CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Christina Aguilera Takes Her Price Tag Down a Note

casasugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:44:35 -0800

Back in April, I let you know that Christina Aguilera and husband Jordan Bratman were preparing to ditch their Steve Hermann-designed Hollywood Hills digs, if a doting buyer were willing to part with a cool $8 million. Well, according to Real Estalker, the couple has flown the coop, but are still sitting on the unsold property. While they've moved into the Osbournes' former abode, their Hermann-designed home, like many houses around the country, remains unsold. So, the couple has decided to chop a little over one million smackers off the asking price, bringing it down to $6.9 million. Ouch, right? Well, actually Aguilera paid $5 million for the property back in '03, so she'll still be making a nice couple mil. on the property — if it sells at this price. And the price was likely inflated to begin with, considering its couture Steve Hermann label. Check out more details and lots of photos of the digs in my previous post.
Source

Nice and New: California Home + Design Online

casasugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:30:52 -0800

California Home + Design is now online! The West Coast design magazine's website has lots to offer, including daily finds, archives, video, event recaps and photographs, and the currently monthly issue in digital format. For those of you not familiar with San Francisco, here's a fun video of one of our most design-oriented hoods, Hayes Valley. I'll look forward to watching plenty more of these! In other words, if you aren't already spending enough of your time online, prepare to. Just save a few minutes for me, okay? Source

Midday Muse: The Audacity of FLIPP

casasugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:00:43 -0800

One evening this weekend, I passed by one of my favorite local design shops here in San Francisco, FLIPP (Fashionable Living in Petite Places), and couldn't help but notice the window display. On a settee next to a vintage portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the shopkeepers set a copy of The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama — a subtle and handsome way to show political support. Considering that Obama's challenges ahead are being compared to those of Lincoln, it's also quite appropriate. Maybe this title will never find its way into your home, but I think we can all take a note from this image: with a little staging, perhaps sans the paper sleeves on our hardbacks, books can have a decorative effect in our homes, all the while making a statement.

This Just In: Meg Ryan Publicly Lists Her Bel-Air Home

casasugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:28:17 -0700

Meg Ryan has publicly listed her six-bedroom, seven-bath Bel-Air home for the tune of $19.5 million, according to Big Time. The property has been informally on the market as a "pocket listing" for some time, and has been shown to a slew of celebs including the Beckhams and Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, but the price was never right. The listing for the Holmby Hills-area Spanish-style compound reads:

Truly enchanting and romantic. A gated and private drive is the approach to this 1931 restored Spanish compound. Features include: double story stenciled beamed LR, a bar "a la" 1930's Los Angeles, Frml DR and superb Cook's kitchen; All rooms open to and overlook the 180o vu of the city. Incredibly pvt knoll setting with Pool and full GH. Family/Guest BRs have en suite baths & Mstr is separate and Exquisite! A Screening room w/separate entrance.

I'm dying to see the interior, but unfortunately there are no photos. The exterior is breathtaking though, and looks straight out of a scene from Under the Tuscan Sun (come on, you all know you loved it). Check out more exterior photos when you

Coveted Crib: South Pasadena Regency

casasugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:00:49 -0700

This South Pasadena, CA, bungalow — which was designed by Honey Interiors, a.k.a. Tamara Kaye-Honey — is a breath of fresh air with a heavy Hollywood Regency breeze. Full of color, texture, shape, and pattern, it's a space that doesn't bore. Every last inch of floor, wall, and furnishing is infused with 1930s style that makes a modern comeback. In other words, Dorothy Draper would be proud. To take the full tour, check out this slideshow! Source

This Just In: Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott Are on the Move

casasugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:45:08 -0700

Not long after Tori Spelling listed her Westwood digs, she and husband Dean McDermott have purchased a 6,718-square-foot, 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath manse in Encino, California for nearly $2.5 million, according to Real Estalker. The property description reads:

Sophisticated inviting entertainer's floor plan. Dramatic 2 stry formal entry, richly appointed cstm finishes, french drs, 4 frplcs, over sized common rms, wood & stone flring, dining rm w/ silver leaf coffered clngs, study, office, gourmet eat-in cntr isl kit w/ Thermador, Bosch, & SubZero apls. Amazing mstr ste w/ sitting area, blcny, frplc, spa tub & multi-head shwr. Landscaped grnds w/ lanai, bbq, pool/spa & putting green.

