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      Courtney Love’s 19th Century NYC Townhome Hits the Market for $23 Million

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      If only the walls of the West Village townhouse could talk.   

      An Italianate-style townhome that once hosted Courtney Love, singer and widow of Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain, has just hit the market. Listed by Douglas Elliman’s Keren Ringler, the lavish New York City rowhouse was built in 1856 by Linus Scudder. According to the listing, Scudder had plans to use the structure as his personal dwelling. It sits on a tree-lined street next to several other 19th-century abodes that the mason also built. Today, the for-sale residence spans five stories and features six bedrooms, five bathrooms and its own private garden.  

      Despite the building’s age and layout—it’s only 22 feet wide—it offers a surprisingly modern feel with a dose of period elegance. There are 12-foot-high ceilings, extra tall windows, marble fireplaces and elaborate crown moldings throughout, maintained to preserve its sense of period grandeur. Wide plank oak wood floors are featured throughout. Of all the old-world details, the original staircase and intact stoop are the real showstoppers and have been beautifully maintained.  

      The former West Village townhome of Courtney Love hits the market for $22.9 million 

      Courtesy of Douglas Elliman

      On the garden level of this single-family pad are an open concept dining room and sitting area. Running parallel is the kitchen—there’s also a sunroom, bedroom and one and a half bathrooms. Naturally, you’ll have access to the outdoors here, where a lush patio and covered porch await. The parlor floor is filled with natural light and holds a formal dining room, a newly renovated kitchen and full bath.   

      The 19th-century townhome was built in 1856 by Linus Scudder 

      Courtesy of Douglas Elliman

      Upstairs, the sunny third and fourth levels each have two bedrooms, full bathrooms and perhaps most importantly, ample amounts of closet space. Additionally, an office could also function as a nursery or den, depending on your needs. The pinnacle of this stunning townhouse is a spacious fifth floor complemented by soaring ceilings and walls of windows. It encompasses a renovated studio, full bathroom and kitchenette. A dramatic skylight is among the enviable amenities, in addition to a prized roof deck.   
      Think you have what it takes to live the free-spirited rockstar once did? The five-story townhome will set you back $22.9 million. 
      Click here to see all the photos of Courtney Love’s former West Village townhouse.

      Courtesy of Douglas Elliman More

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      Brad Pitt Drops $40 Million on a Historic, Century-Old Castle in Northern California

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      Well known for his love and knowledge of design and architecture, Brad Pitt has added a fascinating historical estate to his property portfolio. 

      Located in Carmel Highlands, California, the actor recently closed on what agents are calling one of the most expensive sales ever in the area, reported the Wall Street Journal. Pitt purchased a Monterey County estate known as the D.L. James House, after its first owner, which was originally built by architect Charles Sumner Greene around 1918. Sited on a rocky cliff, the off-market property was previously occupied for over two decades by late Chicago financier Joe Ritchie who died in February. 

      The D.L. James House built by architect Charles Greene 

      Greene & Greene Collection, The Huntington Library, San Marino, Calif.

      Greene, who was an influential figure in the 20th century Arts & Crafts movement, met businessman and writer D.L. James when he moved to Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1916, according to The Gamble House organization. Shortly after, James commissioned the architect to construct a home on a bluff that he’d bought. It took approximately four years, in which James defied elevation logic by insisting the home be built on a steep, challenging plot.  
      He also opted for locally sourced sandstone and granite instead of wood—because of this, the D.L. James House, later referred to as Seaward, appears as if it’s growing right out of the cliff. The elaborate stonework of the outer walls resembles a medieval castle, while arched windows and an earth-toned-tile roof give it a distinct Mediterranean flair.  

      Archive photos of the dining area and living room in The D.L. James House 

      Maynard L. Parker, photographer, The Huntington Library, San Marino, Calif.

