Luxe Living

Scott Marlette, one of Facebook’s first employees, is investing his tech riches into an offline asset – a rare, brand new home in Pacific Palisades, CA. Marlette began his career at Facebook in the company’s early days, first as an engineer and later as a product manager. He developed Facebook Photos and oversaw development for other key site features like tagging, groups and more. Facebook just announced its billionth user worldwide, and that kind of online success translates into some major dollars for the company and for early employees who received a substantial piece of equity in the company in exchange for taking a chance and betting their careers on Mark Zuckerberg’s idea. Despite Facebook’s rocky IPO earlier this year, there is no doubt that the company has figured out how to make a pretty penny – and many of the early employees have also shared in that monetary success.

Scott Marlette’s new venture, GoodRx, is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, which explains why his pricey Pacific Palisades purchase is hundreds of miles from the tech epicenter of Silicon Valley.

So what does tech gold translate to when it comes to real estate? Marlette paid $5.4M for a home in highly-sought-after Rustic Canyon. The home was a complete remodel of an existing property that hadn’t been on the market in more than 50 years. The home was designed and built by Core Development Group. Marlette’s new home is a fresh and modern interpretation of a New England farmhouse, complete with sun-filled open spaces, wide plank oak floors, 11-foot-high ceilings and tree top views everywhere you look.

Sleek lines blend seamlessly with a perfect floor plan. A state-of-the-art kitchen features a wolf range and side-by-side Sub Zero fridges. The family room flows effortlessly into a private grassy backyard.The home’s master suite comes complete with a stunning bath and his & her closets. A separate 5th bedroom upstairs has its own entrance. The listing says it’s “perfect for a writer,” but it’s also a great space for a hacker or coder as well!

Selling his beautiful Bel Air abode has been no laughing matter for the multi-talented, Oscar-nominated actor, writer, directer and all around funnyman, Albert Brooks. Originally listed in March of this year, Brooks is asking $6,995,000 for the secluded home.

The home has a show business history, having been owned by Merv Griffin before being purchased by Brooks for $3,650,000 in 1992, following his critically acclaimed star performance alongside the legendary Meryl Streep, in Defending Your Life. And anyone can see why a Hollywood star would be interested in such an exclusive, tucked away retreat.

Located on over 2 acres, featuring mature trees and lots of privacy, the property is accessed via a gated private drive. The 5,000 square foot home including 4 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, is entered through the dramatic living room, which features wood-paneled ceilings over 20 feet high, skylights and massive glass walls that blur the distinction between the spacious home and the well manicured property surrounding it.

Outside there is a tennis court and a large grassy area that could play host to any number of events, either birthday parties or warm summer evening cocktail parties. But the highlight is the pristine infinity pool that looks out over a perfect Los Angeles view.

The Agency, the new luxury real estate brokerage with some of the most incredible and unique listings in the world, has added another stunning property to their for-sale roster: 655 Sarbonne Road in Bel Air.

Located in prestigious lower Bel Air and listed for $16,495,000 by Mauricio Umansky, this stunning property overlooks the Bel Air Country Club and boasts both city and ocean views. Because it back right up to the prestigious Bel Air country club, the home has is both quiet and ultra private – a rarity in this part of Los Angeles.

As you enter into a grand 2-story entry hall that will take your breath away, and you’ll be amazed by the craftsmanship throughout this home. Featuring 7 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms of the finest quality and design, this estate was built for the most discriminating client. It really does have it all. The home includes an incredible master suite with “his” and “her” closets, large gourmet kitchen that opens to a gorgeous family room with fireplace, grand and elegant living room, wood-paneled double library, and spacious dining room with incredible ceilings. The home has a great flow for entertaining, perfect for those that enjoy the indoor/ outdoor Californian lifestyle.

The exterior features a grand cabana with every amenity, a sparkling heated pool, sport court, and pristine manicured lawns. The home clocks in at approximately 14,000 square feet on a 37,000 square foot. lot. Built in 2004, the home sparkles with newness and modern touches, but it was also designed with the classic elements and grandeur of the iconic real estate within Bel Air.

