one end to the other that’s incomparable to any other lot in the city. It’s perfect for easy living and ideal for someone who appreciates land and views,” listing agent Stan Richman told us via email.
Beyond its perfect location in one of the world’s most coveted and serene settings (which also places the couple’s home in close proximity to Nobu, Little Beach House Malibu, The Country Mart, and the brand-new Cross Creek Development), the $18.5 million house could serve as a poster house for the ‘quiet luxury’ trend.
Epitomizing quintessential indoor-outdoor living with nearly every room inside the home having direct access to the outdoors, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence is anchored by a stunning great room with exposed vaulted ceilings and walls of glass that open to unobstructed ocean views.
The chef’s kitchen features a center island, full bar, mini bar, and fireplace that opens to the outdoor spaces with an outdoor barbecue, custom fire pit, outdoor shower, and multiple lounging areas.
The expansive primary suite boasts a fireplace and spa-style bathroom with custom built-ins and a walk-in closet, and the other three bedrooms are equally inviting.
Heading outside, the infinity-edge pool (with top-of-the-line PebbleTec technology), outdoor BBQ, custom fire pit, and outdoor shower round up the long list of amenities. Though it’s worth noting that the house also comes with membership rights to the coveted La Costa Beach and Tennis Club.
The celebrated filmmakers listed quite a few other multimillion-dollar properties over the years, including a scenic $16.9 million ranch in Telluride, Colo., a $3.6 million New York City apartment, and a gated compound in Brentwood, Los Angeles that sold for $8.6 million in 2015.
And while we don’t know what it’s like to work with them in real estate transactions, all of their past movie collaborators speak very highly of the Indiana Jones producers — including Indy himself.
Harrison Ford once told Variety that “There’s a lot in this business that doesn’t make sense. Kathy and Frank are one of the things that do,” adding that “They work hard, they’re good people with good ideas, they have a real understanding of how the movie business works and they know how to get sh*t done.”
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Step into a world where sleek lines, open spaces, and a harmonious marriage of form and function reign supreme.
Mid-century may be a classic style from the mid-1900s, but homes built in this style have a timeless appeal. With their distinct architectural features — which often include flat roofs, horizontal planes, and geometric shapes — they embrace simplicity, functionality, and a seamless integration with the surrounding environment.
Nature and lifestyle were key when designing mid-century houses, so many of them were built with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the yard, sliding glass doors, and many access points to the outdoors.
Incorporating clean lines and basic shapes, simple furnishings, a practical Scandinavian approach with muted color palette, and warm inviting earth tones, simplicity is a notable characteristic of mid-century design. Mid-century modern homes also used spaces efficiently with their split-level design, which makes it easy to see why the this architectural style continues to fascinate with both its practicality and its aesthetic appeal.
Our favorite midcentury modern houses
For those who want to immerse themselves in the world of midcentury beauties, we’ve rounded up our favorites. Carefully restored by their owners while preserving their original character and incorporating modern amenities and technologies, we believe the examples below have done a great job at striking a balance between maintaining the historical integrity of the house and making it functional for contemporary living.
Without further ado, here are 13 stylishly refreshed-yet-classic mid-century modern houses that we’ve covered in the past, many of which had some quite famous owners (or architects).
#1 A secluded mid-century modern home with unique features and views of lush surroundings
There is so much to love about this Santa Clarita property — which was home to ‘Dallas’ Star Linda Gray for almost FIVE decades. Named Oak Tree Ranch after the stunning oak trees that grow on the property, the private California compound has many unique features.
Designed by acclaimed architect A. Quincy Jones, the mid-century house is unquestionably elegant and captivating. True to the principle of bringing the outside in, the floor is made of heart pine, (meaning the heart of the pine tree), sourced from a New Orleans schoolhouse.
The freestanding fireplace is another unique feature of this property. The kitchen was designed by renowned architect Josh Schweitzer who added beautiful racks to hang pots and pans out in the open, pro-style appliances, and a pizza oven.
Sitting on 2.7 acres of lush land, the property has stables for four horses, a tack room/barn, a north-south tennis court, a large swimmer’s pool with spa, organic gardens, koi pond, chicken coop, and an endless lawn to enjoy the outdoors.
#2 This mid-century modern home built by Steele & Van Dyk resembles a semi-secluded paradise
The 8.86-acre property located in the Sonoma County town of Sebastopol is one of the most spectacular (and most lovingly preserved) mid-century homes you’ll find.
