A century-old Hollywood Hills home has recently hit the market — and its rich history takes us on a trip back to the very beginnings of Hollywoodland.
Just shy of its 100th anniversary, the residence is one of the first homes ever built in the Hollywoodland neighborhood and is nestled under the iconic Hollywood sign.
As the story goes, the neighborhood of Hollywoodland began in 1923 when two developers purchased 500 acres of land nestled at the foot of Mt. Lee, just above the town of Hollywood. This was well before any houses dotted the hillside, and the plan was to build a unique community for Los Angeles’ “movie people”, whose stars had started to shine brightly.
To attract attention to their new development and help sell the houses, they erected a huge sign that spelled out its name, Hollywoodland, and that’s how the Hollywood sign was born.
One of the first homes built as part of that community, this 1925-built storybook cottage we’ll take a closer look at today retains many of its original details, including built-ins, leaded glass windows, and a fireplace crane.
But it has been updated for modern-day living with a period-appropriate remodel that didn’t alter the original design.
Now, the charming storybook home is being offered for sale with a $2.625 price tag. Jill Galloway and Manuel Pablo Arnao with Compass hold the listing.
The 2,205-square-foot home comes with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1 half-bath, with two of the bedrooms set on the ground floor. The primary bedroom, set upstairs, invites rest and relaxation and features a cozy sitting area, built-ins, a skylight, a large walk-in closet, and a new bath.
The living room boasts an expansive vaulted ceiling, as well as hickory wood floors, re-glazed leaded glass windows, built-in bookcases, and a newly rebuilt fireplace that adds to the home’s charm.
But its value extends beyond its square footage.
“Its rich Hollywoodland history makes the home special,” listing agent Manuel Pablo Arnao tells us. “It was just completely renovated; it has modern conveniences throughout. There’s very little inventory especially in this part of town, much less with this rich pedigree.”
The three-bedroom home sits in the historic Beachwood Canyon, set right under the iconic Hollywood Sign.
In fact, the upper portion of the canyon housed the 1920s-built Hollywoodland community that was advertised by the original sign, which used to say “Hollywoodland” (with the word “land” later dropped from the sign to reflect the whole district, not just the housing development).
Historic appeal aside, the area is one of the best in all of Los Angeles, providing access to countless nearby locations. The home is surrounded by convenient amenities like hiking trails, Sunset Ranch riding stables, and the Beachwood Market & Cafe. The location also provides easy access to Hollywood studios, the 101 freeway, and the Valley.
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A Mediterranean-inspired mansion in Southlake, Texas — a suburb of Dallas/Fort Worth known for its high quality of life and affluent resident base — has recently hit the market, reminding us all that everything is bigger (and better) in Texas.
Priced at $1,899,900, the custom-built home is the epitome of modern elegance, and offers plenty of space, a sleek design, and luxurious finishes. Frank Capovilla with Coldwell Banker Realty’s Southlake office holds the listing.
While a budget of under $2 million will buy you little in a crazy expensive real estate market like Los Angeles, in Southlake, TX — if this property is any indication — you get 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths and 1 half-bath, a stately great room with 25-foot ceilings, and a 2-car garage.
This, of course, has not gone unnoticed.
The mass Cali exodus of the past few years has seen some of the biggest celebrities move to Texas, with household names in sports, entertainment, and arts now calling the Lone Star State home.
The Southlake house also comes with an expansive gourmet kitchen and an executive home office, offering the perfect balance of style and convenience.
The primary suite steals the show with its jaw-dropping Chanel-like master closet, a haven for fashion enthusiasts.
Outside, a fireplace patio provides a perfect spot to enjoy the picturesque views of the Greenbelt ranch and serene pond. There’s also plenty of space for future owners to add a pool and create their own backyard oasis.
Other notable features include 2 balconies, 2 outdoor patios, an oversized sun deck, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill BBQ, a game room with a wet bar and wine fridge, and smart everything: oven, refrigerator, HVAC, sound system, garage door system and more.
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Welcome to a world where pixels and properties collide, where a well-composed image can spark dreams of a new home and a poorly presented one can make a potential buyer click away in seconds. In today’s competitive real estate market, the old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” couldn’t be more accurate.
