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New markets require new approaches and tactics. Experts and industry leaders take the stage at Inman Connect New York in January to help navigate the market shift — and prepare for the next one. Meet the moment and join us. Register here. Despite its nickname as “The Invisible House,” a 5,500-square-foot home that’s wrapped in mirrored glass was seen hitting the market in the California desert. The home, sitting on 70 acres of land reflecting the surrounding desert landscape near Joshua Tree National Park, is now for sale for $18 million. The Wall Street Journal reported that film producers Chris and Roberta Hanley built the home in 2019 after their original 720-foot house didn’t meet local regulations around the minimum size of homes in the area. The home was designed with the help of architect Tomas Osinski out of inspiration from the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey,” WSJ reported. “I just drew a rectangle on paper and said, ‘OK, we’ll build this,’ ” the owner Chris Hanley told the outlet. “I thought it could just be a monolithic, reflective, ultra-minimal thing.” The home’s design was inspired both by artist Andy Warhol, as well as the renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, according to The Wall Street Journal. Viewing the home as its own work of art, the Hanleys started designing the home in 2011 and started construction in 2013, which took six years to complete. The Hanleys own Muse Productions, which helped to produce the movie “American Psycho,” starring Christian Bale in 2000, among others. They used the Invisible House as an escape during the pandemic, The Wall Street Journal reported. The home was listed for $2,661 per night on Airbnb and featured on a Netflix show called “The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals.” With its 100-foot-long indoor pool and sliding glass doors that open to the outside world, the extravagant house has attracted celebrities who have shared about staying in the home during desert getaways. “You find something within yourself when you’re in there,” Roberta Hanley told The Wall Street Journal. “I think Demi Lovato saw aliens there.” The list price includes all furniture as well as the original 720-square-foot home. Aaron Kirman of AKG | Christie’s International Real Estate is representing the Hanleys on the sale. https://www.inman.com/2023/01/13/mansion-dubbed-the-invisible-house-hits-market-for-18m/

The Hollywood production duo behind American Psycho and The Virgin Suicides have put their one-of-a-kind ‘invisible’ home in the desert up for sale for a whopping $18 million – hoping the unique home will be as successful as some of their past projects. Chris and Roberta Hanley, who have been partners in life and work since meeting in college, spent years designing and building their dream home in Joshua Tree, California after being told that their home 720 square foot temporary guesthouse violated local regulations because it was too small. The couple decided to go big – and go home. They began imagining their 5,500 square foot mansion which features an indoor-outdoor pool, four bedrooms, 360-degree views of Joshua Tree’s amazing natural vistas, and the visual features are so spectacular the home was pitched. on Netflix’s ‘The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals.’ He also has become an industry secret, hosting high-profile guests over the years, including singer Demi Lovato and musician Diplo. “I think Demi Lovato saw aliens there,” Chris said. The Wall Street Journal. The house is decorated with a few personal objects. The owners said they did it on purpose so as not to interrupt the minimalist flow of the structure The house was designed by the couple and originally designed by Chris, who said he was inspired by the black cuboid monolith that appeared in the film ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, as well as the work of the architects of the Bauhaus Lugwig Mies van der Rohe. Van der Rohe is part of a small school of architects credited with transforming the look of American industry – particularly office buildings in cosmopolitan centers. He notably designed the Seagram Building in New York. Chris’ initial effort, however, may have been a little less involved. “I just drew a rectangle on paper and said, ‘OK, we’ll build it,'” he told the Journal. He said he was looking for an “ultra-minimal thing.” The project, which began in 2011, was finally completed in 2019 just in time for the couple to spend most of the COVID-19 pandemic in a secluded paradise. Before the pandemic forced some to retreat to their weekend homes permanently, the couple used the Joshua Tree home to escape Los Angeles on weekends. The approximately 5,500 square foot home has a fully reflective glass exterior that reflects the dry, rocky desert landscape. The visual effect allows the giant rectangular unit to blend into the depths of its surroundings. The four-bedroom home sits on almost 70 acres adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. It is approximately 225 feet long from end to end. It is meant to give the impression of being one large, open, floating space. https://nydailypaper.com/producers-behind-the-virgin-suicides-and-american-psycho-list-invisible-mirrored-house-for-18-million/

