Beverly Hills may be home to some of the most expensive and opulent real estate in the world, but every now and then, we stumble upon a listing that trades luxury for character—and offers a glimpse into Beverly Hills’ vast cultural legacy, which more often than not takes a backseat to the Hollywood spotlight.
In the foothills of Benedict Canyon, tucked away on a knoll at the end of a cul-de-sac and surrounded by nature, we find a 1939-built rustic gem with all the charm of an English country house.
Steeped in art and fashion photography history, the charming rustic property was home to world-renowned surrealist photographer Melvin Sokolsky for more than 50 years. Now, two years after the famed photographer passed away, it’s being offered for sale for $6,999,000.
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A character-rich Beverly Hills house is now up for grabs
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
Recently listed with Compass agents Susan Andrews and Martin Withrow, the Benedict Canyon house was originally built in 1939 for a silent screen actress.
Designed by architect Frederic Barienbrock, the home seems plucked right out of the English countryside with its Country Colonial Revival-style exterior, European interior design details, and charming gardens with heirloom roses.
Brick exterior brimming with Old World charm
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
A long, brick-paved gated driveway leads to the charming 1939-built home, a beautiful brick structure with an outdoor fireplace and seating area brimming with old-world charm.
The specs: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
Spanning 3,411 square feet, the Beverly Hills house has a total of 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a charming farmhouse kitchen, a wood-paneled study, a formal dining room, and a 2-car garage.
The longtime home of a surrealist photographer
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
The property was the longtime home of famed surrealist fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky, best known for his groundbreaking fashion shoots for Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and The New York Times. Sokolsky also made art history as one of the first surrealist photographers to use oversized furniture in his shoots — a trendsetting concept at the time.
He famously shot the pictures for Celine Dion’s 2002 album, A New Day Has Come, but is best known for his 1963 “Bubble” series of photographs for Harper’s Bazaar depicting fashion models “floating” in giant clear plastic bubbles suspended in midair above the River Seine in Paris.
Design elements hint at the home’s artsy past
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
Fitting for the creative sanctuary of an artist who pioneered illusory fashion photography long before the age of digital enhancement took hold, Melvin Sokolsky’s longtime home has a unique aesthetic, with moody and dramatic elements complementing the rustic design.
This is best evidenced by the dramatic formal entry foyer with a Degas-inspired powder room that greets visitors.
Inside the rustic farmhouse kitchen
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
Beaming with character, the rustic farmhouse kitchen is draped in rich wood — including custom wood counters.
With a slight industrial feel
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
It also features a commercial stainless steel glass-door display refrigerator and a professional cook’s stove.
A timeless primary bedroom
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
The primary suite, located on the lower level of the house, is a spacious and stylish retreat, with its windows opening up to views of the verdant outdoors.
See also: Rare $3.3M Storybook house in LA is a magical time capsule filled with salvaged treasures
Other bedrooms
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
A wood-paneled bedroom comes with an adjacent bath, and there are two other guest bedrooms, with a third one (featuring a fireplace) currently being used as a study.
Dining with views
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
A formal dining room mirrors the design of the living room and opens up to beautiful city views.
It has a large rear deck
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
Outside, a large rear deck wrapping the back of the house offers generous views of Century City, while also overlooking the pool area, set below.
Fresh on the market for $6,999,000
Photo credit: Shad Yassini / Compass
The Beverly Hills house, with its coveted 90210 address and oodles of rustic charm, recently landed on the market with a $6,999,000 asking price. The property is being listed by Bing Sokolsky, Melvin Sokolsky’s son, following his father’s passing in 2022 at the age of 88. Susan Andrews and Martin Withrow with Compass hold the listing.
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In a world that constantly pushes us toward more — more things, more choices, more consumption — the concept of minimalism has emerged as a breath of fresh air. However, as we delve deeper into the philosophy of living with less, a new movement is gaining traction: underconsumption core. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Des Moines, IA, settling into a rental home in Boston, or buying a home in Savannah, GA, this way of life offers a more sustainable, mindful way to live.
Understanding underconsumption core
Underconsumption core takes minimalism a step further by emphasizing the value of what we don’t consume rather than just focusing on what we own. “Underconsumption core is the latest social media movement that takes a spin on the minimalist and simplicity trends of recent years, highlighting the ‘use it up, wear it out, make do or do without’ teachings from older generations,” explains Amanda with Useful Roots.
“It’s all about finding joy in owning, maintaining, and buying fewer things or even acquiring material items via thrifting and repurposed goods. Instead of purchasing multiples of the latest item, you’re pairing down, making do with just one, using what you have, and perhaps not purchasing at all. It’s an approach to engaging in the economy that can be better for the wallet and more environmentally friendly.”
The benefits of underconsumption core
Adopting the underconsumption core philosophy can lead to numerous benefits:
Less clutter, more comfort: When you intentionally reduce unnecessary consumption, your living space becomes more comfortable and serene. Renters, especially, benefit from this as it makes small spaces feel larger and more functional.
Financial savings: Consuming less can lead to significant savings. Instead of spending money on trendy decor or impulsive buys, you can invest in quality pieces that last or save up for bigger goals — like homeownership or investment property.
Eco-friendly living: Consuming less means generating less waste, which benefits the environment. “At Composty, we believe that living minimally begins with making intentional choices about what we bring into our homes. By embracing compostable, reusable cleaning tools, you can significantly reduce waste while still maintaining a clean environment. We encourage making the most of what you already own, avoiding impulse purchases, and focusing on products that are not only functional but also sustainable, helping to reduce consumption in the long term. Composty’s CEO Matt Guest says, “Our sponges borrow natural materials from the planet and, after use, give them back to nature to help it flourish and grow.”
Ways to embrace ‘underconsumption core’
Underconsumption core can significantly improve your living experience, and it’s surprisingly easy to implement small, intentional changes that create lasting positive impacts.
Shift your mindset
Shifting your mindset is key to embracing underconsumption core. It’s about moving away from the constant pursuit of more and reframing how you view consumption.
“At fulFILLed Lifestyle Co., we believe that sustainable living starts with a shift in mindset. In today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to buy more, especially as we’re constantly influenced to consume more than we truly need,” explains Paige Garrity, co-founder of fulFILLed Lifestyle Co. She continues: “But what if less is actually more; underconsumption, the idea of being intentional with what we bring into our lives, allows us to focus on quality over quantity.
