Mary Cummins Investigative Reporter Los Angeles, California: June 2014

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Heidi Klum selling 12759 Chalon Road, Brentwood home for $25,000,000 - Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Los Angeles, California

Heidi Klum, Seal, Brentwood home - Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Los Angeles, California

Heidi Klum, Seal, Brentwood home - Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Los Angeles, California, 12759 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049

12759 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049 The Italian-style villa, completed in 1999, has been given the Heidi makeover—a complete renovation that revived and refreshed a front-row oceanview estate in the premier guard-gated community in Brentwood, located off bucolic Mandeville Canyon.

The Emmy Award–winning executive producer and host of “Project Runway” and judge on “Germany’s Next Topmodel” and the top-rated “America’s Got Talent” tapped her creative skills to transform the 12,300-square-foot, 8-bedroom 10-bath estate into a warm family home.

Iron gates open to a central motor court with a fountain. Radiating out from the double-height entrance hall are the main living areas—formal living room, formal dining room with wood paneling imported from a private dining room of a hotel in Paris, library with ornate ebonized wood bookcase that came from Napoleon’s country home in France, eat-in chef’s kitchen, butler’s pantry, family room, home office, media room and temperature-controlled wine cellar.

The high-ceilinged, perfectly proportioned rooms and hallways provide plenty of gallery-like wall space for art and photography. French doors offer access to multiple terraces and patios for a variety of outdoor dining and entertaining options.

Upstairs, the master suite consists of a bedroom, living room, terrace with ocean views, his and her custom closets and his and her bathrooms. There are 7 other bedrooms, including a professionally customized dressing/styling room.

Set on approx. 8.5 acres with approx. 3 acres of flat land, the grounds have ample recreational spaces for adults and children—infinity-edge pool and spa, koi pond, formal rose garden, fountains, lawns, gazebos, rolling green for golf putting and driving, children’s playhouse and slide, secret gardens and hiking trails—all with unobstructed ocean views and complete privacy.

Offered at $25 million.
Shown to pre-qualified buyers only.

Heidi Klum, Seal, Brentwood home - Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Los Angeles, California

http://www.heidiklumestate.com/

Heidi Klum bought a Bel Air estate last year which she is currently renovating.

https://homes.yahoo.com/news/heidi-klum-buys-home-bel-air-183101453.html

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, real estate, appraiser, appraisal, instructor, teacher, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Brentwood, Bel Air, California, licensed, permitted, single family, condo, pud, hud, fannie mae, freddie mac, uspap, certified, residential, certified resident, apartment building, multi-family, commercial, industrial, expert witness, civil, criminal, orea, dre, insurance, bonded, experienced, bilingual, spanish, english, form, 1004, 2055, land, raw, acreage, vacant, insurance, cost, income approach, market analysis, comparative, theory, appraisal theory, cost approach, sales, matched pairs, plot, plat, map, diagram, photo, photographs, photography, rear, front, street, subject, comparable, sold, listed, active, pending, expired, cancelled, listing, mls, multiple listing service, claw, themls,

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Michael Jackson died at 100 N Carolwood, Bel Air, California - Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Animal Advocates, Los Angeles

Michael Jackson, died, death, 100 Carolwood, Bel Air, California, home, house, Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates, Real Estate Appraiser,

The notorious Holmby Hills house where Michael Jackson died has been on and off the market since 2008 (with a starting price of $38 million), and was renting to Jackson for $100,000 a month when he suddenly died June 25, 2009. Prince, Paris, Blanket were living at the home with their father at that time. The house was designed by Richard Landry and built in 2002 on 1.26 acres. It has seven bedrooms, thirteen bathrooms, a theater, an elevator, a spa and gym, and a guesthouse. In December, many of the furnishings (including a "pair of obelisk and urn form table lamps" and a "Parian marble statue of a peasant girl") were sold at auction.

In 2012 the home sold for $18,000,000 to Steven and Laura Mayer. The home was in foreclosure for $8,000,000 months before the sale.

