Here’s the story, of a house named Brady. HGTV has put the famous “Brady Bunch” house in Los Angeles, with its instantly recognizable street view, on the market.
The saga of this house has a new storyline, and it’s a real cliffhanger: Will HGTV be able to recoup its investment in the famous home, which was used only for exterior shots on the iconic ’70s TV show?
The home has since been rebuilt, inside and out, as a replica of the set piece from the show. The $5.5 million list price is on the high end of the suburb of Studio City. The area has a median list price of $1.9 million.
But this is a very special home—especially since HGTV got its hands on it in 2018.
A very Brady abode
Locals have long known about the iconic home, and longtime fans visit frequently to take photos of the exterior. The exterior has essentially stayed much the same way it had appeared in “The Brady Bunch,” which aired from 1969 to 1974, then entered into perpetual syndication.
Some say it’s the most photographed private residence in America, right after the White House.
The owners thought that the notoriety would add some value, so they listed their famous split-level in 2018 for an ambitious $1,885,000. It was built in 1959.
What they didn’t expect was HGTV entering a bidding war with former ‘N Sync member Lance Bass and several others. The network prevailed, paying $3.5 million for the home. It had big plans to put the house back on TV.
‘A Very Brady Renovation’
The network taped a limited series, called “A Very Brady Renovation,” in which show hosts Drew and Jonathan Scott worked alongside other HGTV stars to re-create every detail of the iconic home. Joining them were the now-grown cast members who played the six Brady kids.
The renovation series drew in more than 28 million viewers.
The interior scenes of the TV series were actually shot on nearby sound stages, so it was quite a challenge to find period furnishings and finishes and to redesign the home so it looked exactly like the one on TV.
HGTV poured $1.9 million into the massive renovation, which added 2,000 square feet to the property’s original footprint. That included a full second story.
Including the renovation costs, HGTV’s investment in the five-bedroom, five-bath, 5,140-square-foot property totals $5.4 million, which is just about the current asking price.
What it looks like now
So what will the next owners get? Among the standout features added are the floating staircase, the burnt-orange-and-avocado-green kitchen, the kids’ Jack-and-Jill bathroom, and the backyard with a swing set, teeter-totter, and Tiger’s doghouse.
Customized pieces include the green floral couch and the credenza with a horse sculpture in the living room.
Fun fact: The show producers reached out to collectors to find the horse sculpture used on the set, and when one couldn’t be located, they ended up printing one in 3D.
Would you live there?
So, would anyone actually want to live in a home filled with shag carpeting, wood paneling, and pastel-colored walls in all the bedrooms and bathrooms?
How comfortable would you be in a $5.5 million home outfitted with appliances that were brand-new in the 1970s but not exactly state-of-the-art now, and a backyard that features a swing set rather than a pool?
And then, there are the caveats for potential buyers: “Fireplaces and some appliances/fixtures are decorative only. The home is being sold as is.”
The home is located in a lovely, mostly quiet neighborhood within walking distance of great shops and restaurants, and backs up on the L.A. River.
So, is this a house that’s made more for TV than real life?
Is it ready for a real-life bunch?
Though true to its TV counterpart, this home’s retro kitchen and bathrooms are no longer in vogue.
While the midcentury modern style is still popular, you don’t see a lot of people bringing back that 1970s style. After a while, those period rooms might become an eyesore.
There’s also the tourist problem.
Coldwell Banker luxury property specialist Gail Steinberg, who lives about a block from the famous home, has had intrepid fans stopping her on the sidewalk to ask, “Do you know where the ‘Brady Bunch’ house is?”
Interest in the house has gone up significantly since the HGTV show, and it draws a steady stream of people cruising by to snap pictures.
Still, Steinberg believes the $5.5 million asking price is not unrealistic.
“Look how far above the asking price it went for last time it sold,” she says.
Could the home become a short-term rental?
If the zoning permits short-term rentals, the new homeowners could fetch a pretty penny from folks who want to bask in the home’s nostalgic glory. But the remodeled interiors seem too valuable to risk exposing to careless renters.
It might have value as a location for photo, TV, and movie shoots. But Los Angeles puts limitations on that as well—for the wellbeing of the neighbors. So it’s also not a dependable source of income.
Also, consider security
“There’s security parked out in front 24/7,” Steinberg notes. Apparently, that’s been necessary ever since HGTV very publicly took over the property, as there are no walls or hedges protecting it from zealous fans.
That’s also an expense the new owners will have to shoulder.
So who is the most likely buyer?
Steinberg believes a high-rolling real estate collector—perhaps someone who would stay in the home occasionally for fun—would happily pay $5.5 million, or more.
Often, buyers at that level pay cash and aren’t affected by high-interest rates, she adds.
Also, a wealthy collector would be less likely to be intimidated by the caveats in the listing: “Intellectual property rights are not included in the sale. Buyer is advised to do their own due diligence to investigate the legal rights and usage of the home including zoning, permits, rental laws, etc.”
But, there’s always bragging rights.
“It’s an ego thing,” Steinberg says. “‘I own the ‘Brady Bunch’ house!’”
