Logo

1262 Norman Place In Brentwood

1262-norman-1

1262 N Norman Pl
Los Angeles, CA 90049

3 BR, 2.5 BA
$1,795,000

Here’s a nice updated mid-century (1963) in the hills of Brentwood. This contemporary remodel was done by architect Eric Meyerowitz and designer Brooke Gardner. I really like how light and open it is with a nice flow between the living room, dining room and kitchen. I love the dark oak floors as well. We saw a house yesterday in Encino with similar floors and that really made the house even more amazing in my opinion. Same goes for here.

1262-norman-3

Read more…


Home Sixties Home

home-sixties-home-tour

Since going on the MAK Tour back in October I have been craving another mid-century home tour. So with that in mind, I am very excited about the Brentwood Home Sixities Home tour sponsored by the LA Conservancy coming up on April 18th. One of the stops is the Franks House (above) – a redwood treehouse bachelor pad notorious with the neighbors for swinging parties. With a hillside view of the ocean it will be great to see in person.

Another featured home is the sprawling custom residence built in 1961 for Dr. and Mrs. Morris Frankel in Mandeville Canyon. Designed by Ephraim Baran, architect of the distinctive Directors Guild of America corporate headquarters in Hollywood, the house is a virtual time capsule of sixties architecture and interior design.

Tickets are $40 for members ($60 for the general public), which includes shuttle transportation and an automatic reservation to the Sixties Residential Architecture Exploration With Jan Horn on Wednesday, April 14 at 8 p.m. Tours will start every half-hour beginning at 10:00 a.m. The entire tour will take approximately 2 1/2 hours to complete.


Interview with Grace Ellay Owner

grace-ellay-boutique

Since we moved around the corner from Grace Ellay in Silver Lake, I’d been warily eyeing the boutique. I knew if I ventured inside, I’d wind up buying something. Grace Ellay had that look. The look that said: money is going to disappear from your wallet the minute you walk in because you’re going to see things you can’t live without. And when I visited Grace Ellay, I did purchased something, but it didn’t put as much of a dent in my wallet as I expected! The prices are remarkably lower than comparable boutiques, but the quality is super high. The owner, Ramey Arnold, has a great eye for unique clothing, jewelry and art. Ramey was super helpful and friendly, and even agreed to answer some questions about Grace Ellay and her experience owning a boutique in Silver Lake. Check it out!

Take Sunset: When did you open Grace Ellay?

Ramey Arnold: Grace Ellay opened in September 2007, and I have loved every single moment since.

Take Sunset: Why did you want to open your own boutique?

grace-ellay-silver-lakegrace-ellay-silver-lake1

Ramey: I dreamed of opening my own business for almost ten years. I let the dream change and evolve until it took the right shape. Fundamentally, I knew I wanted to open a place that would attract like-minded people. I wanted all of the right elements to be involved, everything that I love: fashion, art, accessories, people, good conversation, wine…

Take Sunset: How would you describe Grace Ellay?

Ramey: I would describe it as a friendly and fashionable neighborhood gem. It’s a place to stop by and chat, pick out clothes that you look and feel good in, fall in love with a piece of art or an accessory, grab a gift for a friend, or just a treat for yourself. I love boutique shopping. So, I really wanted to give people a more affordable boutique option than they are used to. You know, go ahead, treat yourself and don’t feel guilty!

Read more…


A Runner’s Circle

a-runners-circle-los-feliz

I feel too busy for everything these days–getting the dog groomed, going to the dentists, buying a new pair of running shoes. It all gets filled under: Stuff I seriously need to do but…

My New Balance shoes were starting to feel like a 7 layer dip with all the store-bought inserts and arch supports I used to keep them trucking along for a few more miles. And then my ankle started bugging me, and then my knees and lower back started to ache. So before I got a real injury, I knew it was time for new shoes!

a-runners-circle

Today, I finally headed into A Runner’s Circle in Atwater Village, and I am so glad I did. It’s hands-down the best running shoe store I’ve ever experienced. It’s not huge inside, but they have a good selection of running gear, a lot of which was on sale. I was immediately greeted by Joe, the owner, who was super friendly. He asked me how frequently and long I run, where I run, and then asked me to walk for him and to stand on one foot, so he could check my balance and find out if I overpronate or underpronate. He then measured my feet, and I realized my old running shoes were a half size too small. That’s why I was having pain in my toes! Oops.

