Blend futuristic art with immaculate California nature and you’ll get Malibu’s groundbreaking Glass-and-Steel House — if you can shell out $59.5 million, that is.
41800 Pacific Coast Highway’s not-so-humble price point of nearly $60 million includes four bedrooms and six bathrooms with a detached one-bed, one-bath guesthouse on 8,206 square feet of pure architectural excellence.
The unrivaled property is situated on a pristine Malibu beach lot boasting a Harrison Reef tide pool and dramatic ocean and canyon views. Best of all, the location is distinctly private, ensuring its next owner the utmost exclusivity.
An Ed Niles masterpiece
Renowned architect Edward R. Niles, who’s been creating iconic structures since 1979, expertly balanced cutting-edge ideas with timeless elements to create arguably his best endeavor — the Malibu Glass-and-Steel House — which is, in essence, a livable art piece to the likes of the Guggenheim Museum.
The avant-garde abode is defined by sharp geometric angles, varied shapes, and out-of-the-box materials like glass, steel, and concrete, all thoughtfully executed and flowing beautifully together.
In other words, it’s a far cry from your average home.
Feng Shui and Japanese influences
Despite its futuristic appeal, the house still manages to achieve a homey feel by balancing the cold steel and concrete with warm natural elements throughout.
The original owner of the house, Dr. Wei-Tzuoh Chen, was passionate about Feng Shui – and it’s noted in the carefully curated details.
The home’s prime location on a hill just 75 feet away from water adheres perfectly to the ancient Chinese art form’s principles, and its south-facing facade is ideal for balance, harmony, and good fortune.
See also: Alicia Keys’ house in San Diego is a futuristic clifftop mansion
Taking Feng Shui to the next level, architect Niles strategically incorporated the lucky number 8- doubling in meaning as the infinity symbol throughout the house, from its eight separate structures united as one to tasteful sculptures and furnishings highlighting the powerful number that represents abundance.
The notes of red carefully scattered across the grounds also symbolize luck and prosperity, which the future homeowner is bound to have already, considering the property’s eye-boggling price tag.
Niles also tapped into the Japanese architectural Shoji concept of translucency when designing the modern masterpiece, and its influence can be seen in the property’s abundant windows that lend way to striking views of the Southern California coastline.
Even the ceiling is made of glass, giving the interior a bright atrium vibe while filtering in the sunshine.
Now listed for $59.9 million
Originally listed in March 2023 with an ambitious $68.8 million price tag, the Ed Niles-designed home recently had its price re-adjusted to $59.9 million.
Madison Hildebrand and Jennifer Chrisman at Compass and Wendy Wong and Katherine Quach of Treelane Realty Group are spearheading the home sale.
Says Hildebrand, “It’s a rare occurrence where art meets nature. From the moment you arrive, you realize it’s unlike any other property along the Malibu coastline. Every angle, shape, and material was carefully thought out to provide a unique experience. And, being only 25 minutes from the Camarillo airport, it’s perfect for those looking to escape unnoticed.”
Steel beams and floor-to-ceiling glass walls juxtapose the lush canyon surrounding them. But the real magic lies inside.
Enter the private gates and through a minimalist yet dramatic foyer and you’ll be greeted with an open floor plan featuring the main living space and sleek stainless steel Bulthaup kitchen, including Sub-Zero refrigerators, limestone floors, and high-quality cabinetry and furniture designed by the architect himself.
While the main floor is spectacular, the upstairs — which features four en-suite oceanview bedrooms and living spaces and can be accessed by hydraulic elevator — is just as otherworldly and aesthetically pleasing.
This home boasts bragging rights beyond its one-of-a-kind structure and world-class location, though.
Featuring a state-of-the-art music room, a soundproof home theater that seats up to 19 people, and a built-in audio system throughout the structure, it’s also an entertainer’s paradise.
You can effortlessly bring the party outside thanks to the property’s expansive outdoor space with enough room to host over 100 guests.
Between the Japanese soaking tub, conversation fire pit, and barbecue area — all with outstanding vistas of the home’s 75-foot fine sand beach and the breathtaking ocean beyond it — you can bet that no guest will get bored.