      The historic home is formatted as a single-level residence, but specific details about its layout are scarce. What we do know is that the interior features carved marble and details of Green’s signature woodwork, speaking to his Arts and Crafts style, and the living areas are open-plan. There’s also an outdoor courtyard.  

      The interior of The D.L. James House in Carmel, California 

      Maynard L. Parker, photographer, The Huntington Library, San Marino, Calif.

      After James died in 1944, his son, who was also a writer, acquired the property. He lived there with his wife until he eventually passed away in 1988. His widow sold the house in 1999 to Ritchie, who purchased the house for $4.5 million, reported Dirt.  
      Ever the opportunist, Ritchie made headlines a few years later in 2001 when he tried to build an underground tunnel to access the rocky beach down below. The idea was supposed to replace a staircase that used to be located on the property but had been washed away by the tide. The County Planning Commission greenlit the decision, but the Coastal Commission put the kibosh on the plans somewhere along the way. Whether or not the Ritchie’s were able to proceed with building a secret tunnel is something we suppose only Pitt will know. More

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      Greta Garbo’s 1930s Mansion in Beverly Hills Just Listed for $12 Million

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      Just a month after Greta Garbo’s New York City apartment listed for $7.25 million, another one of the actresses’ former homes has come onto the market. 

      Located in the prestigious Beverly Crest neighborhood, a hillside mansion where the Hollywood star once resided is now available for $12 million. The adobe-style home was custom built for Garbo in 1937 and completely transformed roughly 70 years later by current owner and interior designer Nicole Sassaman, reported the Los Angeles Times.  

      Listed by Compass, the trophy property spans 4,675 square feet and offers six bedrooms and six bathrooms, in addition to a knife-edge infinity pool. Sassaman purchased the estate in 2003 for $1.4 million and quickly got to work remodeling the historic residence—doubling its floorplan and modernizing the interiors, while also restoring some of its original features. She told Elle Décor in 2009 that the whole process took roughly a year and a half and that she “worked to meld the worlds of yesterday and today together.” 

      Eat-in kitchen overlooking Los Angeles 

      Charmaine David Photography

      As it stands, the exterior maintains its distinct Aztec flair with flowing, curved lines and a stucco facade. Large windows and full walls of glass help to bring the dwelling into the 21st century. And because Sassaman didn’t have paparazzi to worry about, she was able to tack on a second story. 
      The interior is rich and inviting, sporting natural materials such as wood and rough-cut stone. Common areas on the first floor include an eat-in kitchen, multiple dining rooms and an open-concept living room. A crowning component is the home’s infinity pool which can be accessed via glass sliders in the living room. However, Sassaman admitted the installation was no easy feat. “Because the home is positioned on the edge of a hillside, the pool had to be built on the hill slope in order to create the illusion that the house was sitting on water.” Two of the six sleeping chambers are also located on the first floor.  

      The property’s infinity-edged pool was painstakingly built onto a hillside. 

      Charmaine David Photography

      Upstairs, a curved fireplace from the original Garbo abode can be found in the newly constructed primary suite, just one of the elements that Sassaman chose to hang onto. The second story has two additional bedrooms, while the sixth and final is situated beneath the home’s garage and offers its own private balcony.  

      Although Garbo’s former home has undergone extensive renovation since the days she inhabited it, its lofty price tag suggests that the property has entered a new Golden Age.  
      Click here to see all the photos of Greta Garbo’s former Beverly Hills home.

      Charmaine David Photography More

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      Christian Slater’s Italian-Style Villa in Miami Hits the Market for $4 Million

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      Christian Slater is moving on from Miami. The actor-producer has listed his stylish villa in The Magic City for $3.95 million. 

      Located in the affluent area of Coconut Grove, the Italian-inspired property was purchased by Mr. Robot himself in 2013 for $2.21 million, according to Architectural Digest. The two-story villa includes four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and a detached guest suite. Compass, which has the listing, notes that the home was originally built in 1928 and was renovated in 2003.