In this Redfin article, we’ll unveil the secrets behind crafting real estate listing photos that not only stop potential buyers in their scrolling tracks but also beckon them to explore further. Whether you’re selling a home in Los Angeles, CA or a charming house in Salem, MA, these tips will elevate your real estate photography game and leave a lasting impression on those searching for their next home.
Why real estate listing photos are so important
Home listing photos are the virtual introduction of a property to the online real estate market. These visuals enable potential buyers to explore your home’s layout, features, and ambiance from the comfort of their screens. Clear and well-captured photos can highlight a property’s best features, create an emotional connection, and entice viewers to learn more. In contrast, poor-quality or unappealing photos can turn potential buyers away before they even consider visiting the property in person.
Essentially, listing photos act as the virtual curb appeal of a home, setting the tone for a potential buyer’s interest and influencing their decision-making process.
10 expert tips for standout home listing photos
1. Create an inviting atmosphere
“Creating captivating home photos requires a delicate blend of craftsmanship and precision,” mentions fine art photographer Sam Isaac Photography. “Natural light is harnessed to infuse warmth into interiors, while strategic composition highlights space and employs wide-angle lenses for expansiveness. Attention to vertical lines enables potential buyers to envision themselves in each room. Additionally, thoughtful furniture arrangement creates an inviting atmosphere.”
2. Balance techniques and artistry
“Crafting the ultimate home photo requires a fusion of technique and artistry,” states real estate visuals company, Repropix Corp. “Essential pro equipment, including wide-angle lenses, showcases expansive vistas while delicately balancing natural and artificial lighting. Precise camera settings accentuate the property’s finest features, while strategic staging boosts buyer engagement by 30%.”
3. Add drone and twilight photography
“In the modern era of home sales, professional photography and cinematic videos play a pivotal role in leaving a lasting impression on potential homebuyers,” says real estate marketing agency Circle Visions. “These visuals serve as the initial introduction to your property, igniting buyer interest and drawing them to explore further. Drone-captured elevated views, carefully composed interior shots featuring expert staging, and captivating twilight photos of the exterior evoke an emotional response, resonating with buyers on a personal level.”
4. Focus on framing
“One key tip stands out – framing is everything,” states seasoned real estate photographer Aaron Curtis Photography. “Ensure your camera is positioned at chest height – a rule that maintains vertical lines, offering a balanced floor-to-ceiling ratio. Limiting the view to two walls opens up the space, allowing potential buyers to envision furniture placement. Carefully select detailed shots, including fireplaces and light fixtures, while omitting less appealing features like toilets, A/C units, and water heaters.”
5. Capture the entire space in one frame
“Adopt the buyer’s perspective and capture the entire space in one frame,” recommends video production company Finally Real Estate Video & Photography. “Yes, I’ve even hopped into bathtubs to capture sinks and showers or rearranged furniture (including moving a whole couch) to achieve that perfect angle.”
6. Illuminate the home effectively
According to architect and interior design photographer, Charles Mitri Photography, “A crucial tip is to illuminate your space effectively. Before the photography session, switch on any permanent light fixtures, such as chandeliers or under cabinet lighting in the kitchen. Showcase how these fixtures elevate the ambiance of each room. Disconnect and tuck away any electrical cords associated with appliances on the kitchen counter. Often, you can wind them up and hide them behind the appliance, creating a cleaner, less cluttered look and feel.”
7. Schedule shoots during mornings or late afternoons
“Achieving captivating home listing photos hinges on timing and lighting,” advises HDR real estate photographers XLRE Photography. “Opt for soft, evenly distributed sunlight by scheduling shoots during mornings or late afternoons, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing appeal. Consider the home’s orientation to prevent direct sunlight and unflattering shadows. Precision with aperture (around f/8) ensures clarity and depth, while adjusting shutter speed balances interior and exterior exposure. Mastery of these techniques results in photos that showcase your property in its best light.”
8. Remember the important of editing
Kouros, the Redfin in-house and third-party photographer at VistaLux Studio emphasizes that the real magic happens during the post-editing phase. Statting, “Employing bracketing, a technique where a series of shots with different exposures are merged, ensures flawless lighting and details. This process sets the stage for subsequent editing steps, like replacing skies and adding the gentle flicker of fireplace flames, which significantly enhance the property’s visual appeal. Moreover, the inclusion of twilight shots with their soft, inviting glow adds an enchanting allure. All these carefully orchestrated elements come together harmoniously, crafting a captivating visual narrative.”