One multi-millionaire with almost $60 million to spare will be fortunate enough to call this innovative and tasteful home (and a slice of Malibu Beach) all their own. And we’ll be keeping an eye out to see who the lucky future owner will be.
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So, you got a match on a dating app. Things are going well, and you’re ready to meet up for a bite to eat. Congrats! There’s only one problem: you’re in charge of picking the place.
Luckily, Portland is a great city for date nights — yes, even compared to Seattle. However, with so many fantastic options located throughout Portland’s best neighborhoods, deciding on one is a daunting task. The cost of living in Portland is also enough to make you cautiously scan the menu for prices before committing, and obviously, you want just the right vibe.
We’ve taken these factors and more into consideration to bring you the best romantic restaurants in Portland.
Ava Gene’s
Photo source: Facebook.com/avagenes
Location: 3377 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Portland’s Richmond neighborhood is home to the light and airy Italian eatery Ava Gene’s, the first on our list of best romantic restaurants in Portland. It’s adorned by lots of marble, lacy curtains, floating lights and plenty of greenery. The atmosphere will absorb you and your date as soon as you walk through the door.
The menu is equally enchanting, offering a variety of locally sourced, hyper-seasonal Italian-inspired dishes dreamed up by chef and owner Joshua McFadden, who is making culinary waves on an international level. Special events like their Trattoria Nights and wine series celebrations offer super special price-fixed meals, but the regular menu is dazzling and modestly priced, including a fantastic selection of local wines.
Broder
Photo source: Facebook.com/BroderPDX
Location: Multiple
Looking for a romantic brunch spot? Broder is a unique choice with 3 equally alluring locations around PDX. If you’ve never tried Scandinavian food, prepare to fall for the rich comforting, flavors, both sweet and savory, that have drawn crowds for years. Gaze into your companion’s eyes in the morning light over a plate of Norwegian crepes with a lingonberry mimosa in hand and get swept off your feet.
Cabezon
Photo source: Facebook.com/cabezonpdx
Location: 5200 NE Sacramento St, Portland, OR 97213
If you’re craving seafood in an intimate atmosphere, Cabezon in the Rose City Park neighborhood is a great choice for a special occasion. This bustling neighborhood bistro and fish market is serving some of the freshest, locally-sourced seafood in town prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients and a fantastic wine list.
Start with oysters on the half shell and work your way up to a hearty entrée like the cioppino or the mahi-mahi. This quality of food is a little pricier, but it’s fair and you really feel that you’re getting what you paid for, making Cabezon worth the splurge, even on a renter’s budget.
Canard
Photo source: Yelp.com/biz_photos/canard-portland
Location: 734 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
A more low-key offshoot of Portland’s famed French restaurant, Le Pigeon, Canard in Buckman offers a taste of fine dining at a price point and setting that’s more reminiscent of a bistro and wine bar. Small plates are key here, so make sure that you and your date are on the same page about sharing because you’ll want a taste of everything.
The ambiance is a cross between casual and sophisticated, reflected in the menu with dishes like tantalizingly elegant steam burgers, foie gras dumplings and the extravagant duck stack pancakes.
Kachka
Photo source: Facebook.com/kachkapdx
Location: 960 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
There’s something specifically romantic about toasting a flight of specialized vodka over plates of classic, family-recipe Russian dishes at Kachka in the Buckman neighborhood. Maybe it’s the history and tradition you can taste in every bite, maybe it’s the high ceilings and tall, tapestry-covered walls or maybe it’s just the infused spirits, but there’s something uniquely intoxicating about the place. And it’s certainly one of the best romantic restaurants in Portland.
Share a plate of pelmeni, trade forkfuls of the herring under a fur coat and enjoy the mutually shared bliss of this faraway culinary adventure right here in Portland.
Khun Pic’s Banh Thai
Photo source: Facebook.com/KhunPics
Location: 3429 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
There are plenty of Thai restaurants in Portland, but few that are as charming as Khun Pic’s. This hidden gem is in a beautiful Victorian home with a gorgeous garden patio in Sunnyside. A meal here feels more like being invited into a family’s house and served a home-cooked meal. Enjoy your favorite reasonably-priced, traditional Thai food selections while basking in the romantic glow for a quaint date night.