Win-win
Neighbors would be most likely OK with the “Brady Bunch” house going private. The street would no longer be a tourist magnet, and a home selling for upward of $5.5 million in the area would surely raise their property values.
Other very deserving people would also benefit from the house selling at a premium. HGTV plans to use a portion of the proceeds from the sale to help fight child hunger.
A Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, 6,918-square-foot Usonian home in New Canaan, CT, awaits its next steward.
Newly arrived on the market, it’s “the quintessential Usonian house,” says listing agent Albert Safdie, of Coldwell Banker Realty.
He’s co-listing with Marsha Charles, also of Coldwell Banker Realty.
The seven-bedroom, 8.5-bath house was built in 1956 and has an equally large $8 million price tag. Even at that amount and after mere hours on the market, “We already have somebody interested in the house,” Safdie says.
True to Wright’s Usonian design approach, the kitchen is a galley-style space; and trademark details such as concrete-block walls, a flat roof, walls of windows, built-ins, ample use of curved lines, and Philippine mahogany abound throughout the home. A Cherokee-red, iron gate marks the home’s entrance.
Wright himself is said to have occupied “Tirranna,” as the house is known, during his work on New York City’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in the 1950s, the listing notes.
The seller bought the home in 2018 for $4.8 million and worked with the Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy to maintain it.
New Canaan is a 40-minute drive from New York City and home to famed architect Philip Johnson’s Glass House, among other midcentury modern masterpieces.
Set on 14 acres, the property includes the house, a barn (with a bedroom, bath, and lots of storage), pool, and tennis court.
And tucked into the scenic grounds, there’s even a waterfall. Wright hired Frank Okamura to create the home’s landscaping.
A rooftop observatory allows for further communing with nature.
The home’s one-time bomb shelter was converted into a wine cellar, suiting architecture-minded oenophiles. Some furnishings in the house, which were designed by Wright, are included with the sale.
The dwelling’s concrete construction extends to the fireplace, which also flaunts gold leaf on three sides.
A five-car garage is included in the listing, and the owner maintains a chicken coop and beehive on the property.
Some of the home’s updates were made by Wright’s son-in-law, William Wesley Peters, who is also an architect.
So, who will jump at the chance to live in one of Wright’s celebrated Usonians?
On a grand scale, “you can’t really put a price on it,” says Safdie. “This is a special home, and it hasn’t aged.”
He adds that the buyer will likely be “somebody who is interested in architecture and special homes. It could be an international buyer.”
Watch: Group Project! See How This Former Pennsylvania School Was Turned Into Gorgeous Apartments
Society’s obsession with celebrities is big biz! And when it comes to cashing in on it, paparazzi moguls François and Brandy Navarre are laughing all the way to the bank.
The couple just listed a palatial property in the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades and they’re hoping to cash in $12,225,000 from their latest real estate venture.
Just the latest in a long streak of million dollar homes they bought (and later sold at a profit), François and Brandy Navarre’s house is listed with Zac Mostame and Santiago Arana of The Agency and Andreas Elsenhans of Westside Estate Agency.
From king & queen of the paparazzi to prolific real estate investors
Celebrity photos are a hot commodity. Whether an A-lister is caught canoodling with a beau, dropping their kids off at school, or simply out and about doing everyday errands, there’s big bucks in celebrity photos — which are taken by photographers dubbed ‘the paparazzi’.
Just ask François and Brandy Navarre, paparazzi moguls and real estate developers who are testament to the multi-million dollar industry of paparazzi pics.
The couple are co-founders and owners of the most successful celebrity gossip and paparazzi agency in Hollywood: X17.
Known for their aggressive tactics, hiding drones and long zoom lenses in pursuit of the perfect pic, the Navarres have built their dynasty off famous folks doing their ‘regular’ routines of getting groceries, exercising in their neighborhoods and going on the school run with their kids.
Of course, with great success comes great responsibility. Last year, X17 was sued by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle over unauthorized images of their son Archie. Jennifer Aniston also sued the couple over topless photos taken outside her Malibu home.
And many other celebrities — such as Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Halle Berry, Britney Spears and Jennifer Garner, to name a few — have been outspoken about the invasive and unsafe elements of having to deal with the paparazzi on a daily basis.
Like it or not, society’s obsession with celebrities is a money-making industry and the Navarres have profited in a big way — becoming as wealthy as their A-list clientele.
And as it turns out, their profitable paparazzi dynasty has afforded them some luxurious digs in the competitive Los Angeles real estate market.
A look at the Navarres’ past real estate ventures
According to Dirt, in 2021 the Navarres sold an 8,500-square foot estate in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades for $13.7 million.
And in 2005, they purchased a Pacific Palisades home for $5 million, which was located next door to Conan O’Brien’s estate, which they later listed for sale asking $15.9 million.
The former paparazzi couple also bought a beach house in 2000 for $1.7 million. The Malibu home has been for sale and for rent since 2016, with a listed price of $7.5 million and a summer rental rate at $45,000 per month.
Their latest home in Pacific Palisades has just hit the market
And now, the Navarres have listed another property for $12.225 million.
Located in their seemingly favorite upscale neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, the stunning estate is overlooking the Riviera surrounded by serene greenery and landscapes.