Michael Jackson, Jackson Five, 100 Carolwood, died, death, home, house, address, Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates, Real Estate Appraiser

	Mary Cummins
	Cummins Appraisal Services
	www.MaryCummins.com
	(310) 877-4770

STATUS: Sold

ADDRESS: 100 N CAROLWOOD DR , LOS ANGELES 90077

SP: $18,100,000

Add'l Photos

View Larger Map

RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY	AREA: (4) Bel Air - Holmby Hills	MLS#: 12-588687	MAP: 592/D7	BR: 7
STYLE: French	SUB:	PUD:	YB: 2002	BA: 13.00 (0 0 0 0)
APN: 4358-006-031	ZONE: LARE40	HOD: $0.00	STO: 2	APX SF: 17,171/OT
ADP:	VU: Yes	PL: Yes	APX LDM:	APX LSZ: 54,870/AS
APX ACREAGE: 1.260	GH: Det'd	FP#: 11		PKGT: 7
HORSE PROP: No	LSE:	LOP:	FUR: No	PKGC:7
ELEM:	JRHS:	SRHS:

DIRECTIONS: North of Sunset

REMARKS: Elegant and sophisticated French Chateau estate was conceived by Richard Landry and completed in 2002 in the most prestigious area of Holmby Hills. This property is a major achievement in design and proportion, incorporating classic design and impeccable craftsmanship and offering the perfect integration of charm and elegance in a world-class setting. The estate also offers a glamorous theater for screenings in a grand style, a magnificent wine cellar and tasting room, elevator, a spacious spa with gym, and an elegant guesthouse with stained glass doors leading to the expansive pool and gardens. Within the approx. 17,000+ square feet of living space are seven bedrooms, thirteen baths, and twelve working fireplaces. A lush and mature landscape surrounds the estate on approximately 1.26 acres.

ROOMS: Art Studio,Bar,Basement,Breakfast Area,Center Hall,Den,Dining,Dining Area,Family,Gym,Library/Study
EQUIP: Built-Ins,Cable,Dishwasher,Dryer,Elevator,Freezer,Garbage Disposal,Hood Fan,Microwave,Range/Oven,Refrigerator,Trash Compactor,Washer
AIR: Central	HEAT: Central
FLOOR: Carpet,Hardwood,Mixed	LAUNDRY: Inside
FIREPL: Den,Dining,Exterior,Family Room,Gas,Guest House,Kitchen,Library,Living Room,Master Bedroom,Patio	ROOF: Slate
POOL: Heated,Private	TENNIS:
PARK: Attached,Direct Entrance,Door Opener,Garage,Gated,Private Garage	SPA:
VIEW TYPE: Courtyard,Pool,Tree Top	WATERFRONT:
SEC: 24 Hour,Gated	FIN:
SEWER: In Street	POSS:
DISC: As Is	SZONE: Property Report
OCC/SHOW: 24-hr Notice,Call LA 1	SALE TYPE: Standard
LAND TYPE:

LP: $23,900,000	DOM: 224	LD: 03/19/2012	SP: $18,100,000	SSP:	BLOG Y/N: Yes	LP/SF: $1391.88
OLP: $23,900,000	CDOM: 224	CD: 09/23/2012	SD: 11/02/2012	WD:	AVM Y/N: Yes	SP/SF: $1054.10

LA1: Mauricio Umansky		DRE: 01222825
PH: 424-230-3701	CELL:	FAX: 424-230-3720
LO1: The Agency		PH: 424-230-3700 x 101
MUmansky@TheAgencyRE.com

LA2:		DRE: N/A
PH:	CELL:	FAX:
LO2:		PH:

SA1: Jordana L Leigh		DRE: 01239166
PH: 310-383-1701	CELL: 310-383-1701	FAX: 424-230-3720
SO1: The Agency		PH: 424-230-3700
jordana769@gmail.com

SA2:		DRE: N/A
PH:	CELL:	FAX:
SO2:		PH:

CSO: 2%

LT: ER

LBA:

BAC: Yes

LS: No

EO: No

PROBATE:

