Ellen Ruby Blog's

Thursday, 23 December 2021

Midcentury Skolnik Residence in L.A. Lands on the Market for $4M

Schindler MidCentury Modern Masterpiece listing — Realtor.com

For the first time in almost three decades, the Samuel and Bertha Skolnik residence, designed by the renowned architect Rudolph Schindler, is on the market for $4 million in Los Angeles.

It’s been exquisitely maintained since its inception in the early 1950s, and was last sold in 1994 for $525,000.

Completed in 1952, the midcentury modern masterpiece was one of the last of over 500 homes that the prolific Schindler completed. He died in 1953.

The master architect was experimenting with new forms when he designed this three-bedroom beauty.

“The house is essentially a carousel, an open space with a merry-go-round in the middle,” Schindler’s biographer Esther McCoy said of this design.

Samuel and Bertha Skolnik residence
Realtor.com

The reference to the carousel refers to the fact that the architecture conveys the effect of rotating around the central pivot point of a stylish, indoor-outdoor fireplace.

As light passes through the translucent fiberglass roofing and the sun moves through the sky, the home almost feels as if it is slowly rotating.

Central indoor-outdoor fireplace
Realtor.com

Great room with fiberglass roof
Realtor.com

This was the last of three homes Schindler built in this translucent style. He developed the idea while overseeing the construction of Frank Lloyd Wright‘s famous Hollyhock House.

Schindler called his later work “space architecture,” but not because it had anything to do with the cosmos. Rather, it was because the interior space in his designs was illuminated by natural light from as many directions as possible.

He was also ahead of his time with the concept of allowing indoor spaces to seamlessly flow into outdoor space.

Seamless indoor-outdoor transition
Realtor.com

The Skolnik house is perched neatly on a Hollywood Hills hillside below Griffith Park and its famous Observatory.

It features 2,357 feet of living space and sits on a terraced lot with views of Los Angeles below.

Previous owners have been careful to preserve and restore the classic residence, and prominent architects have been involved in the property’s expansion and alteration.

In 1962, the architect Gregory Ain was commissioned to add a swimming pool, cabana, and a separate large studio with a kitchenette, bathroom, and changing area.

In 1986, the owner at the time, Stacy Peralta, a skateboard entrepreneur, hired the architect David Serrurier to restore and reconfigure the main bedroom to accommodate a walk-in closet and to build doors that open to the outside view deck.

Note that the bathrooms and the kitchen have been updated, but are aligned with the home’s original aesthetic.

Updated bathroom with natural light
Realtor.com

The current owners have taken great care to preserve the blond wood built-ins, which include cabinets, banquets, desks, and bookcases.

An outdoor kitchen and dining area in the back was added to fit into the lush, drought-resistant landscaping.

Whether you’re indoors or out, the natural surroundings lend this classic residence an organic feel.

Terraced backyard with outdoor kitchen
Realtor.com

The post Midcentury Skolnik Residence in L.A. Lands on the Market for $4M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/midcentury-modern-skolnik-residence-la-lands-on-market/

U.S. New Home Sales Surge in November

The numbers: U.S. new home sales jumped 12.4% to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 744,000 in November from a revised 662,000 in the prior month, the government reported Thursday. The revised October sales was the lowest since the worst period of the pandemic in April 2020.

Despite the jump, the pace of sales was below expectations because of the sharp downward revision. Analysts polled by The Wall Street Journal had forecast new-home sales to occur at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 766,000 in November.

The data are often revised sharply. Sales in October were initially reported at 745,000.

Key details: The median sales price of new houses sold in October was $416,900 marking a new record high. The supply of new homes for sale fell by 8.5% between October and November, equating to a 6.5-month supply.

Regionally, sales rose in all regions in November except the Midwest. Sales were strongest in the West.

Big picture: The housing sector remains robust but off the highs seen last year. Sales are 14% below last year’s level.

Although the sector is expected to continue to be strong, the prospect of higher mortgage rates should keep activity from getting red-hot, economists said.

What are they saying: “This is a seriously odd report. We would not be at all surprised to see both the October and November numbers being revised up substantially. In the meantime, the rising trend in mortgage applications probably is a better guide to the underlying state of demand in the housing market,” said Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

Market reaction: Stocks were higher on Thursday on continued optimism that the omicron variant would not detail the global economy.

