Trophy Properties: Los Angeles

A city famous for money, magnetism, and the good life, Los Angeles has become a playground for anyone with the penchant for blessed immoderation. These homes from the area’s top real estate agents represent the top of the market’s offerings.

By Valentina Zuric

[highlight_text] Two immense wood-burning fireplaces rise 24 feet, flanking the iconic room. [/highlight_text]

$24.95 MILLION BEVERLY HILLS

Living in the glamour and sophistication of Los Angeles is similar to living in paradise. For those in the luxury home market, finding the perfect estate in Beverly Hills is anything but simple, due to the numerous majestic properties that one has to choose from. La Villa Serena, standing as one of Los Angeles’ finest homes created by talented architects and engineers, makes this choice a simple one. With magnificent jetliner views from downtown to the Pacific and 15,000 square feet of brand new Mediterranean grandeur, La Villa Serena will bring peace to anyone’s mind, as it epitomizes a certain beauty that lies within.

Gated and private, the baronial public rooms with 24-foot hand carved ceilings allow this estate to stand out in quality, luxury, and elegance. Arriving to the domain, wooden gates lead to a wrought iron and glass front door, framing a view of the “Great Room” with three sets of steel-case French doors. Two immense wood-burning fireplaces rise 24 feet, flanking the iconic room.

The house features six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, all with amazing panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin. Right at the outset one can find a large motor court and an adjacent car museum. Inside, one can enjoy a 2,000-bottle wine cellar, a gourmet kitchen with 2-story hand-painted coffered ceilings, an observation gallery, and French limestone counters that will make any mogul scream, “C’est magnifique!”

Sitting on 1.6 perfectly landscaped acres, the estate has many wonders in store, setting a new standard for fine living. With a beautiful yard covered with patios, lush green grass, fountains, a spa, and an indescribable infinity pool that will leave one breathless, La Villa Serena is a work of art and a grand experience that will be cherished for generations to come.

$26.5 MILLION HOLMBY HILLS

Situated between Beverly Hills and Bel Air, Holmby Hills is one of the most influential enclaves in Los Angeles. Located in western Los Angeles, this neighborhood is bursting with panoramic views of the entire Los Angeles Basin, and is home to some of the most desirable estates in the world. And this property is of no exception, neighboring many high-level entertainment industry executives, television producers, and movie moguls who reside in Holmby Hills. And let’s not forget about the infamous Playboy Mansion just around the corner!

The Holmby Hills estate exudes Old World extravagance all thanks to renowned architect Kevin Clark. One enters into the 14,000-square-foot home through an exquisite entry hall lighted by a dome skylight. The home also boasts eight breathtaking bedrooms, 12 baths, a great room, library, family room, six hand-carved marble and stone fireplaces, and an elevator.

Residents also have the option to dine in either the formal dining room or junior dining room, and have their meals prepared in a gorgeous kitchen covered in Italian marble, with two Sub-Zero refrigerators, a Sub-Zero freezer, two center islands, and three stoves.

Living in an area so idyllic, a wine tasting room and a media room is almost expected within the home. The fabulous limestone “Monte Carlo” terraces also add beauty to the estate, which includes a covered pool with solar and gas heating, a pavilion and a spa. With numerous fountains, a walking path, tennis court, and five-car detached garage, living in “the finest home on the market now in LA,” according to Christopher Choo of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, leaves hopeful buyers euphoric.

$40 MILLION BEL AIR

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 embassysized 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 ninebedroom 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.

$75 MILLION SIMI VALLEY

For the wealthiest connoisseurs in Los Angeles, living lavishly is a part of everyday life. Yet living such a decadent lifestyle in a world-class equestrian facility, located just outside of Beverly Hills, is sure to take one to the inexplicable world of “La-La” land.

Hummingbird Nest Ranch, an impressive “green” facility nestled on a high natural shelf and surrounded by beautiful sandstone outcroppings and thousands of acres of untouched parkland, is one of the largest privately owned ranches in the area, consisting of five parcels and 123 acres of prime real estate.