Broker/Agent does not guarantee the accuracy of the square footage, lot size or other information concerning the conditions or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from Public Records or other sources. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of all information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, real estate, appraiser, appraisal, instructor, teacher, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Brentwood, Bel Air, California, licensed, permitted, single family, condo, pud, hud, fannie mae, freddie mac, uspap, certified, residential, certified resident, apartment building, multi-family, commercial, industrial, expert witness, civil, criminal, orea, dre, insurance, bonded, experienced, bilingual, spanish, english, form, 1004, 2055, land, raw, acreage, vacant, insurance, cost, income approach, market analysis, comparative, theory, appraisal theory, cost approach, sales, matched pairs, plot, plat, map, diagram, photo, photographs, photography, rear, front, street, subject, comparable, sold, listed, active, pending, expired, cancelled, listing, mls, multiple listing service, claw, themls,

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Justin Bieber renting condo at 432 Oakhurst, unit 502 or 507, Beverly Hills, CA - Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates, Real Estate Appraiser

Justin Bieber, Beverly Hills, condo, 432 Oakhurst, Selena Gomez, Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates, Real Estate Appraiser

Justin Bieber has moved to Beverly Hills. He's renting a penthouse and a first floor unit at 432 N Oakhurts. He most likely is renting penthouse 502 or 507 as those were the last two available. He's renting a first floor unit for his "entourage," aka moochers, hangerons, bad influences.

Justin Bieber, Beverly Hills, condo, 432 Oakhurst, Selena Gomez, Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates, Real Estate Appraiser

http://432oakhurst.com/

Kitchens and Baths

High-end appliance packages from Miele® and Sub-Zero® in all kitchens
Premium Caesarstone® quartz countertops in all kitchens and baths, with integral Caesarstone® sinks in baths
Designer-selected stainless steel kitchen sink
Custom imported Italian cabinetry lends style
Distinctive Italian GESSI® plumbing fixtures in all kitchens and baths
Indulgent soaking tubs in master bath with GESSI® spout and hand shower, freestanding tubs in some master baths
Designer-selected custom porcelain shower tiles

Interiors

Striking two- and three-bedroom residences
Open floor plans designed for enriched indoor and outdoor living
Each home offers one or more oversized balconies/verandas with smooth floor finish
Grand Fleetwood® floor-to-ceiling windows and glass sliding doors, multi-slide doors in select locations
Contemporary maple planked entry doors with side decorator paneling
Designer-selected solid-core interior doors
Attractive recessed lighting throughout and fluorescent under-cabinet lighting at kitchen
Pre-wired for automatic window treatments
Stunning hardwood flooring at kitchen, dining and family rooms
Designer-selected carpeting in bedrooms and tiles at laundry room and baths
Energy Efficiency and Safety
Energy-efficient front-load washers and dryers
Premium tankless water heaters
Smart home technology wiring
Thermostatically controlled heating and air conditioning lend increased comfort

Neighborhood

Situated within the most recognized zip code in the world
Tree-lined residential street with scenic views
Walking distance to world-famous shops, restaurants and destinations
Luxury Living
Deluxe intercom system with key fob access – CCTV with 32-camera surveillance throughout parking, common areas and access points
Contemporary architecture with timeless appeal
Spacious lobby area for added convenience
Inviting common area kitchen with refreshment center and espresso machine
Convenient subterranean parking with three designated spaces per residence
Individual, private storage space for each residence
Otis® hi-speed traction elevators with stainless steel doors
Wide, generous common area hallways complement interior architecture
Doorman service available seven days per week, 12 hours per day
Large professionally equipped fitness center with top-of-the-line equipment
Oversized outdoor terraces on ground floor residences provide a spacious retreat
Penthouses boast private rooftop decks, each with its own spa
Exclusive elevator access for fifth-floor penthouse residences
Luxury smooth stucco exterior finish with custom aluminum cladding and accents
Smooth interior drywall finish
Two-tone designer-selected paint adds a touch of elegance
Convenient trash chutes – two per floor

Donald Sterling declared mentally incompetent - Doctors' reports, MRI results, brain scans, nasty phone messages - Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Los Angeles

Donald Sterling, Shelly Sterling, Sterling Family Trust, Clippers, Steve Ballmer

UPDATE: I sent in another complaint against Donald Sterling's law license. He needs to be disbarred. He is not competent to have a law license. His recent behavior is even more evidence that he is not mentally capable to be a lawyer or the trustee of the Sterling Family Trust. For his own good he needs to step down before he makes even more mistakes.

