Latest news with #SpanishColonialRevival
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Creative Couple's 1920s Spanish-Style Home in L.A. Lists for $4.8 Million
David Hoffman and Jaime Kowal doled out $4 million for a century-old Los Angeles home in early 2023. The couple—he a comedic actor who stars as Doug alongside his trusty sidekick LiMu Emu in the Liberty Mutual Insurance commercials, and she a professional photographer and designer—have now decided to part ways with the Spanish Colonial Revival villa in a desirable enclave of Los Feliz, asking a dash under $4.8 million. Lauren Reichenberg, Daria Greenbaum, and Molly Kelly of Compass share the listing. Originally built in 1926 by Howard & Howard Architects and nestled on less than a quarter of an acre, the Normandie Avenue property was thoughtfully restored and modernized by the couple during their two-year tenure. Securely tucked away behind walls and gates, the creamy stucco and terracotta-roof structure has five bedrooms and four baths in roughly 3,500 square feet across three sun-drenched levels rife with refinished white oak floors, coved ceilings, arched doorways, casement windows, and vintage light fixtures. More from Robb Report Thom Browne Is Now Offering Made-to-Measure Knitwear Joby and Archer Take Center Stage in the Race to Make eVTOL Travel a Reality America's Cup Finally Has a Coffee Table Book, and It's a Work of Art RELATED: French Artist Claire Tabouret's Hand-Painted Home in L.A. Lists for $3 Million From the street, a brick walkway passes through a fountain-clad courtyard before emptying at a covered vestibule. The olive-hued front door opens into a living room anchored by a striking Batchelder fireplace. Beyond that is a kitchen outfitted with shaker-style cabinetry, an eat-in island, and top-tier appliances, as well as a dining and sitting area, a guest bedroom, and a full bath. Two upstairs en suite bedrooms include the primary suite, which features a tiled balcony offering up a picturesque view of the Griffith Observatory, dual walk-in closets, and a bath flaunting a marble soaking tub notched into a windowed and arched alcove. The lower level holds two additional bedrooms, one of which is currently set up as an office, plus a screening room, a den, and a sauna. RELATED: A Filmmaker's 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival Home in L.A. Lists for $6 Million The bottom floor flows outside to the Terremoto-landscaped grounds, where tiered gardens are laced with alfresco lounging and entertaining spaces and an inviting cedar hot tub. There's also an attached two-car garage resting behind a gated driveway out front. Though there's no word on why the pair has decided to sell, their departure seems bittersweet. 'For us, Normandie was a warm and magical home—one that welcomed in beautiful views of nature, the mountains, and the Griffith Observatory,' Hoffman and Kowal told Robb Report. 'Through every window and door, we were greeted with glimpses of iconic scenery, all while enjoying one of the most walkable neighborhoods and a truly special community.'Best of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article.