The midcentury modern home features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and a detached guest house.
Boasting an open floor plan and living area with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams, the luxurious Los Angeles home has jaw-dropping ocean views amid its 5,500-square feet.
The outdoor amenities include a pool, patio and plenty of gorgeous greenery to soak up the sweet California sunshine.
The plush property is listed by Zac Mostame and Santiago Arana of The Agency and Andreas Elsenhans of Westside Estate Agency.
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If you haven’t had a chance to book a stay, know that Monday is the final day to book World of Hyatt properties before the award rates for many popular spots increase.
Starting Tuesday, 214 hotels in the World of Hyatt portfolio will require more points.
Across the properties going up, there will be an average price increase of more than 5,000 World of Hyatt points … per night. That’s not great news, but there is still time to lock in redemptions at some of our favorite hotels before prices increase.
Related: Suddenly, my Hyatt free night certificates feel worthless
At most properties, you can lock in stays for 13 months out (through April 2024) at the current award rates. Also, the vast majority allow free cancellations if your plans ultimately change.
However, there are a few exceptions to that general rule, especially around the winter holiday week, when some stays are nonrefundable. Some all-inclusive properties, such as some Secrets properties, charge a $50 cancellation fee at any point that you change your mind.
Read the fine print carefully before making a booking you are unsure about keeping, but know that most bookings are penalty-free until a few days before check-in.
If you want to make bookings but don’t currently have Hyatt points in your account, there are a few ways to do that.
First, if you have Hyatt Globalist status, you can have Hyatt make you some bookings without points needed until you get closer to check-in. Beyond that option, a few credit card transferable points programs, including Chase and Bilt, can typically transfer points instantly to Hyatt.
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Here’s a guide on how to book Hyatt stays without enough points in your account.
Here are some properties to prioritize if you want to lock in some stays today before they cost more starting Tuesday.
Hotels going from Category 4 to 5
Unfortunately, there are many popular properties that will soon be out of reach via the most common Hyatt free night certificates.
These awards are given out in several ways, including via the World of Hyatt Credit Card or by reaching certain qualifying night thresholds during the year.
Here’s a partial list of those properties that will no longer be eligible.
Andaz San Diego.
Chicago Athletic Association.
The Eliza Jane.
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico.
Grand Hyatt Jeju.
Grand Hyatt Seoul.
Park Hyatt Saigon.
Hyatt Regency Amsterdam.
Thompson Madrid.
Hyatt Place Moab.
Hyatt House Naples/5th Avenue.
Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence.
Let’s take a closer look at three of these properties that represent particularly great value.
Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world
Andaz San Diego
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Andaz San Diego. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Why you should stay there
Andaz San Diego is a nice property in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, close to popular restaurants and a ton of nightlife. The rooms are contemporary and the service is friendly and efficient, from the front desk to the restaurant staff. There is a hopping rooftop bar with great views of the city.
What it will cost
The Andaz San Diego will go from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.
Chicago Athletic Association
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Chicago Athletic Association. HYATT
Why you should stay there
Chicago Athletic Association is housed in a classic building — formerly an 1890s-era private athletic club. The building may date to the late 19th century, but the rooms are refreshed and midcentury modern.
The central Chicago location is also a selling point, as the property sits near Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. It even has an on-site Shake Shack and a bocce ball court.
What it will cost
Chicago Athletic Association is going from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.
Related: Book this, not that in Chicago
The Eliza Jane
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The Eliza Jane. HYATT
Why you should stay there
The Eliza Jane was a sweet spot for many looking to visit New Orleans as it was new, trendy, well located and still eligible for the Hyatt Category 1-4 award nights.
What it will cost
Eliza Jane is going from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.
Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation
Hotels going from Category 7 to 8
Unfortunately, Hyatt is also making some properties out of reach for even its more exclusive free night certificates. Category 1-7 free night certificates are provided when you pass 60 elite nights and qualify for World of Hyatt Globalist status.
These properties are moving out of range of that valuable certificate:
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas.
Carmel Valley Ranch.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast & Highlands Inn, A Hyatt Residence Club.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa.
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa.
Wentworth Mansion.
The Lodge at Spruce Creek.
Ksar Char-Bagh.
Viceroy Bali.
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo.
Keemala.
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik.
Hotel Martinez.
Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel & Spa.
Boheme Hotel.
Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa.
7Pines Resort Sardinia.
Ca’Sagredo Hotel.
Grand Hotel Cocumella.
La Villa del Re.
Margutta 19.
Villa Spalletti Trivelli.
Villa Geba.
El Lodge Ski and Spa.
Nobu Hotel Marbella.
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola.
Park Hyatt Zurich.
Villa Orselina.
Park Hyatt Zurich
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Park Hyatt Zurich. CAPE PEMBROKE/HYATT
Why you should stay there
The Park Hyatt Zurich is a sleek and modern midrise in the heart of the financial capital of Zurich. The modern artwork hanging on nearly every hotel wall is worth a visit alone.
What it will cost
The Park Hyatt Zurich is going from Category 7 to Category 8. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of Category 1-7 award certificates.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000-35,000 points per night to 35,000-45,000 points per night.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
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Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Why you should stay there
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is a five-star option in essentially every way if you want a ski-out Colorado mountain vacation.