Location: 4039 Mississippi Ave N Ste 101 Portland, OR 97227
A pizza date is always a good idea. Sharing a cheesy pie is fun, light-hearted and keeps the mood casual yet intimate. That doesn’t mean the food isn’t amazing. Lovely’s Fifty Fifty in the Mississippi neighborhood serves some of the freshest, most beautiful toppings you’ll ever find on a pizza in a warm, welcoming space.
As a bonus, there’s no need to buy your date flowers. Lovely’s will serve them for you baked right in. Do yourself a favor and save room for dessert. They make their organic ice cream in-house and it’s the perfect way to cap off a romantic evening.
Looking for a dinner destination that’s more on the hip and trendy end of the spectrum? Head downtown to Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen for a vibrant menu of creative takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes in an atmosphere that’s bustling, but not too loud or distracting for quality table talk. Loosen up with a tasty cocktail like the Asian Vacation and get to know each other better over pho, rice plates and elevated banh mi.
Luce
Photo source: Yelp.com/biz_photos/luce-portland
Location: 2140 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
At Luce, the focus is first and foremost on the food. This is a small Italian market in the Buckman neighborhood filled with large shelves of authentic imported goods and fine wines, large windows and tons of vibrant green plants. Eating here feels like you’ve stumbled into a closely guarded secret. But the secret is out and they don’t take reservations. Your best bet to score a table is on an intimate weeknight outing. The menu is just as authentic, featuring a carefully curated selection of seafood, pasta, antipasto and desserts. You’re sure to find something to woo your special someone.
TEOTE House Cafe
Photo source: Facebook.com/TeoteHouseCafe
Location: 1615 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
To complete the list of the best romantic restaurants in Portland, let’s spice things up a bit. Head to TEOTE House Cafe in Ladd’s Addition for a colorful menu of authentic Latin American dishes at prices that will let you try a little of everything. Grab a table inside the renovated house-turned-restaurant or snuggle up beside the fire pit on their huge, heated patio. Mezcal is the house drink here and a creative cocktail is sure to pave the way for an enjoyable evening, especially paired with a few arepas.
Date night doesn’t have to break the bank
Portland is a foodie’s paradise with so many cuisines and atmospheres to choose from. Maintaining a renter’s budget might disqualify some of the city’s finer dining establishments. But that doesn’t mean you can’t meet up for a unique meal with an amazing ambiance. Discover some of the city’s most romantic restaurants and find the perfect fit for your next date night.
Jake Borower has written on behalf of an entertainment website, a renewable energy initiative and has spent the last four years as a social media content specialist working in the multi-family housing industry. A graduate of Appalachian State University’s Public Relations program, during his free time he enjoys pairing a pint with the perfect vinyl record, going to concerts, traveling and trying new restaurants in his current home of Portland, Oregon.
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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In the world of real estate, where property expertise reigns supreme, it comes as little surprise that the most successful real estate agents own some of the most remarkable and envy-inducing residences.
With their extensive knowledge of market trends and investment potential — not to mention their keenly trained eye for luxury living — real estate pros are the first to spot desirable properties, often before they are even listed for the general public to see.
They then leverage their design expertise and Rolodex of industry connections to turn their homes into personal sanctuaries that serve as living testaments to their industry acumen and discerning tastes.
Such is the case of Billy Rose, realtor to the stars and co-founder of luxury real estate brokerage, The Agency.
Rose, rated as one of the best real estate agents in Los Angeles (and the entire country, once being named the Number 10 real estate agent in the U.S. by The Wall Street Journal), owns an architecturally distinct home in one of Los Angeles’ best areas, which he’s now bringing to market.
Priced at $5,895,000, the elegant abode has served as Billy Rose’s personal residence for 20 years.
Located in the sought-after Westword neighborhood, the property sits on the “first lot bought in highly coveted Westwood Hills”, per the listing, and is known as the Murrow Residence, named after its original owners.
Rose himself provided a little bit of background on the home’s history.