By reducing the excess, we make room for what truly matters — whether it’s the products we choose or the relationships we nurture. Sustainability, after all, is a way of life, and at fulFILLed Lifestyle Co., we’re here to support consumers in making choices that help them create a toxin-free, sustainable, and fulFILLing life.”
Prioritize essentials
Whether you’re furnishing an apartment or conducting your weekly grocery shop, start by focusing on the essentials. What do you really need? Avoid the temptation to buy and fill every corner with “stuff”.
“By embracing underconsumption core, we inherently buy less and utilize what we have more efficiently. Furthermore, replacing disposable everyday items with reusable alternatives, like shopping bags, water bottles, and sustainable kitchen essentials, significantly reduces waste and conserves resources,” explains Amanda Runkle, founder of Me Mother Earth.
“These small changes not only support a greener lifestyle but also save money in the long run, as reusable products are designed to last for years. By making these conscious choices, we all have the ability to contribute to a more sustainable future and reduce our environmental impact.”
Embrace sustainability
Elizabeth Casas with Simple Living on Repeat, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and sustainability. “With the cost of living and food prices increasing, underconsumption is a new trend that people must try to save money. Avoid buying products until you finish the ones you already have and use, such as skincare or cleaning products. Shop secondhand first. Before a new purchase, try to see if you can buy gently used items like clothing, furniture, books, and toys. Buying second-hand first not only helps you save money but also positively impacts the environment, giving items a second chance and reducing waste.”
“Well-storied homes often belong to well-storied discount shoppers, dumpster divers, thrift store thrifters, and roadside wranglers with well-storied lives,” shares Paige Grose with Paige Grose Design.
She adds, “I love expensive furniture, luxurious linens, fine china, and hand-woven rugs, but many of my most treasured and unique pieces that give our house style were found, thrifted, or haggled for and not purchased from a design center showroom. Thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales in upscale and retirement communities, trolling the streets on trash night (some neighborhoods encourage this and post items in real-time on social media), vintage and antique shops, as well as your family’s basements and attics are perfect places to start an underconsumption journey to create a well-storied home.”
Create and embrace multi-functional spaces
For renters in apartments, especially those with limited square footage, multi-functional spaces are key. Consider furniture that serves dual purposes — like a sofa that doubles as a guest bed or storage solutions that blend into your decor. “If I were going to say one thing a renter could do to create a more functional space, I would say not to underestimate the value of leg risers,” shares Mary Colmar with Salad Bowl Dress.
“You can make a kitchen island with two or more risers under a kitchen table. They’re helpful in a bedroom for your dresser or a bed to add storage space underneath. I have even used them in the living room under a couch to add the illusion of space.” Hacks like these can create a more functional and stylish space, without breaking the budget or spending impulsively.
Value quality over quantity
Quality pieces stand the test of time, saving you from frequent replacements and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. “I quit Amazon Prime to minimize unnecessary impulse buys. Instead, I put items in my shopping cart and wait till I hit the $35 minimum spend for free shipping without Prime,” shares Julie George with The Brown Girl Podcast.
“Sometimes during this “waiting time,” I find I actually didn’t need or want this or that, and then remove it from my cart. I also started investing in higher quality items that I can keep for a lifetime instead of low-quality/fast fashion junk that ends up needing constant replacement.”
Create a consumption budget
Just as you would budget your finances, consider creating a consumption budget. “Adopt a more mindful approach to spending and prioritize experiences over possessions, this will help you to focus on what truly brings value to your life,” recommends Emma with Bee Money Savvy. “Being more mindful when it comes to money can also help to reduce your living costs, allowing you to save towards long-term goals such as a first home or retirement.”
Reflect, remember, and adjust
“People have this strong belief that somehow happiness comes through spending on things and experiences. That if we only owned a nicer item, and splurged on a vacation, that we would be happier,” explains CEO and content creator, Save My Cents, Inc.
“Research has proved this to be the opposite. After meeting a certain minimum level of lifestyle, then additional levels of happiness gained from spending on nice-to-have items are diminishing — meaning the more money you spend, you don’t necessarily become equally happier. Knowing this is powerful because it means that you have to learn to derive joy from your current life. Lean into the strength of the good relationships and friendships you have. Take comfort and have gratitude for when you do have abundance — such as a decently paying job, payable skills, and good mental and physical health.”
Less, truly is more
Underconsumption core is more than just a trend; it’s a transformative lifestyle choice that encourages us to prioritize what truly matters. “When I coach Americans to spend less, I coach them to have gratitude. When you see everything that you “get to” enjoy, then you don’t feel the need to buy more to be happy,” Save My Cents continues.
“By embracing this philosophy, we can redefine minimalism and cultivate a life filled with purpose, sustainability, and fulfillment.” Underconsumption core offers a refreshing perspective that invites us to slow down, evaluate our choices, and make room for what genuinely enriches our lives.
A circular home perched on a hillside in Los Altos Hills, California, got a modern makeover that anchored it firmly into the 21st century.
The architecturally distinct, 5,103-square-foot circular house was thoroughly renovated by San Francisco-based practice Feldman Architecture, to extraordinary results.
The extensive remodel brought the house down to its studs, completely rebuilding the geometrically unique structure to make the most of its prime location — on a hillside in Silicon Valley, surrounded by a lush nature reserve.
The end result is a beautiful enhancement of the house’s original form, one that delivered both a refreshed exterior design and inviting, contemporary living spaces that open to the surrounding nature.
Like Fancy Pants Homes’ content? Be sure to follow us on Google News
The owners fell in love with its unique architecture
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
According to the architecture firm, the owners of the Los Altos Hills house fell in love with its quirky architecture and only had a modest remodel in mind for their newly purchased home.
However, after moving in, the need for a more comprehensive renovation soon became apparent. Apart from some dated living spaces, the house also featured low eaves that obstructed access to views.
They hired an award-winning design practice to breathe new life into the 1960s-built home
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
They commissioned Feldman Architecture — an award-winning design practice recognized for creating warm, light-filled spaces that are site-sensitive and carefully crafted — to upgrade the home, now aptly named the Round House.