Donald Sterling's doctors Dr Meril S Platzer and Dr James E Spar after examination and testing have determined that 80 year old Sterling has dementia and is not fit to run the Sterling Family Trust. The Sterling Family Trust controls the Clippers. There is a clause in the trust which states if one of the trustees of the trusts is mentally incompetent, the other trustee will take over the trust. Shelly Sterling is taking over the trust so she can sell the Clippers to former Microsoft Executive Steve Ballmer. Shelly Sterling went to probate court so Judge Michael Levanas would approve the change of trustees.

"With a $2 billion sale of the Los Angeles Clippers hanging in the balance, a judge suggested Monday that the terms of a family trust are clear enough to remove Donald Sterling as a trustee and allow his estranged wife to sell the team without his consent.

At one point, Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas said the Sterlings’ trust agreement is so unambiguous that “I could decide this case in five minutes.”

At the center of the volatile court battle are reports from three doctors who examined the 80-year-old Sterling and found he shows symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. His lawyers argued he should be able to call his own experts at a trial set for July 7.

The judge said the trust agreement provides that if two doctors examined Sterling and found he lacked the capacity to manage his own affairs, he would be removed as a trustee. There is no provision to contest the decision, he said. “I don’t know why you want the court involved at all,” he told lawyers.

But by the end of a hearing in probate court, Levanas agreed to allow lawyers to submit written arguments and scheduled a hearing for June 30 ahead of the trial.

Sterling’s wife, Shelly, is trying to sell the team to former Microsoft executive Steve Ballmer, whose offer will expire on Sept. 15. NBA owners are to meet July 15 to vote on the deal."

Below are legal documents from this hearing. They include MRI results, brain scans and other testing.

http://i.usatoday.net/sports/!Invesitgations-and-enterprise/Sterling%20Ex%20Parte%20Declarations%20and%20Exhibits.pdf

Shelly Sterling's attorney states Donald Sterling is incompetent and has been removed as trustee.

Donald Sterling, Shelly Sterling, Sterling Family Trust, Clippers, Steve Ballmer

Voice mail left by Donald Sterling for Dr James Edward Spar's. This really shows how incompetent Sterling is. A sane person would not have left this voice mail. A voice mail can legally be shared with anyone. Here he is threatening the doctor.

Donald Sterling, Shelly Sterling, Sterling Family Trust, Clippers, Steve Ballmer

Here is another voice mail which Donald Sterling left for Dr Meril Platzer. Sterling accidentally calls himself "incompetent." Yep, he's incompetent alright. Because of these two voice mails and the medical reports I sent in a complaint to the California Bar Association so they can take away his law license.

Donald Sterling, Shelly Sterling, Sterling Family Trust, Clippers, Steve Ballmer

This is the result of the interview testing. Donald Sterling has cognitive impairment.

Donald Sterling, Shelly Sterling, Sterling Family Trust, Clippers, Steve Ballmer

This is the result of the X-ray CT brain scan and PET scan. Donald Sterling has "mild atrophy," "neuro dementia" and "Alzheimer's."

Donald Sterling, Shelly Sterling, Sterling Family Trust, Clippers, Steve Ballmer

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Dr Dre's home at 9161 Oriole for sale at $35,000,000 - Mary Cummins, real estate appraiser, Los Angeles, Animal Advocates

Dr Dre, Andre Romelle Young, Beats, Apple, 9161 Oriole, mansion, for sale, $35,000,000, billionaire

Dr Dre's home located in "Bird Land" is on the market for $35,000,000. Dr Dre (real name Andre Romelle Young) recently dropped $40 million on the four-acre Brentwood estate of supermodel and actress Gisele Bundchen and her husband, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. The rapper closed on that compound two days after Apple Inc. officially announced it had acquired Beats, the company he co-founded with Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman Jimmy Iovine, for $3 billion.