“The Murrows considered the lot to be the trophy of Westwood Hills,” Billy Rose tells us. “Mr. Murrow, for whom the home was built, was (as I understand it) a bit of a “mucky muck” at the Rand Corporation. He had rigged the front door such that he could attach a 35mm projector to the door and project through to the living room.“
But it’s not just the location that appealed to The Agency co-founder.
The home’s distinct design played a big role too. The 1940-built residence is an outstanding example of International Style architecture (post Deco and pre Mid-Century Modern).
“I find International Style architecture to be sublime,” Billy Rose shared in an exclusive comment for Fancy Pants Homes. “The style is best described as stripped of all unnecessary ornamentation and about accentuating the strengths of the home (the view, the layout, the light, the circulation, the air flow). Le Corbusier (one of the pioneers of what is now regarded as modern architecture) summed it up best when he called a house a “machine for living”.“
Vintage and collectible lighting, designer finishes, and terrazzo and custom-milled walnut floors complement the home’s unique style, while broad expanses of glass in every direction bring the outdoors in.
The house has a total of 5 bedrooms — all suites — with the primary being touted as “one of the best primary suites in its class with extremely generous dual closets and baths”, per the listing.
The inviting chef’s kitchen has its own claim to fame.
“My wife is a chef and she filmed her show “Taste of Melrose” from there,” shared Rose whose wife, model-turned-chef Melissa Rose, has been filming her cooking show in their camera-ready kitchen for years.“It was not only a great exhibition kitchen, but it served us well for our numerous dinner parties.”
When prompted to pick his favorite area of the house, The Agency co-founder signaled out the primary bedroom suite, along with “the original stairway, with its two-story Torrance steel window system“, which he says was one of the things that drew him to the property.
Heading outside, we find a secluded backyard oasis with a cascading pool, spa, fire pit, grassy yard, dining and lounging areas, with mature landscaping, tall hedges, and privacy walls shielding it from prying eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Billy Rose holds the listing along with Stefan Pommepuy, also with The Agency.
And while Rose hasn’t yet been part of the cast of Buying Beverly Hills, the Netflix series starring agents from the luxury real estate brokerage he co-founded alongside Mauricio Umansky, we’re hoping his house will — and that the second season of the show will give us a better look inside his inviting abode.
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On the northern Oregon Coast between Warrenton and Gearhart, near Astoria and Seaside, lies the gated community of Surf Pines, Oregon. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, and the peaceful Sunset Lake on the east, the residential community offers quite a few beautiful homes in a serene setting where quiet rural living meets fun beach life.
And a sleek three-bedroom home is looking to attract new residents to the area.
Recently listed for $1,250,000, the property was designed by Pacific Northwest architect Paul McKean, and reflects the respected architecture firm’s design vision.
“We believe that there is beauty in simplicity, and that good architecture improves lives and respects nature,” Paul McKean Architecture’s About Us page tells us, and the words could describe their Surf Pines, Oregon project to a T. “Our designs tend to be simple, efficient and materials-driven. This approach lends itself to smaller homes that are cost-effective, durable and energy efficient.”
Custom built for its current owner, the founder of Schoolhouse Electric (a high-end lighting and home goods manufacturer based out of Portland, OR), the architecturally distinct home offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and of the area’s beautiful natural landscape through its western-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sitting on a one-acre lot, the elevated modern beach retreat offers 1,443 square feet, three bedrooms, and two baths.
Inside, an expansive great room brings together the living, dining, and kitchen areas, and is flooded with natural light thanks to its expansive windows. There’s also an adjacent patio that offers additional seating and a great spot to enjoy the views.
Envisioned for entertaining, the Oregon home features a primary bedroom with an attached bathroom, a large bunk room with a seating area, and a second guest bedroom and bathroom.
There’s also a second outdoor area to entertain guests underneath the upper-level patio and a fire pit with built-in benches next to the house. To top it all off, the beach is just a short walk away.
The Surf Pines, Oregon house is listed with JP Faherty, Matt Robinson, and Grant Ludwick of The Agency Bend.
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Your backyard is an extension of your living space, offering endless opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and family bonding. With the right home improvement tips, you can transform your backyard into an oasis that suits your lifestyle and enhances the value of your property. Whether you own a home in Houston, TX, or are renting a house in Sacramento, CA, Redfin has some backyard improvement ideas to inspire your next project.