The One’ in Bel Air, California was among seven U.S. properties sold for $100-million-plus and the highest price of those publicly offered for sale. NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES, January 6, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ world-record-breaking sale of ‘The One’ in Bel Air, California for $141 million, the highest price ever achieved for a residence at auction, is now also the highest sale for any property listed in all of 2022 In cooperation with listing agents Aaron Kirman of Compass and Brandon and Rayni Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates, the auction closed in March of last year and exceeded Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ prior world record for the highest residential price achieved at auction by nearly 50%. “While there are clear headwinds in the current real estate market, demand for the very best locations remains robust,” commented Chad Roffers, President of Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. “Our 2022 results demonstrate the relevancy and power of our platform to facilitate buying and selling the finest properties worldwide.” The firm’s 2022 performance brings Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ running-total of worldwide sales to nearly $4 billion. With activity in 34 countries to date, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions further cements its market leadership in luxury real estate auctions. About Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions is the world’s largest luxury real estate auction marketplace, with a state-of-the-art digital marketing, property preview, and bidding platform. The firm matches sellers of one-of-a-kind homes with some of the most capable property connoisseurs on the planet. Sellers gain unmatched reach, speed, and certainty. Buyers receive curated opportunities. Agents earn their commission in 30 days. In November 2021, the firm was acquired by Sotheby’s, the world’s premier destination for fine art and luxury goods, and Anywhere Real Estate Inc (NYSE: HOUS), the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States, holding a joint 80 percent ownership stake. Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions continues to operate independently, partnering with real estate agents affiliated with many of the industry's leading brokerages to host luxury auctions for clients. Since Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ inception in 2008, it has generated billions of dollars in sales, broken world records for the highest-priced homes ever sold at auction and conducted auctions in 46 U.S. states and 34 countries. The firm owns one of the most comprehensive and intelligent databases of high-net-worth real estate buyers and sellers in the industry, and it has committed to build more than 300 homes through its Key For Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes™, which guarantees that for every property the company sells, a new home is funded for a family in need. For more information, visit casothebys.com. https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/609960786/sotheby-s-concierge-auctions-sale-of-the-one-achieves-highest-price-of-any-real-estate-listing-in-2022

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES, January 10, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions announces landmark 2022 results driven by continued innovation following the firm’s acquisition by Sotheby’s and Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.; a historic series of marquee sales at Sotheby’s New York, including the first exhibitions to ever gavel and livestream at the esteemed auction house; its world-record breaking $141 million sale of ‘The One’ in Bel Air, California, the highest sale of a listed property in 2022; and further expansion of global audiences through integration with Sotheby’s and RM Sotheby’s. Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions' total sales reached heights of over $525 million in 2022, with an average sale price of $6 million, representing a 20% increase year over year. The firm processed over $3.7 billion in cumulative bids and an average of six bidders per auction. Owning one of the industry’s most comprehensive databases of high-net-worth global property connoisseurs and collectors, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions matches sellers of one-of-a-kind properties with many of the world’s most capable buyers via a state-of-the-art digital marketing, property preview, and bidding platform. With an extensive network of independent luxury agents, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions serves as an additional tool for agents to market and sell unique, one-of-a-kind luxury properties around the world. “In 