      Slater’s 3,370-square-foot abode is decidedly more Spanish in appearance: The design elements include custom arched mahogany wood doorways, stucco walls and terracotta roofing. The interiors are a mix of crisp whites, earthy tones and light-stained oak flooring. Outdoors, a brick-lined patio accompanies a heated swimming pool surrounded by lush landscaping. 

      A formal dining room opens up to the outdoor patio. 

      1oak Studios

      The first floor of the main house holds a newly remodeled kitchen with SubZero, Viking, and Miele appliances, a living area complete with a fireplace and den, in addition to a dining area with French doors that opens directly to the outdoor pool. You’ll also find a large pantry, half-bathroom, entertainment area and dining nook on the floor.
      The second floor comprises three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The coveted master suite features a Juliet balcony, a sizable walk-in closet, an ensuite bathroom with marble tiling and a separate shower and soaking tub. Upping the ante is a rooftop terrace off the master, a dreamy outdoor space that overlooks the pool and comes with its own seating area.

      A private rooftop terrace off the second-floor master suite. 

      Adjacent to the main house is a secondary dwelling for guests. The detached guest house has its own bedroom and a full bathroom that’s outfitted with a steam shower. There’s also a dedicated area for entertaining friends and family. 
      Smartly, the home has been fortified for hurricane season: There’s a generator on-site and the property is protected by impact-resistant windows and a brand-new retaining wall on the east side. 
      So, why is Slater saying goodbye to the Sunshine State? The actor will now reportedly split his time between New York and Los Angeles for upcoming projects.
      Liz Hogan and Charles Celesia of Compass are the listing agents. 
      Check out more images of the Coconut Grove home below.

      1oak Studios

      1oak Studios

      1oak Studios

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      Home of the Week: This $17.5 Million Santa Fe Estate Was Once Home to Paul Allen and Georgia O’Keefe

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      When late billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen first stepped foot on this Santa Fe, New Mexico, property, he was entranced. “About 20 years ago I sold the home to Paul Allen and he lived here until he passed away a few years ago,” says listing agent Paul Duran of Keller Williams. “At the time I had shown Paul several properties over an 18-month period, but when he walked into this one, it was love at first sight.”

      Apparently, a similar reaction happened with another former owner, renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe, in the 1980s. Now, following those two notable residents, the home is back on the market for $17.5 million with a nearly $5 million price cut from last year.

      The backyard is filled with greenery. 

      Herschel Mair

      The tranquil 20-acre retreat is a quintessential Southwestern-style home that offers solace to anyone who steps foot past its private gates. The three-story main house was built in the 1930s and has a Spanish Pueblo Revival style with adobe walls made of earth-tone stucco, aged beams, wood floors, metal gates and custom doors. The place has six bedrooms, a formal living and dining room, library, game room and solarium.
      There’s also a basement tunnel system with an elevator that provides maintenance infrastructure to the building. The home has been meticulously maintained to reflect a bygone era of New Mexican grandeur while adhering to the elegant style of a modern buyer. 

      There are original wood beams and pops of color. 

      Herschel Mair

      “When Allen purchased the home, it was in great shape, but he took it to the next level,” Duran says. “There’s nothing that has been left untouched or uncared for.” 
      The home is ensconced in lush greenery, which is part of what makes this property so special. The main house features a wisteria-covered outdoor grill area, while the lawn features shady cottonwood trees, desert flora and colorful flowers. In fact, it’s the natural landscape that initially drew O’Keeffe to the property. She spent the last few years of her life in solace here.
      “Georgia chose the home as it was near her doctors, but it had some healing qualities for her as well,” Duran says.

      An elegant bedroom 

      Herschel Mair

      Other structures on the property include a theater building, initially constructed in 1937 as the Carriage House and redone in 2015. It has a projector screen, as well as a kitchen, bathroom and extra bedroom. The adobe-style architecture matches the main house, which is just a few steps away.

