California Dreaming: Luxury Real Estate

One of the most soothing luxuries a home can offer is the opportunity to slide into your own private spa at the end of a rough day. The following dream homes not only all feature spas, but also boast all of the opulence you would expect from a Los Angeles estate.

By Jamie Grill

$52 million
Pasadena, C.A.
Sabrina Wu, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Steve Davis, Steve Davis Estates

You can’t help but be moved as you roam the approximately five acres of romantic grounds that make up this spectacular estate in Pasadena. The European-style gardens feature an expansive lawn, two breathtaking stained glass domed pavilions, and topiary sculptures throughout. As you wander by the secluded pond with a bridge and waterfall or the enchanting walkways through bamboo and covered arbors, you’ll find yourself feeling more peaceful and serene with each passing step. Resting areas, a meditation point, koi pond, water gardens, imported European statuaries, and fountains all add to the impression this estate makes on everyone who sees it. The culmination of these fantastic grounds is the elaborate Grecian-style pool and spa with cascading waters.

The home and separate two-story guest house includes 15 bedrooms and 19 baths. A total of 35,000 square feet allows for plenty of luxurious living. A porte-cochère brings you up to the main floor of the home, which includes a grand foyer, library, office, ballroom, lounge, living room, kitchen, family room, dining room, two bedroom suites, and an elevator. The second floor has a wonderful media room, an abundance of bedroom suites, and balconies with sweeping views.

The lower level houses three maid’s bedrooms, a wine cellar, exercise room, an indoor resistance pool and spa, and extensive spa facilities including massage and steam rooms. There is subterranean parking for eight cars. The enchanting property has three security gates and a guardhouse to ensure the privacy of its lucky owner.

$17.5 million
West Hollywood, C.A.
Mimi Starrett
Worldwide, Inc.

Set on approximately two-thirds of an acre, this jewel of the coveted “bird” streets of L.A. is located just five minutes from Sunset Boulevard. “It’s a most unusual property for up in these hills,” notes Mimi Starrett of Worldwide, Inc.

“In an area where there aren’t a lot of compounds,” says Starret, “the amount of land this property has is very uncommon.” The beautiful gardens throughout the estate feature olive trees, rose bushes, and lavender. There is also a grassy backyard, gym, patios, a beautiful stone courtyard reminiscent of Tuscany, and a North/South tennis court on the property. A fully equipped guest cottage with kitchen can be found on one side of the courtyard, while the approximately 61,000 square foot main house can be found on the opposite.

The main home has a gourmet kitchen that opens to the family room with a fireplace and an amazing master suite with a lounge/screening room and his-and-hers baths. The men’s bath features a spa from which you can swim into the saltwater pool. You can also swim into the pool from the kitchen!

Perhaps one of the best features of this home, located in an area that has become an enclave of celebrity estates, is the walls of glass throughout, which allow you to fully enjoy the ocean and city vistas that make this property so appealing.

$40 Million
Bel Air, C.A.
Joyce Rey, Coldwell Banker
Previews International

Located in prestigious Bel Air, this one-of-a-kind trophy estate includes a whopping total of 36 bedrooms and 34 baths. You’ll find sensational city and ocean views from nearly every vantage point of this architectural masterpiece designed by Bob Ray Offenhauser.

A two-story cupola entry with marble fountains and inlaid onyx marble floors leads to the elegant galleria, three sumptuous living rooms, a library, card room, gymnasium, and two powder rooms. There are two state-of-the-art kitchens, one of which is a commercial kitchen to ensure you can have the most elegant meals prepared to entertain a plethora of guests in the embassy-sized dining room. The hand-painted, gilded and upholstered walls bestow a special level of elegance on the home.

The main villa features five master suites, four of which include separate sitting rooms with exquisite moldings, fireplaces, and high ceilings. There are many additional guest and staff accommodations and an elevator to provide easy access.

The property houses five separate guest residences, including a six-bedroom and nine-bedroom home. Two private, gated entrances and extensive security facilities supply seclusion and a 10-car garage is available for all of your guests’ vehicles or your own car collection.

The rolling lawns and wonderful terraces provide endless entertaining opportunities. A sunken, lighted tennis court, beautiful fountains, and an oversized mosaic pool and spa complete this fabulous estate.

$26.5 million
Holmby Hills, C.A.
Christophe Choo, Coldwell Banker
Residential Brokerage, Beverly Hills North

Holmby Hills may be one of the most desirable areas in the world and this home, located on the site of the former Irene Dunn estate, is no exception. Renowned architect Kevin Clark completed this masterpiece in 1997. The home exudes Old World extravagance in the grand Georgian style.

A lovely entry hall with a dome skylight begins your trip through this more than 14,000 square foot estate. There are a total of 7 bedrooms, 12 baths, a great room, library, family room, 6 hand-carved marble and stone fireplaces, and an elevator throughout the home. You have the option to dine in either the formal dining room or junior dining room and meals can be prepared in the Italian marble kitchen with two center islands, three stoves, two Sub-zero refrigerators and a Sub-Zero freezer.

After dinner you can enjoy the wine tasting room, relax in the media room, or retreat to the fabulous limestone “Monte Carlo” terraces. Outdoors you’ll find a covered pool with both solar and gas heating, a pavilion, and spa. The manicured grounds offer walking paths, numerous fountains and rose gardens, as well as a tennis court and five-car detached garage.

Christophe Choo of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage describes this estate as “the finest home on the market right now in L.A. under $40,000,000.”