The Agency was founded by Mauricio Umansky, who gained national notoriety on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Umansky was recently recognized by The Wall Street Journal as the #1 top-producing real estate agent in Southern California and #7 in the U.S. Joining him in the founding of The Agency are design and architectural specialists Billy Rose and Blair Chang, whose Rose + Chang team was named multiple times as one of the Top 100 U.S. real estate sales teams by The Wall Street Journal. Throughout Los Angeles, you can see The Agency for-sale signs on incredible luxury properties.

‘America’s Favorite Dad,’ Alan Thicke, is selling his Toluca Lake home for $3,824,500. Made famous by playing the lovable and pragmatic Jason Seaver on “Growing Pains,” Thicke has parlayed his success into additional gigs as a comedian, game and talk show host. Now, he and his third wife Tanya are likely looking to do the opposite of “Growing” – they’re downsizing. This for-sale home is a whopping 6 bedrooms, 5.75 bathrooms and 8,656 square feet on one whole acre.

Thicke’s Toluca Lake estate is very private and secure with extensive grounds, a championship North/South lighted tennis court, an outdoor entertaining area, poolside kitchen, covered eating area, swimmer’s pool and expansive lawns. Inside, a large center island cook’s kitchen with breakfast bar opens off the family Great Room with full bar, fireplace and casual dining area. The home also features a formal living/media room with carved wood beamed ceilings and fireplace and dining area. A true master retreat comes complete with a spa tub, sauna, balcony views, fireplace, study and room-sized walk-in closet. The home has five additional bedrooms and six additional baths, a guest suite with full kitchen and large private office and even a gym.

Thicke also owns another sprawling estate in Carpenteria, California.

The always-animated Cloris Leachman has bought some brand new digs! According to public records, Leachman purchased the Topanga home on August 27, 2012 for $930,000. Leachman has long been a legend in the entertainment industry and has won won eight Primetime Emmy Awards—more than any other performer—and one Daytime Emmy Award. Accomplished on the stage, screen and even on TV, Leachman stole America’s hearts with her spunky attitude when she appeared on season 7 of Dancing With The Stars. To this day, she hold the title as the oldest contestant to ever compete on the popular dancing show.

While she’s no longer sashaying or tangoing into living rooms on a nightly basis, Leachman is keeping busy! Her latest move was the purchase of a new home and the sale of her former residence. Leachman recently sold her penthouse apartment on South Barrington Avenue in Los Angeles for $988,000. Her residence since February 2000, Leachman originally paid $635,000.

Not one for too much real estate opulence, Leachman’s brand new home is a two-story ranch on Topanga’s best street. It features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a family room and a small loft/office that brings the home to approximately 2,700 square feet.

The 4th bedroom and family room have a separate entrance that be used as guest quarters. This home is situated on one very useable acre is shaded by a massive oak tree and features a 20 foot diameter pond with waterfall, fish and several large turtles. There are wide-plank oak floors in the open, second floor living, dining and kitchen area, which overlooks the pond and accesses a large viewing deck.  Leachman could easily walk (or dance!) up the back hill on the property for a world-class ocean view beyond the rolling, green hills of Topanga State Park.

Studio City is quickly becoming one of the must-buy neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area. The neighborhoods are already littered with famous faces and entertainment industry insiders, and the latest resident to join the ranks is Emmy-nominated producer Mark Wilding. Wilding’s name may ring a bell from the credits on hit shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal, Charmed, The Tony Danza Show and Ellen Degeneres original sitcom “Ellen.” That kind of resume means that Wilding has some bucks to toss around in the real estate game. According to public records, he just paid $1.825M for his new home on Valley Spring Lane.

Mark Wilding’s new place is the quintessential family home. This 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom custom, newly-built classic home on an expansive lot epitomizes luxurious lifestyle on a liveable scale. The home features both formal dining and living rooms. Richly appointed marble fireplaces, lovely crown moldings, intricate mill work and handsome hand-scraped walnut hardwood floors welcome guests.

Beyond the entryway, a Gourmet Chef’s kitchen with marble counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a stunning center island, spills into a spectacular great room, and out to a lushly landscaped resort-like back yard.  Stunning beamed ceilings with dormer windows, detailed craftsmanship and gorgeous sunlight dramatize most every room. Luxurious master suite comes complete with a sumptuous marble spa-like master bath.