      There’s also a guest cottage, called Lucy’s Cottage, also built in the 1930s, that is used as an administrative space. The purchase of the property also comes with a business license for a conference center and 21 bedrooms of guest quarters that some previous owners rented out to non-profits to use as meeting space. There’s also an entertainment and gathering venue with performance areas and room for up to 80 dinner guests. The property can be split in two if desired. 

      The back patio 

      Herschel Mair

      One of the hallmarks of this beautiful estate is the greenhouse and botanical garden, which was designed by Ed Mazria. It’s centered on a modern steel-and-glass greenhouse that has a Bodhi tree, a gift from the Dalai Lama when he visited O’Keeffe at the home. The tree is grown from the seed of the tree that the Buddha sat beneath to achieve enlightenment. Allen also introduced many rare plant species to the garden.
      “Many eyes have fallen on this property, and when Paul saw it he truly saw the beauty that exists and the peacefulness and tranquility of it,” Duran says.
      Check out more photos the property below:

      A patio 

      Herschel Mair

      The living room 

      Herschel Mair

      The home was built in the 1930s. 

      Herschel Mair

      Tranquil healing walkways are found throughout the property. 

      Herschel Mair

      A custom door 

      Herschel Mair

      The on-property conference center 

      Herschel Mair

      The gathering venue lodge 

      Herschel Mair More

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      Home of the Week: Inside Greta Garbo’s Elegant $7.25 Million NYC Home

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      Consider it your very own Grand Hotel. The former New York City residence of the late Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo is once again up for sale. Housed in a co-op called the Campanile, located on 450 East 52nd Street, the residence retains many retro features from when Garbo lived there. She first purchased the place in 1954 and called it home until her death in 1990.

      The actress, who was known for films in the 1920s and 1930s, including Grand Hotel, Camille and more, used the home as her primary residence, and her niece, Gray, later inherited the apartment. Garbo attracted many buyers to the building and even drove up the price of units. The star was initially attracted to the residence for the views of the East River, as the water and boats reminded her of her hometown of Stockholm. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home has views of the river in nearly each room, whether the grand living room or the bedrooms.

      The formal dining room 

      DDreps

      The residence features a private elevator lobby that opens into a formal gallery and continues into an L-shaped, wood-paneled living room with immaculate river views. Everything from the sumptuous carpeting to the drapery feels exceptionally elegant. The living room was supposedly Garbo’s favorite room in the home, and it’s the ideal spot for future owners to enjoy the views and relaxing in front of the beautiful gas fireplace. There is also a balcony off the French doors that overlooks the East River, and a library.
      While the 2,900-square-foot residence has been modernly updated, there are several remaining features that tell the story of a bygone era, including the Fortuny silk headboard and walls in the primary suite that Garbo installed. Her favorite rose-colored silk was used as her headboard while she lived there and is a beautiful, timeless element still today. The former owners also updated the home with Scandinavian-inspired elements, a nod to Garbo’s heritage, including a formal dining room with plenty of natural light.

      Each room has fantastic East River views. 

      DDreps

      “Garbo is forever a legend,” says co-listing agent Brian K. Lewis of Compass. “Her stunning former home is upgraded and perfectly suited for today’s lucky buyer — yet it still enjoys the wonderful essence of Garbo. Dramatic views, a larger-than-life scale and smartly elegant finishes make this a world class opportunity to own a legendary home.”

      Other vestiges of Garbo’s legacy include colorful rugs she designed, one of which is located in a bedroom with double beds. There are also built-in shelves that she installed when she lived in the residence. The modern updates, meanwhile, include a renovated kitchen, dining room, bathrooms and a new HVAC system.