I'm not loving the Tuscan-style exterior, but I think some lush landscaping could give it a facelift. The interior is impressive, though; the intricate parquet flooring is really eye-catching, the built-in bookcases and kitchen cabinets are beautiful and classic, and the sweeping foyer staircase is quite cinematic. I'm actually really drawn to the living room (above); I love the juxtaposition of the traditional, borderline waspy, navy and neutral palette used with clean-lined, modern furnishings. To see more interior and exterior photos,

This Just In: Tori Spelling Lists Her 90025 Digs

casasugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:00:53 -0700

Donna Martin . . . er . . . Tori Spelling has listed her 3,300-square-foot, five-bedroom, 3.5-bath Westwood, Los Angeles, home for nearly $2.4 million, according to the LA Times.The listing for the property reads:

Nestled in a charming pocket of Westwood, this home is ideal for entertaining featuring French doors off the main rooms that lead to lushly manicured yard w/ saltwater pool & spa. The property boasts a grand living room with designer fireplace, media room and formal dining room. Spacious family room opens to recently updated gourmet kitchen w/ imported marble counters & top-of-the-line appliances. State-of-the-art sound system throughout & security system featuring gated entry w/ remote access.

To hear more and see plenty of photos,

On the Market: Matthew Perry's Former Pad

casasugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:00:06 -0700

Are you a Friends fan with an eye for modern real estate? Then you're in luck because, according to Big Time, the 8,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, five-bath Beverly Hills former home of Matthew Perry is on the market for $12.5 million.The listing for the property reads:

"Lautner-esque" Modern estate at the end of quiet cul-de-sac in Trousdale. Poliform kitchen opens to family room, which spills out to sizable back yard with large lawn, outdoor cooking & dining, and infinity pool & spa. Sensational city-to-ocean views can also be enjoyed from lavish master suite with Poliform closet and 2-story high living room. State-of-the-art Crestron system controls luxurious, advanced 14-person, tiered screening room, as well as most other automated features of the house.

To hear about Perry's real estate portfolio and see many more photos,

This Just In: Faith Hill and Tim McGraw List Their Hills Manse

casasugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:45:38 -0700

Country singin' couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have put their sprawling 10,500-square-foot, six-bedroom, five-bath Beverly Hills mansion on the market for a measly $14.8 million, according to Real Estalker. The property description reads:

Mediterranean estate w/ grand views & privacy in prestigious Beverly Park South. Situated on over 4 acres the estate offers sweeping panoramic views. Grand two story entry features limestone floors, large skylight & wrap around staircase. This home is highlighted by a spacious and elegant master suite w/ his & her baths connecting to a state of the art gym. Gourmet kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances, large open formal dining room w/ step down living room. Manicured gardens w/ luxurious pool.

I'm really loving the exterior, and the structure itself, and "sweeping panoramic views" sound pretty fab to me. But, I'm not too keen on some of their nouveau riche décor choices (faux wall treatments, so much beige). I'm sure all of their furnishings are high quality, but the interior doesn't seem to have much flavor, flow, or any cohesive style . . . a shabby chic pink dining room and then an Art Deco brick red sitting room? I don't know about that. Tell me what you think of the photos when you

This Just In: Robbie Williams Buys a Beverly Hills Mega Manse

casasugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:30:32 -0700

Real estate slump? What real estate slump? Seems like musician Robbie Williams might be immune to bad property values news, as he has paid a whopping $23.9 million for a 13,638-square-foot, seven-bedroom, seven-bath mansion in Beverly Hills, according to Real Estalker.The listing for the sprawling property reads:

Magnificent Estate in guard-gated Beverly Pk w/TC & views. Gated & private. Spectacular main house, 2-story 3br GH, separate staff quarters, expansive lawns, gorgeous landscaping, terraces, fountains, pl & spa. Timeless elegance & extraordinary charm. Main house w/grand entry, marvelous living rm w/sunken bar, library, FDR w/butler's pantry, family rm w/attached bth & sauna, master w/dual baths & huge custom walk-in closets, & 2 add'l bdrm suites.

Looks and sounds pretty luxe to me; I guess his ego has landed! To see additional photos,

This Just In: A Marky Mark on the Market

casasugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:30:59 -0700

Mark Wahlberg has put his five-bedroom, 10.5-bathroom, 15,000-square-foot Beverly Hills manse on the market for a whopping $15.9 million, according to Real Estalker. The listing for the property reads:

Privacy, unbelievable outdoor areas and gorgeous views. 15,000 SF of dramatic spaces, including an amazing 2 story private guest house, basketball court, 2500 SF gym with boxing rink and trainer's quarter, lavish waterfall pool w/ grotto, cabanas wired for sound and flatscreens. Newly constructed motor-court, Screening room/Theatre appointed w/ high ceilings, 35mm digital projection technology, 2 luxurious living rooms, bedroom suites all opening to lush gardens and resort like settings.