The post U.S. New Home Sales Surge in November appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/u-s-new-home-sales-surge-in-november/

San Francisco Mansion Once Owned by Nicolas Cage Finds a Buyer

Nicolas Cage sells San Francisco home — Getty Images / Realtor.com

A San Francisco mansion once owned by the star of “National Treasure,” Nicolas Cage, has found a buyer.

The home had last been listed for $9.95 million, and is now in “pending sale” status, The Real Deal reported.

The buyer also has an option to purchase an adjoining lot for an additional $3 million—which could push the final price upward.

Located on Russian Hill, with iconic views of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island, the historic home was the subject of a popular painting. However, it had a hard time landing a buyer.

Built in 1914, the four-story Tudor Revival initially came on the market in 2017 for $12 million.

Later that year, the price dropped to $10.95 million and stayed at that price through 2020. This March, the price was further discounted to $9.95 million.

While the prime location was a huge selling point, it needed a refresh. Renovations were recently completed, with updates including a modern kitchen with new counters and cabinets, refinished flooring, a redone powder room, and exterior paint.

Artful abode

After the renovation, the 6,305-square-foot home maintains much of the original architecture.

The front entrance has a Gothic stone archway. The main floor includes a library with a wood-burning fireplace, a formal dining room with leaded glass windows and original wood detail, and an elegant living room with windows overlooking the bay.

The second level features the primary suite, with two dressing rooms and a large bathroom. There’s an additional en suite bedroom and a mirrored wet bar on this level.

The third floor has are two more en suite bedrooms with vaulted ceilings. A lower level has a family room, bonus room, wine cellar, and one more bedroom and bathroom.

The property also comes with a two-car garage. If the buyer picks up the adjacent lot, a guesthouse or office could be added to create a true compound.

As for the Cage connection, the star apparently picked up the place and the next-door lot for $9.4 million in 2006. He sold both properties in 2008 at a loss, for $8.5 million, the Real Deal notes.

Mark Levinson of Compass holds the listing.

Cage’s cribs

The movie star had previously owned a grand Victorian in nearby Pacific Heights, which he sold in 2005 for $3 million.

The renovated 7,000-square-foot abode came back on the market again in 2018 for $12 million. After some price cuts, it sold for $5.9 million, less than half of its original asking price.

That home still has some Cage touches: The actor added stained-glass panels featuring underwater scenes with octopuses during his stay.

Stained-glass dating to Cage’s time in the Pacific Heights home
Realtor.com

The post San Francisco Mansion Once Owned by Nicolas Cage Finds a Buyer appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/san-francisco-mansion-once-owned-by-nicolas-cage-sells/

9 Horrifying Holiday Decor Fails, Outdoor Edition: Scare the Neighbors Away for Good

Some of us wait patiently all year to put together a tasteful holiday tableau out on the lawn, planning a cute little Rudolph here and a winding garland there. Other folks go right ahead and give outdoor Christmas decor a bad name.

Oddball, creepy, over the top—you name it, and you can find it on every social channel and probably down the street in your own neighborhood.

Maybe it’s because people aren’t willing to let go of Halloween, with its shock value, when Yuletime rolls around? Or perhaps these crazy looks are due to a few loose screws?

Who knows? But what is clear is that every time the season begins, we’re left just shaking our heads.

Still, let’s be honest: Rubbernecking at these holiday equivalents of car wrecks can be amusing—and, for those who need a little extra guidance, can teach you about exactly what not to do in your front yard.

Whatever your reason, read on if you feel like having a gander at the looniest, most crazy-town, outdoor holiday looks.

1. Never hand a snowman a hairdryer

It’s bad enough that many communities are facing an uptick in crime in real life. Do we need our holiday blow-up lawn decorations getting in on the act?

Not much holiday spirit on display here, and matters aren’t helped by the bandit wielding a blow-dryer rather than a gun: Threatening to melt poor Frosty is pitiful. Also, moisture and electricity don’t mix. This one is a no-go from every angle.

2. Santa should not be breaking and entering

We get it: Not all homes have a working chimney Santa can pass through.

Still, having him try to break and enter through a window or from the fire escape is not the answer. For that matter, there is only one Santa—way to go confusing the kids.

3. With shiny baubles, more is not more

Wow—just wow. This decor has zero sense of scale or restraint. It’s a miracle that this rainbow ball scheme is actually staying put on this home (kudos to the person behind the scenes!).

This petite house is loud and proud, though, and we’re actually going to give it a thumbs-up for sheer ball-siness.