It was once owned by Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts and his children have fond memories of the property, which was used by their father as a creative studio.
There were several lots on the original 27-acre property such as Schulz’ main house, his grandmother’s house, a large pond, a baseball field, a miniature golf course, a large swimming pool, an enclosed entertainment pavilion, and his studio, all surrounded by vineyards and apple orchards.
The family who bought the property after Charles Schulz’ ownership made a few changes to the studio but made sure not to alter the nature of the design.
They renovated the studio and turned it into an inviting one-bedroom home which operated as a licensed vacation rental for a few years.
True to the architecture of mid-century modern houses, the former art studio has clean lines, minimal decoration, and large, flat panes of glass windows and doors which allow a connection with nature.
With the home surrounded by natural beauty, you’ll find a four-hole golf course, Redwoods groves, and walking trails lined with numerous rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, dogwoods, several varieties of ferns, fruit trees, and plenty of flowers.
#3 One of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s last projects, a mid-century masterpiece
Sitting on 14 acres of protected land in New Canaan, Conn., we find one of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s final projects, built in 1955, just a few years before his death in 1959.
Known as Tirranna — a moniker inspired by an Australian Aboriginal word meaning “running waters”, as the home is cantilevered over a pond and overlooks a waterfall on the Noroton River — the property is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest residential properties.
The architect also lived here while building the Guggenheim Museum and even used some of the scalloped glass windows from the Guggenheim Museum project to complete the home’s south-facing greenhouse.
Clocking in at a generous 7,000 square feet, the 7-bedroom, 8.5-bath home blends geometric complexity with nature’s flowing curves, in typical Frank Lloyd Wright style.
Throughout the home, the architect combined and contrasted soaring ceilings and open living spaces with cozy and cocoon-like mahogany-paneled bedrooms.
The home’s functional wood-paneled and stainless-steel kitchen epitomizes the mid-century modern aesthetic, while each of the bathrooms are spa-like and adorned with spectacular wood panels and unique features.
#4 A Mid-century home in Palo Alto that has maintained the integrity of its original design
This mid-century modern home is so simple that it reads as sophisticated.
It bears the signature of internationally recognized architect and Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Aaron Green. The 3-bed, 2-bath home features extensive use of mahogany, slab floors with radiant heat, built-in beds, desks and dressers, and Formica counters.
With flat roofs, both the exterior and interior have a clean and functional design. Inside the home, there is minimal decoration and the various cabinetry adds depth and variation in elevation.
The large windows give magnetic views of the yard. All in all, a gorgeous home updated for modern living while still retaining its mid-century authenticity.
#5 One of the most spectacular mid-century modern houses with a Moroccan theme and great views of the Coachella Valley
This stylish home is located in a compound in Rancho Mirage’s Thunderbird Heights — a prestigious gated hillside community adjacent to Thunderbird Country Club.
The mid-century home was custom-built for famous entertainer Bing Crosby and his second wife, Kathryn Grant, and was an absolutely perfect fit for its celebrity owner who loved to live large.
Among its most striking features, Bing Crosby’s former home lists a large living room with a stone fireplace and bar, a chef’s kitchen, a movie theater, and a beautiful and spacious 1,400-sq. foot master suite with a stunner of a walk-in closet and a fireplace, as well as four additional en-suite bedrooms.
Spread over 1.36 acres of land, the phenomenal home has approximately 6,700 square feet of living space that extend into the outdoor areas.
The home’s most famous guests, though, were definitely Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy. In honor of their stay there, the two-bedroom attached casita has been named the JFK Wing.
#6 An architectural gem with mesmerizing views of its lush surroundings and direct entrance to Rustic Canyon Park
Set in Los Angeles, this mid-century home designed by notable architect David Hyun has formerly been the residence of prominent entertainment lawyer Gary Concoff and his wife Jean.
The house dubbed ‘the Modern Tree House’ has large floor-to-ceiling windows which provide scenic views of the century-old trees that surround it and encourage a sense of harmony with the outdoor spaces it’s built around. The combination of the large windows and open floor plans let in a lot of beautiful natural light into the two-story home.
Notable features on the lower level of the house include an eat-in Eggersman kitchen, a full-service bar, a formal powder room, and three bedrooms. The distinctive spiral staircase leads to the primary suite upstairs fitted with generously sized closets as well as two separate offices and a large den/media room.
The massive backyard of the nearly quarter-acre property features a large swimming pool, a unique area for dining set amongst the trees, and a gate directly into Rustic Canyon Park, said to be one of the best parks in Los Angeles.