Wahlberg purchased the property in November 2001 for $4.95 million, and since then has dropped a lot of dollars on renovations. There doesn't seem to anything particularly exceptional about the property; it's your typical outlandish celebrity property with all of the unnecessary conveniences, few unique architectural elements, and not a stitch of personal style. I must say, I think a television screen that takes up nearly the entire wall (and isn't concealed) is beyond tacky. But then again, Wahlberg needs that sort of thing when he's watching final cuts with his entourage. To see lots of additional photos,

On the Market: Madonna's Former Abode

casasugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:00:21 -0700

Want to feel a little closer to the Material Girl? Then you might want to consider buying an eight-bedroom, nine-bath 1926 Beverly Hills manse that was once owned by Madonna. That is, if you have some millions to spare: the mansion is on the market for nearly $17.5 million.

For more details on the home, and to see more photos,

On the Market: Britney Spears's Beverly Hills Home

casasugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:00:17 -0700

As Pop will tell you, Britney Spears has put her 7,453-square-foot, 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath home in Beverly Hills on the market for $7.9 million. But, lucky for you, I've got more intel on the property. According to Real Estalker, the property description reads:

Exquisite gated Italian Renaissance Villa w/approx 7,500 sq ft of luxury, 6 BD, 6 ½ BA, wet bar, library, den, chic dining rm, & grand foyer. Artisan quality finishes, dramatic high ceilings, millwork, stone & mosaic tile floors, & iron accents. Chef’s kit w/Viking appliances & breakfast nook open to spacious great room. Romantic Master w/fireplace, & loggia. Manicured grounds incl. pool, spa, arbor, & lush landscape ideal for entertaining. Offered w/select furnishings, accessories, & art work.

It sounds pretty swank to me (despite the somewhat cheesy décor), and I love the open outdoor patio sitting area. Spears purchased the property for $6.75 million back in January 2007 — not exactly her most lucid days — so maybe she regrets the purchase. Either way, if it sells at asking price, she'll come out on top. Check out the photos and tell me what you think!

Source

This Just In: Audrina Patridge Heads Back to the Hills

casasugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:30:51 -0700

Audrina Patridge has opted for greener pastures than the backyard guest house of Lauren Conrad's house in the Hollywood Flats, and purchased her own three-bedroom, 2.5-bath digs in the Hollywood Hills for $1.29 million. We all knew that she'd moved out of Conrad's digs, but finally I've got the deets. The listing for the property reads:

This new construction Spanish Villa has a spectacular view over looking the city! It has three bedrooms & two and a half baths, & a huge gourmet chef's kitchen. The kitchen features a separate convection oven, 6 burner gas stove, built-in microwave, wine refrigerator and side by side refrigerator, & a center island. The entertainer's patio is like a resort w/ built in BBQ, refrigerator.

I guess it's not a far cry from Conrad's Spanish-style villa, so Audrina should feel right at home! Check out these pics for the full tour:

Source

On the Market: The Polaroid Beach House

casasugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:00:55 -0700

The celeb-ridden Polaroid Beach House, an infamous party spot frequented by scenesters like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan in Malibu, has just been put on the market for the whopping price of $32 million. The house was basically one big product placement, used by the owners, the Polaroid company, to throw parties for young Hollywood that'd be snapped by paparazzi, discreetly landing their products all over the tabloids. But apparently, that promotional scheme was nixed by "local (rich) neighbors who objected to the around-the-clock revelry in the summer of 2007." To see more photos and hear more about the property,

This Just In: Dane Cook Has a New Kitchen

casasugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:00:05 -0700

Funny man/actor Dane Cook has purchased a 4,405-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home in Los Angeles for $7,078,412. The listing for the property reads:

Extraordinary modern oasis by Alessandro Munge-Munge/Leung Design Associates. Incredible secluded site with staggering views of the entire city, and all the way to the ocean. Extremely high quality materials such as Travertine Navona floors, Rift oak cabinetry, and African Namibia marble counter tops and bathrooms. Resort-style outdoor entertainment areas look out to a large flat grassy lawn and spectacular views.

