Los Angeles | $2.2 million
A picture-perfect three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom 1926 cottage on a half-acre lot
Located in the hills above Laurel Canyon, this home is less than a five-minute drive from Hollywood Boulevard and less than 10 minutes from Sunset Strip nightlife. It is also close to the Canyon Country Store, a popular neighborhood market, a Trader Joe's and the hiking trails at Runyon Canyon Park.
The CBS Television City complex is 10 minutes away. The drive to Studio City in the San Fernando Valley or Beverly Hills takes about 15 minutes. Dodger Stadium is half an hour away.
Size: 2,119 square meters
Price per square meter: $1,038
Inside: From the driveway a staircase leads up to an arched doorway that leads into the foyer.
To the left is a sunken living room with a bright red ceiling; a fireplace with a surround of colorful tiles; tall windows with stained glass accents overlooking the surrounding trees; and access to a balcony.
Across the foyer is a dining room with bright yellow walls and diamond-paned windows. This space is connected to a kitchen with stone floors, a breakfast area with a built-in bench and a Dutch door that provides access to the outside. A guest toilet adjoins the kitchen.
A staircase in the foyer leads to the two bedrooms on the second floor. The master suite features a bedroom large enough for a king-size bed, additional diamond-paned windows, a large walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a deep soaking tub and separate shower. The other bedroom and a full bathroom are located at the opposite end of the upstairs hallway. Also on this level is an octagonal library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
The third bedroom and full bathroom are located on the lowest level of the home, along with a laundry room with sink, washer and dryer.
Outdoor area: Two outdoor areas lie off the main level: a balcony with treetop views and a patio with a fountain and small koi pond. Another terrace, accessed from the top floor, is surrounded by a low wrought iron fence and a rock wall. The attached garage offers space for two cars.
Steer: $27,504 (estimated)
Contact: Dag Eliason and Alexandre Anu, The Agency, 424-278-4129; theagencyre.com
Orange | $2.195 million
A four-bedroom, two-bathroom 1921 prairie-style home on a half-acre lot
This home, which features an updated electrical system and fresh exterior paint, is located in the heart of Old Towne, within walking distance of a public library, City Hall, Chapman University and the Hilbert Museum of California Art with an extensive collection of art the 20th century removed watercolors from the 19th century. It is a 10 minute drive from Disneyland and 20 minutes from Irvine.
The drive to Newport Beach takes half an hour. Downtown Los Angeles is less than an hour away.
Size: 2,303 square meters
Price per square meter: $953
Inside: A paved path runs across the manicured lawn and leads up to the covered porch that frames the entrance.
The oak entrance door leads directly into a living room with large windows and original woodwork and wooden floors. To the right is a study with built-in bookshelves and a built-in trundle bed. Straight ahead you enter the dining room with original fixtures and leaded glass windows through a wide pillared door.
This space connects to a sunny kitchen with wood cabinets, black quartz countertops, a vintage white enamel Wedgewood oven, and an original food prep table. A winter garden, a complete bathroom with a combined bathtub and shower and an anteroom with a laundry connection are located next to the kitchen.
All four bedrooms are on the second floor and are accessible via the stairs in the study. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and a balcony with neighborhood views. The bedroom next door has two single beds; The two across the hall are currently set up as a home office and study. There is also a full bathroom on this level with a white porcelain pedestal sink, combination tub and shower, and a laundry chute down to the mudroom.
Outdoor area: Behind the house there is a covered terrace overlooking an in-ground pool, recently renovated. The backyard is planted with fruit trees. The detached garage offers space for two cars.
Steer: $27,432 (assessed, but home is eligible for reduced property taxes under the Mills Act)
Contact: Lisa Blanc and Krista Blanc, Seven Gables Real Estate, 714-231-9622; lisablanc.realscout.com
Redwood City | $2.2 million
A recently renovated 1939 four bedroom, three bathroom home on a 0.1 acre lot
This home is in a quiet neighborhood half a mile from Eaton Park, where hiking trails offer views of San Francisco Bay. It is a 10-minute walk from Clifford Elementary School and a 10-minute drive from renowned middle and high schools. Grocery stores, a movie theater, and a CalTrain station are also about 10 minutes away in the city center.
The beaches of Half Moon Bay are about half an hour away. The drive to downtown San Jose takes approximately 40 minutes. San Francisco is less than an hour's drive away.
Size: 1,729 square meters
Price per square meter: $1,272
Inside: A brick path leads across the front lawn to a small covered, tiled porch.
The light blue Dutch door opens directly into a sunny living area with a fireplace that features a beveled plaster surround. This space is open to a dining area and an updated kitchen with a large island that features a waterfall counter and stainless steel appliances including a custom beverage refrigerator and a built-in microwave.
A hallway with fitted wardrobes next to the kitchen leads to all four bedrooms. The master bedroom is large enough for a king size bed and a desk. The en suite bathroom features a walk-in shower with glass walls. The guest bedroom across the hall has a bathroom with a combination tub and shower adjacent to the master suite.
At the other end of the hallway are two additional bedrooms, one with a walk-in closet and the other with an en-suite bathroom, as well as a door to the backyard.
Outdoor area: The wooden decking behind the house leads to a pebbled area large enough for relaxing, dining and barbecuing, with a lawn behind. The backyard is surrounded by a wooden fence and is shaded by a neighboring tree. The attached garage offers space for one car.
Steer: $27,504 (estimated)
Contact: Herman Chan, Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty, 415-787-3450; sothebysrealty.com
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