Standard rooms routinely cost over $1,000 per night during the peak ski season. Staying with points is a way to have a ski vacation that’s as easy as stepping out onto the snow and being right next to the gondola without spending thousands of dollars on lodging.
Booking with points also means you get to skip the nightly resort fee. Those with Hyatt Globalist status luck out, too, with saving on mountain prices for breakfast each day.
What it will cost
The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is going from Category 7 to Category 8. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 7 award certificate.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000-35,000 points per night to 35,000-45,000 points per night.
Expect ski season nights to be at the high end of that range.
Related: Review of the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
Popular leisure and big-city destinations increasing
In addition to the painful number of properties climbing from Category 4 to 5 and Category 7 to 8, plenty of hotels are moving up other levels on the award chart.
Many popular leisure resorts and busy city destinations will inch up from Category 6 to 7, meaning extra points for stays booked as of March 28.
Here’s a breakdown of some popular spots that you should strongly consider booking now before prices increase.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
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Grand Hyatt Kauai. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Why you should stay there
Grand Hyatt Kauai is a large, lush Hawaiian resort in sunny Poipu. It has one of the best pool complexes you’ll find anywhere, with a 1 1/2-acre saltwater lagoon, 150-foot waterslide and multiple layers of pools for playing, sunning and swimming.
This hotel also has an above-average club lounge, so those who have or purchase access can save on food costs by indulging there.
Standard rooms can cost close to $1,000 per night during peak times, making this a popular award redemption location.
What it will cost
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
Related: Review of the Grand Hyatt Kauai
Andaz 5th Avenue
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Andaz 5th Avenue. BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY
Why you should stay there
It’s hard to beat the location of the Andaz 5th Avenue, given its proximity not only to Fifth Avenue but the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, Broadway and more. It’s close to almost everything without being in too frantic of a location.
What it will cost
Andaz 5th Avenue is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
Related: Review of the Andaz 5th Avenue
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Why you should stay there
The Hyatt Regency Maui offers an excellent location near Lahaina on Maui. It’s set on 40 acres on Kaanapali Beach and has a giant feature-filled swimming pool with a grotto bar, waterslide and bridge right next to the beach.
There are a total of 806 guest rooms and 31 suites, many with dramatic views of the ocean. This has traditionally been a great way to redeem World of Hyatt points (when available). However, cash prices have soared since the pandemic.
What it will cost
The Hyatt Regency Maui goes from Category 6 to Category 7.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
Related: A review of the Hyatt Regency Maui
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino
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Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino. HYATT
Why you should stay there
The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino has many amenities in a central location on the beach. On top of that, it has a large pool complex with a waterslide, activity pool and adults pool. Rooms were recently renovated, and as the name implies, there’s an on-site casino.
What it will cost
The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino goes from Category 6 to Category 7.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
Grand Hyatt Vail
Why you should stay there
Grand Hyatt Vail is a full-service ski hotel without quite as high a price tag as the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. That will still be true, but both are going up in award cost.
Right now, the maximum you’ll pay for mountain-adjacent lodging at the Grand Hyatt is just 29,000 Hyatt points per night, which is a great deal while you can lock it in.
This is not as ski-out as the Park Hyatt. However, during the heart of the season, an on-site ski lift will take you up the mountain, though you need to be an advanced beginner to an intermediate skier to traverse that terrain. In other words, new skiers will still need to take the shuttle to ski school.
What it will cost
The Grand Hyatt Vail is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
Expect standard rooms to fall at the top end of those ranges during much of the ski season.
Related: Guide to visiting Vail
All-inclusive resorts are going up
The all-inclusive resorts in the World of Hyatt program will also take a hit. Some will go from costing 25,000 points per night for double occupancy to 40,000 points per night. Hyatt uses a letter system for all-inclusives instead of numbered categories.
Lots of properties are increasing one category (for example, from C to D), and some are going up two categories (C to E). Some of the popular all-inclusive resorts changing categories are:
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
Zoetry Casa del Mar Los Cabos.
Zoetry Montego Bay Jamaica.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana.
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall.
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun.
Hyatt Zilara Cancun.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos.
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta.
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica.
Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay.
Secrets St. James Montego Bay.
Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa.
However, before locking in your stays, carefully review the cancellation policy. Many of these properties impose a $50 fee if you need to cancel — and most require this at least four days prior to arrival.
Related: These are the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
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ZOETRY AGUA PUNA CANA/FACEBOOK
Why you should stay there
The Zoetry brand has multiple properties going up in award cost, including the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana. It’s next to the water with multiple on-site restaurants and standard rooms that start at over 700 square feet.
What will cost
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is going from Category C to Category E (moving up two categories).
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 to 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana
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Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana. HYATT
Why you should stay there
The Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic are side-by-side resorts, one dedicated to adults and the other for family travelers. There’s an on-site beach, pool and even a water park, making for a fun one-stop-shop resort.
What it will cost
The Hyatt Ziva and Zilara in Cap Cana are going from Category C to Category E (increasing two categories).