      The primary bedroom with rose-colored Fortuny silk wall coverings and headboard 

      DDreps

      “The home has the grace, grandeur and glamour that defined Garbo,” says co-listing agent Will Kerr of Corcoran. “And while her legacy is an important part of the home’s history, it’s cinematic water and city views also make it truly special. Perfectly perched above the East River, when you are in the home, you feel like the captain of a ship. Every room benefits from a different perspective of the water, and these spectacular views give it a unique energy. That is what drew Garbo to the home, was important to the current owners and will surely amaze its next stewards.”
      The chic space has been tastefully decorated and restored and offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a home from a renowned Hollywood legend.
      Check out more photos of the property below:

      The renovated kitchen 

      DDreps

      One of the bedroom features a rug designed by Garbo herself 

      DDreps

      The gas fireplace in the living room 

      DDreps

      The study 

      DDreps

      Views over the East River 

      DDreps

      The wood paneling from Garbo’s original design remains. 

      DDreps

      Another view of the living room. 

      DDreps More

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      Bob Hope’s $29 Million LA Home Has a Par-3 Golf Hole Designed by the Comedian Himself

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      British-American comedian and actor Bob Hope, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 100, had an illustrious and dynamic career in entertainment. What many don’t know, however, is he also had an impressive real estate portfolio.

      One of his iconic homes at 10346 Moorpark in Toluca Lake is now being listed for $29 million. The home was built in 1939 for Hope and his wife, Dolores, who owned the home for the majority of their lives. Dolores held on to the home until her death in 2011 at the age of 102. The most recent owner and current seller is billionaire philanthropist and investor Ron Burkle, who bought the property for $15 million in 2018, and whose goal wasn’t to demolish the home, but to restore and preserve it. 

      The open-plan living area 

      Simon Berlyn

      He is selling it now, and many hope that the future buyer retains this legacy Los Angeles estate. It was originally designed in English Traditional style by architect Robert Finkelhor, but in the mid-1950s, the Hopes enlisted John Elgin Woolf, the father of Hollywood Regency Style, to update the home with a more contemporary style. Except for a few modernizations made for today’s buyer, like updated fixtures and high-end finishes, the home’s character remains. This includes Hope’s oak library and a one-hole golf course he designed himself.
      The property has seen some iconic moments, like when President Nixon landed Marine One on the back lawn so he could play a round of golf at the nearby Lakeside Golf Club.“Bob Hope to this day is the most iconic resident Toluca Lake has ever had,” says listing agent Kevin Dees of the Agency. “My favorite feature of the property is the legendary par-3 golf hole that Mr. Hope designed himself. The Toluca Lake property was the Hope family’s primary residence for decades. Countless dignitaries from around the world including United States presidents have visited the estate. I believe this property stands firmly at the top of Mr. Hope’s legacy.”

      The pool 

      Simon Berlyn

      The property spans just over five acres and features a main six-bedroom home (including two staff bedrooms), as well as a two-bedroom apartment. In total, there are 10 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms. The home was certainly ahead of its time, with walls of glass that overlook the lush grounds, an open-plan living area with a stone fireplace and private outdoor terraces ideal for entertaining or simply retreating from the craziness of life. 

      The estate also features a home theater, gym, steam room and infrared sauna, as well as Hope’s original office that was the core of Hope Enterprises’ operations for the duration of the couple’s time at the estate. It was from here that Hope ran his lucrative businesses and production work. To top is off, there’s also a four-car garage, motor court, extensive security and three electric entrances. 

      The tennis court and tennis pavilion 

      Simon Berlyn

      Burkle enlisted Art Luna’s landscape design prowess to transform the property’s beautiful grounds. Outdoor amenities include a saltwater pool, tennis court, barbecue kitchen and lounge space. There are few more iconic homes in which to enjoy a quieter side of the Los Angeles lifestyle—and few homes you could own in which an entertaining icon relaxed and raised his family.
      Check out more photos of the property below:

      Burkle updated the home to include high-end finishes. 

      Simon Berlyn

      The one-hole golf course 

      Simon Berlyn

      A lounge area that connects to the outdoors 

      Simon Berlyn

      The original oak-paneled library 

      Simon Berlyn

      A bedroom 

      Simon Berlyn

      Another view of the pool 

      Simon Berlyn More