9. Tell a story with listing photos
“After capturing millions of property photos, we’ve learned a valuable lesson, finding a photographer who can enchant with images that narrate your listing’s story generates more interest (and offers),” insists real estate photographers Open Homes. “A photographer focused on your success will expertly guide and capture that ‘magic shot.’ Remember, it’s not just about one listing; exceptional visual marketing builds seller confidence and secures future listings.”
10. Don’t forget to clean and declutter
“Regardless of property value, certain factors are universal for outstanding listing photos,” says seasoned real estate photographers PHRAME Photography. “We prioritize cleanliness, depersonalization, and decluttering to let your property shine. Additionally, choosing a skilled photographer matters.”
A final note on capturing stunning real estate listing photos
As you embark on your journey to create exceptional real estate listing photos, remember that these images are the bridge between a listing and a homebuyer’s aspirations. By applying the insights shared in this article, you’re not only capturing rooms and walls, but you’re crafting the visual narrative of a potential future.
After many years in her one-bedroom Manhattan apartment (which has been on the market for $2M since last November), comedian Amy Schumer is getting an upgrade.
All of the details aren’t available yet, but TMZ broke the story, and reportedly her new pad is somewhere on NYC’s Upper West Side.
The 5 bed, 5.5 bath penthouse has been described as a “Malibu beach house mixed with sophisticated Manhattan architecture.” With lots of windows, open living spaces, a fireplace, and a private terrace, it certainly seems like the 35-year old will be able to kick back in style.
Check it out here:
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All photos via TMZ
Carter Wessman
Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.
Known for his distinctive and avant-garde architectural designs, Harry Gesner often pushed the boundaries of traditional norms, incorporating unique shapes, materials, and spatial arrangements into his projects.
His work defied conventional architectural styles and embraced a more organic, free-flowing approach that was ahead of its time.
And design was not the only pioneering element of Gesner’s work.
Long before sustainable design became a mainstream concern, the California-born architect was incorporating environmentally friendly principles into his designs. He used natural materials, passive solar techniques, and energy-efficient features to minimize the environmental impact of his buildings.
His most famous project, the Wave House in Malibu, is one of the most recognizable homes on the California coastline. Designed to resemble the ocean’s waves, the cresting house (formerly owned by musician Rod Stewart) is said to have been the inspiration for the Sydney Opera House, and has recently landed on the market for an eye-watering $49.5 million.
Next to his most famous creation, we find the pioneering architect’s personal home, an equally striking architectural home that’s currently on the market for $22,500,000.
Visionary architect Harry Gesner’s personal home: The Sandcastle House in Malibu
Known as the Sandcastle House due to the roofline’s unique design, inspired by sandcastles, Harry Gesner’s house in Malibu is a true architectural feat.
With 122 feet of beachfront land, this uniquely cylindrical 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom property comes with 3 additional small living units and so many unique features that it would “take a few pages to list them all”, Zen Gesner — the architect’s son and one of the listing agents for the property — admitted in an email. He did, however, add that “I’d be happy to share them all with whomever is curious to hear about them.”
The main home’s entry features a library sitting area with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and panoramic ocean views, while the heart of the home features beams and a wood-plank ceiling wrapped by windows with large living and dining areas, and a Hollywood Bowl-inspired brick fireplace with a large concrete hearth that was designed as a stage.
See also: The Sowden House, an architectural gem with a grim backstory and ties to the Black Dahlia case
“The Fireplace was built to resemble a Greek Theater Shell with the cantilevered concrete hearth as the stage, and the sunken living room in front of it becoming the theater house,” Zen Gesner shares.
The space was “Built for my mother, Nan Martin (his wife), who was a well-known Broadway actress“, to act as her stage, complete with a large, polished concrete hearth.
A solarium with stained glass panels flanks the dining area, and the kitchen wraps around a circular island featuring stained glass lunettes fitted into the overhead beams, a fireplace, new appliances, a breakfast bar, and a walk-in pantry.