Once Joe had thoroughly analyzed everything, he  brought out four pairs of shoes. I tried them on, walked around the store, and even took my two favorites out for a spin down Los Feliz Blvd. I ended up with a great pair of Brooks, a brand I wasn’t very familiar with and probably wouldn’t have even tried on, if it hadn’t been for A Runner’s Circle.

Overall, this shopping experience was A+. The customer service was awesome. Joe was so knowledgeable and helpful and really took his time explaining everything to me. I learned a lot about running shoes and even got some great running tips!

A Runner’s Circle is also very active in the running community, and they have a ARC Run Club, which meets on Thursdays at 6 PM at the store. To be updated about A Runner’s Circle’s sales and events, you can connect with them on Facebook at A-Runners-Circle.

A Runner’s Circle
3216 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 661-8971


5146 Sophia Ave In Encino

5146-sophia-1

5146 Sophia Ave
Encino, CA 91436

3 BR, 2.5 BA
$1,025,000 $999,000

I meant to post this when it first hit the market a few weeks ago, but it somehow slipped through the cracks. What caught my eye was a charming mid-century ranch home located a stone’s throw from the 101 in Encino (I have yet to visit the house, but I don’t think traffic noise is an issue). I like the indoor/outdoor flow, big backyard with pool (the lot is 10,227 square feet), high beam ceilings, skylights and dual fireplaces.

5146-sophia-2

Read more…


3321 Wood Terrace In Los Feliz

3321-wood-1

3321 Wood Terrace
Los Angeles, CA 90027

2 BR, 1 BA
$539,000

Here’s an affordable little cottage for a buyer who really wants to live in the coveted Ivanhoe School District. In addition to the great neighborhood you get high ceilings, a formal dining room, patio, central air and heating, updated electrical and roofing, and most of the plumbing has been replaced to copper. It’s not the biggest house in the neighborh0od but with the Reservoir and Griffith Park so close by you have quite the playground at your disposal.

3321-wood-2

Read more…


Last Week’s Most Viewed Properties

The following were the most viewed properties on TakeSunset.com for the week of 3/1/10 – 3/7/10:


3542 Division St In Mt. Washington

3542-division-1

3542 Division St
Los Angeles, CA 90065

2 BR, 1 BA
$419,000

The agent for this listing describes this as a “real value” and I have to agree. Having spent the last few months searching for well done single family homes in the low $400s for a few clients, I can definitely say this is one of the better ones I’ve seen. This updated 40s traditional has a charming original kitchen updated with stainless steel appliances, a garage, a wet bar and a patio off the kitchen with plenty of room to entertain.

3542-division-2

Read more…


Forage in Silver Lake

Forage-Silver-Lake-exterior

There has been quite a lot of chatter about Forage since it opened in Silver Lake. But for those just driving by its Sunset Junction location—as I do daily–it managed to open relatively quietly, nabbing the space previously occupied by Town & Country.

Forage-Silver-Lake-Deli

Forage’s menu is right up my alley–super fresh ingredients that rotate with whatever is in season. There are lots of fresh options, like the raved about Pork Belly Sandwich or their daily quiche offering. Particularly tempting are the combo plates where you can order a protein, like Jidori Rotisserie Chicken, and  an option of sides–Market Vegetables, Beets with Citrus-Ginger Slaw, Creamy Scalloped Potatoes and more.

Forage also holds a harvest call every Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can drop by with your homegrown produce, and members of Forage’s culinary team will figure out how they can use it on their upcoming menu. They also post forage calls on their site of the produce they’re actively foraging.

Read more…


1624 Landa In Echo Park

1624-landa-1

1624 Landa St
Los Angeles, CA 90026

1 BR, 1 BA
$499,000

Here’s another pricey one bedroom in Echo Park (check out last week’s at 2235 Lake Shore). This split-level Craftsman has a lot going for it: high ceilings, fireplace, formal dining room, finished basement and it’s located on a private cul-de-sac at the top of beautiful Elysian Heights. But is one bedroom enough for you? That’s a question prospective buyers will need to answer when they consider this very charming property.

1624-landa-2

Read more…