‘Il Sogno’ for Sale: Take a Rare Peek Inside a $45M Bel-Air Estate

Anthony Barcelo

Bel-Air is rarefied air. The swanky Los Angeles neighborhood, perched in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, has long been a haven for well-known and well-heeled residents who seek extravagant estates with an aura of privacy, exclusivity, and serenity. And of course, insanely ritzy real estate.

Now a “trophy” estate in the tony neighborhood has come on the market for the first time in almost a generation. It’s available for a cool $45 million. That means that we can get a peek inside the glamorous estate.

The owners, Howard Ruby, the founder of the hospitality management company Oakwood Worldwide, and the Golden-Globe nominated actress Yvette Mimieux Ruby, have owned the 1920s mansion since 1979.

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Bel-Air estate ( Anthony Barcelo)

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1920s build with opulent details ( Anthony Barcelo)

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Living room with painted ceiling ( Anthony Barcelo)

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Dining room ( Anthony Barcelo)

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Kitchen ( Anthony Barcelo)

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Family room ( Anthony Barcelo)

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Library ( Anthony Barcelo)

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Solarium ( Anthony Barcelo)

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Room for a ball ( Anthony Barcelo)

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Domed bedroom ( Anthony Barcelo)

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Pergola ( Anthony Barcelo)

Known as “Il Sogno” (Italian for “The Dream”), the Italian-style villa boasts 12,000 square feet of living space, with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

Set behind gates, the almost 1-acre grounds feature lawns, a swimming pool, fountains, and formal gardens designed by David Jones, the personal florist of Nancy Reagan, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Inside, the interiors are credited with having been designed by the acclaimed late interior designer Kalef Alaton. The layout includes high-beamed, hand-painted ceilings, plaster walls, and stone-carved fireplaces. Arched French doors open outside to a pergola and patio.

The expansive floor plan features grand entertainment spaces, such as a ballroom, formal dining room, a formal living room with a painted and coffered ceiling, a fireplace, and French doors. The hand-lacquered library includes a chandelier and built-in shelves, and a glassed-in solarium is awash in natural light and indoor trees. The massive wine cellar comes with a tasting area.

In addition, the gourmet kitchen is equipped with commercial appliances, a center island with seating, and plenty of cabinet storage. The family room includes vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, and built-in window seats.

The luxurious master suite boasts a private balcony, fireplace, domed ceiling, and dual bathrooms and closets.

Ruby, 86, told the Wall Street Journal, “‘It’s not the style that’s in vogue right now, but someone out there is going to understand it and accept it. There’s someone out there who doesn’t want a white box.’”

Those who like the neighborhood but would favor a brand-new white box can check out a nearby abode dubbed Unica, which features amenities such as a 36-person theater and lighting that mimics circadian rhythms. Initially offered a year ago for $100 million, it’s now available to rent for $500,000 a month.

The exclusive enclave has long been a favorite of celebrities, with its lavish estates and the Bel-Air Country Club. Residents include JAY-Z and Beyoncé, Elon Musk, and Jennifer Aniston.

Kurt Rappaport at Westside Estate Agency represents the listing.

The post ‘Il Sogno’ for Sale: Take a Rare Peek Inside a $45M Bel-Air Estate  appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/il-sogno-bel-air-estate-for-sale/