In addition to co-founding Beats, Dr. Dre, 49, is the founder and chief executive of Aftermath Entertainment.
The Grammy winner and record producer bought the property in 2011 for $15.4 million. He has worked with Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent, among others.

The contemporary estate he just listed has 9,696 square feet of living space and includes a library/media room, a den, a wine cellar, six bedrooms and nine bathrooms.There's a guesthouse and a swimming pool on the three-quarter-acre lot, which has 300-degree views of the city, mountains and ocean. 9161 Oriole built in 1951 on the bird streets of West Hollywood Hills is located on a .71 acres. It sold back in 2011 for $15,400,000 and has been extensively remodeled and upgraded.

Dr Dre, Andre Romelle Young, Beats, Apple, 9161 Oriole, mansion, for sale, $35,000,000, billionaire, Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Los Angeles, California, Animal Advocates

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Hot mugshot guy Jeremy Meeks, stupid felon with long criminal history - Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Animal Advocates

Handsome hunky mugshot guy Jeremy Ray Meeks born February 7, 1984 has a very long criminal history. He also has a history of being a stupid criminal. When questioned about a store theft he stated he was actually his brother Emery Meeks born January 27, 1981. They look very similar. He did this because he had a warrant out for his arrest. He didn't realize that his brother also had a warrant out for his arrest. Off to the pokey he goes for identity theft, theft and resisting arrest. They should have also charged him with stupidity.

Emery Meeks, Jeremy Meeks, Spokane, Washington,

His mother Katherine Louise Angier born June 10, 1954 is no smarter. In writing she stated that her son is no longer part of the gang world. He's being railroaded because of his old tattoos. She states he only had the guns because he needed to protect himself because he used to be part of a gang.

Jeremy Meeks is a convicted felon. It is illegal for him to possess any gun. His mother just ratted him out.She did this while begging for money to bail him out on GoFundMe. Plus, he had pot on him. Here in California you can get a prescription for $40 and buy it legally for $20. Why have pot illegally? Again, stupid criminal.

If Jeremy Meeks felt he was being falsely characterized as a gang member, why didn't he at least get his tear drop tattoo and CRIPS gang tattoo removed? Obviously he wanted people to think he was a gang member.The tear drop tattoo generally means you murdered someone. No sane person would want to tell the world they murdered someone. Of course the police would look at your twice.

Jeremy Meeks sister Melissa is no Rhodes scholar either. She and Jeremy had photos of themselves flashing gang signs on their mother's Facebook wall. The mother cannot be that daft and naive especially when Jeremy admitted he was part of a gang and she admitted that as well.

Jeremy Meeks, Melissa Meeks, gang signs, tattoos, mugshot, handsome

I admit Jeremy Meeks' mugshot photo makes him look handsome with a stunning combination of beautiful skin color, chiseled features, sexy lips and captivating blue eyes. Still who would actually have an interest in a convicted felon who was knowingly breaking the law? I really hope all these women making adoring comments don't actually help bail this guy out. He has not yet learned his lesson and is still a danger to society possessing illegal weapons.

The weapons he possessed were not regular defensive guns. He had some major weapons in the car, i.e. two rifles (one with a scope), a semi-automatic handgun and a short shot gun with double grip. The only purpose for these weapons except the handgun are warfare or picking people off from a distance. This is not a good guy. Please, don't help him. He needs to go to prison.

This is odd. Jeremy Meeks' older brother Emery Meeks graduated from Medical Lake High School in Medical Lake, Washington in 2000 and went to Eastern Washington University. He was on the football team Eastern Washington Eagles then tried his hand as an ultimate fighter while working at Affordable Roofer. He also lived on an Air Force base so maybe he was in the military. He barely has any tattoos. How can these two brothers be so different?

I take that back. His brother Emery R Meeks has a slight record. In 2010 in Cheney, Washington "Emery R. Meeks, 29, was arrested for malicious mischief after punching a hole in a door in the 200 block of Fifth Street." Emery may be married to Rebecca "Becky" Meeks who is expecting a baby in July.

