In A Stunning World of Its Own
By Camilla McLaughlin
Fall means new beginnings and the Beverly Hills property featured on the cover couldn’t be more fitting for a fall issue. Not only is this stunning Mediterranean villa the “ne plus ultra” of California living, but it also creates a new luxury aesthetic for upscale homes worldwide.
Architect Grant Kirkpatrick of KAA Design Group in Los Angeles clearly tapped into what he describes as “genius loci,” the spirit of the place, when he created this stunning home to complement an already spectacular site, 20 acres on a private bluff overlooking Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. Skillfully positioned so it naturally settles onto the edge of a 5-acre knoll of flat land, the structure doesn’t intrude; rather it makes the setting only more beautiful. Walking paths meander throughout the property past immaculate lawns and orchards, uncovering secret gardens along the way — even a private forest. All the accoutrements that enable a property to be qualified as a great estate are here too.
The villa embodies the warmth and beauty of southern California living through the generous use of natural materials, beautiful woods and reclaimed materials such as the 18th-century French terra cotta from Bordeaux. Indoor and outdoor spaces form a continuous tapestry. Throughout, a strong European influence elevates, imbuing the entire estate with a timeless international flavor. Everything is so beautifully executed, nothing is overdone and the overall impression really is one of perfection.
“While it’s a large house, it has a very warm inviting feeling; it feels like a home. It’s not like a hotel. It’s not garish or over the top,” observes Kurt Rappaport, president of the Westside Estate Agency, who is listing the property with Joyce Rey, executive director of Coldwell Banker Previews International. Rey and Rappaport both emphasize that as spectacular as this home is it is also done in the best taste.
“The incredible level of execution, extreme attention to detail and the quality of the residence coupled with such a premier setting and exceptional privacy easily make this estate one of the most outstanding in the U.S., if not worldwide,” according to Rey. The home is listed for $63 million.
[...] Home: In A Stunning World of Its Own Nestled on a private bluff overlooking Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, this 20-acre, [...]