4. Don’t go overboard with the lights

Christmas is the season of light, but this display is borderline crazy-town. We’re pretty sure this dude has his own substation to power his display and doesn’t flinch when the electric bill arrives.

Let’s hope he turns the colossal assemblage off at night, so his neighbors don’t have to sleep bathed in twinkling light.

5. Stay away from skeletons

Here’s where we lament the fact that some homeowners think it’s perfectly fine to mix Day of the Dead and Halloween pieces with presents under the tree.

We suppose if you’re also a Grateful Dead fan, this montage could be considered acceptable. But if not, please do the right thing and save the bone men for next October.

6. Enough with the inflatables

When your inflatable is larger than your domicile, you need to rethink your outdoor holiday decor.

Don’t let a menacing balloon loom this large—babies will cry, dogs will bark, and your friends will think you’ve gone around the bend.

7. Reindeer should look cute rather than creepy

It’s nice that these critters reuse a natural resource—we’re all for going green at the holidays and avoiding plastic and other bits that clog up the ocean.

But we’re just not certain this is the way to do it. The “antlers” look ready to poke someone’s eye out, in the immortal words of “A Christmas Story,” and those bows? Too big, and they sure don’t suit the naturalistic theme.

8. You don’t have to fill your whole yard

Someone likes decorating their yard for the holidays. We mean, really, really likes it.

The crowded results—almost like an overpacked cocktail party or some crazy post-Christmas tag sale—wind up just making passers-by dizzy. Our advice: Do the right thing, and offer at least half of these to your neighbors.

9. Stick to snow sculptures rather than real ones

Frankly, we’re not sure what this girl is doing in the yard or why someone felt the need to dress her in pine boughs.

All we know is we’re getting some uncomfortable “Midsommar” vibes. But if odd nature figures are your thing, we’re not here to stop you.

The post 9 Horrifying Holiday Decor Fails, Outdoor Edition: Scare the Neighbors Away for Good appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/holiday-decor-fails-outdoor-edition-scare-the-neighbors-away-for-good/

Wednesday, 22 December 2021

Terrific Old-School Tudor in Jacksonville Is Bursting With Character

Known as “Arbor Abbey,” a brick Tudor manor with an opulent interior is on the market for the first time in over four decades.

Bulit in 1932, the home in Jacksonville, FL, is now available for $2.45 million. The stately, three-bedroom residence is gorgeous from the outside. Inside, the home will leave a visitor with a case of sensory overload.

“It’s one of my favorite homes, because of the curb appeal. I was a little awestruck when I walked inside, because it is very opulent,” says the listing agent, Anita Vining with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Inside the 3,514-square-foot home, many of the finishes are original and formal. High ceilings feature mahogany, and the floors are either in hardwood or Cuban tile. Several windows are stained-glass and others are traditional Tudor in style.

Exterior of residence in Jacksonville, FL
Open House Optics

A buyer will acquire most of the furnishings seen in the opulent listing photos.

“All of the draperies and things that you see would stay,” Vining says, while acknowledging that the style might be too rich for the taste of some buyers.

“They’re all floor-to-ceiling velvet, which is beautiful,” she adds. “They’re just different in terms of what you typically see.”

Some of the home’s colorful stained-glass windows are original, and others were added later.

“There’s stained glass in almost every room in the home,” the agent explains.

The imposing kitchen has an abundance of dark wood cabinetry and stone countertops.

Bedrooms in the home are large, but the agent told us they lack crucial features that today’s buyers are looking for, including larger bathrooms and more closets.

“In a 1930s home, they just didn’t have a lot of closet space,” she says, “because they used armoires and other furniture.”

The residence sits on a half-acre lot and features manicured grounds in the front and back. A large pool in the backyard evokes classic Hollywood style.

“It has an Esther Williams-style pool,” Vining says.

A beautiful balcony off the home’s upper level is spacious and unique. The agent says it has the feeling of a fortress and reminds her of Windsor Castle.

A detached two-car garage has guest space above it and opens up a couple of options for the next owners.

“It’s very spacious, so if someone had a nanny or someone that they wanted on the property, it would be a nice space for them,” Vining says. “[The buyers] might want to renovate it and redo it, but the space is there.”

An elegant office space, perhaps?

Just south of downtown and a short walk to the St. John’s River, other historic homes can be found throughout this neighborhood. Finding a buyer willing to buy into a bit of Florida history will require lowering expectations a bit.

“You couldn’t build the home for what we’re selling it for today,” says the agent, adding that many buyers at this price point want larger homes with more bedrooms.