1. Landscaping magic
Begin your backyard transformation with landscaping that complements your home’s architecture and blends with the natural surroundings. Incorporate lush plants, colorful flowers, and well-maintained lawns to create a serene and inviting ambiance. Consider adding pathways, decorative rocks, and seating areas for an enhanced outdoor experience. If your lawn is struggling, San Jose Tree Service recommends that you overseed, fertilize and repair any damaged irrigation components.
2. Create defined spaces
Optimizing your backyard involves a strategic approach, one that involves dividing the outdoor expanse into distinct functional zones, ensuring you maximize every inch of available space. Consider crafting dedicated domains for various activities, such as al fresco dining, serene lounging, vibrant gardening, and playful recreation. Enhance your backyard by incorporating elements like low walls, charming fences, or lush shrubbery.
3. Outdoor kitchen
Enhance your outdoor living space by incorporating a sophisticated outdoor kitchen, creating an environment that takes your culinary adventures to new heights. The addition of a fully equipped grill, spacious countertops, a functional sink, and ample storage space ensures a seamless outdoor cooking and dining experience. Notably, the thoughtful integration of an outdoor kitchen not only offers unparalleled convenience but also brings about a substantial enhancement in the overall value of your home, promising lasting enjoyment and a smart investment for the future.
4. Add a splash of color to your backyard
“Think outside the box when it comes to sprucing up your yard by placing spots of bright color in your living space, and then continuing the color out into your yard,” says Beckie from Hall Landscape Design.
“You can do that by adding things like bright-colored pots with beautiful plantings, bright yard art such as float balls, a glass birdbath, a colorful statue, etc.a bench with a bright pillow, or add a little stone pathway to those areas as well – have fun with your spaces. This will make your yard inviting, and it will naturally draw your eye out so you can enjoy the entire yard.”
5. Fire Pit
A fire pit stands as a captivating addition that not only introduces warmth but also infuses a charming ambiance into the cool evenings, thereby solidifying its position as a highly sought-after backyard element. Whether you opt for the rustic simplicity of a basic fire pit or the more sophisticated allure of a carefully designed built-in masterpiece, this cozy extension creates a welcoming environment for social gatherings with friends and family.
6. Utilize water features
Enhance the tranquility of your backyard with a water feature, such as a fountain, pond, or waterfall. The soothing sound of flowing water creates a serene atmosphere, inviting you to unwind and escape the stresses of everyday life.
7. Install a pergola
Enhance the ambiance of your backyard by incorporating a charming pergola or arbor, which not only offers shade but also introduces some elegance to the outdoor space. The addition of climbing plants like ivy can artfully adorn the structure, turning it into a lush and picturesque focal point.
8. Outdoor lighting
Enhance the functionality and charm of your backyard well into the evening hours by strategically incorporating a thoughtfully designed outdoor lighting scheme. Use a selection of gentle, inviting lights to cast a warm and enchanting glow that effortlessly transforms your outdoor space. In addition to improving the aesthetics of your backyard, outdoor lighting can also be a safety feature.
9. Playful elements for kids
If you have children, consider incorporating playful elements like a swing set, sandbox, or treehouse into your backyard design. These additions provide endless fun and foster creativity for younger family members.
10. Add eco-friendly touches
Enhance the environmental integrity of your backyard design by integrating a range of sustainable features. Embrace the concept of responsible living with components like advanced rainwater harvesting systems, thoughtfully curated native plantings that thrive in your region’s climate, and the utilization of eco-friendly materials in your landscaping projects. By making these eco-conscious choices, you not only contribute positively to the health of the planet but also reap the rewards of diminished long-term maintenance expenses.
11. Comfortable seating and outdoor furniture
Invest in quality outdoor furniture to make your backyard a comfortable and inviting retreat. Choose weather-resistant materials like rattan, teak, or metal to withstand the elements and ensure durability for years to come.
A final note on backyard home improvement projects
With these backyard home improvement tips, you can transform your outdoor space into a captivating oasis of relaxation and entertainment. Whether you opt for lush landscaping, an outdoor kitchen, a cozy fire pit, or a water feature, each enhancement adds value and beauty to your property. Create your dream backyard and enjoy the perfect sanctuary for memorable moments with family and friends.