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 to 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Rose Hall
Why you should stay there
The Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall are two of the best all-inclusives in Jamaica. They have been favorite redemptions for folks at TPG over the years, offering good value in a setting where food and drinks are included.
Between the two neighboring resorts (one is adults-only, one family-friendly), you’ll find multiple pools, beaches and lounge areas.
What it will cost
The Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica, are going from Category C to Category D.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 per night to 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Bottom line
If you want to maximize your free night awards and World of Hyatt points at any of the 214 properties going up in price (view the full list), you need to do it Monday.
As mentioned, you can book future stays as far out as the calendar allows, typically 13 months. These changes go into effect for bookings made or modified on or after Tuesday.
Featured image credit: Howard Nourmand courtesy of Nourmand & Associates
A home is a symbol of status.
That sentence rings true whether you live in New York or Beijing, Vancouver or Madrid, Prague or Mumbai. But nowhere is the competition to stand out quite as fierce as Los Angeles, where million-dollar homes go to extreme lengths to appeal to potential buyers.
In what seems like an endless parade of upscale amenities, sprawling floorplans, and lavish interiors, the luxury segment of L.A.’s already competitive real estate market is constantly adapting to the changing needs (and growing expectations) of buyers in this price range.
But in a city that’s rife with new builds, there’s an undisputed appeal for homes with a bit of history — and a design that’s guaranteed to withstand the passage of time.
Paul Williams homes are hot commodities in L.A.
Out of the many architects that left their mark on the City of Angels, one name stands out: that of Paul Revere Williams, one of the most prolific and accomplished architects in recent history.
With his wide range of architectural styles — from traditional colonials to casual ranch-style to midcentury modern marvels — Williams left his mark on the city’s most glamorous and exclusive enclaves, including Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air and the Hollywood Hills.
He designed or revamped close to 3,000 buildings starting in the 1920s all the way through the 1970s, and rose to fame as the go-to architect of California celebs and business magnates alike.
Paul Williams counted Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, William “Bojangles” Robinson and other entertainers among his high-powered clientele.
But beyond his flashy role as ‘The Architect of Hollywood”, Paul Williams built countless homes whose owners have not been immortalized on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. And these homes, with their timeless design and quality of build, continue to attract buyers in droves.
“Paul Williams’ homes are hot commodities in LA. His classic style and long-standing career designing for LA’s most storied legends make him one of city’s most celebrated architects. Owning a Williams home is owning a one-of-a-kind, classic home that has stood the test of time.”
Michael Nourmand – President, Nourmand & Associates
SEE ALSO: The Chemosphere House and 6 other striking John Lautner-designed homes
And he should know. Michael’s company, Nourmand & Associates, a leading real estate brokerage in the Los Angeles area, sold three Paul Williams-designed homes in 2021 alone — one more charming than the other.
“It’s an honor for myself and Nourmand agents to have represented both buyer and seller in the most recent Paul Williams listings.”
Most recently, Nourmand & Associates closed on the $11.5 million sale of Villa Andalusia (pictured above), a 1931-built Italianate Pallazo that’s touted as one of the finest properties in Los Feliz. Konstantine Valissarakos represented the buyer in the transaction.
The sale followed two other noteworthy transactions closed by Michael Nourmand himself; the first, a picture-perfect family home that traded for $8.75 million, and the other an exceptionally well-crafted Beverly Hills home that commanded a $5.198 million sale price. For the latter, Michael Nourmand held the listing alongside Adam Sires, with another Nourmand & Associates agent, Jill Epstein, representing the buyer.
And these million-dollar sales are by no means outliers.
In early 2021, a Brentwood manor Paul Williams built back in the 1930s for opera singer-actress Grace Moore and her husband, Spanish actor Valentín Parera (later occupied by legendary actor Tyrone Power) sold for $10.1 million to veteran CAA agent Josh Lieberman.
Prolific celebrity house flippers Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have also just closed on a Paul Williams-designed home in Beverly Hills Post Office. According to the Los Angeles Times, the couple paid $8.5 million for the pristine mid-century home that’s tucked in the gated enclave of Hidden Valley Estates.
But beyond the visual and structural appeal of the homes the lauded architect left behind, there’s a much more complex legacy.
The legacy of Paul R. Williams
While he’s widely remembered as “the architect of Hollywood” and a top choice among the stars of his time, Williams’ repertoire is vast in both style and quantity, creating some 3,000 buildings before his death in 1980.
A 2012 NPR profile chronicling his work crowned him as “the trailblazing architect that helped shape L.A.” Beyond the residential projects he worked on, Williams didn’t shy away from tackling ambitious public and commercial buildings.
He helped design iconic structures like the Los Angeles County Courthouse, the historic Spanish-colonial style YMCA building in downtown LA, and even parts of Los Angeles International Airport.
He was part of the LAX planning and design team, working on some of the most well-known commercial and municipal projects, including the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building, Hillside Memorial Park, Westwood Medical Center, and the First AME Church.
Because of his varied portfolio, you might even recognize his handwriting: it’s prominently plastered on the façade of the Beverly Hills Hotel (which he didn’t build, but expanded and renovated throughout the years).
But Paul Williams’ legacy extends beyond the structures he helped build.