An extensive remodel transformed the circular house
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Built in the 1960s, the circular home’s original structure — referred to as the “doughnut house” — had an open-air courtyard in the center.
It “was really interesting and very awkward at the same time,” said Steven Stept, Project Principal. The public living areas faced the private wooded hillside, while bedrooms opened onto sprawling, exposed views of Silicon Valley.
The Round House’s central courtyard was turned into a kitchen with a skylight
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
The original central courtyard, once open to the sky, was turned into the kitchen — fitting for the home’s residents, an aspiring baker and a family of food enthusiasts.
The award-winning kitchen now features a large circular skylight that streams daylight into the space, creating a makeshift sundial that illuminates different sections of custom, curved casework throughout the day.
Contemporary living spaces and an open floorplan define the interiors
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
From the main entrance of the 5,103-square-foot home, visitors can effortlessly progress through the open-plan living room, kitchen, and spacious deck, which now feature a clean, decidedly contemporary design that makes each space more inviting and polished than the last.
Pie-shaped rooms provide privacy
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
A concentric hallway traces the kitchen, leading to discreet pie-shaped rooms carefully arranged to separate private spaces from common areas.
See also: Revisiting The Domestead, a unique geodesic dome house in L.A.
Making the most of its 180-degree views
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
An outdoor deck has been strategically carved out at the intersection of the living room and kitchen – framing sprawling views of the South Bay — which are also observed through the home’s generously sized windows.
They also added a wrap-around walkway to take in the views
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Not settling for the outdoor deck alone, they also added a wrap-around walkway which provides each of the bedrooms with outdoor access.
Seamless transition to the outdoor areas
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Tall, curved pocket doors vanish into the walls, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Meanwhile, outside, curved landscape walls radiate outward and blend into the thoughtfully designed softscape.
A challenging project, executed beautifully
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Due to the challenges posed by the house’s unusual circular form, the project team had to look for creative solutions at every step of the way.
Since most conventional solutions favor straight geometry, thinking out of the box was central to the renovation project, with the team constantly adapting to the constraints of the unique project.
The team behind the project
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
While Feldman Architecture spearheaded the architecture and interior design aspects of the renovation — with Partner in Charge Stephen Stept and Anjali Iyer, Project Architect at the helm — the Round House’s stellar remodel was a team effort.
Baywest Builders served as the general contractor, Variegated Green handled the landscape design, with Lea + Braze Engineering (civil engineer), BKG Structural Engineers, Romig Engineers Inc. (geotechnical consultant), Tucci Lighting (lighting designer), Urban Tree Management (arborist) also contributing.
More stories
Menlo Park’s priciest home is a masterclass in indoor-outdoor living
Home of the Week: A dramatic Greek Temple-like villa in Berkeley with views worthy of Olympus
A jaw-dropping mid-century modern estate — inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater — breaks local record
A circular home perched on a hillside in Los Altos Hills, California, got a modern makeover that anchored it firmly into the 21st century.
The architecturally distinct, 5,103-square-foot circular house was thoroughly renovated by San Francisco-based practice Feldman Architecture, to extraordinary results.
The extensive remodel brought the house down to its studs, completely rebuilding the geometrically unique structure to make the most of its prime location — on a hillside in Silicon Valley, surrounded by a lush nature reserve.
The end result is a beautiful enhancement of the house’s original form, one that delivered both a refreshed exterior design and inviting, contemporary living spaces that open to the surrounding nature.
Like Fancy Pants Homes’ content? Be sure to follow us on Google News
The owners fell in love with its unique architecture
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
According to the architecture firm, the owners of the Los Altos Hills house fell in love with its quirky architecture and only had a modest remodel in mind for their newly purchased home.
However, after moving in, the need for a more comprehensive renovation soon became apparent. Apart from some dated living spaces, the house also featured low eaves that obstructed access to views.
They hired an award-winning design practice to breathe new life into the 1960s-built home
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
They commissioned Feldman Architecture — an award-winning design practice recognized for creating warm, light-filled spaces that are site-sensitive and carefully crafted — to upgrade the home, now aptly named the Round House.
An extensive remodel transformed the circular house
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Built in the 1960s, the circular home’s original structure — referred to as the “doughnut house” — had an open-air courtyard in the center.
It “was really interesting and very awkward at the same time,” said Steven Stept, Project Principal. The public living areas faced the private wooded hillside, while bedrooms opened onto sprawling, exposed views of Silicon Valley.
The Round House’s central courtyard was turned into a kitchen with a skylight
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
The original central courtyard, once open to the sky, was turned into the kitchen — fitting for the home’s residents, an aspiring baker and a family of food enthusiasts.
The award-winning kitchen now features a large circular skylight that streams daylight into the space, creating a makeshift sundial that illuminates different sections of custom, curved casework throughout the day.
Contemporary living spaces and an open floorplan define the interiors
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
From the main entrance of the 5,103-square-foot home, visitors can effortlessly progress through the open-plan living room, kitchen, and spacious deck, which now feature a clean, decidedly contemporary design that makes each space more inviting and polished than the last.
Pie-shaped rooms provide privacy
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
A concentric hallway traces the kitchen, leading to discreet pie-shaped rooms carefully arranged to separate private spaces from common areas.
See also: Revisiting The Domestead, a unique geodesic dome house in L.A.
Making the most of its 180-degree views
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
An outdoor deck has been strategically carved out at the intersection of the living room and kitchen – framing sprawling views of the South Bay — which are also observed through the home’s generously sized windows.
They also added a wrap-around walkway to take in the views
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Not settling for the outdoor deck alone, they also added a wrap-around walkway which provides each of the bedrooms with outdoor access.
Seamless transition to the outdoor areas
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Tall, curved pocket doors vanish into the walls, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Meanwhile, outside, curved landscape walls radiate outward and blend into the thoughtfully designed softscape.
A challenging project, executed beautifully
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
Due to the challenges posed by the house’s unusual circular form, the project team had to look for creative solutions at every step of the way.
Since most conventional solutions favor straight geometry, thinking out of the box was central to the renovation project, with the team constantly adapting to the constraints of the unique project.