#7 The lovely mid-century modern house Richard Neutra designed for his secretary
One of the most impressive celebrity homes on our list, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea’s house is made out of two architecturally significant structures: The first is a modern heptagon-shaped house designed by AD100 architect Michael Maltzan and the other is a lovely midcentury-style house built by famed architect Richard Neutra in the early 1950s.
Clocking in at 1,350 sq ft, the midcentury-style home has 2 bedrooms, and one bath, and is surrounded by walls of glass.
The home was built by Richard Neutra for his secretary, Dorothy Serulnic and her husband, George, back in 1953. Neutra, one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century, made sure that his secretary’s home is as livable and comfortable as it is visually appealing.
He designed several built-ins including a sofa system with a record player and concealed speakers, multiple desks, shelving systems, a dining room table, and a sliding breakfast nook, which are still present in the house today (or, rather, were still there when Flea tried offloading his La Crescenda compound a while back).
Architect Michael Maltzan then built a dramatic, seven-sided house on the property half a century later. The spaceship-like house is surrounded by seven exterior walls (some made out of glass) and is anchored by an open-air courtyard that sits right at the center.
A small cabin built by artist and craftsman Peter Staley provides a little extra space for guests and an eye-grabbing feature.
#8 Master architect Richard Dorman’s award-winning home, the Seidenbaum Residence
Tucked away down a long private driveway into a quiet, secluded compound we find architect Richard Dorman’s Seidenbaum Residence.
With its timeless appeal and unique design, the home is nestled in the Hollywood Hills on Mulholland Drive, overlooking outstanding views of the San Fernando Valley and the Hollywood sign.
Spanning 3,198 square feet, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home has two peaked roofs and clerestory windows that capture the California sunshine inside the main living area.
Boasting an open-concept layout, the home blends mid-century and modern designs. From the dining and main living areas to the kitchen, the fluid design captures a sense of tranquility amid the walls of glass that draw in the natural light.
Providing warmth and intimacy, the see-through, double-sided fireplace is a show-stopper in the great room.
#9 This elegant home with a zen factor beautifully remodeled for modern-day living
Originally built in 1955, this home offers a fresh, contemporary take on the timeless midcentury style. Esteemed architectural firm OWIU (which stands for the only way is up) updated the property, building on its mid-century modern legacy.
The 1,516-square-foot home is in Mount Washington, a historic neighborhood in the San Rafael Hills of Northeast Los Angeles. It has bright, warm interiors, and is filled with the natural finish of attractive light oak wood.
The house — which has retained its original charm —is all about comfort, timeless design, and an approachable elegance.Kane Lim from the popular reality show Bling Empire was once the owner of this beautiful property.
It has all the standard features of a mid-century home and then some,with floor-to-ceiling windows, clean lines, breathtaking views, and a deck in the primary suite that leads to a Japanese-style garden with bonsai and maple trees.
The house’s exterior has fresh pathways and gardening beds, a gate that leads to the lower portion of the property, and a large open space that has a sculptural staircase and custom wood bench surrounding a fire pit.
#10 A charming, thoughtfully updated former celebrity home on a quiet hilltop
On a quiet hilltop right above the famed Mulholland Drive sits a 4-bedroom hilltop hideaway once owned by power couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski.
The secluded, single-level mid-century home has a large open plan design and walls of glass that allow light to enter rooms from multiple angles.
With soaring, beamed ceilings, wide plank hardwoods, and original stonework, the living room is as eye-catching as it is inviting and features a gas fireplace.
The primary bedroom suite is one of the main highlights of this home and it looks and feels like a retreat in itself. With its vaulted, beamed ceilings, and massive windows inviting the outdoors in, a sitting area, custom built-ins, a walk-in closet, and a marble-clad ensuite bath with a soaking tub and steam shower, it truly is a stylish and elegant space.
The flagstone patio is surrounded by mature oak and olive trees and features a bubbling fountain, making it a great place to relax and soak in the picturesque views of mountains, the canyon, and the slivers of the city skyline.
#11 A spectacular stilt house with jaw-dropping views and a unique taste of Los Angeles history
Nestled in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, this is one of 17 unique homes propped up over the side of the Beverly Glen Canyon. The mid-century house was tastefully modernized by its previous owner, acclaimed architect Donald M. Goldstein. It’s undoubtedly a part of architecture history in Los Angeles.