Chicago Tribune
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Donna Vickroy: Tales of giants await passengers on Chicago's architecture river cruise
— Carl Sandburg, 'Chicago' Chicago is not just a big city. It's a big deal. It is a story of strength, vision, talent and grit that you truly have to see to appreciate. Thankfully, you can. Each summer, thousands climb aboard the Chicago Architecture Foundation's River Cruise ( and glide past skyscrapers towering on the footholds of determination and ingenuity. (Full disclosure: I have been on the foundation's River Cruise more than 15 times. It's become one of our annual summer things to do in the city.) The 90-minute cruise showcases Chicago's architecture and rich history while it glides along all three branches of the Chicago River, providing a 360-degree view of the city's skyline. Each time I disembark, I swear I've learned something new about architecture — how patios can preserve sightlines, why the Merchandise Mart has its own ZIP code, how engineers keep the wind from knocking it all down — as well as about this robust, beautiful city with a gritty, storied past and a beckoning future. On a recent Saturday afternoon, our guide opened his tour with a nod to Carl Sandburg, the Galesburg-born, Pulitzer Prize-winning Illinois poet laureate. He ended the fact- and folklore-laden presentation with a harmonica solo. In between, he pointed out the stars of the show, examples of Gothic Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Contemporary and Art Deco architecture. He explained the characteristics of each and their place along Chicago's skyline. With cameos from geography, geology, engineering and folklore, the city's story comes to life. Did you know that on the very site where Mrs. O'Leary's cow was 'falsely accused' of kicking over a lantern and starting the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, there now stands a fire training academy, our guide asks. 'In literature, we call that irony,' he said. In Chicago-ese, we call it resilience. From Bertrand Goldberg's cylindrical Marina Towers to Jeanne Gang's wavy Aqua Tower to the commanding Willis skyscraper, which forever will be referred to by locals as the 'Sears Tower,' the breadth of design runs parallel to the city's own far-reaching story of form, function and vision. The cruise, which launches at Michigan Avenue and East Wacker Drive, was the brainchild of Bob Irving, a Chicago Architecture Foundation docent from the class of 1971, said Caroline Duda, senior director of volunteer services for the CAF. 'Much like all of the tours we offer, Bob saw a need to showcase the architecture along the river,' Duda said. In 1983, the late Irving had 'the wherewithal to see the river's value as an educational tool. He created a route on a sailboat, starting at Navy Pier,' she said. Irving had arranged for the bridge lifts to go up as the boat passed. 'But,' Duda added, 'he forgot to arrange to have them go up when he came back.' In 1993, the CAF partnered with Chicago's First Lady Cruises and the route was changed slightly, but the purpose remained the same. 'Our goal is to showcase Chicago's architecture,' Duda said. 'You get see so much along the river from our boats. It builds a sense of community when you share part of us, when we share our stories with guests.' The tour welcomes some 300,000 guests annually, said Duda, who estimates that, over the years, millions have come along for the ride. While most of the passengers hail from outside Cook County, a decent percentage are like me, locals proud to call this toddlin' town home. The tours are run by docents who, Duda said, 'have a passion for sharing' the architecture and story of Chicago. The 150 volunteers come from all walks of life — a former FBI agent, a mapmaker, a food scientist – but share a love for the city, a love for lifelong learning and an ease being in front of an audience, she said. All go through a rigorous 100-hour training regimen. 'Basically. It's a graduate level architecture course,' Duda said. 'All get six weeks of studying the fundamentals of architecture. Then an additional five weeks devoted to learning the river.' On four or five practice cruises, they learn how to build their spiel. There's also a library of videos that introduce them to the work of other docents and allow them to practice at home, she said. Timing is key, she added. So is remembering that, when facing a crowd, your left is the audience's right. Though there are mandatory talking points along the route, each docent is free to personalize his or her approach. They are free to 'geek out,' she said. The docents are not paid, and there's a no-tip policy. So, you may wonder, what's in it for them? They do it for glory, Duda said. 'Passion drives them. They want you to love Chicago and its architecture as much as they do,' she said. Oh, she said, 'and you get 250 people to listen to you, a captive audience, for 90 minutes. 'Because, how often does that happen?'