The team behind the project
Photo credit: Adam Rouse / Feldman Architecture
While Feldman Architecture spearheaded the architecture and interior design aspects of the renovation — with Partner in Charge Stephen Stept and Anjali Iyer, Project Architect at the helm — the Round House’s stellar remodel was a team effort.
Baywest Builders served as the general contractor, Variegated Green handled the landscape design, with Lea + Braze Engineering (civil engineer), BKG Structural Engineers, Romig Engineers Inc. (geotechnical consultant), Tucci Lighting (lighting designer), Urban Tree Management (arborist) also contributing.
More stories
Menlo Park’s priciest home is a masterclass in indoor-outdoor living
Home of the Week: A dramatic Greek Temple-like villa in Berkeley with views worthy of Olympus
A jaw-dropping mid-century modern estate — inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater — breaks local record
The cost to renovate a house can range from $60 to $150 per square foot, depending on scope, size, location and labor. Many popular renovation projects cost under $20,000 for low-end, minor renovations to more than $100,000 for high-end, major renovation project.
High-end renovation costs
High-end renovations make use of the most upscale materials and popular trends. National average prices for major projects in this category can easily fall into the high five-figure or even six-figure range. Here are national average prices for popular high-end major renovations.
High-end bathroom renovation
Average renovation cost: $78,840.
Project overview: Expansion of existing bathroom within the house’s original footprint and relocation of all fixtures.
Highlights: New shower with body-spray features and a frameless glass enclosure, freestanding tub, high end faucets/fixtures, ceramic tiles, one-piece toilet, spot lighting, heated floors, cabinetry and extended HVAC.
Addition of an upscale bedroom suite
Average renovation cost: $339,513.
Project overview: Building a 32 x 20-foot bedroom suite with a full bathroom and sitting area. This addition is built over the home’s crawlspace.
Highlights: Custom bookcases, built-in storage, walk-in closet/dressing area, fireplace with custom mantle and stone hearth, walk-in shower with dual shower heads and frameless glass enclosure, separate soaker tub, one-piece toilet in partitioned area, two sinks in separate custom vanities and large mirrors, hospitality center with undercounter fridge, bar sink, microwave and custom cabinetry.
Major upscale kitchen renovation
Average renovation cost: $158,530.
Project overview: Replacing all appliances, countertops, cabinetry, fixtures, flooring and features in an existing 200-square-foot kitchen.
Highlights: Custom cabinets with built-in sliding shelves, built-in refrigerator, commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood, wall oven, undermount sink with designer faucets and water filtration system, built-in microwave, stone countertops, ceramic or glass tile backsplash, new lighting and new flooring.
Mid-range renovation costs
Mid-range projects may sometimes be as extensive as high-end renovations, but they use standard materials and fixtures rather than luxury ones. Here are national average costs for some popular mid-range renovations.
Major mid-range bathroom renovation
Average renovation cost: $25,251.
Project overview: Updating existing 5 x 7 bathroom by replacing existing fixtures, cabinetry, flooring and wall covering.
Highlights: Porcelain-on-steel tub with ceramic tile surround and single-lever shower control, standard white toilet, vanity with integral sink, recessed medicine cabinet with lighting vinyl wallpaper and ceramic tile floor.
Addition of a mid-range bedroom suite
Average renovation cost: $157,855.
Project overview: Building a 24 x 16 suite that includes a bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet/dressing area. Suite is built over crawlspace.
Highlights: Ceramic tile shower and separate freestanding tub, solid-surface countertop with double-bowl sink vanity, carpeted bedroom floor, painting of all nontiled walls, ceiling and trim. Also includes overall and spot lighting and an exhaust fan.
Major mid-range kitchen renovation
Average renovation cost: $79,982.
Project overview: Replace most appliances, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, flooring and features in an existing 200-square-foot kitchen.
Highlights: Energy-efficient range with vented hood, dishwasher, built-in microwave, dishwasher, custom lighting, garbage disposal, semicustom wood cabinets, 3 x 5-foot island, laminate countertops, stainless steel double sink with single-lever faucet, new flooring, painted walls, ceiling and trim.
Minor mid-range kitchen renovation
Average renovation cost: $27,492.
Project overview: Update 200-square-foot kitchen without tearing out cabinet boxes.
Highlights: Reface cabinets with Shaker-style drawer fronts, panels and hardware; install new laminate countertops, mid-priced sink and faucet. Replace existing appliances with energy-efficient stove, cooktop, and refrigerator. Install new flooring and paint walls, ceiling and trim.
Lower-cost renovation costs
If you’re considering a less extensive renovation, here’s a rough idea of what you might expect to spend on a few popular projects:
Living room renovation (paint, flooring, windows, lighting, etc.): $5,000 to $10,000.
Mold remediation: About $2,230.
Asbestos remediation: About $1,200 to $3,100.
Replacing appliances: $200 to $10,000 per appliance.
Gut renovation costs
Remodeling an entire house costs about $60 to $150 per square foot, and costs are likely higher if you’re working on a historic home. Gutting a house all the way down to the studs typically costs about $100,000 to $650,000.
Accordingly, your total costs for a gut renovation might be:
A 1,400-square-foot house at $100 per square foot: $140,000.
A 2,700-square foot house at $100 per square foot: $270,000.
A 3,500-square-foot house at $150 per square foot: $525,000.
A 4,000-square-foot house at $150 per square foot: $600,000.
Can I get financing for a home repair or improvement?
Your contractor may offer some financing options (either through a partner or a payment plan), but there are other — any maybe better — financing options available.
Home equity loan or HELOC
Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOC) may have lower interest rates than financing with an installer, as well as future opportunities for refinancing and possible tax benefits.
With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically five to 30 years. HELOCs are more akin to a credit card, something you use as needed. You’ll usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit, during which time you only have to pay interest, and after that you pay both the principal and interest. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time. And with each of these options, you’re using your home as collateral.
Personal loan
Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer personal loans, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000 and with fixed annual percentage rates. You receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. Unlike with home equity financing, there is no collateral. This means your home isn’t at risk if you miss payments, but you’ll still have to pay late fees and the late payments can negatively impact your credit.
