Echo Park midcentury, small in size but big on style

Nestled in an almost hidden enclave of Echo Park is a midcentury that’s small in size but big on style.

2 bd / 2 ba

$829,000

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According to Graham Hill, the man behind LifeEdited, “we’ve essentially become …America the big: big trucks, big cars, big houses.” And, even though we live in almost three times the space than we did back in the 50s, our tendency to consume led to a lifestyle filled with more stuff but lacking joy. His solution echoes a modernist ethos that less equals more.

In a quest to live a life filled with more happiness instead of stuff, it’s no wonder why many of us, like Hill, are discovering the benefits of living in smaller spaces.

When the current owners purchased this modern home sited on a compact lot it measured a mere 495 square feet. To give them a tad more space they completed an addition in 2016-17 that stayed true to the home’s midcentury modern vibe.

Now measuring 921 square feet, the interior maintains its open-living concept with original details – including vaulted ceilings and jalousie windows – and extends into the small backyard with sitting areas and raised gardens.

Eye-catching details include powder blue cabinetry with stylish brass hardware, stone counters, subway tile, and stainless appliances in the kitchen. The master bedroom has a private bath with a vintage dual vanity and Herringbone marbled floors. There’s also a second bedroom and bathroom, wide plank flooring, outdoor storage, laundry closets, a two-car covered carport, and a privacy fence that completes the home.

If Hill is right about the benefits of living small, you’re gonna feel ecstatic living here.

Asking price is $829,000.

SEE THIS HOME

schedule a personal tour by email or call 323-829-4440

Listing courtesy of Joshua Gaunya – Deasy Penner

One of Barbara Bestor’s Blackbirds is up for grabs in Echo Park

Blackbirds, a micro-neighborhood consisting of 18 homes designed by Barbara Bestor, is still massively appealing.

3 bd / 2.5 ba

$1,095,000

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When a small lot home is done right it offers the perfect balance between architectural details, relative affordability, and community. Built in the hills of Echo Park, Bestor says, “The community is a thoughtful blend of private, semi-private and public space, and promotes connections with neighbors and the community by encouraging interaction and exchange …. The emphasis of the design is on a higher quality of life within an urban context.”

Dark grey or white fibre-cement and standing-steam metal decorate the dwellings that line the “living street: a central courtyard that comprises both landscape and parking areas, as well as serving as the stage for larger community functions and play.”

Polished concrete and white oak flooring anchor the 1,580 square feet interior filled with custom lighting by Brendan Ravenhill, custom cabinetry, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

A sense of indoor/outdoor living is accomplished throughout by large windows that take in sweeping views of the hills beyond, along with a rooftop deck off the spacious master bedrooms, and access to a private yard below.

Landscape design by Mia Lehrer + Assoc enhances the central living street and frames the views from each floor.

The project sold out in 2015 with very few offerings since. This three bedroom, 2.5 bath home is asking $1,095,000 with a small monthly maintenance fee.

SEE THIS HOME

schedule a personal tour by email or call 323-829-4440

Listing courtesy of Courtney Smith – Compass

Raphael Soriano’s Austrian Spencer House in Silver Lake seeks $1.595M

The Austrian Spencer is one of only 12 homes still standing built by legendary case study architect Raphael Soriano.

2 bd / 2 ba

$1,595,000

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The residence, originally built in 1937 as a duplex in the Silver Lake hills, hit the market in 2004. At the time, it had seen better days. The concrete slab was cracked and buckling, the interior was deteriorating, and the yard was overgrown. Soriano’s signature band of steel-framed windows was about the only thing left intact.

Seeing potential amongst the neglect, restoration expert, Chris Salay, and his wife purchased the property in 2006 as their personal residence.

The Salays redefined the space. The two bedrooms on the main level offer sweeping views of downtown and the master has its own private deck. The updated bathrooms boast a chic, modern style with finishes that include a teak sink, a reclaimed wood wall, and Boffi fixtures. The lower level features an open floor plan, with the kitchen, dining room, and living room all opening to exterior entertaining spaces.

The backyard is lushly landscaped with a grassy lawn, terraced gardens and spa, creating a private oasis in the heart of the city. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in prime Silver Lake, the location is highly desirable: close to favorite spots like the Silver Lake Reservoir, Botanica, and L&E.

SEE THIS HOME

schedule a personal tour by email or call 323-829-4440

Listing courtesy of Juliette Hohnen – Douglas Elliman

Simo Design Renovates a 2-Story in Hancock Park asking $4.1M

The team who renovated and expanded the home Jon Hamm had to have is at it again.

5 bd / 3.5 ba

$4,100,000

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Simo Design, a small Los Angeles design firm led by the husband and wife team, Sam Gnatovich and Alexi Rennalls, turn private residential homes into unique, well-crafted spaces.

Believing “there is no mold or formula to follow, every project is a new set of challenges, solutions and possibilities, the end result an authentic exploration of space and materials” allows them to span every architectural style, including midcentury modern homes.

Their latest project to hit the market is a 1921 re-imagined Prairie Style home in Hancock Park.

Keeping inline with the historic classification of the neighborhood the traditional facade is updated with a Sand finish stucco. Inside, the once formal, separately, defined spaces now offer a feeling of openness anchored by European White-Oak wood flooring. Newly added architectural details include a striking curved staircase, double length living room and “great” room kitchen, dining and sitting area with sleek floor to ceiling sliders opening to the resort-like rear yard with a pool.

Last sold in 2016 for $2,275,000 the home is now listed at $4,100,000.

SEE THIS HOME

schedule a personal tour by email or call 323-829-4440

Listing courtesy of Bryant | Reichling  – Compass

Lucky buyers grab secluded Cape Cod in Silver Lake asking $1.398M

The minute they stepped inside this secluded Cape Cod in Silver Lake they said, “it already feels like home.”

3 bd / 4 ba

$1,398,000

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They met and fell in love in college, got married, and after a six-month backpacking “megamoon” across Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia they decided to move to Los Angeles.

They were referred to me after losing a real estate bidding war on a house located on the other side of Silver Lake. Still, they were hopeful they would find a home with views and be within walking distance to shops and restaurants in the neighborhood.

After seeing a handful of homes – one of which was a heavy hillside fixer that I passionately pointed out had way more cons than pros to seriously consider – we saw this.

The house is completely hidden from the street. All you see are two black garage doors, the windows to the studio above, a tall pine tree with a beautiful canopy of green, and lush landscaping.

Built circa 1924, the main house offers a living room with light coming in from a skylight and French doors that open to decks and a huge dining patio with views of the Silver Lake reservoir, Griffith Park Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, and the mountains.

The entire house was renovated and features an open kitchen/dining room with Carrara marble counter tops and new stainless steel appliances along with a master suite with direct access to the garden plus a luxurious brand new master bath with floor to ceiling marble tile and an oversize shower.

Somewhere in the 57 years since this home was last on the market the owners built a studio with a half bath that also enjoys those spectacular views.

And while my clients thought they’d have to sacrifice views for walkability they came up big time as this home is near Ginger Grass, Silver Lake Wine, 365, the reservoir and many other neighborhood favorites.

It’s always exciting to sell a home. Explore homes for sale in Silver Lake currently on the market.

Listing courtesy of Konstantine Valissarakos & Rick Yohon  – Sotheby’s International Realty