New York Post
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Bob Barker's LA home of 50 years lists for $8.19M following extensive renovations — and the results are dazzling
Come on down — again. The longtime Los Angeles home of the late legendary game show host Bob Barker is making a stylish return to the market with an $8.19 million asking price, following a comprehensive restoration by its new owner, British interior designer Julia Dempster. Mansion Global first reported news of the listing. Dempster purchased the Spanish Colonial Revival estate in April 2024 for $3.78 million — about $800,000 over the asking price — outbidding 15 other interested buyers. Advertisement But for her, it wasn't the celebrity pedigree that sealed the deal. 13 The home is back on the market after a meticulous yearlong renovation by interior designer Julia Dempster, who purchased the property in April 2024 for $3.78 million. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 'I'm British, so I didn't even know who Bob Barker was — that was an added bonus,' she told the outlet. Advertisement Instead, she was drawn to what she described as the 'beautiful original architecture and the arches, the arched doorways, the original ironwork and clay tile roof. I just love Spanish architecture from the 1920s—this is my dream home.' Built in 1929 and located in Hollywood's historic Outpost Estates, the roughly 5,900-square-foot property had been owned by Barker for over half a century. He passed away in August 2023 at the age of 99. 13 Bob Barker at his home in 2000 displaying his many Emmy Awards at home in Los Angeles. CBS via Getty Images He made no major changes to the home during that time, leaving Dempster with both a well-preserved canvas and a host of restoration challenges. Advertisement She undertook the renovation with a reverence for the home's original character. 'Every intervention was made with respect to the original architecture,' she said. 13 Dempster paid $800,000 over asking amid fierce competition. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 13 Though unaware of Barker's fame, Dempster was captivated by the 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival home's original architecture, including arched doorways, ironwork and clay tile roof. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo Advertisement 13 Determined to preserve its historic charm, she restored or replicated original elements where possible, such as the iron balustrade and wood doors. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo In some cases, however, preservation wasn't possible. She had hoped to keep the original wood floors, but water damage forced her to replace most of them — except in the main living room, where the original coffered ceiling, stained-glass window and wood fireplace mantel remain intact. The home's doors were salvaged and painstakingly restored, and even the iron balustrade was reused — though not without modification. 'I used the original ironwork balustrade, but it didn't meet code. So, I removed it and we increased the height using the existing balustrade,' she explained. 13 The home occupies 5,900 square feet. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 13 The updated kitchen. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 13 A sauna. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 13 A study with built-in bookshelves. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo Advertisement While much of the house remains rooted in its architectural past, Dempster introduced modern touches with a light hand. She added Portola Roman clay to the white walls for a warmer texture, and reimagined the 6.5 bathrooms with contemporary finishes like marble shower walls and gold fixtures after concluding the original colorful tiles were too far gone. 'There were lots of things I wanted to keep, but they were just past the point of no return,' she said. The listing, held by George Ouzounian and Jordan Ginsburg of the Agency, describes six bedrooms, including two primary suites. One features an oversized dressing room with a window seat that could be converted into a seventh bedroom. 13 One of six bedrooms. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo Advertisement 13 Some features, like most of the wood flooring and colorful bathroom tile, were beyond repair and replaced with modern updates including marble showers and gold fixtures. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 13 An expansive dressing room. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 13 The backyard with a pool. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo Advertisement Outside, Dempster focused on light-touch improvements to maintain the home's timeless appeal. She repaired broken patio stones around the pool, added a barbecue and repainted the exterior. Even the roof was redone 'in a way that looks like I haven't touched it,' she said.
Miami Herald
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Glamorous ‘old Hollywood' estate for sale in CA has a ‘Prohibition-era speakeasy'