Credit card
Credit cards are an option for lower cost repairs or renovations. That’s because credit cards typically charge higher interest rates than home equity loans, HELOCs and personal loans. When used responsibly, credit cards can come with great benefits, such as 0% introductory APR periods that allow you to avoid interest for a set number of months; rewards so you can earn cash back, travel or points; and sign-up bonuses that can give you some extra cash back or rewards for a larger purchase. If you go this route, you’ll want to make sure you pick one of the best credit cards for home improvements.
Which financing option is best for me?
The best financing option for you will depend on how much money you need, when you need the money, what project you’re doing and how long you need to pay the money back. If it’s something that’ll add value to your home, a HELOC or home equity loan may be your best option because the value of your house could increase by more than the amount of the loan.
On the flip side, if it’s a less expensive repair, a credit card is probably your best option if you want to pay no interest or earn rewards. Personal loans can apply to both small and large repairs or renovations, and they may make sense if you don’t have much equity in your home.
Regardless of what you choose, make sure you compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing options you’re considering. This will ensure you get the best deal.
In the heart of Silicon Valley, a newly built Menlo Park house recently came to market with a price tag that places it miles ahead of the competition.
The $14,200,000 house — located smack dab in central Menlo Park — is currently the most expensive house for sale (by far) in the tech-heavy city, which serves as home to social media giant Meta and is also where Google was born.
Fitting for a place that attracts tech’s brightest (and richest), Menlo Park’s real estate market is among the priciest in the country, with the median home sale price sitting at a hefty $2.6 million, according to Redfin’s data.
Priced at $14.2 million, the centrally located Menlo Park house is the most expensive home for sale in the San Francisco Bay Area city, with the runner-up asking almost a full $3 million less.
But a quick look at the 8-bedroom home makes it clear that the property is also the city’s finest option, pairing a stellar location with a gorgeous contemporary design that takes California’s iconic indoor-outdoor living trend to new heights.
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Menlo Park’s most expensive home
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Newly completed in 2024, the May Brown Avenue house sits on a 0.64-acre lot on a quiet cul-de-sac just moments from Menlo Park’s vibrant downtown.
With a stylishly appointed, contemporary main house, and an equally modern guest house, the Menlo Park property offers a total of 8 bedrooms and 8 full bathrooms, plus a half bath, and a large backyard between the two with a plethora of outdoor amenities.
Representing the property is Billy McNair with the McNair Group, affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California.
Developed by a tech-driven real estate company
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The builder is the present owner, Nitin Handa, of Handa Developers Group — a Silicon Valley-based, tech-driven real estate development company that has developed a unique approach to acquisitions and construction, which allows them to complete every project within a set timeframe and budget.
Within 9 years, Handa Developers Group has completed more than 87 real estate deals, raising more than $77 million in capital to complete projects in three U.S. states.
Indoor/outdoor living defines the 7,600+ sq. ft. house
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Given their track record, Handa Developers Group knew how to adapt their Menlo Park project to suit the needs of wellness-minded Silicon Valley buyers, and created a contemporary home that perfects the sought-after, indoor-outdoor living trend — which blurs the lines between the two spaces.
“The culture in Silicon Valley often emphasizes innovation and modern living,” Nitin Handa, Founder and CEO of Handa Developers Group, shares exclusively with Fancy Pants Homes. “When we began designing this estate, we immediately knew the property lent itself to an indoor-outdoor situation”.
Seamless transition from outdoor to indoor spaces
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
“We wanted to create a seamless and flexible living environment that would reflect the value aesthetics and functionality of this part of the Bay Area,” Handa tells us.
As a result, the Menlo Park house embodies the indoor-outdoor living trend to perfection, with its well-proportioned rooms being fitted with folding doors that open up to the outside areas.
More than a home, it’s a lifestyle
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
“1170 May Brown is more than just a home. It’s a lifestyle,” says listing agent Billy McNair, founder of McNair Group with Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California.
“Many people in Silicon Valley prioritize wellness, and there is a strong culture of socializing and entertaining. Indoor-outdoor spaces promote a healthy lifestyle and are perfect for gatherings, whether for casual barbecues or more formal events.”
Unassuming from the front
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The house welcomes residents and guests with a circular motor court and an elegant facade that — despite its clean lines and polished look — doesn’t give away the luxury we find inside.
Pivot door opens up to a grand foyer
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Past the pivot entry door, bright, light-flooded rooms come into view from the grand foyer.
Formal spaces greet guests
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Here, formal spaces are ready to welcome guests, including a formal living room with a fireplace.
The formal dining room has a wine gallery
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
A formal dining room with a temperature-controlled wine display wall is on the other side of the foyer.
The heart of the home is a large, open floor-plan living area
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen-family great room, a stylish and decisively contemporary living area that opens up to the party-ready backyard.
With a gourmet kitchen
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The fully appointed gourmet kitchen features a large center island, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a wet bar, and folding doors that seamlessly blend the interior and exterior spaces.
Cleverly masked appliances
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
As not to infringe on the contemporary design, many of the appliances have been cleverly masked (as were the electric outlets) to maintain a clean, modern look.
Living area with a fireplace
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Completing this space is a lounging area with a large fireplace and comfortable seating.
The primary suite
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Heading upstairs, we find the generously sized primary suite that has a fireplace, dual walk-in closets, a spa-like bathroom, and access to an expansive terrace that spans the entire upper level of the home.
All bedrooms have en-suite baths
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The upper level also includes a family lounge space and four other bedrooms, all en suite.
See also: This historic home off Lombard St. has some of the best views in all of San Francisco
A stylish home office
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Additional amenities include a large recreation/media room with a wet bar, a main-level guest suite with private access, and a refined executive office.
Even the powder room is the epitome of luxury
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Each space in the house has been carefully appointed with elegant, stylish finishes. So much so, that even the powder room (the only half-bath in the entire house) is ultra-luxurious.
Mudroom and utility areas
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
While we rarely pay much attention to utility rooms, in this particular case we have to give a nod to the beautifully designed mudroom, which expertly conceals a washer and dryer behind sleek, screened doors.
A media room with a wet bar
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Another room of the house that nails the indoor-outdoor transition is the media (or recreation) room, a flexible space appointed with a wet bar that can have several uses.