He was the first African American architect to become a member of the American Institute of Architects in 1923, and later, in 1957, he was inducted as the AIA’s first black fellow.
Despite the deep prejudice and racism he faced, Williams masterfully navigated the business and social circles of the day.
The LA Conservancy reports that he even learned to draw upside down in order to sketch for clients from across the table — for the benefit of any white clients who might have been uneasy sitting next to an African American.
Williams famously remarked upon the bitter irony of the fact that most of the homes he designed, and whose construction he oversaw, were on parcels whose deeds included segregation covenants barring Black people from purchasing them.
Later in his career, Williams chose to devote more of his time to projects aimed at providing affordable housing; he co-designed the first federally funded public housing projects of the post-war period (Langston Terrace in Washington, D.C.) and later the Pueblo del Rio project in southeast Los Angeles.
It wasn’t until 2017, 37 years after his death, that the American Institute of Architects awarded him his gold medal for the outstanding contributions he made in the world of architecture.
“Our profession desperately needs more architects like Paul Williams. His pioneering career has encouraged others to cross a chasm of historic biases. I can’t think of another architect whose work embodies the spirit of the Gold Medal better. His recognition demonstrates a significant shift in the equity for the profession and the institute.”
William J. Bates, FAIA, in his support of William’s nomination for the AIA Gold Medal, Architectural Digest via Wikipedia
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It might look like a midcentury modern space, but don’t use that term to describe this striking Miami, FL, home.
“It’s tropical modern or eco-contemporary form,” explains listing agent Karina Reyes, with Compass, of the home that was built in 1968.
Regardless of what you call it, it’s a hit with buyers. The home was listed in April for $4.2 million, and an offer is already pending.
Various architectural websites define “tropical modern” as design that resembles modern architecture, with its focus on functionality, while taking tropical climate and environmental conditions into account.
Architect Alfred Browning Parker, who died in 2011, designed the rare residence for himself and called it “Woodsong.”
Wallpaper magazine once ranked the modern masterpiece among its top houses in the world.
The finely designed space last sold in 2017 for a little more than $2 million.
“It’s made out of mahogany wood, both inside and out, and then fortified by steel beams and a concrete base,” Reyes says. “It’s basically three distinct pods: a living pod, a dining pod, and a sleeping pod.”
A covered but exposed breezeway connects each of the pods.
“Parker’s goal with this house was to live immersed in nature, so the pods are raised so you’re eye to eye with the canopy and the lush greenery,” Reyes explains. “In order to go through your day-to-day activities, you have to step outside and experience the outdoors.”
And with Florida’s frequent summer rains, venturing out can be a multisensory affair.
“It’s a covered breezeway, but you might get a little bit of a splash,” Reyes says.
An outdoor lap pool runs alongside the structures.
“From the sleep pod, you can open the door and jump right in from your room,” she explains.
The spacious place has four bedrooms and five bathrooms.
Although there are distinct areas, the home has a wide-open feel.
“All of the rooms are lofted and open, so there’s no enclosed room in the whole house,” Reyes observes.
She says the multiple skylights are her favorite feature.
“When you’re standing in the house, if you look up or around, you’re going to encounter nature,” she notes. “With the skylights throughout the entire house, you can look up and see the sky. The skylights are circular, and they’re in each pod and on the deck. Not only having nature around you—but above you in your house—is kind of cool.”
The home was originally built without air conditioning, but each pod now has its own HVAC unit and other mechanicals.
“The windows are positioned across from each other to allow for a cross breeze,” Reyes explains. “The current owner keeps the windows and doors open a lot of the time, with screens to allow the beautiful sounds to come in—like the running water from the pond, the pool, the winds, the rain. You can hear it all, and it’s very relaxing.”
Six offers on the tropical marvel came in quickly, which surprised Reyes a bit.
“Most of Alfred Browning Parker’s homes take about six months to sell, because it’s such a unique buyer profile that wants to live kind of unconventionally,” she notes. “It’s not for everybody, but somehow there were six buyers willing to move in immediately.”
A tiny mobile home in Palm Springs, CA, rumored to have once been actor Desi Arnaz‘s makeup trailer is this week’s most popular listing on Realtor.com®.
Named “Lucille” after Arnaz’s real-life wife and “I Love Lucy” co-star, Lucille Ball, the 336-square-foot abode is part of a mobile park community known as Horizon Mobile Village. Located directly under the famous Bob Hope House, the affordable and adorable dwelling is already pending sale.
Other real estate offerings that made the popularity list include a massive Lone Star estate with a 50-car garage, a California megamansion that Eddie Murphy once owned, and a hobbit-style home in Arizona. (How’s that for variety?)
For a full look at this week’s 10 most popular homes, keep on scrolling.
Price: $2,150,000 Why it’s here: Dubbed “The Black House,” this is a departure from traditional, Charleston-style architecture. The gabled roof and striking, black exterior were designed by local architect Kevan Hoertdoerfer to stand out.
The three-bedroom contemporary was built in 2019 and features 2,894 square feet of sleek living space. With its glass-paneled, front entry and floor-to-ceiling windows, the space seamlessly blends with the outdoors. The interior is all white and features an open floor plan, soaring ceilings, and a minimalist style.