Located in the gorgeous Simi Valley, California, the estate is 42 miles northwest of Los Angeles, standing primarily as a residential community consisting of 20 city parks, five county parks, six golf courses, nature and hiking trails, and beautiful picnic and camping areas. There is even a helipad literally fit for the president making travel to and from the ranch extremely convenient.

And while boasting a fine reputation, the location is consistently rated as one of the safest cities in the United States. The views from the property are spectacular, accumulating a manifestation of gorgeous, enormous rock formations, surrounding hills, distant mountains, and three trail parks that will make anyone move from their couches and into the marvelous wonders of the forest.

If this isn’t world class enough, enter into the main house, also known as the “Bonanza House,” designed by architect Richardson Robertson. With beautiful tile details, heavy iron chandeliers and rustic wood beams, this house is massive yet still exudes a certain coziness and Moroccan atmosphere.

There are also six large detached guesthouses, 10 staff houses, a pool, a spa, and substantial equestrian facilities located by this 12,500-square-foot Mission Revival-style mansion. Without a doubt, this estate offers luxury and comfort at its optimum. Also onsite is a 20,000-square-foot barn with 37 individually heated stalls and a veterinary clinic, a 7,000-square-foot Quarantine barn, and a 3,700-square-foot Mare barn-horses not included.

$9.6 MILLION BRENTWOOD

Three words can perfectly describe this magnificent estate: “Ultimate celebrity retreat!” This brand new, 8,500-square-foot architectural masterpiece with an “Old World” atmosphere, offers extensive views that stretch from downtown to the Pacific Ocean, managing to awe all that are lucky enough to experience their wonder. The estate definitely boasts that special opulence that one would nonetheless expect from a Los Angeles property.

This gated retreat (which allows for picturesque privacy and seclusion), is truly one of a kind in prestigious Brentwood. The home, highlighted by huge panoramic windows that allow optimal views of the spectacular vistas, includes six bedroom suites, eight bathrooms, a formal dining room, den, and gym. The high ceilings and hand-hewed walnut plank floors and limestone further enhance the feeling of exclusivity that abounds in the estate. For the Hollywood moguls, the home even features a private screening room, perfect for the first viewing of the next box office hit, and an incredible separate wine storage and tasting room.

All of the rooms lead outdoors to plush verandas and private patios. The sprawling grounds feature an outdoor fireplace and koi ponds that further enhance the feeling of tranquility that comes from gazing at the prestigious views. Also included are an infinity edge pool and spa, and a built-in BBQ and outdoor loggia. In all, this ideal estate offers the type of amenities to keep even the most discerning real estate connoisseur satisfied.

$27.5 MILLION PACIFIC PALISADES

When the sun is shining and temperatures are exceeding 75 degrees 300 days out of the year, it comes as no surprise that Californians cherish the outdoors. The spectacular Cliff May Ranch, renovated by the renowned Michael Smith and built for individuals who want to erase the lines between inside and out, embraces the superb Southern California climate.

Cliff May Ranch boasts exceptional views from the western part of the city to the ocean that further add to the appeal of the estate. With four bedrooms plus a master suite masterpiece built for the seclusion and comfort of families, this magnificent beauty was designed in harmony for the way people want to live.

Guests can enjoy a private guesthouse consisting of two 1-bedroom suites, equipped with a billiard room, a craft room, and three bathrooms. Step outside to a huge oasis-like garden, a tranquil pool so placid one would hesitate dipping inside, and a basketball court where one-on-one becomes mandatory after dinner and dessert prepared in the main house’s gourmet kitchen.

And for those who live for creativity, remove the ballerina slippers, paintbrushes, and dumbbells out of storage. This prestigious 9,000-square-foot estate is complete with an amazing 35mm screening room and a L.A. art studio, a dance studio, and a gymnasium, making this prohibitively expensive home undoubtedly worth every penny.