A jaw-dropping estate in the Los Angeles area has landed on the real estate market in California — and it has a secret. Listed for $7 million, the five-bedroom, five-bathroom house in the Eagle Rock neighborhood was built in 1930 and carries the name 'The Gatsby.' Since it was built during the Prohibition era, a time where there was a nationwide ban on liquor sales, it has a hidden speakeasy, the listing on Zillow says. 'On the lower level, a hidden treasure awaits. Known as The Velvet Room, this authentic Prohibition-era speakeasy seems to echo with stories from another time. With secret rooms, a built-in bar, a fireplace, and private access to the backyard, it's a moody and unforgettable escape, where the spirit of the Jazz Age still lingers in the air,' the listing says. While that's certainly a major draw, the house has a lot to offer. 'Originally built in the 1930s and reimagined by legendary architect Paul R. Williams, AIA, this storied estate has been lovingly restored by Gary Mkrtichyan of Opus Builders, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern-day refinement in perfect harmony,' the listing describes. 'From the exterior, The Gatsby evokes the romantic grandeur of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, with graceful archways, ornate wrought ironwork, hand-carved wood details, vibrant tilework, terracotta rooflines, and lush, manicured gardens spread across nearly three-quarters of an acre.' Features across and outside the 6,700-square-foot property, per the listing, include: Front fountainVaulted ceilingsFormal dining roomChef's kitchenBuilt-in wine fridgeSecret pantryRomantic backyardSports courtSwimming poolFormal studyBalconySundeck There are even exposed ceiling beams that are 'a breathtaking tribute to Paul R. Williams' signature artistry, an exquisite blend of architectural poetry and Old Hollywood glamour.' 'From sun-drenched interiors to hidden corners of enchantment, The Gatsby is a home built not just to impress, but to inspire.' The listing is held by Nicole Plaxen and Shauna Walters of The Beverly Hills Estates and Brad Keyes of Keyes Real Estate.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
San Diego: California's culture capital
When travelers speak of sunny San Diego, they talk about more than the weather. Sure, California's second-largest city boasts an average of 266 sunny days each year. But San Diego Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare says San Diego residents' infectious optimism and warm disposition also welcome visitors to join in on the good vibes. 'I am already going into my sixth year with the Orchestra, and being surrounded by the beautiful landscape of San Diego has touched me deeply.' With a population of 1.4 million people, San Diego is a bona fide big city with eclectic museums, historic art centers, and world-class performing arts. And yet, its charming neighborhoods and laid-back attitude foster a down-to-earth community vibe. Visitors to the city regularly join residents in the plush seats at Jacobs Music Center, located in Downtown San Diego, where the San Diego Symphony—the state's oldest orchestra—intentionally offers a variety of series that speak to a wide mix of cultures and age groups. 'Seeing the wonderful people that come to our concerts regularly fills me with gratitude, and we continue to deepen our connections,' adds Payare. 'Each concert is its own experience, but we are also building a history together that I believe heightens our sense of well-being and happiness.' Visitors can enjoy tunes al fresco and panoramic views of the Downtown San Diego skyline and the San Diego Bay at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The Symphony shares space with locals who gather for yoga classes, summer singalongs, and epic fireworks. The arts offering a soundtrack to the city's daily life is a very San Diego way of doing things, says Symphony CEO Martha Gilmer. That community connection is palpable when you visit San Diego's 'cultural jewel,' Balboa Park. At 1,200 acres, North America's largest urban cultural park boasts 18 museums in stunning Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival buildings—each dedicated to genres fans love, from aviation to science and folk art to Comic-Con. Between the buildings, landscaped gardens and manicured lawns offer space to relax before choosing your next mind-expanding adventure. On Sundays, it's common to see people picnicking while listening to the 4,725-pipe Spreckels organ (the largest in the world), which has been here since 1914. And in La Jolla, the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center offers arts education, and world-class performances. In Point Loma, you can chat with artists in one of the 120 galleries, museums, and artist studios at the Arts District Liberty Station, a former Naval Training Center that has since transformed into a vibrant arts district and community hub. Its repurposed buildings house art studios and diverse local businesses, thoughtfully preserving the area's rich naval history. The area also boasts a 46-acre waterfront park with walking trails, playgrounds, and numerous events throughout the year. Plus, there's live music everywhere. You can pump your fist at a Petco Park concert or take to the dance floor at a live music venue like The Music Box. For those looking to connect with outstanding theatrical performances, San Diego delivers. LGBTQIA+ creativity is on display at the Diversionary Theatre – the country's third-oldest theater of its kind; multiculturalism is celebrated at the Old Globe Theatre, and Broadway musicals top the bill at La Jolla Playhouse, which was founded by actor Gregory Peck. You'll also find public art installations, book and film festivals, and creative cuisine throughout the city. San Diego is inseparable from its history, arts, and culture. And for visitors, the city's naturally optimistic, arms-wide-open hospitality is hard to resist. Funded In Part With City Of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.