2022, the ultra luxury real estate market was a star, outperforming the broader market and overall economic growth. In the U.S. alone, seven properties sold over $100 million, and the highest sale of a listed property was our auction of ‘The One’ in Bel Air, California. We look forward to proving Sotheby’s flight towards quality within the real estate auction sector in 2023, as we hone our focus on curating the world’s finest properties, innovating our digital client experiences, and continuing to expand our relationships with high-net-worth property collectors and connoisseurs around the globe.” — Laura Brady, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions CEO EXPANDING GLOBAL FOOTPRINT, PRESENCE, AND TEAM As the leading global luxury real estate auction marketplace, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions continued its international expansion with first-time properties in Japan, Croatia, Indonesia, and Austria, and grew its global team by 38%, including focus on growing the firm’s presence across Europe and Asia: Zackary Wright as Executive Vice President, Private Client Group, Asia Pacific, formerly Executive Director for Christie’s International Real Estate and Senior Vice President of Sotheby’s International Realty; Charlie Smith as Executive Vice President of EMEA, owner of London Real Estate Advisors (LREA) and formerly Managing Director for Sotheby’s International Realty; and Sonny Saito as Director of Business Development, Asia Pacific, formerly CEO for JCR Christie’s International Real Estate. The year also welcomed new appointments to its global business and corporate development teams with Jeff Rhoades and Jana Willardsen, industry veterans; Mario Vargas as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development; and Susan Janowsky as Auction House Relationship Manager, a real estate specialist and liaison between Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions, Sotheby’s International Realty, and Sotheby’s, complementing the firms’ cross marketing initiatives and offerings. The firm also welcomed several new classes of members to its sales team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience and an international footprint. This year also saw the revival of the firm’s highly-anticipated live auction Global Sales, with presence in London, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and momentous live close out events at Sotheby’s New York, in September and December. Further highlights • First-ever exhibitions of real estate to gavel and livestream at Sotheby’s New York • Over $125 million in total sales • More than $1.5 billion in competitive bids • 92% sold by lot • Average of 7 bidders per property SUSTAINED DEMAND FOR $10-MILLION-PLUS LUXURY ESTATES DRIVES RECORD-BREAKING SALES Representing more than 90 percent of $10 million-plus auction sales, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions continued to break records. A highlight was its sale of ‘The One’, America’s largest residence, which represented the highest sale of a listed property in 2022 and exceeded the prior world record for highest price of a single-family home sold at auction by nearly 50%. Additional marquee sales above $10 million include: • 322 Lark Lane, Alamo, California Listed by Dana Green of Compass California Sold for $10.08 million • 3114 Blackhawk Meadow Lane, East Bay Area, California Listed by Debi Ann DiCello of Sotheby's International Realty San Francisco Sale Pending for $10.36 million • Amanpuri Villa, Phuket, Thailand Listed by Prakaipeth Meechoosarn of CBRE Sold for $11.21 million • 3996 Inverness Drive, Houston, Texas Listed by James R Jay Monroe of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty Sold for $12.32 million • 900 West Stafford Road, Westlake Village, California Listed by Joan Ruth Young and Cathie Messina of Sotheby's International Realty Sold for $12.65 million • 259 Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, Florida Listed by Kean Development Company Sold, Listed for $19.5 million • 777 Sarbonne Road, Los Angeles, California Listed by Aaron Kirman of Compass and Mauricio Simon Umansky of The Agency Sold for $48.048 million LUXURY PRESENCE EXPANDS VIA SOTHEBY’S, RM SOTHEBY’S, AND ANYWHERE Following last year’s strategic partnership and acquisition by Sotheby’s, the world’s premier destination for fine art and luxury goods, and Anywhere Real Estate, Inc., the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States, the firm rebranded to Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions in June. Continuing to partner with all real estate companies, and through these additional resources and reach, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions heightened its servicing of all brands and clientele better than ever before whilst continuing its alliances with leading brokerages, including Sotheby's International Realty, Engel & Völkers Americas and Canada, Coldwell Banker, Corcoran, Better Homes and Gardens, ERA Real Estate, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices of America, Luxury Portfolio International, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate, Leverage Global Partners, Naef Prestige Knight Frank, and more. Presence was additionally expanded through cross-marketing initiatives spanning events, digital optimization, and collaborations with Sotheby’s, Anywhere, and RM Sotheby’s. GROWING AUDIENCES Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions saw a strong audience increase in both reach and demographics with continued focus on the future and product refinement, growing their global database by nearly 10% year over year. Further highlights • First-ever live-streamed auction • 124% increase in Facebook followers • 55%+ increase in Instagram followers • 12% website users increase, with webviews from 230 countries and territories to casothebys.com SOTHEBY’S CONCIERGE AUCTIONS SOCIAL IMPACT: KEY FOR KEY® In partnership with Giveback Homes, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ Key For Key® giving program guarantees that for every home the firm sells, a home is funded for a family in need since 2017, the program’s origin year. AGENT ADVISORY BOARD AND INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENTS Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions Agent Advisory Board continued in its fourth year with a hand-selected group of top agents and brokers created to act as a think tank on the state of luxury real estate. Collectively, the agents and brokers selected for the Advisory Board have achieved billions of dollars in global luxury real estate sales, and have extensive familiarity to the high-end auction process, as well as a record of success with the firm. Members include • Frank Aazami of Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty in Phoenix, Arizona • Matt Beall of Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers in Princeville, Hawaii • Paul Benson of Engel & Völkers in Park City, Utah • Kyle Crews of Allie Beth Allman & Associates in Dallas, Texas • Brad Hermes of Keller Williams in Houston, Texas • Seth O'Byrne of Compass in San Diego, California • John McMonigle of The McMonigle Group in Newport Beach, California • John-Mark Mitchell of Mitchell Prime Properties in Winston-Salem, North Carolina • Billy Nash of Illustrated Properties in Palm Beach, Florida • Kristen Routh-Silberman of Douglas Elliman in Las Vegas, Nevada In addition, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions experienced a year of growth for industry accolades and achievements, propelled by the ‘Significant Sale’ award by Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, a worldwide collection of top brokers representing many of the finest luxury properties across the globe; the ‘Best City Sale’ 2022 Golden I Award by Inman News, the real estate industry’s leading source of real estate news; and 8 Telly awards, honoring excellence and the best work in video and television across all screens. LOOKING AHEAD Coming up in 2023, with Anywhere’s more than 300,000 globally affiliated real estate agents across six brands, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions will continue to benefit from increased distribution, lead generation, and industry-leading data scale, along with enhanced marketing visibility. Sotheby's and Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions will expand live auctions offerings all year-round, increasing presence in New York and adding London and Hong Kong to the auction calendar, enabling property connoisseurs and luxury collectors to acquire luxury real estate alongside fine art and luxury goods in a live auction setting internationally, in addition to digitally, from anywhere in the world—a milestone that will be marked with exceptional exhibitions and events. The firms have announced their first Global Sale of 2023 showcasing some of the finest real estate offerings in the world. Fully integrated within Sotheby’s bi-annual Luxury Week sales series—displayed and sold alongside rare and exceptional offerings of jewelry, watches, sneakers, and more—a selection of offerings will close live at Sotheby’s New York and online on 7 March. Press Contacts: Emily Roberts | emily.roberts@casothebys.com About Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions is the world’s largest luxury real estate auction marketplace, with a state-of-the-art digital marketing, property preview, and bidding platform. The firm matches sellers of one-of-a-kind homes with some of the most capable property connoisseurs on the planet. Sellers gain unmatched reach, speed, and certainty. Buyers receive curated opportunities. Agents earn their commission in 30 days. In November 2021, the firm was acquired by Sotheby’s, the world’s premier destination for fine art and luxury goods, and Anywhere Real Estate Inc (NYSE: HOUS), the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States, holding a joint 80 percent ownership stake. Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions continues to operate independently, partnering with real estate agents affiliated with many of the industry's leading brokerages to host luxury auctions for clients. Since Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ inception in 2008, it has generated billions of dollars in sales, broken world records for the highest-priced homes ever sold at auction and conducted auctions in 46 U.S. states and 34 countries. The firm owns one of the most comprehensive and intelligent databases of high-net-worth real estate buyers and sellers in the industry, and it has committed to build more than 300 homes through its Key For Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes™, which guarantees that for every property the company sells, a new home is funded for a family in need. For more information, visit casothebys.com. * Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer's premium. Images are available upon request. Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a luxury property, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at casothebys.com. https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/610547320/sotheby-s-concierge-auctions-closes-2022-525m-in-sales-world-record-for-highest-price-historic-auctions-at-sotheby-s

The Hollywood production duo behind American Psycho and The Virgin Suicides have listed their one-of-a-kind 'invisible' house in the desert for a whopping $18million - hoping the unique house will be as much of a hit as some of their past projects. Chris and Roberta Hanley, who have been partners in life and work since meeting in college, spent years designing and building their dream home in Joshua Tree, California after being informed that their 720 square foot temporary guesthouse violated local regulations because it was too small. The couple decided to go big - and go home. They began dreaming up their 5,500 square foot mansion that comes complete with an indoor-outdoor pool, four bedrooms, 360-degree views of the astounding natural views of Joshua Tree, and visual features are so spectacular the home was featured on Netflix's 'The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals.' It has also become something of an industry secret, playing host over the years to A-list guests including singer Demi Lovato and musician Diplo. 'I think Demi Lovato saw aliens there,' Chris told The Wall Street Journal. The home was designed by the couple and originally sketched by Chris, who said he was inspired by the black cuboid monolith that appeared in the film '2001: A Space Odyssey,' as well as the work of Bauhaus architects Lugwig Mies van der Rohe. Van der Rohe is part of a small school of architects credited with transforming the look of American industry - particularly, office buildings in cosmopolitan hubs. He famously designed the Seagram Building in New York City. Chris' initial effort, however, may have been a little less involved. 'I just drew a rectangle on paper and said, 'OK, we'll build this,'' he told the Journal. He said he was angling for an 'ultra-minimal thing.'

It all started when they found out their house was illegal. In the early 2010s, Chris and Roberta Hanley were enjoying their off-the-grid vacation home in Joshua Tree, Calif., when they were informed that their 720-square-foot prefab house violated local regulations. At the time, Joshua Tree required that homes be at least 20 feet wide, and their modular house wasn’t. If they wanted to keep living on the land, they would have to build something bigger. Mr. Hanley, a movie producer and artist, quickly got to work sketching an idea for a new home. He was inspired, he said, by the black cuboid monolith in the film “2001: A Space Odyssey” as well as the work of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who designed the Seagram Building in New York City. He would later compare the design to an alien life form, or a skyscraper lying on its side. “I just drew a rectangle on paper and said, ‘OK, we’ll build this,’” recalled Mr. Hanley, 69. “I thought it could just be a monolithic, reflective, ultra-minimal thing.” The resulting house, completed in 2019 and now coming on the market for $18 million, has an entirely reflective glass exterior that mirrors the rocky landscape, making the property blend in with its surroundings. Designed with the help of architect Tomas Osinski, the so-called Invisible House is well known in the area and has been featured on Netflix’s “The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals.” It has also drawn renters including musicians Diplo and Demi Lovato, the Hanleys said. The house, Mr. Hanley said, looks completely different depending on the weather and the time of day. In creating the home’s mirror-like exterior, Mr. Hanley said he was inspired by the late artist Andy Warhol, a friend of the couple’s, who famously said, “land really is the best art.” Sitting on nearly 70 acres abutting Joshua Tree National Park, the rectangular house is about 225 feet long and spans roughly 5,500 square feet. One end is cantilevered off the ground on caissons, so it appears to hover above Joshua Tree’s famed rock formations.