The primary suite comes with a wall of windows that open to a private terrace, and there’s a cabana out back.
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Price: $9,950,000 Why it’s here: When you have a sprawling estate in Texas, you naturally need a 50-car garage.
The 11,008-square-foot mansion is certainly worthy of note, but the showstopper is the 9,240-square-foot garage, which can hold 50 cars. It also features nine roller doors, multiple auto lifts, an office, and a half-bathroom.
As for the five-bedroom, brick-front manor, it boasts a Tuscan-inspired design, travertine and wide-plank wood floors, Venetian plaster walls, and marble and granite surfaces. Luxury amenities include an elevator, two staircases, Juliet balconies, a bar, and a chef’s kitchen.
The home sits on a 3.4-acre lot and comes with a sunroom, gym, home theater with stadium seating, and pool with a cabana.
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Price: $395,000 Why it’s here: This modestly priced home will need some TLC, but it comes with a detached pool house and several acres of gardens.
It doesn’t look like much has changed since the three-bedroom home was built in 1971. The bones of the 2,637-square-foot home appear to be in good shape. The living room has a fireplace at one end and beautiful arched windows at the other. The family room has a wood-beam ceiling, an enormous stone fireplace, and built-in bookshelves.
The property’s 5 acres include a two-car garage and carport, a gazebo, and a detached exercise room with a sauna and hot tub.
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Price: $599,900 Why it’s here: This custom-built stunner starred in the Spring 2022 Parade of Homes.
Located in the Magnolia Ridge subdivision, the three-bedroom dwelling shows off a swanky, modern style. Throughout its 2,884 square feet of living space, soaring ceilings, custom wall and ceiling treatments, and brick accent walls can be found. The chef’s kitchen features custom cabinets, a “hidden” walk-in pantry, and granite countertops. The primary suite has a built-in vanity, soaking tub, and shower. An upstairs bonus room could be used as a home office.
The 1-acre lot includes an in-ground pool, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen.
After a week on the market, the home is pending sale.
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Price: $1,350,000 Why it’s here: With its indoor saltwater pool, 12-seat home theater, two bars, and a private lake, this 1980s-era compound was designed for entertaining.
The five-bedroom residence features a massive, 7,838 square feet of living space. The two-story great room includes a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and walls of windows overlooking the lake. Sliders open up to a wraparound deck with a fireplace and outdoor cook area. The indoor kitchen has custom cabinets, high-end appliances, and even a dumb waiter. The dining room features a heated floor. The lower level contains another kitchen, a wine room, and an office. The home is equipped with an elevator.
The 3.5-acre lot includes a two-level sports center with two kitchens.
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Price: $299,900 Why it’s here: This petite townhouse features a cozy 769 square feet of living space.
Built in 1900, the affordably priced, two-bedroom unit has been entirely updated. The cute kitchen offers stainless-steel appliances and a breakfast area with a bar, and there’s a more formal dining room. Two bedrooms with arched ceilings can be found upstairs.
The fenced yard has a pleasing patio designed for relaxing. A sale is already pending on the property.
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Price: $8,000,000 Why it’s here: This palatial estate near California’s capital city is where Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell once lived when they were married.
According to the Sacramento Bee, the couple had the 11,500-square-foot home from 1998 until 2006, when they divorced. Murphy reportedly sold the seven-bedroom estate for $6.1 million the following year.
It has since been on and off the market, including in 2018 when it was listed fully furnished for $10 million. The current price represents a significant discount.
The 2.5-acre parcel, which overlooks Folsom Lake, includes a guesthouse, a pool with spa, tennis and basketball courts, and a nine-car garage.
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Price: $275,000 Why it’s here: If you have always wanted to live in a former theater, here’s your chance.
Built in 1880, the historic Granite Grange Hall has been used as a senior center, boys-and-girls club, and wedding venue. It’s now being offered as a one-bedroom home with 3,600 square feet of living space. The property still features a stage and ticket counter, and there’s a “secret” second staircase that leads to a trap door with access backstage.
According to the listing, plans for converting the property into a residence are included in the sale.
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Price: $550,000 Why it’s here: This uniquely outfitted, hobbit-style house comes with a separate guesthouse.
The one-bedroom home features a circular front door, a spacious living room, and a colorful kitchen with stainless-steel appliances. The two-bedroom guesthouse was finished in 2019 and has a modern interior.
With a total of three bedrooms between the two homes, the unusual property offers income potential.
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Price: $150,000 Why it’s here: Consider this your formal introduction to “Lucille,” the must-see mobile home that is said to have been the makeup trailer for actor Desi Arnaz.
Named after his then-wife and “I Love Lucy” co-star, Lucille Ball, the one-bedroom vintage dwelling has been entirely transformed and updated with the midcentury modern style that’s so popular in Palm Springs. The 336 square feet of living space now features a kitchen with a retro fridge and a bathroom with a blue-tiled shower.
It’s rare for any singular design style to stay popular forever, but plenty of elements of the modern farmhouse trend possess significant staying power. And as Berk said, you should decorate based on what makes you happy, not necessarily what is trending. And people still love the look, with Bankrate naming the farmhouse aesthetic as the second most desired style for prospective home buyers, following closely behind Scandinavian.