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.
Related: George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch is a fanboy paradise with Victorian roots
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.
In the family-friendly neighborhood of Encino, in the San Fernando Valley region of L.A., a former NBA All-Star’s house is looking for new owners.
Listed for $4,999,000 (Michelle Schwartz and Mauricio Umansky of The Agency hold the listing), the gated mid-century estate is currently home to former NBA player Kiki VanDeWeghe and his wife, acclaimed interior designer and structural engineer Peggy VanDeWeghe.
Kiki, whose full name is Ernest Maurice “Kiki” VanDeWeghe III, and Peggy bought the house back in 2010, per public records, and have revamped the entire residence — giving the mid-century home a refreshed, stylish look that combines bold, sophisticated design elements with wellness amenities and an overall emphasis on wellbeing and relaxation.
The single-level, 5-bedroom home has a harmonious, Feng Shui-inspired layout, accented by dramatic design elements.
The elegant dining room and wine bar are ideal for hosting large and small gatherings alike, while the zen den — featuring walnut floors and a stone fireplace with a fossil stone hearth — provides a peaceful space to unwind.
Arguably the most attractive part of the house, the family room boasts high ceilings, oak floors, and a 23-foot stone alcove wet bar that seamlessly transitions into the chef’s kitchen.
Kiki and Peggy’s primary bedroom suite is actually a fully-fledged retreat.
It features a loft, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, dual bathroom vanities, a steam shower, and a massive walk-in closet.
The are 4 additional private suites, each with its own custom finishes, en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets, and a walkout to the luxe outdoor space.
Speaking of the outdoor areas, the couple’s home features an oversized saltwater pool, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, a putting green, a veggie garden, and even a rooftop deck.
The long-retired hoopster, who played for the Denver Nuggets (1980-1984), the Portland Trail Blazers (1984-1989), the New York Knicks (1989-1992), and the Los Angeles Clippers (1992-1993), moved on to become the general manager of the Denver Nuggets and the New Jersey Nets, and a head coach of the Nets.
He also served as the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball operations for 8 years, playing a significant part in modernizing the league’s basketball operations during his tenure. VanDeWeghe stepped down from his position in 2021 but retained a league advisory role.
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In these languid—and, for much of the country, excruciatingly, unbelievably hot—days of summer, the timeless allure of a large, cool body of water beckons. And while heading to the lake is, for some, an occasional destination, for others it’s a way of life.
Sure, some of America’s more famous lake towns are pricey. But there are others that are surprisingly affordable, offering lakeside living for bargain-basement prices. The data team at Realtor.com® dug into the data to find some of the cheapest lake town real estate in the nation.
It helps that there are a lot of lakes in America. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there are just shy of 7 million bodies of water in the U.S. and in adjacent areas along the borders. Of those, 5.76 million are classified as a lake or pond, and 134,000 have official names.
Each of the lake towns we found has a unique charm, blending natural beauty and local culture. All of them are nestled in the most affordable regions of the country, especially the Upper Midwest to the Deep South—areas known for their low cost of living. As it turns out, they’re also ideal places for lake house shoppers not looking to stretch their budget.
As famously avid lake admirer Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “A lake is a landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.”
To find the most affordable lake towns, we looked at all the home listings for the past year within a half-mile (roughly a 10-minute walk) of a named lake or pond. (Named bodies of water exclude reservoirs and lakes that folks can’t swim or boat on.) Then we calculated the median prices from July 2022 through June 2023 for homes in those areas to pinpoint the most affordable lake towns in 2023. Only towns with at least 50 home listings over that period were included.
We excluded big cities, because we’re looking for places where the lake plays a large part in the local culture. And we didn’t include extremely small towns, because you’ve got to have at least a few shops and restaurants to keep you busy when you’re not on the water. And we included only the single most affordable lake town in any state, to ensure geographic diversity.
So let’s set sail to the most affordable lakeside real estate in 2023.
Median list price: $154,900 Median list price per square foot: $76 Population: 29,534
Danville, a relatively small town in east central Illinois along the Indiana border, is home to Lake Vermilion. The human-made reservoir provides drinking water for the city, but it has also become a popular fishing and boating location. Cabins and docks line its forested edge.