I must say this is a pretty fabulous modern pad, with killer city views. Let's just hope Cook doesn't go wild on furniture shopping; that extra $12 on the sale price may have really set him back. But who needs furniture when you've got the girl?

Source

Before and After: A Victorian Transformation

casasugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:45:47 -0700

Sunset magazine recently featured the 154-year-old Victorian home of a Napa Valley couple that had great bones, but was bogged down with layers of wallpaper and colored with garish blue paint. The home had been neglected for 30 years, but a lot of hard work combined with the couple's pared-down aesthetic transformed it into a welcoming, light, and airy space that any of you would swoon over. To see the transformation,

This Just In: Denise Richards Lists Her Shabby Chic Crib

casasugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Denise Richards has put her traditional 5,600-square-foot house in Hidden Hills, a luxury gated community in Los Angeles, on the market for $4.25 million, according to the LA Times. It has five bedrooms, including a master retreat with a sitting area. The property description lists:

Graceful foyer entry with sweeping staircase, gleaming wood floors, rustic stone floors, expansive living room with soaring ceilings and cast stone fireplace, great room accented by fireplace and library bookshelves, gourmet country kitchen with imported tiles and Carrera marble, state of the art stainless steel appliances, sun-filled breakfast room opens to kitchen, stately formal dining room features charming bay window and wainscotting, master retreat with comfortable sitting area, large walk-in closet, spa-like master bath with island tub and fireplace, five spacious bedrooms with private baths, inviting upstairs office, expansive grounds over an acre of mature landscaping and trees, [and] pebble textured pool and spa.

Richards has apparently listed the property for about $100,000 less than she paid for it — further evidence of this uncertain real estate market. If you're looking for a New England style "country" house in Los Angeles that's decked to the nines in shabby chic and leopard print toilets, then maybe this one's for you.

Source

This Just In: Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck Heart Holmby Hills

casasugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:00:52 -0700

Rumor has it that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have been wooed "by developer John Bersci to purchase a freshly rehabbed house" in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles in the neighborhood of $22 million, according to Real Estalker. The 1930s Hollywood Georgian features "nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms including a 2,500 square foot master bedroom with a private sitting room, four fireplaces, sauna, a humongous terrace with outdoor fireplace and two tremendous bathrooms," as well as "a large motor court with a front facing three-car garage, a paneled library with hidden wine cellar, screening room, staff quarters, and a two bedroom guest house adjacent to the rectangular shaped cement pond." The property, which is currently listed at $27.5 million, hasn't yet been closed on, but time will soon tell whether the Garner-Afflecks will call the gorgeous digs home. Sounds like there would be lots of room for Violet and her future sibling to play!

Source

This Just In: The Penns Write Off San Francisco

casasugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

According to the Wall Street Journal, Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn have listed their home in Marin County, California, about 18 miles north of San Francisco, for $15 milion. The Penns purchased the property in 1996 for $2.1 million, and spent two years rebuilding the original 1933 Spanish-style house. The manse doesn't appear to be listed publicly, but the WSJ said:

The 10,000-square-foot house was designed with hand-hewn wood-beamed ceilings and floors, stone fireplaces and hand-painted tiles in the bathrooms and kitchen. The two-story home has five bedrooms, a home office, an au pair suite, a gym, and a three-car garage. A two-bedroom guest cottage has its own two-car garage. There's also a pool, tennis court, gardens, and dog run.

To hear my thoughts on the property and see additional photos,

On the Market: Molly Sims Selling Her House of Style

casasugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0700

Model and actress Molly Sims has listed her 3,043-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath 1930s Spanish house of style in Los Angeles for nearly $3 million, according to Real Estalker. The listing description of the property reads:

Stunningly remodeled 1930s Spanish with Hollywood flair. . . . Timeless enhancements to the already flowing layout. Newer kitchen with Carrara marble, Viking appl., SubZero and wine fridge. 3 true bedrooms with the opportunity for a 4th if needed. 3.5 baths. Antique French limestone FP in living room. Ebony saltillo tile floors. Outdoor living room with views of LA skyline. Huge pergola with dining for 10+. Ultra private rear yard with beautiful pool.

Sims paid $1.425 million for the property in 2003, and since then has had celeb-fave interior designer Kishani Perera of Fuse I.D. polish up the interior with an updated, yet cozy Hollywood-glam style. I once saw a tour of Sims's Hamptons pad on MTV Cribs, so I knew she had good taste. Equally sophisticated, her LA house follows suit, but is less beachy and nautical and more feminine and Hollywood regency. Check out the photos and tell me what you think!