Two ensuite bedrooms are located on the main level, while the primary suite tower is located upstairs, boasting high ceilings with large beams, eyebrow windows, a brick fireplace, a sitting area with ocean views, and a spiral staircase that leads up to a loft space.
In addition to the main house, there’s also a “tree house” apartment with a kitchenette, living and dining room area, a bedroom and bathroom, and a wraparound deck with ocean views.
Also on the property, a “boat house” adds extra space that includes a full kitchen, an ocean-view living and dining room area with a full bathroom and a bedroom, while the third addition is a smaller, one-bedroom “nest” apartment that features an open-air living area, deck, teepee-covered daybed as well as stained glass above an indoor-outdoor cabana.
Built almost entirely out of salvaged materials, the Sandcastle House stands as testament to Harry Gesner’s commitment to sustainable construction.
When building his cherished family home, the architect used telephone poles, reclaimed bricks, wall panels made from aqueduct pipes, birdseye maple from a high school gym, old-growth redwood harvested in the 1800s, and windows and doors saved from one of Hollywood’s silent film theaters.
Related: The Chemosphere House and 6 other striking John Lautner-designed homes
As Gesner said about Sandcastle in Houses of the Sundown Sea: The Architectural Vision of Harry Gesner (the book about his life and work): “The spirit in the design and materials are what you immediately feel in this house. All people who enter and spend a brief period or long time here immediately feel at home and relaxed. The experience never becomes commonplace or boring because over everything is the sound and rhythm of the waves breaking on the shore in front of the house.”
Now on the market for $22.5 million
The architectural marvel has remained in the Gesner family ever since it was built in the early 1970s.
Following Harry Gesner’s passing in 2022, the property landed on the market in May 2023 with a $27,500,000 asking price and a stellar team. The price has since dropped to $22,500,000.
Leading Malibu real estate agent Chris Cortazzo shares the listing with the architect’s own son, Zen Gesner. The two Compass agents are also part of the team repping Gesner’s neighboring masterpiece, the $49.5 million Wave House.
“Malibu CA has a tendency to defy market trends because it’s one of the greatest places to live in the world. People who visit tend to fall in love with the beautiful beach community, incredible scenery, and the lifestyle,” Zen Gesner tells us, adding that “There is nowhere else like it.”
Adding to the appeal: living in a house that’s worthy of a James Bond villain and owning a piece of architectural history.
Are you reading this article on your mobile device? Watch our web story on Harry Gesner’s house (in a more mobile-friendly format).
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Is there anything more exciting than cruising the clearance aisle at Target? The answer is yes: shopping stuff from Joanna Gaines’ Hearth & Home with Magnolia line in the clearance aisle! Some of the star’s most popular wares have been marked down to as low as $5 on Target’s website, and they include all the materials and textures we live for.
Our six top picks embody the best this line has to offer: stoneware and acacia wood kitchen items, cotton pillows, copper accessories and even faux foliage to liven up every room, for instance. Go ahead and invite some elevated farmhouse flare into your home this fall — all on a budget.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Target is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
A Cozy Cotton Pillow with a Distressed Finish
A mottled texture helps give the colors on this 18″x18″ Vertical Texture Stripe Square Throw Pillow a lived-in look straight out of the box. Its cotton cover is certified free of toxins and comes off so you can pop it in the wash.
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Copper Lanterns to Flank the Fireplace
Give the fireplace a rustic glow or create a candlelit scene throughout the room: these Copper Lanterns will do the trick. Aside from being cute as heck, they’re a cinch to carry, and switching out the candles is quick and easy.
Raised Metal & Glass Pillar Candle Lantern Copper
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A Rich Wooden Stand to Elevate Your Cake
Let’s add one more rustic material to this Hearth & Hand with Magnolia lineup: the beautifully sustainable acacia wood. That’s what gives this 13-inch Cake Stand its deliciously grainy appeal. “Looks beautiful on my credenza, some led candles on top of it with a some greenery,”wrote a creative shopper.
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11″ Wooden Cake Stand
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A Rustic Creamer That’s Too Cute
Ah, stoneware — the table-setting material that brings a kitchen from good to great. This Stoneware Cream Cellar is adorable to break out while entertaining or just enjoying your morning coffee, and it’s dishwasher and microwave-safe.