The town was an industrial hot spot for the region from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, as a major coal mining town and a rail hub. Abraham Lincoln was known to visit the town and once delivered a speech from the balcony of the home of a prominent Danville resident.
The median home listing within a half-mile of Lake Vermilion over the past year had a price tag 65% below the national median list price of $445,000 in June. A three-bedroom home within walking distance of Lake Vermilion, with hardwood floors, a garage, and a big yard, goes for $120,000. And for just over $100,000, home shoppers can find a two-bedroom condo about as close to the lake.
Median list price: $140,000 Median list price per square foot: $79 Population: 2,838
Rogers City is the smallest of any of the spots on our list of affordable lake towns, just shy of 3,000 residents.
Situated on the banks of Lake Huron, about 45 minutes from Cheboygan, Rogers City residents have quick access to multiple parks along the lakeshore. They include Harbor View Park on the southern corner, Seagull Point Park on the northern tip of the town, and several in between, including the Rogers City Yacht Harbor and Lakeside Park.
Rogers City has been host to multiple salmon fishing tournaments in the summer, including the vividly named Fat Hogs Fishing Frenzy and the more straightforward Rogers City Salmon Tournament.
It’s also home to the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum and the Presque Isle County Historical.
A large three-bedroom home with a garage and a brick fire pit in the backyard can be found for $165,000, a short walk from Rogers City’s North Shore Park and beach.
Median list price: $122,750 Median list price per square foot: $83 Population: 12,651
The western tip of northern New York state, in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, is known for its lakeside getaway culture. And although some of the area’s real estate is quite pricey, the lowest home prices within a half-mile of a lake can be found in Dunkirk at the edge of Lake Erie.
The area was first occupied by the Indigenous Erie and Seneca tribes, then colonized by the French, who erected the Dunkirk Lighthouse at Point Gratiot in 1826. This helped the town become a significant regional port for coal and lumber shipping. It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dunkirk has multiple beach parks, and it hosts several summertime events, including an annual strawberry festival, arts and music festivals, and a “Fly-In Breakfast,” which welcomes pilots from all over to the small lakeside town.
Duke McLachlan, a real estate agent with Howard Hanna Hold Real Estate in neighboring Jamestown, says that from June through August, life in this area is all about the lake, for residents and visitors alike.
“It’s the whole Chautauqua area,” McLachlan says. “The local economy really picks up.”
Buyers will find the most listings just before and after prime lake season. Sellers know they can find buyers looking forward to the summer in April and May. Meanwhile, other sellers will list in September and October after they used their homes for the summer.
Median list price: $129,900 Median list price per square foot: $86 Population: 10,465
Minnesota is called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for a reason: The state has 11,842 of them.
So don’t drop your oar in the water when you hear that Fairmont, a small town in southern Minnesota near the Iowa border, sits on a string of five small lakes. These include George Lake, in the northern part of Fairmont, and Budd Lake, near the center of town.
All five offer boating and fishing—and there is very affordable real estate near two of these bodies of water.
The median home that was listed over the past year near both Lake George and Budd Lake is less than half the national list price. The real estate near Budd Lake is a little pricier, due to its proximity to the center of Fairmont, and a couple of developed parks along its edge.
For those who want to live and work near the water year-round in the “City of Lakes,” Fairmont’s local economy is driven by the local Mayo Health System hospital, two small colleges, and a couple of modern industrial companies.
Median list price: $126,900 Median list price per square foot: $91 Population: 4,977
Cherokee Village, a small town in central northern Arkansas about 20 miles south of the Missouri border, boasts seven lakes in total.
Lake Cherokee, the smaller of the two lakes where we found low-priced homes, has a park and private docks. Meanwhile, Lake Thunderbird, the town’s largest lake, has a public marina and the town’s public recreation center, which has two swimming pools and a minigolf course.
For just under $290,000, a homebuyer can get a 1,200 square-foot, two-bedroom house with a backyard dock on Lake Thunderbird. For those looking for homes costing less, just across the street from Lake Cherokee, a two-bedroom townhome can be found for as little as $120,000.
