Are you California dreamin’ too? You know we are! LA’s varying architectural fabric is like no other. It’s an eclectic mix of everything from Art Deco high rises, Beaux-Arts treasures, historic bungalow courts, Googie masterpieces, mid-century modern icons sitting atop the Hollywood Hills, and mansions in all shapes and forms (oh so many mansions).
Believe it or not, but we’ve actually got a fair share of these nuances in our LA collections. Apartments inside historic DTLA buildings, Buff & Hensman homes, AIA award-winning architecture, just to name a few. And of course, there are also the Hollywood Regency monuments, aka the homes built by Robert and John Woolf (who also designed homes for the likes of Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Barbara Stanwyck, and Katherine Hepburn). Fasten your seatbelt ladies and gentlemen, you’re in for a ride.
15. Once Upon A Time In … HollywoodWe just had to include this one. Built in 1926, it’s LA eccentrism at its best. Whimsical, playful and straight out of a fairytale, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially if you get to sleep in the tower bedroom.
14. BlancBlanc is as easy on the eyes as it’s rich in history. Built in 1924, it was designed as the headquarters of the National City Bank of Los Angeles. Today, it’s all residential, with an absolutely stunning view over Downtown LA from the communal rooftop.
13. Smoked BrassFeeling like a calm escape from LA’s hustle and bustle? Then Smoked Brass might be what you’re looking for. The 1920s home is rich in character, and that pool is just… Wow.
12. The Half Moon and a tranquil atmosphere. Oh, and did we mention that it’s built by Robert and John Woolf?
11. 3 AcresWith its lush citrus grove, pristine pool, and views of Point Dume from the private putting green, it’s safe to say that this home is three acres of heaven. Sign us up!
9. The Cowboy Surfer. Designed for lounging by the beach, surfing, and falling asleep to the calming sounds of waves gently crawling towards the shore, it’s made to make the most of Malibu – the host can also arrange for yoga sessions, massage therapy, surf and horseback riding lessons if you’re in the mood.
8. A Sign is BornHow about some Hollywood glam? Bask in the sun under the Hollywood sign, lounge by the inviting kidney-shaped pool, or relax in the outdoor bathtub with views of the LA topography. This home’s got it all.
7. Warner BrothersRumour has it that Marilyn Monroe once stayed in this guesthouse. Now, we can’t verify that claim, but we do know that it’s located on the premises of the original Warner Brothers Estate. If only the walls could talk…
6. Rosé All DayTucked away in Beverly Hills, this is one for the hedonists. Masterfully designed by Zoltan Pali, it also has views for days. Enough said.
5. Gold BuddhaGold Buddha just gets it right. Effectively blurring the lines between the inside and outside, it’s California cool at its best. Oh, and look at that pool… Isn’t it just picture-perfect?
4. Malibu MaritimeWe’ll happily repeat it to anyone who didn’t hear it before: Malibu is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Spend your days by the beach or lounge by the pool, hit up some of the local restaurants, do some celeb-spotting, and enjoy the pastel-coloured sunsets that LA’s so famous for. We honestly can’t think of anywhere we’d rather be at this moment.
3. The GlamperThe Glamper’s claim to fame is its AIA|LA award-winning design and the fact that it was used as the backdrop in the music video for Jungle’s catchy tune ‘House in LA’. Oh, and it’s also one of our most popular homes – across all cities. We won’t say much more than that, because it’s a home that needs to be experienced, in person.
2. The Lew House, but it’s also designed by Richard Neutra, the father of mid-century modern architecture himself.
1. The MagnificentThe Magnificent is the one thing that LA is probably best known for: mansions nestled in the Hollywood Hills. With its five bedrooms, five en-suites, sauna, in-house cinema, spa, outdoor gym equipment, and a pool with views that’s straight out of a Hollywood film, it doesn’t really get any better than this. And it also comes with magnificent views of the Hollywood Sign. What more do you need?