The landscaped backyard is like an extension of the house
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The large backyard area invites guests to step outdoors with its vibrant greenery and several seating areas.
Outdoor amenities
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Outside we find a pool and spa, multiple entertaining terraces, an outdoor kitchen, a BBQ pavilion with bar seating, and privacy landscaping.
There’s also a guest house
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Facing the pool is a one-bedroom guest house with a full kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities.
Equally stylish as the main house
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Benefitting from the same indoor-outdoor living design, the stylish guest house mimics the clean, contemporary design present throughout the main house.
Located in the heart of Menlo Park
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The house is located just a stone’s throw from Menlo Park’s downtown district on Santa Cruz Avenue, a lively street with plenty of options for shopping and dining, making it a great option for buyers looking to settle down in a vibrant, walkable area.
Now up for grabs for $14.2M
Photo credit: Open Homes Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
The newly built house is listed for $14,200,000 with Billy McNair of the McNair Group. And while the price point currently makes it the city’s priciest listing, its design and location — and proximity to top public and private schools, Stanford University, and major tech campuses — will likely turn it into Menlo Park’s most expensive home, as soon as a wealthy buyer lays eyes on it.
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If Alanna Gold, Selling Sunset‘s newcomer agent, and her ultra-modern desert house left you yearning to see more of Pioneertown — the 1880s-themed town in San Bernardino County originally developed as a shooting location for Westerns — we have a spectacular find for you.
A nearly 13-acre desert oasis with a private compound (and its own boulder-topped mountain) recently came to market, and it’s quite the showstopper.
Previously featured in Travel + Leisure Magazine, the home is the birthplace of Mojave Desert Skin Shield, an organic, Ayurveda-inspired skincare line and wellness practice founded by Patricia Vernhes, who owns the property along with her husband, Nicolas.
It has also served as a healing place, where Patricia’s practice offered soothing sound therapy, facials, and tea meditation, and where integrated wellness retreats were held.
Consisting of a 5-bedroom main house, a fully air-conditioned ADU, and nearly 13 acres of desert land including a private boulder-topped mountain and breathtaking 360-degree views of surrounding mountain ranges, the compound is now listed for $2,890,000 with Angela Gollan at Compass.
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The Pioneertown house sits on 13 acres close
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
The generously sized property spans 13 acres and is surrounded by mountain ranges and three flat-top mesas. Per the listing, it benefits from a unique microclimate 4,000 feet above sea level, which means it experiences cooler summers than nearby Joshua Tree and sunny, mild winters with occasional snowfall.
And has its own boulder-topped mountain
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
Adding to the calming desert views is the boulder-topped mountain included on the property, which acts like a fairly unique “amenity” in itself.
A reflection of its owners’ artful aesthetic
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
Heading into the Pioneertown house, bright, light-filled interiors are accented by vibrant pops of color and natural materials like wood and stone.
“Nicolas and Patricia have such great style and a really artful, beautiful aesthetic, and they have transformed this once dusty desert ranch house into an artist’s sanctuary and place of healing, with impeccable design and European sensibilities,” listing agent Angela Gollan tells us.
It has a grand living room with a fireplace
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
The living area is anchored by a fireplace, with vaulted beam ceilings towering over the space.
The open kitchen was recently upgraded
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
Right behind the living room, we find the recently upgraded kitchen, with a sunny dining area to the side.
Recording studio features
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
According to the agent, “The living room of the main home is wired as a Live room for recording, and the guest house is a recording studio!”
The house has 5 beds and 5 baths
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
Spanning approximately 3,000 square feet, the ranch-style house packs 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with large floor-to-ceiling windows offering calming desert views.
Unique bathroom finishes
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
The primary bathroom has a soaking tub and a unique stone-wall shower designed by the legendary “Pappy” of Pappy & Harriet’s fame (a famous local cantina used in countless old Western films like The Cisco Kid, The Range Rider, The Gene Autry Show, and Annie Oakley).
And a screened-in patio that seats 8
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
Right outside the living area, we find an expansive screened-in patio with a custom BBQ and seating for eight.
A fully air-conditioned ADU
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
A 450-square-foot, fully air-conditioned ADU with a full bath adds some great flex space that can be easily turned into a yoga or music studio, artist retreat, or guest suite.
Designed for wellness and relaxation
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
According to an older Travel + Leisure Magazine article featuring the property, owner Patricia Vernhes studied ayurvedic yoga therapy and apprenticed at Integratron — Joshua Tree’s fabled sound-bath temple — before settling down in the area and opening her own wellness practice on the serene desert property.
Here, she offered wellness services like sound therapy in the outdoor bath surrounded by 20 quartz singing bowls. She later developed her skincare brand, Mojave Desert Skin Shield, while living here.
Sustainability features
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
For sustainability and self-sufficiency, the home was outfitted with solar panels and a 600-foot well.
“The promise of the California Desert is still strong”
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
While the local real estate market isn’t immune to the challenges the entire state of California has faced recently, Gollan is confident that the area will continue to thrive:
“We’ve seen property values dip and homes sitting on the market much longer than in years prior. But the promise of the California Desert is still strong,” she says. “There is a lot of infrastructure out here now that was built during the last several years that isn’t going anywhere. The geological beauty and cotton candy sunsets aren’t going anywhere, and the community is still growing. So although we are seeing fewer people try to start Airbnbs in the Joshua Tree area, the wanderers will never stop heading this way to explore the mystic promise of the desert.
Located next to Sand to Snow National Monument
Photo credit: Jilbert Daniel / Compass
And the Pioneertown compound has that desert appeal in spades. Plus, it’s adjacent to the 154,000-acre Sand to Snow National Monument — an ecological and cultural treasure and one of the most biodiverse areas in southern California — promising uninterrupted views that will remain forever unspoiled.
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A former Housewives’ beautiful Bridgehampton home is on the market — and it comes with bright and elegant interiors, a cute little guest cottage, and a prime location in the Hamptons.
Owned by TV personality, RHONY alum, and self-made millionaire Bethenny Frankel, the property landed on the market last week with a $5,995,000 asking price. Douglas Elliman’s Noble Black and Erica Grossman hold the listing.