Median list price: $169,900 Median list price per square foot: $95 Population: 9,305
Pickwick Lake, a popular boating and fishing destination, was created by the Pickwick Landing Dam on the Tennessee River near where Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi meet.
The lake is known for record-size smallmouth bass and catfish. Local fishing guides say 2- or 3-pound smallmouth bass are the norm—and catches of 5 to 6 pounds are not uncommon.
History lovers will also appreciate the small town of Sheffield. It became a major wartime aluminum smelting location in the 1940s, boosting the nation’s aircraft production. It’s also the hometown of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
And it’s where you’ll find the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, where a litany of modern musical icons came to record, including The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Cher, and Wham! The studio faded and was repurposed for several years, before a documentary reignited interest and a restoration brought it back to life. It’s now a museum during the day and a working studio at night.
Median list price: $135,000 Median list price per square foot: $96 Population: 65,440
Lorain is a small city on Lake Erie, in the far western corner of the Cleveland metro area. Like the other Great Lakes locations on our list, Lorain was once an industrial production mecca, dominated by steel.
Now, says Bill Swanzer, a real estate broker at The Swanzer Agency Realtors in neighboring Amherst, Lorain mixes a classic lake culture with good access to the city.
“You’re only 20 or 30 minutes from the Cleveland Browns‘ stadium,” Swanzer says. “So you can get to all the big-city things—live sports, live music, shows.”
But for Lorain residents, Lake Erie’s offerings are right in the backyard.
“The lake’s always been a big draw for us,” Swanzer says. “You’ve got kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming—you’ll see Jet-Skis on the water and parasailing.”
Median list price: $139,900 Median list price per square foot: $97 Population: 11,276
Two Rivers is uniquely situated on Lake Michigan, such that it remains cooler than nearby areas on hot summer days—earning the town its nickname “Cool City.” It became a summertime destination for folks looking for a reprieve from the heat.
The moniker is memorialized just about everywhere, from the annual Cool City Car Show & Cruise, the Cool City Brewing Co., and Cool City Coffee Shop to the Cool City Charters and Cool City Cleaners.
Summer activities include swimming and sunbathing at Neshotah Park & Beach, and hiking and camping in Point Beach State Forest, just north of town. There’s also boating and fishing on Lake Michigan and the town’s—you guessed it—two rivers. It’s also only about 30 miles southeast of Green Bay, offering relatively quick access to a big city nearby.
But what’s especially cool about Two Rivers for us is the low price of homes near Lake Michigan. Take this recently listed two-bedroom home with an updated bathroom and floors about a block from Lake Michigan, priced at just $134,000.
Median list price: $185,000 Median list price per square foot: $106 Population: 9,299
About 30 miles east of Wichita is Augusta and its 190-acre human-made lake on the north end. Augusta Lake, lined with parks, grassy embankments, and walking trails, is a community center of sorts. There are Little League tournaments, concerts, disc golf, and the town’s Fourth of July celebration, in addition to the standard lake activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking.
The town is known for its historic buildings, many of which have been added to the National or State Register of Historic Places.
Of course, we’re interested in the home prices, which are inexpensive, even for a relatively affordable state like Kansas. A three-bedroom, ranch-style home six doors away from Augusta Lake can be found for just $150,000.
Median list price: $285,000 Median list price per square foot: $125 Population: 7,565
Homes within a half-mile of Prestwood Lake are the most expensive of any place on our list of affordable lake towns—but they’re still about 35% less expensive than the national median list price.
Lauri McLeland, a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Segars Realty in Hartsville, says it’s not uncommon to see small speed boats and jon boats on Prestwood Lake, and even some kayakers on Black Creek, which leads into the lake.
But although there’s a decent amount of housing within that half-mile of the lake, it can be a tight market for buyers looking for something right on the water.
The small South Carolina town, about an hour northeast of the state capital of Columbia, is a tight-knit community, says McLeland. Word of someone selling their home can lead quickly to an offer from another local looking to get closer to the water.
“Prestwood is a really pretty lake,” McLeland says. “There’s not a lot of housing right on the lake, and some of those sell before they even hit the market.”