Known as Neutra’s Platform Houses because they were originally designed by legendary architect Richard Neutra, these gravity-defying homes are incredible. Also known as the Stone-Fisher Speculative Houses (as they were built for the Stone-Fisher development company), the unique abodes were later completed by architect William S. Beckett.
The one-story home creates the illusion of a floating vessel in the sky. The unique structure has a rectangular form, horizontal emphasis, long balconies stretching the full width of the house, and large windows to display magnificent views of the San Fernando Valley.
Some of the notable features of the 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home include pyramid skylights, raised ceiling and roof lines, a 300+ bottle wine cellar, a Roman soaking tub, and its black metal exterior is coated with a 24-gauge Kynar finish.
#12 A classic mid-century house in a prime location with a long list of past celebrity owners
The star-studded Los Angeles Tree House — carefully tucked away from prying eyes in the famous Mulholland Drive — has attracted names like Ellen DeGeneres, Heath Ledger, and Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson as its owners.
The charming home with its lush surroundings is as serene as it is private. Inside, the clean mid-century modern style is warmed by a blend of natural textures, with walls of glass opening the home to the beautifully landscaped outdoors.
The home’s most extraordinary feature is its expansive 2,500-square-foot outdoor deck which is pretty phenomenal.
It overlooks the leafy treetops illuminated with ethereal lights at night and is furnished with an outdoor grill, lots of seating areas, and an open-air screening room with a retractable projection screen.
#13 A two-story mid-century gem in Bel Air with artsy appeal
Set in a quiet cul-de-sac, the 5,134-square-foot mid-century modern home features 5 bedrooms and 4 baths and has been fitted with everything from stone counters to auto window shades, radiant limestone floors, and high-end SS Thermador appliances.
The two-story Bel-Air home features dramatic vaulted ceilings that soar over the living, dining, and family rooms.
With its seamless indoor/outdoor living, scenic surroundings and the floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that are popular in mid-century modern houses, the house is flooded with natural light.
The home’s interior is stylishly refreshed with inviting warm-toned furnishings providing a relaxing and enriching experience, with art and pops of color accenting its midcentury aesthetic.
Midcentury modern houses continue to captivate and inspire with their timeless charm and architectural elegance. From their clean lines and expansive windows to their innovative use of materials, these houses represent a design movement that has left an indelible mark on the world of architecture, one that will continue to attract homeowners and renovators for years to come.
Especially since, as we’ve seen with the examples listed above, updating these midcentury gems creates true masterpieces.
Darren Dreifort, the former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers is ready to part ways with his house in the coveted Pacific Palisades health issues, is married to former sports journalist Krystal Fernandez. The two have been living in the Pacific Palisades abode ever since they got married in 2010, and this is the first time the property is on the market since they purchased it 14 years ago for $3 million, public records show.
Now, the 7,698-square-foot, 3-level home landed on the market with an $8.5 million price tag (Adam Jaret and Ally Jaret with Compass hold the listing) — and we’re here to give you a quick tour of the lovely family home.
Set just a block away from Asilomar Beach and State Park (also known as Monterey Peninsula’s “Refuge by the Sea”), Dreitfort’s house sits on a prime corner lot in El Medio Bluffs — a seaside hamlet that’s often touted as a “bespoke coastal village”.
With 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms (7 full and 1 half-bath), the property has 7,698 square feet of living space spread across three floors.
The main floor has an office, a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, formal living, dining room, family room with fireplace, and a spectacular kitchen with a huge island and generously-sized casual dining banquette — that looks like the perfect gathering place for the whole family.
The top floor features the primary suite and 3 more large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, one more inviting than the next.
There’s even more space on the lower level (which has its own separate entrance), where we find 2 more bedroom suites, a kitchen, yoga/ fitness studio, media/ game room and tons of storage.
“Located a half block away from the El Medio bluffs, this 7,700-square-foot California coastal residence boasts an open living space, game room, home theater, gym, and yoga studio, along with an expansive rooftop deck with ocean and mountain views, large backyard, fitness pool and basketball court – perfect for the quintessential Pailsadian family,” listing agent Adam Jaret told us in an email.
Darren Dreifort’s house is located in one of Los Angeles’ priciest and most desirable neighborhoods, Pacific Palisades. Set on the city’s southern bluffs, this affluent neighborhood is known for its beautiful canyons and stunning beaches, its vibrant “downtown” center (The Village), and its proximity to Malibu and Santa Monica.