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, real estate, appraiser, appraisal, instructor, teacher, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Brentwood, Bel Air, California, licensed, permitted, single family, condo, pud, hud, fannie mae, freddie mac, uspap, certified, residential, certified resident, apartment building, multi-family, commercial, industrial, expert witness, civil, criminal, orea, dre, insurance, bonded, experienced, bilingual, spanish, english, form, 1004, 2055, land, raw, acreage, vacant, insurance, cost, income approach, market analysis, comparative, theory, appraisal theory, cost approach, sales, matched pairs, plot, plat, map, diagram, photo, photographs, photography, rear, front, street, subject, comparable, sold, listed, active, pending, expired, cancelled, listing, mls, multiple listing service, claw, themls,

Friday, June 20, 2014

Walt Disney mansion 355 Carolwood, Bel Air, just sold for $74 million - Mary Cummins, real estate appraiser, Los Angeles, California

355 N Carolwood, Bel Air, California, Walt Disney, Playboy Mansion, Michael Jackson, Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

355 N Carolwood Drive, Bel Air, California 90077 just sold for $74,000,000. The home was previously owned by Walt Disney. It is located very close to Michael Jackson's last residence, Playboy Mansion, old home of Burt Reynolds and me.

"The Carolwood Estate, formerly the Disney Estate, located at 355 Carolwood Drive and as rich in historical significance as it is in accommodating the most luxurious of lifestyles.

Eight bedrooms and 17 bathrooms span two levels for a total of more than 30,000 Sq. Ft. of construction – an especially accommodating number for those who enjoy entertaining friends. Of special note are the estate features which include a wine cellar, pool house, tennis court, putting green, custom movie room, three bars, library, gym, and two safe rooms. Guests can be assured that every square inch of this nearly four-acre property has been carefully crafted and properly cared for, from the green copper roof to the manicured grounds. Beyond the trees surrounding the pool and tennis court lies a ravine that leads into a bridal path/curtain shared by homeowners of Carolwood. Not only does this separate the lots but also makes the property feel even more vast; indeed, four acres feels like seven. No houses are in sight, ensuring an unparalleled level of privacy and serenity.

Separate quarters are designated for help and special event staff that includes two beds and a living room made accessible via a service entrance off the garage. A Gavin de Becker security system provides peace of mind using Crestron monitors throughout the house and the ability to see which doors are open and which are locked at all times.

Upon walking through the front entrance, one is greeted by a two-story oval foyer with plaster-veneered walls, crown molding, and statuary and verde jade marble flooring. The main staircase is positioned off to the side to offer additional privacy for the children’s suites upstairs. Each main room has commanding 12’ high ceilings showcasing three inch-thick mahogany doors, to either open or close off an area, and double-framed windows throughout. The living room ceiling was raised to 15’ to emulate the scale of a grand house of the 1920s and 30s. Natural light seeps into the gallery that flanks the sitting and dining rooms, which are built extra wide to allow for the flow of guests during parties."

Asking Price: $90,000,000 Sold: $74,000,000

Walt Disney, 1946, 355 N Carolwood, Bel Air, California 90077, sold

The History of Holmby Hills & The Estate

"In the early 1930s, Holmby Hills was just a vast parcel of undeveloped land – that is, until Arthur Letts Sr. chose to purchase the acreage in hopes of creating a neighborhood of grand estates. Unable to see his vision fully come to life before his death, son-in-law Harold Janss, along with brothers Florence and Arthur Jr., gladly took the reigns. The name “Holmby Hills” derives from Arthur Letts Sr.’s original birthplace, a small hamlet in England called “Holdenby.” Each brother selected the best site to build their personal home and began developing a residential masterpiece to attract the attention of the rich and famous. An impressive list of high-level entertainment industry executives and icons have called or still call Holmby Hills their home. These include Frank Sinatra, Hugh Hefner (owner of the famed Playboy Mansion), Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Sonny and Cher, and Bing Crosby, to name a few. The exclusivity of the Holmby Hills community speaks volumes about its desirability. Walt Disney is one such figure that fell in love with the land. In 1949, Lillian, his wife, telephoned Harold Janss about purchasing a property in Holmby Hills. Designed in the contemporary style by architect James Dolena, the Disney family settled into their dream home on 355 Carolwood Drive. Walt and Lillian remained there until their deaths upon which the subsequent owner purchased the property from Mrs. Disney’s estate and rebuilt it in 2001. Thus, only three owners have had a stake in the property since Janss first developed the land.