Stoneware Cream Cellar
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Something Soothing to Wrap Yourself Up In
There’s something so satisfying about curling up with a good book and a comfy throw. The lightweight, yellow and white Block Plaid Woven Throw Blanket is made of non-toxic fabric that’s also machine washable.
Stitched Block Plaid Woven Throw Blanket
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A Leafy Wreath for a Warm Welcome
This Faux Seeded Eucalyptus with Berry Wreath is the epitome of fall beauty. Give it pride of place on your front door, then forget about it: the beauty of faux foliage. “It actually exceeded my expectations. It take all of 5 minutes to fluff and I’m impressed by how full it looks,” wrote a five-star reveiwer.
At what point after graduating college do we let go of collapsible dinner tables and high-end knock-offs? For interior designer Charlie Ferrer, the answer is ASAP. The Chelsea-based creative founded his own interior design studio and gallery in 2012, offering a plethora of furniture, lighting, and art by both notable and emerging designers. The joint practice has been the go-to agency for fellow creatives and private collectors who appreciate his eclectic eye. Here, Ferrer discusses his personal favorite artists, the importance of supporting smaller talent, and the secret to putting together a tasteful interior.
CULTURED: What do you think makes the New York art scene distinct?
Charlie Ferrer: The density of resources. New York has the highest concentration of galleries, dealers, institutions, working artists, curators, advisors, conservators, and, not least, collectors. This proximity of people and talent, money and ideas, breeds a highly productive atmosphere.
CULTURED: You’ve been billed as a “millennial designer.” What do you think this generation is doing right and wrong in their homes?
Ferrer: There are plenty of young collectors participating in the art and design markets at advanced levels, and that’s great. I wish for more participation at the emerging level. There is a vast world of young people making art. Where are their collector counterparts? I would love to see the coalescence of a larger community of “emerging collectors,” a group that supports their artist contemporaries, choosing art and design purchases as frequently as other discretionary categories like fashion and travel. The spend can be modest—it’s less about money and more about curiosity, education, a shift in focus. I rarely walk into the home of a 30-year-old or even a 38-year-old to find a handful of thoughtfully collected pictures or objects. I find this reality disappointing.
This same wish extends to interiors and collectible design. Millennials tend to consume commodified retail products. Why choose formless sectionals, poorly knocked-off Scandinavian design and Pierre Jeanneret reproductions when there are so many opportunities for an individualized expression of taste? Historical design and specialty goods for the home are more accessible now than ever.
CULTURED: How does a client’s art collection impact your vision for their interiors? How did you build your space around your own?
Ferrer: I am selling collected environments. When a client comes to me with an existing collection of art and/or design, we make space for it. I prefer that every room I touch contains art and objects, but I do not necessarily design rooms for art or the inverse—select art for specific rooms. I suppose large-scale works are one exception. If a work requires a massive wall, a special path of access into the space, etc, we plan for that early on in our process.
Philosophically, I believe in collecting for the sake of a collection and creating interiors that support and dialogue with that collection. I build spaces through an iterative process of layering in which every object is something of meaning on its own. As a project evolves, an assemblage of cool things grows. The vision for the project as a whole eventually takes form. The sum of its parts feels eclectic and organically collected because it is. The best projects are never really finished, they keep evolving, even if just in small ways.
When it comes time to install art, I do like to hang densely, often asymmetrically and sometimes unconventionally, so long as the client is on board.
David Morehouse worked at the Hammer during our years there. Through David, I enjoyed a lot of exposure to artists and collectors and dealers—artists like Mark Bradford, Mark Hagen, Elliott Hundley; collectors Eugenio López, Beth Rudin DeWoody, Bill Bell, Alan Hergott and Curt Shepard; dealers Shaun Regen, Hannah Hoffman, Nino Mier, David Kordansky. The art world in LA 10 plus years ago felt like a small club. That period in my life was vastly eye-opening. It clued me into a world I did not know. Though I had a gallery for a year where we showed furniture and art (featured in CULTURED‘s Spring 2013 issue), I don’t think I actually acquired any art for myself until I left for New York.