Lovingly renovated by Bethenny’s expert hands — who’s no stranger to flipping homes for a nifty profit and even had her own real estate show on Bravo, Bethenny and Fredrik, alongside former Million Dollar Listing agent Fredrik Eklund — the Bridgehampton house has about 2,500 square feet of high-end interiors.
It also comes with an equally stylish little guest house and a bunch of outdoor amenities. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
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Frankel’s longtime home in the Hamptons
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
The Real Housewives of New York City alum bought the property over a decade ago and has considerably updated the home over the years. RHONY fans might remember it well, as the Hamptons house was shown quite a bit on Frankel’s second stint on the reality show.
She recently upgraded to another Hamptons abode
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
Earlier this year, local real estate outlet Behind The Hedges revealed that the Skinnygirl Cocktails mogul bought herself another home in the Hamptons. Frankel reportedly paid $5.45 million back in October 2023 for a three-level Southampton home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.
“I’m at my new house. I am shocked. This is a dream house. It was a find and it was a renovation,” Frankel told her followers at the time, showing off her serene backyard which includes a pool and a spa surrounded by wood decking, all overlooking Shinnecock Bay.
The charming Bridgehampton compound
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
Promoted as a compound property, the listing consists of a roughly 2,500 sq. ft. main house, a one-bedroom guest cottage, and a backyard oasis (with pool, spa, pool house, and outdoor kitchen), all set amidst meticulously landscaped gardens and next to 40 acres of open field.
The 4-bedroom main house
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
The shingle-style main house offers approximately 2,500 square feet of elegantly appointed living space on two levels, with a total of 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths.
The interiors show Bethenny’s stylish touches
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
Expertly renovated by Frankel herself, who owned the property for well over a decade, the house’s interiors are bright and elegant, with large windows and doors blurring the lines between the indoor and outdoor areas.
The updated kitchen has bespoke millwork
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
The newly renovated chef’s kitchen features custom millwork, high-end finishes, and appliances, and is as bright and airy as the rest of the Hamptons house.
See also: Newly completed, $25M East Hampton house comes fully (and beautifully) furnished — antiques included
The primary bedroom comes with a private sun porch
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
Upstairs, the primary bedroom with an en suite bath features high ceilings and a private sun porch offering sweeping views of the gardens and fields. The other three bedrooms are also located on the house’s second floor.
Also on the property: a one-bedroom guest cottage
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
The approximately 600-square-foot guest cottage adds one more bedroom and bathroom to the tally, along with Bethenny’s signature stylish design touches.
The guest cottage has also undergone updates
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
The guest cottage has also been fully renovated, now featuring high-end finishes throughout its spaces — which include a kitchen, a living room, a washer/dryer, one bedroom, and one bathroom.
Outdoor amenities include a heated gunite pool
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
Stepping outside we find a range of upscale amenities, including a heated gunite pool, spa and sauna, outdoor shower, and a built-in outdoor chef’s kitchen to take entertaining up a notch.
There’s also a pool house with a half bath
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
Outdoor amenities also include a small pool house with a half-bathroom. And since it’s so stylish, we couldn’t help but give you a peek inside.
The TV personality’s other homes
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
While the New York native hangs her hat in Greenwich, Connecticut, she famously maintains pied-à-terres in both New York City and South Florida.
TheReal Housewives of New York alum recently gave fans (and Instagram followers) a tour of her new Manhattan digs, a two-bed, two-bath prewar apartment on the Upper West Side.
Bethenny is a skilled real estate investor
Photo credit: Rise Media / Douglas Elliman
Frankel has a great eye for real estate and has flipped several properties over the years for a nifty profit. This includes a historic Bridgehampton home known as Morning Glory that she sold for $2.3 million, a Soho loft in New York City that banked her $3.995 million, and a glam Greenwich, Connecticut home priced well over $3 million.
She even chronicled some of her real estate ventures on the short-lived Bravo series Bethenny and Fredrik, alongside former Million Dollar Listing New York star Fredrik Eklund. The 2018 series was canceled after one season.
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While famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed more than 1,000 buildings throughout his life, his prolific 70-year career produced one single Florida residence: the Lewis Spring House in Tallahassee.
But Florida had its own famed proponent of organic architecture.
Mentored by Wright, Alfred Browning Parker was one of Florida’s most prolific and influential mid-twentieth-century architects.
He designed more than 500 projects in his 60-year career, and was a principal leader of the “Coconut Grove School” of tropical organic architecture, alongside other renowned architects like Rufus Nims and Kenneth Treister.
After another Alfred Browning Parker was recently sold to new owners who planned to tear it down (despite paying a hefty $36 million for the Parker-designed waterfront property in Gables Estates), the city of Coral Gables moved swiftly to save another of the architect’s projects from a similar fate. Now, it’s up for grabs.
Saved at the very last minute
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
After the Alfred Browning Parker-designed Gables Estates waterfront property at 140 Arvida Parkway was recently sold as a $36 million teardown — despite its architectural pedigree and consideration for historic designation — the city of Coral Gables quickly stepped in to avoid a similar fate for one of Parker’s other notable designs.
The property at 5005 N. Hammock Park swiftly received historic designation, and right on time! Turns out, the listing agent for the property already had a buyer lined up who planned to tear it down.
Now offered for sale at $4.6 million
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
The architecturally significant home is now listed for $4,600,000, with Coldwell Banker Realty’s Lisa Fox holding the listing. It’s now looking for a buyer who can appreciate its timeless architecture, connection to its surroundings, and historic pedigree.
Stellar architecture by Alfred Browning Parker
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
A principal leader of the “Coconut Grove School” of tropical organic architecture, Alfred Browning Parker is arguably the most renowned and honored architect in the history of Florida, with some considering him “the Frank Lloyd Wright of Florida.”
Alongside a group of idealistic architects, Parker adapted Frank Lloyd Wright’s tenets to the unique conditions of South Florida. Subtropical modernists devised a whole array of sun-protection devices to shield glass-enclosed interiors from the scorching South Florida sun.
His body of work and architectural legacy contrasts beautifully with Miami’s more modern, glass-enclosed homes.
Lloyd Wright himself praised Parker’s work
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
Parker was publicly praised by Frank Lloyd Wright, something Wright rarely did. He even recommended Parker as an American Institute of Architecture (AIA) fellow, the only architect Wright ever recommended/nominated for this honor.