Today, Holmby Hills remains among the most elite and sought after neighborhoods. With Beverly Hills to the east and Bel Air to the north, the neighborhood forms the “Platinum Triangle” of Los Angeles, home to the priciest and most lavish homes. What continues to attract celebrities, industry icons, and Hollywood power players lies in the subtle yet powerful ways in which the rich and famous lifestyle can be realized. For starters, the Letts brothers made sure to secure generous lot sizes for future inhabitants. All electric and telephone wires are buried beneath the wide, tree-lined streets to preserve the landscape. In addition, the property lines are bordered by towering trimmed hedges and lush landscaping to ensure the most private and secure enjoyment to all who grace the residences. Uniquely handsome, English-style street lamps–designed exclusively for Holmby Hills–dot the neighborhood, which is split into a north side and a south side by the iconic Sunset Boulevard. Two parks ringed by mature sycamore trees, a nine-hole putting green, and classic lawn bowling can be enjoyed by members of the community.

Walt Disney moved his family to 355 Carolwood to fulfill his dream of having a miniature railroad around his home for him and his children to enjoy. It was there on the property that the Carolwood Pacific Railroad was born, complete with an “S” shaped tunnel, overpasses and a 46-foot long trestle. The railroad would go on to serve as inspiration for his creation of Disneyland.

Perhaps the most iconic keepsake from Walt Disney’s years spent on this land is the etching that reads the date “1950.” Bordered by ivy, this miniature stone archway marks the spot where his famous train, the “Carolwood Pacific Railroad,” as it came to be known, emerged from an underground tunnel. Back in 1950, when the first official run of the train he built set off steam, grownups and kids from all over the neighborhood would board the live locomotive that stretched through nearly 1⁄2 mile of the backyard. It’s no secret that his fascination with trains followed him from childhood into adulthood, helping to fuel the inspiration that led him to manifest the one place on earth where dreams come true: Disneyland. Today, railroads and monorails are featured at Walt Disney Company Theme Parks worldwide, and it all started here at The Carolwood Estate. The “1950” inscription remains a fond relic of his incredible imagination and conviction to bring about joy to those around him."

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, real estate, appraiser, appraisal, instructor, teacher, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Brentwood, Bel Air, California, licensed, permitted, single family, condo, pud, hud, fannie mae, freddie mac, uspap, certified, residential, certified resident, apartment building, multi-family, commercial, industrial, expert witness, civil, criminal, orea, dre, insurance, bonded, experienced, bilingual, spanish, english, form, 1004, 2055, land, raw, acreage, vacant, insurance, cost, income approach, market analysis, comparative, theory, appraisal theory, cost approach, sales, matched pairs, plot, plat, map, diagram, photo, photographs, photography, rear, front, street, subject, comparable, sold, listed, active, pending, expired, cancelled, listing, mls, multiple listing service, claw, themls,

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Heidi Klum selling 12759 Chalon Road, Brentwood home for $25,000,000 - Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Los Angeles, California

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Michael Jackson died at 100 N Carolwood, Bel Air, California - Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Animal Advocates, Los Angeles

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Justin Bieber renting condo at 432 Oakhurst, unit 502 or 507, Beverly Hills, CA - Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates, Real Estate Appraiser

Donald Sterling declared mentally incompetent - Doctors' reports, MRI results, brain scans, nasty phone messages - Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Los Angeles

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Dr Dre's home at 9161 Oriole for sale at $35,000,000 - Mary Cummins, real estate appraiser, Los Angeles, Animal Advocates

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Hot mugshot guy Jeremy Meeks, stupid felon with long criminal history - Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Animal Advocates

Friday, June 20, 2014

Walt Disney mansion 355 Carolwood, Bel Air, just sold for $74 million - Mary Cummins, real estate appraiser, Los Angeles, California

Who Owns That Hairstyle? Braids, Cornrows, Dreadlocks Throughout History by Mary Cummins

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