Luxe Living

Actress Amy Smart has bounced from one Beverly Hills home to the next. The ‘Shameless’ star sold her longtime two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath, home in November 2011 for $1.12 million, and now, she’s upgraded to a $2.5 million, three-bedroom, four-bath estate just 1.5 miles away.

The model turned actress purchased this new property about six months after her September 2011 wedding to HGTV’s Carter Oosterhouse. No matter where the famously eco-friendly couple planned to settle down, it was almost a given they’d have exquisite digs. Since 2008, her handyman hubby has hosted two HGTV shows – ‘Red Hot & Green‘ and ‘Carter Can‘ — so it’s no surprise they now have their own HGTV hall-of-fame-worthy dream home, with continuous additions stemming from weekend DIY projects!

Located in the coveted 90210, this single-story, three-bedroom, four-bath, gated ranch is 4,126 square feet. Surrounded by a large, landlocked 16-acre parcel, a private oasis is created — perfect for its celebrity owners. The home boasts high pitched beamed ceilings and bright, open, and spacious rooms with either dark wood, tile, or carpet flooring. All rooms feature recessed ceiling lighting, walk-in closets, and en suite baths; the master bath is even fully equipped with a gorgeous separate tub and shower. Additional features include updated wood burning fireplaces made of stone, a grand-sized media/playroom, and a large grassy yard with free form swimming pool and waterfall.

Images via Househunt.com.

One of the very talented and well-known American Idol success stories, David Cook, has officially packed up his guitar and platinum albums and walked away from his short-lived Hollywood Beachwood Canyon home. The tri-level, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath sold yesterday for $1,365,000 – a sum almost identical to his March 2010 purchase price of $1,318,000.

The Season 7 winner has slowly worked his way through Hollywood‘s music scene, yet has made steadfast moves through it’s real estate game. After a brief two-year stint in the Hollywood nest, Cook put the property up for sale in March of this year and was able to sell just seven months later at almost the exact purchase price.

Despite such a speedy selling process, if you take a tour of the property, it practically sells itself. Offering stunning, close-up views of the world-famous Hollywood sign, a home in this price range with these features stands out significantly among competing Los Angeles listings.

The home features an open layout, gorgeous hardwood flooring and a custom remodeled interior. Fully equipped with wiring for a Smart Home system, this property has the potential of being navigated from anywhere in the world, just by using your smart phone. Various windows, skylights and two-level exterior decks offer plenty of natural light throughout with stunning views of the Hollywood hills and world-famous Hollywood sign. A selling point for any Hollywood recording artists, the home features a professionally designed recording studio, which also has potential to be converted to a home theater.

Street level features include a cozy living room, a dining area, master suite with fireplace and large kitchen with Center Island, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The lower level includes two extra bedrooms, full bath, studio, and custom laundry area.

NFL star Michael Strahan is making moves in the real estate game. According to The Los Angeles Times, he has recently purchased a 1-acre Bel-Air estate for $7.9 million. Along with his new digs, the FOX NFL analyst and former NFL Super Bowl champ also has a new gig: co-hosting with Kelly Ripa on “LIVE! With Kelly and Michael.”

While he has his new home and TV-hosting job locked and loaded, there’s been word of him “letting go” of a few other personal and real estate relationships. According to a few media outlets, Strahan reportedly broke off his three-year engagement to his ”Vh1 Exes” reality star fiance Nicole Murphy after discovering an “inappropriate” text exchange with R&B artist London Yalor. He is also currently parting ways with a 2,560 square-foot, three-bedroom, three and a half bath Hermosa Beach, CA townhome for $1.8 million. Despite multiple news headlines, we can only confirm one of these breakups as true -the couple has been seen on Twitter laughing at break-up/cheating rumors and confirming they’re still going strong.

Strahan’s new Los Angeles home is quite far from his new New York City-based TV-hosting gig, however based on The Los Angeles Times’ description of the home, it sounds like a perfect place to relax during a warm October Indian Summer night in LA. Built in 1926, the five-bedroom, six and a half bath estate features Mediterranean influences throughout with  courtyard entry, glass walls, theater and bar. Additionally the 1-acre home includes a gym, sauna, detached guesthouse and swimming pool.

Images via MLS.