“The market is still strong for Pacific Palisades, and we anticipate a quick sale due to low inventory and high demand in the neighborhood,” Jaret added.
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One of the most recognizable homes ever owned by billionaire movie mogul and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes is back on the market.
The Hancock Park estate — set on South Muirfield Road, on the 8th green of Wilshire Country Club — served as the eccentric billionaire’s home at the height of his fame.
It was while living in his Hancock Park home that he produced his most well-known films (Hell’s Angels, Scarface), set a transcontinental airspeed record, and famously romanced Katharine Hepburn.
Now, the property that once served as Howard Hughes’ house is looking for new owners, and recently landed on the market with a $23 million price tag. F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass hold the listing.
A legendary estate with a storied history
Originally designed in 1926 by famed architect Roland E. Coate, the property initially belonged to socialite Eva K. Fudger.
When a young Howard Hughes moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a filmmaker, he first occupied a bungalow at the Ambassador Hotel with his wife, Ella. And while many thought his ambitions would be short-lived, by the time Hughes’ third movie — 1927’s Two Arabian Knights — was released to great critical acclaim, it became apparent that he was here to stay.
So Howard and Ella set out to find a more permanent residence, settling down in Fudger’s Muirfield Rd residence, first as renters, then outright buying the place from the socialite. And while their marriage was shortlived (Ella would soon move back to Texas, tired of Howard’s obsessions), Hughes spent a decade and a half in his hacienda-style home in Hancock Park.
Some of the visionary billionaire’s biggest achievements happened while he was still living in his Muirfield Road house. After winning Hollywood over with films like Hell’s Angels (1930), The Front Page (1931), and Scarface (1932), Hughes started devoting his full attention to flying, ultimately shattering the world record for circumnavigating the globe.
It was also while living here that he had his wirldwind romance with actress Katharine Hepburn. The two were even engaged to be married before their 18-month relationship came to an end.
Breathing new life into the century old residence
In 2011, current owners Ash Shah and his wife, Niroupa Shah, acquired the home for $6.3 million and completely transformed the 1926-built residence.
Ash, a former movie producer-turned-restaurateur (that helped co-found the Danny Trejo brands: Trejo’s Tacos, Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts, Trejo’s Spirits, and Trejo’s Cerveza) and Niroupa gave the New York Times a tour of their famous abode a few years back, talking about the extensive changes they’d made to the estate.
Starting with what they called the outdated, chopped-up floor plan which they had to reconfigure — it still had old-fashioned servants’ quarters that were removed from the main living spaces — to adding a family room off the kitchen, an outdoor kitchen equipped with a pizza oven, and a sleek new swimming pool in the backyard, the Shahs reimagined the Roland E. Coate-designed home for modern living.
They also turned a pool room into a ’70s-style plywood rec room and redid Mr. Hughes’s former wood-paneled study in striking black lacquer. “We’re fun people,” Ms. Shah told the New York Times. “That sort of old Spanish dark woods didn’t go with us.”
Now, the couple is ready to part ways with their lovely family home and are looking for a buyer who can appreciate both its many attributes and its captivating history.
Howard Hughes’ house is now on the market for $23 million
Recently listed with F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass, the former residence of visionary billionaire, movie mogul, and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes is now on the market for $23 million.
Beyond its storied history, the 10,179-square-foot Hancock Park abode sits on a very private lot with stunning golf course views, and offers 8 bedrooms, 7 full baths, and 5 half baths.
Per the listing, every element of this home has been meticulously designed, showcasing thoughtful lighting, timeless finishes, and exquisite wall coverings.
The chef’s kitchen boasts polished brass countertops and a 24-foot kitchen island, opening to a welcoming family room adorned with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
A beautiful cobblestone courtyard with an outdoor fireplace serves as the home’s striking centerpiece, providing a serene oasis for both relaxation and entertainment.
The expansive backyard is a true delight for hosting gatherings, featuring multiple lounge areas, a custom-built stone pizza oven and an inviting swimming pool.
Other noteworthy features include an intimate screening room, a 2,500-bottle temperature-controlled wine vault (which was actually Howard Hughes’ old vault), and an attached guest residence with a full kitchen and bath.
The property’s landscape design with lush greenery and far-reaching views of the Hollywood Hills and iconic Hollywood sign add to its elegance and allure.
And while any future owner would be lucky to call this place home, forgive us for hoping Leonardo DiCaprio (who famously played Hughes in Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator) decides to add it to his vast real estate portfolio. It would be a match made in Hollywood heaven!
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