CULTURED: What is the first piece you ever bought?
Ferrer: An abstract painting by Shinpei Kageshima from Take Ninagawa at NADA, Miami Basel in 2011. That was an exciting moment for me—being at a busy fair, finding a work by a young artist that spoke to me, shown by a dealer who had come from so far away, offered at a price I could conceivably afford.
CULTURED: Which work provokes the most conversation from visitors?
Ferrer: A mixed media piece composed of used socks, silicon, and pigment on canvas called A Rag of Sorts by Jesse James Thompson. It is appealingly tactile and fetishistic. The colors are beautiful and so is the bronze frame I had made for it. I bought the work out of a group show of MFA candidates put on by Edsel Williams at The Fireplace Project in East Hampton.
CULTURED: Which artist are you currently most excited about and why?
Ferrer: Kevin Beasley, in particular his figurative sculptures, for their rich materiality and the palpable emotion they embody for me. Pretty much anything is shown by Gordon Veneklasen at Michael Werner. The quality of their program is impeccable. On the design side, I am impressed by what Alex May is doing with SIZED out of Los Angeles. The shows are broad and ambitious. They inspire me.
CULTURED: What was the most challenging piece in your personal collection to acquire?
Ferrer: For lovers, maybe, but for art I’m not one to play the hard-to-get game. I just don’t have the bandwidth to get involved at that level personally. I suppose for me the toughest acquisition was my César sculpture because it was a matter of finding the funds when I found the piece. Sometimes, I stretch my limits to get a work I know I want. There is a distinctive gut feeling, a reflex. I imagine others can relate… The timing was right enough for the César. Thankfully, the gallery was patient, and it worked out. I am very fond of that piece.
CULTURED: Is there one piece that got away, or that you still think about?
Ferrer: One of Christopher Wilmarth’s ethereal glasswork sculptures at Craig Starr Gallery. Craig put on a show in 2020 that I continue to daydream about.
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When Fernanda Niven and Alexia Leuschen launched their home decor business, they were passionate about finding beautiful, timeless pieces. After two years as a pop-up in Bridgehampton’s gourmet market L’Épicuriste, they’ve hit their stride. “We wanted to sell things that we loved and thought were special and unique,” says Niven, whose fashion background includes a stint with Vera Wang, designing handbags and her own line of sun-protective clothing. “We never wanted people to buy our things just to have them. We wanted them to buy what they love because they’d have those pieces for a long time.”
Shoppers can swing by The Bouwerie after procuring global delicacies for their next dinner party at L’Épicuriste, and pick up items needed to make the soiree really pop. Niven says this summer’s must-haves include little LED lamps that have become popular for both indoor and outdoor at-home dining—The Bouwerie sells them along with fashionable shades, in green, white and neutral. “This summer we have wonderful napkins that we just cannot keep in stock,” Niven says. “They have a pretty fringe, and come in blue-and-white gingham, a bold green and white floral pattern. They make your table come to life.”
Niven and partner Leuschen, a decorator, make some of their own items, such as fireplace screens named after streets in Southampton. The women have been friends for about a decade, and enjoy perusing the internet for unique items to sell, and doing some buying on the road—they both love to travel. “That’s how this business came about,” Nevin says. “We both love finding these little special things around the world.”
When it came to choosing their company’s moniker, the businesswomen liked the Old World spelling of “Bouwerie,” the name of a once-beautiful, now long-gone house in Southampton. To bring it back full circle, they happen to know the grandchildren of the house’s owners. thebouwerie.com
The multi-talented Mandy Moore has just recently closed on a new home in Pasadena for $2.56 million. The mid-century modern style residence was designed in 1950 by famed architect Harold Zook.
The home boasts 3,551 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a pool, and plenty of windows providing picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. One of the more interesting features of the home is the fireplace with a copper hood.
Check it out here:
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Photos by Sean Gordon via Zillow
Carter Wessman
Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.
If you grew up in the 90s as I did, you likely watched Father Of the Bride, erm, let’s say more than a handful of times.
I’m also willing to bet that, while you sat there admiring Annie’s eternally bouncy curls with utter certainty that stonewashed mom jeans and layered turtleneck sweaters would never go out of style, you also dreamt about growing up in a home as warm and welcoming, (not to mention downright huge) as the Banks’ house.