Source

This Just In: Pete Wentz Bids His Bachelor Pad Adieu

casasugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 05:30:12 -0700

Pops-to-be Pete Wentz has put his 9,070-square-foot, two-bedroom, three-bath late mid-century home in the Hollywood Hills on the market for nearly $1.8 million, according to Big Time. The listing for the property reads:

Sweeping 180 degree views of the valley to the Hollywood sign. Secluded celebrity Hollywood Hills hide-a-way. Hollywood Hills late mid-century. Open, light and bright floor plan with fantastic architectural details, land, pool, spa and outdoor BBQ entertaining area. Amazing theater. Office could be a 3rd bedroom space!

Wentz purchased the home in May 2006 for $1.6 million. He is presumably listing it because he's moved into the Beverly Hills home of his wifey Ashlee Simpson, which she purchased in January 2007. I don't currently have photos of the interior of Wentz's home but will of course share them with you as soon as I do. To see photos of the home that Simpson purchased in 2007, check out the gallery below.

Source and Source

This Just In: Johnny Knoxville Splits the Hills

casasugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:30:38 -0700

Jackass Johnny Knoxville has listed his three-bedroom Mediterranean in the Hollywood Hills for $1.7 million, according to Big Time. The listing for the property reads:

Turn-key Hollywoodland Mediterranean Villa, Circa 1924, complete w/views, lush grassy yard/gardens & large pool! Enter this st-to-st property through gated courtyard setting, to frml entry w/views across Great Rm w/vaulted ceiling & arches. Large circular din rm, redone kit w/honed marble counters & ss appliances. Huge mstr w/fp, lux ‘Ann Sacks’ style bath w/steam shower. Media rm, 2nd bd + office/3rd bd each w/ensuite redone baths. Beautifully redone w/character & daylight.

Knoxville and his wife of 12 years are in the middle of a divorce, so that's likely the reason for the sale. The house is truly a gem, with great bones, 1920s character (much like Gwen Stefani's old digs), privacy, and lush landscaping. I cannot imagine why else he would put it on the market. Check out the gallery below to see what I mean.

There's more where these came from, so

On the Market: Kiefer Sutherland's Warehouse Loft and Recording Studio

casasugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:00:24 -0700

Are you in need of a place to have jam sessions and to lay your head? Well, you're in luck. Actor Kiefer Sutherland has put his 14,400-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 4-bath converted warehouse loft and recording studio in Silver Lake, Los Angeles on the market for $4.9 million, according to Big Time. The listing for the property reads:

Beautifully converted warehouse. This celebrity-owned, New York-styled loft has been done with quality and taste. It combines a 6,000-sq.-ft. living space while the rest of the building houses a state-of-the-art recording studio. It is unassuming from the street and beautifully dramatic upon entry. The residence has all rooms opening to each other, 25-ft. ceilings, polished-concrete floors warmed by radiant heat, fabulous cooks kitchen, and all a walk down the hall to the studio and offices.

Sutherland purchased the building in 2002 for $700,000, and converted its downstairs into a recording studio for his record label, Ironworks, and the upstairs into his own living quarters. It's a pretty cool space, and I love how its wild exterior mural keeps it understated from the street. If you happen to be a record exec, looking for a live/work space amongst LA's eclectic hipsters and creative class, look no further.

Source

This Just In: Matthew Perry Shops the Market

casasugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:00:30 -0700

Actor Matthew Perry recently purchased a humble 1,701-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home Los Angeles' Studio City neighborhood for $883,000. The listing for the property reads:

This warm and inviting 3 bedroom home offers a great living room, elegant dining area, big kitchen with breakfast area and Italian tile floors. Inside laundry, hardwood throughout, spectacular yard with sparkling pool and grass.

If you remember correctly, Perry recently made a baller purchase of a modern Runyon Canyon manse for $4.5 million. So, this modest fixer-upper will clearly not be his primary residence. I am eager to see what he does with it, though. I'm thinking he should paint the exposed brick fireplace white, stain the hardwood floors a darker tone, ditch the mirrored closet doors and vertical blinds, and replace the kitchen cabinets (or paint them) and go for open shelving above. The pool area isn't in bad shape, though the brick wall could be removed, and some sculptural pieces, planters, and lounge chairs should be added. The front of the house could use some landscaping as well. What do you think?

Source