Luxe Living

ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars star Ashley Benson has just bought a house in West Hollywood for $2.2 million. According to public records, the young beauty closed on the home on October 10, 2012. This is the very same home that pop diva Kylie Minogue owned for a brief stint a decade ago. Minogue purchased this house on April 7, 2000 for $1,285,000 and then sold it on February 28, 2001 for $1,225,000.

10 years and some upgrades later, one of the fresh faces of Young Hollywood now owns the abode. Benson’s stylish French Normandy home is gated and features three bedrooms, three and a half bath, a wood paneled library, pool/spa, and lush landscaping throughout. Calcutta marble counters-tops and striking custom cabinetry with edgy knife knobs highlight a spacious gourmet kitchen. Built-in bookshelves, cabinets and a fireplace add to the dramatic dining room. The master suite comes with an adjacent office/sitting area, vaulted beamed-ceilings and a dressing area with not one but TWO closets! French doors open to an outdoor deck with city views.

Daniel Lam of Sotheby’s held the listing.

Actress Sara Gilbert has just bought a stunning contemporary home on a prestigious cul-de-sac overlooking the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, according to public records. Gilbert first burst onto the scene as the mouthy and defiant daughter - Darlene Connor on “Roseanne” – a role she played for 11 years.

In recent years, Gilbert has made small and large appearances on smash hits like 24, Will & Grace, ER, The Big Bang Theory and The Talk. Personally, Gilbert split with her partner of 10 years in August 2011, with whom she shares two children. Shortly after her breakup, Gilbert stepped out with well-known songwriter and former 4 Non Blondes front woman Linda Perry.  The duo are still dating.

Perhaps this new home, which Gilbert paid $3.5 million for, is a new love nest for the high-profile partners?

Nestled high in the Hollywood Hills, Gilbert’s new abode is a bold yet sophisticated and features an open floor plan with great volumes, walls of glass, 11 foot ceilings and banks of floor-to-ceiling sliding windows that seamlessly integrate indoor with outdoors. The dramatic living room space is entered through a 10 foot pivot door and features a contemporary gas fireplace and corner pocket doors that seem to make walls disappear. The public spaces include a glass enclosed library that doubles as a sophisticated home office, a striking dining room, a professional style kitchen with slick white cabinetry and an oversized island and intimate family room. A separate master suite features a modern spa retreat with soaking tub, wash closet and steam shower, plus a large walk in-closet. Three additional bedrooms each with individual baths comprise their own separate wing.

The home is very private and boasts a true entertainer’s yard, featuring Ironwood decking, a firepit and a shimmering pool with raised spa and water feature. Gated and hedged for privacy, Gilbert’s brand new stylish home has fully integrated technology features like whole-home audio, home automation and security systems.

Scott Ryan of the John Aaroe Group represented the listing and Jonah Wilson of Hilton & Hyland was Gilbert’s agent.

Photo credit Michael McCreary