The house is located in a guard-gated neighborhood in Coral Gables
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
The home sits on a roughly one-acre lot in the Miami-adjacent city of Coral Gables, known for its tree-lined boulevards, ivy-covered mansions, and historical landmarks (including the world-famous Biltmore Hotel and the Venetian Pool, both built in the 1920s). It’s part of the guard-gated neighborhood of Hammock Lakes.
Perfectly in tune with its natural surroundings
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
Alfred Browning Parker was known for incorporating natural materials into his designs, and the property at 5005 N. Hammock Park is no exception.
Enveloped by nature and perfectly in tune with its surroundings, the home also incorporates natural materials throughout, including hardwood Florida cedar and coral rock (out of which the two-story fireplace area of the living room was constructed).
Grand living space with cathedral ceilings
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
Walking through a foyer entry, the architectural home welcomes residents and their guests with a grand living area, where an imposing beamed cathedral ceiling made out of angelique wood towers above the space.
Two additional family rooms
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
The grand living area is complemented by two additional family rooms, one designed by Parker, and another one added later on, as part of an expansion project.
A standalone primary suite was added in 2003
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
In 2003, additions were made to the house, with a new stand-alone primary suite being built upstairs, and an additional family room — open to an industrial kitchen — added as well.
See also: 22 Frank Lloyd Wright homes you’ve probably never heard of
Serene views and a fireplace complete the space
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
With large balcony doors opening to the lush greenery outside, the large bedroom also has a stone fireplace to add an extra note of warmth to its wood-clad, beamed ceiling design.
The adjacent home office
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
Also part of the primary suite is an inviting home office, fully clad in warm wood, and a spacious walk-in closet.
The bathrooms don’t infringe on the design
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
While a tad less midcentury modern, the bathrooms complement the design rather than infringing on it, with each of the 6 baths sporting either a playful design, or an era-appropriate one. The primary bathroom, with vaulted beamed ceilings, adds a pop of color with its vibrant blue hues.
More bedrooms to accommodate guests
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
Beyond the impressive primary suite, there are 4 additional bedrooms to accommodate friends and family. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms.
Wood-clad spaces radiate warmth and comfort
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
Despite its size — the home has well over 5,300 square feet of living space — the Coral Gables house’s interiors are decidedly warm and inviting, making it a great option for a family.
Nature awaits right outside the house’s doors
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
A private tropical oasis in itself, the one-acre property is surrounded by mature trees, winding paths, and lush greenery.
There’s also a pool and lounging area
Photo credit: Lenny Kagen / Miami Real Estate Photographers
More modern conveniences aren’t lacking, with the outdoor area also featuring a pool and lounging area, hidden behind extra tall palm trees and mature shrubs.
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There’s nothing that makes my morning coffee taste better than sitting down and penning an article on a midcentury modern gem designed by one of the style’s most masterful architects.
Richard Neutra, the Austrian-American architect, spent most of his career in Southern California, designing masterpieces like the Kaufmann House, the Lovell House, and the Singleton House, to name just a few of his most notable works.
He’s also known as one of the architects who built Palm Springs, and turned it into a beacon of midcentury modernism, alongside other notable names like Albert Frey, Hugh Kaptur, John Lautner, and William Cody.
In fact, Neutra’s designs are some of Palm Springs’ most recognizable architectural homes — and a select few, Kaufmann House included, recently graced the big screen in Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling, a tribute to Palm Springs’ rich architectural past.
But today, we’re turning our eyes toward Neutra’s Los Angeles-area homes. More specifically, a gorgeous midcentury modern abode the architect built in Brentwood’s prestigious Crestwood Hills, known as the Adler House, that recently landed on the market for $2,998,000.
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A piece of architectural history
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Designed in 1956 for a local physicist, Dr. Fred Adler and his wife, Alicia Adler, the Adler House is one of more than 300 houses Neutra designed in California. It’s located in Crestwood Hills, the modernist enclave in Brentwood, Los Angeles that’s been likened to “a jewel box” of single-family homes designed by midcentury masters (including A. Quincy Jones, Whitney R. Smith, Richard Neutra, and Craig Ellwood).
A quintessential midcentury modern design, the house was immortalized in the annals of modernist architecture by lauded photographer Julius Shulman.
Now a $2,998,000 listing
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The property was listed in late August with F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass for $2,998,000. But the agents may have already secured a buyer for the architecturally significant abode, as the listing is marked as “Active, Under Contract” on the brokerage’s website.
Interiors have a minimalist aesthetic
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The Adler House has 2,299 square feet of minimalist interiors, with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The main living area has an open floor plan lined with walls of windows framing eye-catching views.
A step-down living room, typical of the style
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The spacious step-down living room anchored by a sleek stone fireplace acts as the heart of the home, with access to a front deck that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces.
See also: 22 Frank Lloyd Wright homes you’ve probably never heard of
Its large windows frame breathtaking views
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Large windows frame breathtaking views from the Pacific Ocean to Century City, the Getty, the DTLA skyline, and mountains beyond.
The kitchen
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The updated kitchen is illuminated by a skylight and equipped with top-of-the-line appliances — including a Sub-Zero fridge and double oven — with its windows overlooking the pool deck.
The dining room
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Adjacent to the living area, the dining room features an original built-in cabinet and flows effortlessly into the updated kitchen.
The primary bedroom
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
The primary suite of the midcentury modern home is lined with windows overlooking canyon vistas, and boasts a generous walk-in closet, a dual-vanity ensuite with a luxurious double shower, and direct access to the backyard.
More beds & baths
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
On the opposite wing of the home, two secondary bedrooms share a bathroom and have views overlooking the outdoor deck, one with a secret hidden door to a walk-in closet.
Sliding glass doors lead to outdoor amenities
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Sliding glass doors lead to a vibrant private backyard that’s completely secluded by lush greenery.
Including a pool, spa, and sundeck
Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass
Here, a sparkling pool, spa, turf lawn, and sundeck are ideal for alfresco gatherings or quiet evenings. Stone steps at the back of the home lead to a tiered hillside area that could be left as-is or completely transformed by gardening hobbyists.
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