To be fair, Annie’s outfits have come full circle and are once again considered the height of cool-girl fashion. As for our love of that fairytale family home, you’re not the only one still pining to step inside over 30 years later.
To this day it remains one of the most searched-for movie houses on the internet and after a quick re-watch (or three) since the film joined Disney+, I was instantly reminded why.
It also got its fair share of recognition in the 1991 movie that starred Steve Martin as George Banks, Diane Keaton as Nina Banks, Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Annie, Kieran Culkin as Matty, and Steve Martin’s Only Murders in the Building co-star Martin Short as the eccentric wedding planner extraordinaire Franck Eggelhoffer.
Steve Martin’s character, George, proudly boasted that “I love this house. I love that I taught my kids to ride their bikes in the driveway. I love that I slept with them in tents in the backyard. I love that we carved our initials in the tree out front. This house is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and looks spectacular with Christmas lights. It’s a great house, and I never want to move.” Safe to say that if we lived at the Banks’ house, we’d stay put too!
So, is the Father of the Bride house real? Can we go visit it? And, most importantly, can we too carve our initials on the tree out front?
Probably a firm no on that last one but in answer to the rest, I’ve done some digging and finally know everything I’ve ever wondered about this heart-warmingly nostalgic home. And spoiler alert, it’s not in San Marino, where Steve Martin’s character, George Banks, said it was.
“We live in a small town in Southern California called San Marino. I love this town and not just because it’s the kind of place where people still smile at each other. But because it hasn’t changed much in the past 25 years.”
Is the ‘Father of the Bride’ house real?
Yes, the Father of The Bride House is absolutely real! However, as it turns out, they actually used two homes to bring the movie together. The first, built in 1913, was used to film interior scenes and features as the front of the home that George pulls up to at the beginning of the movie.
“This is our house, 24 Maple Drive”
It has an incredible total of 8 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms and remains as charming today as it was back in the early 90s.
Though the true address isn’t quite as pretty sounding as 24 Maple Drive, it is, as George says, located in California. You’ll find the house looking just as dreamy as you’ve always remembered it at 843 El Molino Avenue in Pasadena, California.
It’s a private residence of course so any trips there should be respectful and discreet, making sure not to trespass on the property or disturb residents and neighbors. There’s been plenty of that in the past; according to betweennapsontheporch.com, the young couple who purchased the property shortly after the movie was made even had people ringing their doorbell and asking for a tour.
However, if you’re noticing that the first house doesn’t have those same iconic pink flower-lined white picket fences you remember from the movie, that’s because they were constructed especially (and temporarily) for the film.
The new owners had them taken out and replaced with new ones when they moved in.
The second house was used to shoot scenes for Annie and Bryan’s backyard wedding.
A Colonial home built in 1925, that property boasts 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and almost half an acre of land. There’s also a partly furnished basement, a working fireplace, and a parking spot outside to keep the family car in. No mention of a basketball hoop (or swans in the bathtub) of course but I like to think the owners have one!
House #2, the wedding house, it’s also in California and stands at 500 N Almansor St, Alhambra.
“I’ll be honest with you. When I bought this house 17 years ago it cost less than this blessed event in which Annie Banks Became Annie Banks McKenzie.”
A lot has changed since 1992 when Father of the Bride first hit theatres. Not least the cost of huge five-bedroom houses with white picket fences and beautifully landscaped backyards.
So, three decades on and, sadly, more in the know about the cost of real estate, I couldn’t help but wonder just how much the Father of the Bride house would set you back today. Zillow had the answer. Though it’s currently off the market, they estimate that the iconic 4,339 square-foothouse is worth over 3.5 million dollars!
And, if you’re hoping the house used for the backyard wedding scenes might be more reasonable, you’re in luck… kind of. Also off the market, Zillow estimates this equally striking family home’s worth at around the 2.5 million dollar mark. It was last sold in 2016 for $1.998 million.
I’m suddenly considering giving up writing in pursuit of owning my own cook nook or perhaps an athletic shoe company!
Featured image: The real-life house featured on “Father of the Bride”, photo credit: Peter M. CC BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr
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