Famed architect Scott Johnson, founding design partner of LA-based firm Johnson Fain, and his wife, Dr. Margaret Bates, have bought a ninth-floor unit at 145 Central Park North in Harlem. The three-bedroom, two-bath spread, which comes with picturesque views of the park and a private balcony, was asking $3.44 million. The purchase price: $3.16 million. Johnson’s work includes the Malibu home where Laura Dern’s character, Renata Klein, lived in “Big Little Lies” (where it’s fictionally set up north in Monterey). He’s also known for designing Fox Plaza, which starred in “Die Hard;” the Creative Artists Agency’s headquarters in Century City, Calif.; and the recently completed First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. At 1,685 square feet, this uptown unit features white-oak floors, floor-to-ceiling windows with white-oak frames and motorized shades. A foyer opens into an open living/dining room overlooking Central Park, while the open chef’s kitchen comes with a breakfast bar. There’s a main bedroom with a walk-in closet and an ensuite bath — while one of the other bedrooms opens to a private balcony. Building amenities include a children’s playroom, a gym, a lounge and a common roof deck with views of the park and the city skyline. The listing broker for the New York home was Mike Fabbri of Nest Seekers. Last September, the couple also listed their Ojai Valley retreat, at 1090 Shokat Drive, for $10.5 million. It sold the following month for $10.25 million, with Aaron Kirman and Danelle Lavin of Compass as the listing brokers. Known as Wall House, that magical residence, which sits on 11 acres, has been published in multiple shelter magazines. Completed in 2016, it boasts a 300-foot-long Corten steel wall with narrow slits for windows, and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall — which opens the home to the rear yard to bring the light in. https://vigourtimes.com/architect-scott-johnson-buys-harlem-pad-for-3-16m/

“Rambo” producer Avi Lerner is ready to pull the trigger on selling his Los Angeles home—for $6.995 million. Mr. Lerner, 75, and his partner, actress and producer Heidi Jo Markel, are long-time residents of the lower Laurel Canyon area, Ms. Markel, 52, said in an email. The couple sold another home nearby in April 2021 after embarking on this new build. “We love the juxtaposition of beautiful nature only five minutes from the city: a perfect location for our demanding work schedules,” she said. “We decided to build our dream home next door, a hidden oasis that had everything that one could desire: extraordinary architectural design, luscious landscape and a pool steps from the kitchen—perfect for our entertaining lifestyle.” To help create their vision, the couple hired local architect John Mares and New York-based interior designer Rod Winterrowd. The result was a roughly 8,300-square-foot home that is “modernistic in every way; crisp, tailored, contemporary, yet steeped in the classical tenets of architecture,” according to the listing with Christopher Dawes, Diana Knox, Kirby Gillon, Bryce Lowe and Aaron Kirman of Mr. Kirman’s newly formed group at Christie’s International Real Estate. The home has an open living, dining and kitchen area that is, indeed, steps from the pool and terrace, listing photos show. The formal living area has a fireplace, while the eat-in kitchen boasts a marble island, two sinks, wine storage and custom wood cabinetry. There’s also an adjacent den and office, plus a bathroom and workout room. A floating staircase leads to the second level, which boasts a wraparound deck and an upper level patio. There are six bedrooms and five bathrooms, and there’s a meticulously landscaped 18th-century-style European garden. The property is also gated, which gives the couple a sense of security when traveling, Ms. Markel added. The Laurel Canyon area is a favorite with creative types, Mr. Dawes said in an email. It “developed into a celebrity enclave to include the likes of Raymond Chandler and Houdini. It was a counterculture to famous musicians of the late 1960-70s including Joni Mitchell, Jim Morrison and Carole King, [and] was the hub of the West Coast music scene,” he said. “It continues to be a very cool place to live.” Of course, that includes Mr. Lerner—whose credits include “The Expendables” series, directed by Slyvester Stallone, in addition to the “Rambo” movies and a litany of other action titles—and Ms. Markel, who, with her husband, produced “Jolt” (2021) with Kate Beckinsale. Mansion Global could not determine how much the couple paid for the underlying property or when they acquired it. https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/rambo-jolt-producers-list-custom-los-angeles-mansion-01673044701