The outdoor area includes a swimmer’s pool with baja step, spa and oversized studio, which can be used as guest quarters.

311 frontman Nick Hexum has just picked up a new Los Angeles home, to the tune of $1,970,000! According to public records, Hexum and family closed on the property on August 1, 2012 and are now the proud owners of a 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom, 4,891 square foot home in Topanga Canyon.

The Mediterranean estate equestrian property is set against a stunning backdrop of massive rock formations within it’s own private 10 acre canyon. Built in 2004, the 5-bedroom home offers the best of everything for the casual canyon lifestyle and entertaining, including a living room with vaulted ceilings and fireplace, media room, game room, formal dining room, gourmet Viking kitchen, and outdoor dining patio.

Amber is the color of Nick Hexum’s new master suite, which features its own anteroom with vaulted ceilings and stone fireplace that then flows into the bedroom area with a private balcony overlooking the verdant grounds. There are 3 other large bedrooms, a kids loft, and a 4th maids bedroom with bath. The grounds are covered with sprawling grassy lawns, flowering gardens, an outdoor dining pavilion, and kids playground, all bordered by a seasonal creek. The horse facilities include a 60 x 120 foot riding arena, large turnout, corrals, and tack room.

No stranger to the real estate game, years ago, Hexum bought a private island vacation rental off the coast of Florida, and renamed the island from Money Key to Melody Key. Nick announced he sold the island on March 17, 2011 because he couldn’t spend much time there.

In addition to his new Topanga pad, Hexum also owns a 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom Jewett Dr. home in Los Angeles. He bought that home back in October 1996 for $647,000.

Images via the MLS.

Ellen and Portia have just taken another ride on the real estate merry-go-round. The married duo have just sold the Malibu beach home that they purchased from Brad Pitt 7 short months ago. According to The Real Estalker and public records, Ellen and Portia purchased the home for $12M in December 2011 and sold the home in June 2012 for $13M to cosmetics entrepreneur Victoria Jackson. That’s a nice profit after less than a year of ownership.

What’s the skinny on Ellen and Portia’s dearly departed Malibu manse? The ‘house that Brad built‘ is fully equipped with its own private beach entrance. The combined living space is made up of two separate homes overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Point Mugu State Park and features stunning panoramic views throughout. The grounds include a tennis court, pool, and lavish landscaping, allowing for privacy. The property boasts a very modern design with glass walls, sleek ceiling, over sized chandeliers, and stainless steel appliances.

Jennifer Love Hewitt is selling her longtime Toluca Lake home for $2.89M! Perfect for a party (or family) of five, the spacious 5,921 square foot home features 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Hewitt has held on to the estate since 1998, originally paying $1.7M for the private and secure home on one of Toluca Lake’s most desirable streets.

With a professional athlete husband and a brand new baby, Miss Hillary Duff likely leads a busy life. Now, the singer-actress can check “selling her other multi-million-dollar house” off her to-do list. The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the house that Lizzie McGuire built has just sold for just under its asking price of $6.25M.

While she awaited the sale of this stunning Toluca Lake home, Duff and family cozied into their other home: a 5,260 square foot, 5 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom Beverly Hills mansion, which was purchased in July 2010 for $3.85M.

So what’s the skinny on their dearly departed home? The estate was a unique Mediterranean dream home situated on the prestigious Toluca Lake. The home sits behind a grand gate and is extremely private and secure.  The floor plan is open and airy, while also boasting some serious celeb-worthy amenities, including a den/office, library, billiard room, cognac room, wine cellar, gym, gift wrapping room, chef’s kitchen, a game room and so much more. The master suite is complete with his and hers walk-in closets and bathrooms. Each custom made master bath includes heated floors and custom made finishes from the stonework to the Murano lighting fixtures. The floors of this magnificent estate are blanketed with antique French oak floors. Additional custom features include soaring cathedral ceilings, triple stacked deep base moldings, black marble countertops, waterworks tiles utilized in the kitchen and bathrooms, pool and spa.

With amenities like that, it’s no surprise that the home sold to a couple of ‘creative types.’ The buyers have been identified as designer Don Stanzione and Sheri Callan, who owns Callan Advertising, which focuses on the independent film industry.