7 Homes for the Outdoor Entertainer

The dog days of Summer may be behind us, but our listings are hotter than ever! Whether it be a sparkling swimming pool, a rooftop deck or even a fire pit, there’s a little something for every aspiring outdoor entertainer. Take a video tour of a Streamline Moderne stunner with plenty of outdoor patio space in the Hollywood Hills. Then head over to Altadena for a Mid-Century abode with a sprawling backyard and kidney-shaped pool. Don’t forget the Santa Monica Canyon hacienda offering an oversized pool, outdoor bar and fireplace. All that and more – just in time for Labor Day!

 

 

An old serpentine wall triggers curiosity as it wends its way along the road. It seems to enclose an ancient grove and as we enter we find indeed a mature garden revealing romantically the history of the Marquez Rancho hacienda that once occupied these grounds. The stone-paved loggia leads us to the main house designed in the 1920s by John Byers, famous for his reconstructions of Colonial Mexican architecture with undulating adobe and plaster walls. Inside the two-story foyer beckons us immediately into the vaulted beamed living room with its massive hearth and quick acoustics. The arcaded veranda off the living room embraces the huge courtyard paved in encaustic tile as it approaches the oversized pool. A giant sycamore provides a canopy while giant birds of paradise and bougainvillea give off a quiet aroma of maybe a forgotten era. Nearby a grotto, pond, and stream gurgle. Additional structures include a chapel, theater, three casitas, two studios, an outdoor bar & fireplace, and a sports court.

 

 

Welcome to The Estes Residence, an architectural treasure designed by William Kesling in 1935. This Streamline-Moderne offers stunning views out the original steel casement windows, overlooking the canyon with an abundance of greenery and hills. Continue through the cantilevered bridge where you will be stunned by the modern addition from Mills Studio in 2002. A seamless blend of styles that play off each other while taking in the lush private surroundings. Continue up the exterior spiral staircase to the rooftop deck to enjoy the scenery of mature Jacaranda trees and abundance of bench seating for entertaining. To settle in for the evening, follow the light portals that connect all three levels of the addition to the bottom patio where you can enjoy the fire pit and warm surroundings of nature while taking in this architectural masterpiece. Replete with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and office on the main level. As well as a full Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) with separate exterior entrance on the bottom level of the home, completely renovated in 2018 featuring a full kitchen and bathroom.

 

 

Set below the street behind a gated entrance and featuring mature, native landscaping, this 1952 built home offers a unique opportunity. This custom-built, single level home has elements reminiscent of renowned local mid-century architects. The long, paved driveway creates privacy and the front gardens are welcoming. Entering the home, the eye is drawn to the expansive backyard featuring a large, covered patio, sprawling lawn and steps leading down to a pool, a truly magnificent space for entertaining. The 20,542 sf lot offers ultimate privacy in Altadena’s finest neighborhood. The great room is the crown jewel of this architecturally inspired home, featuring a vaulted wood ceiling, clerestory windows, a striking natural stone wall and gleaming hardwood floors. The period stone fireplace, with raised hearth, underscores the mid-century style. The living and dining areas of this large room feature walls of glass and sliders that open onto the expansive patio. The large eat-in-kitchen offers a separate dining area that overlooks a walled front garden. The adjacent laundry room is oversized, and the half bath offers easy access to the outside. There is a separate bedroom wing with four bedrooms. Three of the bedrooms have lovely views of the backyard and share a hallway bath which features a deep, jetted tub.

 

 

 

Lyrical architecture by Frank Israel and sustainable landscape by Jay Griffiths combine to make a serene retreat behind gates on Carbon Mesa. Leave the car within the gated parking court, meander along the articulated facade, and glimpse the ocean through the trees before entering the home. Inside, the living, dining, and family rooms flow seamlessly to meet the gourmet island kitchen before the space leads the eye through floor-to-ceiling walls of glass to the pool and terraces outside. In one direction lies the main bedroom wing with two en-suite bedrooms and a spa-like master suite facing the pool and garden on one side and a quiet, ocean-view patio on the other. Step up to the glazed ‘cockpit’ office overlooking the entire complex and the sea beyond. The other side of the house has two more en-suite bedrooms and a bonus/bedroom/office. The grounds invite you to test the lap pool or the many seating and dining areas and walk to the private arroyo descending from the gardens.

 

 

 

Built in 1924, this impeccable English-style home is located on one of the most coveted streets in Pasadena. Designed by Charles W. Buchanan and Leon C. Brockway, who among other architectural homes in the surrounding area, also designed the Scripps Residence. With a great presence, curb appeal, and pedigree, this home was also part of the North Pasadena Heights Walking Tour showcasing its interesting use of brick accents and half-timbering. Updated and lovingly cared for by its owners over the years, this home is perfect for the discerning buyer looking to own a piece of Pasadena history. Formal entryway has a rare Batchelder fireplace with full tile mantle, hardwood floors, and soaring ceilings. A formal dining room has Queen Anne-style doors opening to the front patio with gracious mountain views. A bright kitchen with breakfast area. Two bedrooms share a full bath while a third bedroom that could double as an office/den has a quarter bath right off the laundry room and it’s own access to the expansive backyard. Rounding off the home is a pool and deck area right in time for those summer days.

 

 

 

This stunning estate is located in the exclusive 24-hour guard gated community of “Bradbury Estates.” This custom home was designed by renowned architect, J Don Crenshaw, and built by Mur-Sol Construction for the current original Owners. The home features seven bedrooms and seven baths and is situated on an approximately 6.55 acre private lot with unobstructed, panoramic city and mountain views. From the moment you walk in through the massive double entry doors, the gorgeous curved suspended staircase wows you, and sets the stage for what’s to come. The quiet ivory tones of the walls, stone floors and carpet further create a feeling of serenity throughout. The spacious formal living room and library, both with fireplaces are both elegant and comfortable. The home theater is amazing, perfectly appointed, and features a large wet bar. The master suite is the ultimate sanctuary with fireplace, huge view balcony and unparalleled immense closets and lavish curved lady’s vanity, and spa tub with marble deck. The quiet peaceful grounds feature a tennis court, infinity edge pool and palatial manicured gardens.

 

 

 

Occupying a broad site on the south rim of the Palisades Riviera, this newly renovated mid-century home overlooks Santa Monica Canyon, Santa Monica Palisade, and Will Rogers Beach. Enter the home through a pedestrian-gated private garden where you are welcomed by a brightly warm sculpture. Though warm wood floors and the crisp hearth punctuate the open living & dining room, your eyes move immediately and easily through glass walls to the terrace, pool, and views beyond. The kitchen, guest or primary bedroom, 2 bathrooms, and study/guest bed with its own fireplace occupy the remainder of the first floor. The second floor consists of another primary bedroom with a generous closet and an additional secondary bedroom, each with baths. Above the two-car garage is a well-equipped guest house with a cooking facility, walk-in closet, fireplace, and new full bath. But the focus is the cozy window seat looking out to the decks, pool, and view. The grounds provide many dining, seating, and viewing terraces.