Like a lot of other high net worth people looking to shed some high priced real estate in a market increasingly bogged down by high interest rates and high inflation, Scooter Braun seems to be chasing the market down. Three years ago, about one and a half years before he filed for divorce from Yael Cohen, the pop music mover and shaker shelled out $18 million in an off-market deal for the longtime Los Angeles estate of John Travolta and his late wife Kelly Preston. The Brentwood spread was then a bit shabby around the edges and in obvious need of updates and improvements. Primarily known as the manager for top recording artists like Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber and Demi Lovato, the 41-year-old entrepreneur presumably planned to incorporate the estate into what was then his family home next door. However, by late 2021, some months after he filed for divorce, he’d already decided to flip the old Travolta abode back on the market, with few if any obvious improvements but nonetheless a notably profitable asking price of almost $24 million. With no takers, the ask was chopped in the early weeks of 2022 to a tetch below $22 million and now, with no takers at the lower price, the price has once again been dropped, this time to $19.95 million. So, while he may still make a buck, or even a million bucks, it won’t be the windfall originally sought. Listed with Kurt Rappaport at Westside Estate Agency and Dalton Gomez of Aaron Kirman Group, the almost two-and-a-half-acre spread offers complete privacy, enhanced security (there’s a guard shack just inside the gate!), lots of mature shade trees, and pretty, over-the-treetops city and mountain views. Billed in marketing material as “one of the premier estate properties on the westside” and “filled with incredible potential”, the still down-on-its-heels hacienda-style home spans about 8,500 square feet over two floors, with a total of six bedrooms and nine and a half bathrooms. One of the second-floor bedrooms offers sweeping views from a private wraparound balcony shielded by a striped awning. Other highlights include several fireplaces, including one outside, formal living and dining rooms, a media room and a library/study, a lighted tennis court that could use resurfacing, several expanses of patchy lawn bordered by rigidly clipped hedges, and a bougainvillea-draped courtyard dining and lounging area that overlooks a classic kidney-shaped swimming pool. There’s also a sunken trampoline and a huge deck that hangs over the ravine that falls aways at the rear of the estate. Braun and Cohen finalized their big-dollar divorce last fall. Among other divisions of art, autos and a PJ, Cohen retained their family home in Brentwood while Braun had by then already splashed out $65 million on a brand-new contemporary home in L.A.’s Mandeville Canyon and another $36 million on a lavish Montecito estate that he bought from Ellen DeGeneres. As for Travolta, he’s also made some big changes to his portfolio in recent years. Besides selling the Brentwood estate to Braun, he sold a waterfront home in Clearwater, Fla., the headquarters of Scientology, and bought a home out in L.A.’s suburban Calabasas. He still owns the family’s unconventional fly-in estate in central Florida, where he can park his planes in the backyard, and the family’s longtime vacation getaway in Maine has been on and off the market for the last few years, most recently at $5 million. https://www.dirt.com/gallery/moguls/power-players/scooter-braun-house-los-angeles-john-travolta-brentwood-estate-1203611180/brauntrav_bw6/

Famed architect Scott Johnson, founding design partner of LA-based firm Johnson Fain, and his OB/GYN wife, Dr. Margaret Bates, have bought a ninth-floor unit at 145 Central Park North in Harlem. The three-bedroom, two-bath spread, which comes with picturesque views of the park and a private balcony, was asking $3.44 million. The purchase price: $3.16 million. Johnson’s work includes the Malibu home where Laura Dern’s character, Renata Klein, lived in “Big Little Lies” (where it’s fictionally set up north in Monterey). He’s also known for designing Fox Plaza, which starred in “Die Hard;” the Creative Artists Agency’s headquarters in Century City, Calif.; and the recently completed First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. At 1,685 square feet, this uptown unit features white-oak floors, floor-to-ceiling windows with white-oak frames and motorized shades. A foyer opens into an open living/dining room overlooking Central Park, while the open chef’s kitchen comes with a breakfast bar. There’s a main bedroom with a walk-in closet and an ensuite bath — while one of the other bedrooms opens to a private balcony. Building amenities include a children’s playroom, a gym, a lounge and a common roof deck with views of the park and the city skyline. The listing broker for the New York home was Mike Fabbri of Nest Seekers. Last September, the couple also listed their Ojai Valley retreat, at 1090 Shokat Drive, for $10.5 million. It sold the following month for $10.25 million, with Aaron Kirman and Danelle Lavin of Compass as the listing brokers. Known as Wall House, that magical residence, which sits on 11 acres, has been published in multiple shelter magazines. Completed in 2016, it boasts a 300-foot-long Corten steel wall with narrow slits for windows, and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall — which opens the home to the rear yard to bring the light in. https://nypost.com/2023/01/06/architect-scott-johnson-buys-harlem-pad-for-3-16m/