Similarly to Scandinavian design, modern farmhouse prioritizes organic materials, open spaces, and contemporary-yet-rustic décor. It can also be adapted to more specific tastes like midcentury modern, bohemian, and vintage, which is partially why it’s such a beloved style for current and potential home buyers. However, if you love the look made famous by Joanna Gaines, keep in mind that the spaces she creates on “Fixer Upper” are staged. As such, you’ll want to put a personalized spin on your approach to décor and design in order to prevent your home from looking sterile and trendy.
Designed to blend seamlessly into its desert landscape, a striking Paradise Valley, AZ, home is one of renowned architect Will Bruder‘s most eye-catching masterpieces.
Listed for $3.8 million, the three-bedroom looker achieves the goal of immersing into its Mummy Mountain lot, via a combination of materials—copper, glass, steel, concrete, and native stone. According to the listing, the dwelling is anchored to its surroundings, using native rock cantilevers.
“It’s a Will Bruder home, and he is a well-known architect who did the Phoenix Library and various properties across the country,” says listing agent Tracey Zemer, of azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson. “This house has views all around the valley, so it’s really stunning. It is not so high up but is really nestled into the landscape. The home was built to blend into the landscaping.”
Despite being built in 1987, the home’s 3,724-sqare-foot interior offers a midcentury modern vibe. There are wood walls and ceilings, stone and wood floors, and walls upon walls of glass. And natural rock also makes an appearance.
“In the bathroom, there is a steam shower, and the physical mountain is incorporated into that,” Zemer says.
The contemporary kitchen boasts a soaring ceiling and an enormous window for soaking in the picturesque views. There is also a fire pit area surrounded by stone, a back patio, and spectacular pool that serve up panoramic views of the valley.
When it comes to the home itself, Zemer notes that the photos simply don’t do it justice.
“When you are in the house, you see so much of the view from every single room,” Zemer says. “It’s really a piece of art, for sure.”
While there haven’t been any major renovations over the last few years, Zemer says the current owner has done some “subtle updates” that Bruder returned to oversee.
“There have only been two owners of the home,” she says. “They only did some small modifications. For example, there was a media room that they converted into an office. They also changed out some tile.”
Zemer says she has given up on making predictions about the next owner, but she still has a few thoughts.
“Architectural properties speak to the buyers, so it’s not necessarily about the location,” she notes. “We have also had such an influx of people recently from out of state. Some people have looked at the house as a secondary home.”
However, she adds that the allure of the area has enticed some secondary-home buyers to stay full time.
“The house is in such a prime location in Paradise Valley and sits overlooking the valley and Paradise Valley Country Club,” Zemer says. “It’s in an area that people love to walk and bike and is also close to shopping and restaurants.”
A restored and rarely available home known as a “super Eichler” in Walnut Creek, CA, flaunts an amazing architectural pedigree.
Listed for $1,995,000, the 2,435-square-foot dwelling is in the North Gate subdivision, the last Eichler development in the East Bay.
So, what is a super Eichler anyway?
“They were on larger parcels and the houses were larger,” says Thomas Westfall, of Compass. “All of them had four bedrooms—if not five, even six.”
Completed in 1969, the four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home was designed by Claude Oakland, “one of the most prolific [Eichler] architects,” says Westfall. “Joe Eichler was the developer.”
Roughly 11,000 of these modest, midcentury modern, tract homes were designed and built between 1956 and the late 1960s, mostly in Northern and Southern California. As ranch-level dwellings, they feature atriums and range between 1,300 and 1,500 square feet.
This home is one of just five super Eichler designs in the East Bay. The extra-large floor plan and cheery, yellow decor made the listing a magnet for vintage-home enthusiasts.
And within a week, multiple bids were made. An offer was accepted, and the property is listed as pending sale.
“There is definitely a following of people who want to live in an Eichler,” Westfall says.
In 2004, the sellers—who previously lived in another Eichler home—snapped this one up for $720,000. After almost 20 years and major restorations, they are now letting it go.
The sellers added an insulated, foam roof to improve heating and cooling efficiency. There’s also a new boiler, updated electrical system, flooring, and custom closet doors.
The sellers “did all of the landscaping, including irrigation, accent lighting, and paving,” says Westfall. “They [also] remodeled the bathrooms and the kitchen and replaced the interior doors with solid-core doors, as well as heightened and lightened them.”
The listing includes an attached, two-car garage.
Standout space
The super-sized Eichler design has what’s known as the “H Plan” layout, a truly notable style.
“It’s the only Eichler with the double-door entrance and the only atrium, I’m aware of, that is more than 500 square feet,” says Westfall. “That’s the whole Eichler philosophy—bringing the outdoors in.”
Nearly all rooms open to the outdoors via sliding-glass doors.
The prospect of living in Walnut Creek is a major draw for buyers.
“It has some of the highest-rated schools in the Bay Area,” Westfall notes. “It’s like the Palo Alto of the East Bay. There’s a downtown with shopping, nice restaurants, and the Apple Store. North Gate is very walkable.”