Westlake Village Real Estate Blog

Archive for the ‘Broker Tour Picks’ Category

If green is the new black, then wild is the “au courant” look in gardens. So goes the ecological wisdom.

In fact, the concept of “wild gardens” is not new, dating back to the 1860′s when it was pioneered in England by William Robinson. It has evolved to what we commonly call today the English Cottage Garden. Robinson, taking his cue from the Arts and Crafts movement, strove for the practical, more natural, less formal garden that harmonized with the surrounding landscape. Wild gardens were to contain a large variety of plants, including edibles and natives all mixed together in a free design.

In eco-conscious Southern California, wild gardens showcase those plants that thrive in our dry environment. Some wild gardens also seek to attract wildlife. In the wild garden in the photo, surrounding a home in Wood Ranch, owner Agnes Faughnan says, “We focused on the abundance of birds in the area, putting in not only plants but also a water feature that would attract them. Definitely, this has been a success story.”

To maintain the pastoral environment, Faughnan’s garden uses natural stone for the patio, walkways and small retaining walls. The resulting setting, says Faughnan, is eco-friendly, with low-water-using plants irrigated by micro irrigation sprinklers. It offers variety, with an abundance of native plants, perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees, including lemon, lime, tangerines, blood orange, pear, Asian pears, persimmons, pomegranate, fig and black walnut, as well as many herbs and, of course, lavender.

“Our wild garden is also practical,” says Faughnan, “because of its low requirements for both water and maintenance. Like nature,” she says, “our garden is a work in progress.”

For more images of this tranquil paradise, see Starbright Gardens.

Luxury home buyers now have three more homes to choose from at the David Murdock’s world-class Lake Sherwood neighborhood in Thousand Oaks. Priced between $2,250,000 for a one-story Montecito-style home and $2,825,000 for a Southern “belle,” these estate properties have been designed to include significant energy-conserving features, with special focus on items such as radiant heating, insulation, window and glass materials, and tankless water heaters. All, of course, offer close proximity to the renowned Sherwood Country Club Sherwood Lakes Club and the Sherwood Lake Club.

New Construction at Lake Sherwood

This home is adorable! Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, it is highly upgraded, with newer flooring throughout, Saltillo tiles in the entry and lower areas, and radiant heating in the living room. The remodeled kitchen has top-of-the-line all hardwood cherry cabinets (they glide so smoothly!). There are granite countertops accented with tasteful limestone tiles and steel appliances. There is an expanded dining area with a skylight. The guest bath has a designer sink and tub surrounded by stunning tile and stone. The yard has an inviting entertaining area with Saltillo tiles, a grassy area with fruit trees, a child’s playhouse and a seperate dog run. Behind this property is a greenbelt area with large mature trees that provide beauty and privacy. There are two bedrooms downstiars and a loft bedroom up (just follow the handsome wrought-iron tair railing). At this price, you can’t beat this amazing home! Listed by Connie Poe, Ewing & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. List price: $564,000. Hurry!

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From the heart-shaped stone in the entry path to the infinity pool in the backyard, this spectacular single story offers abundant use of exquisite materials, as well as attention to detail. Surrounded by scenic countryside views on nearly two acres, this four bedroom estate home spans 5,200 square feet of living space. Beveled finished Travertine floors, wood-cased windows, arched doorways and high ceilings are among its architectural details. The gourmet kitchen, open to the family room, has distressed wood cabinets, custom finished European hardware, a center island, granite countertops, and a breakfast bar. The spacious master retreat offers amazing views and French doors leading to an outdoor patio. The incredible resort-style backyard features a pool with sheer descents and a cascading waterfall from the elevated spa. There is a natural stone outdoor fireplace, large grassy yard, a covered veranda, and custom outdoor lighting. Pastoral and mountain views complete this serene setting. Listed by Nicki LaPorta and Karen Crystal, Ewing & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. $1,750,000

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Please join me at 684 Starbright Ct., Wood Ranch, on Sunday afternoon. This spacious, sunny home, at the end of a small cul-de-sac, features beautiful grounds and many interior amenities. Come see for yourelf, and enjoy a tour of the home and grounds. Fresh strawberries will be served. For a quick peak go to http://www.684Starbright.com. $859,000.

Come see my new listing: Starbright Gardens! Extraordinary plantings abound in this botanical paradise, created by the current owner, who volunteered for five years at Pasadena’s Huntington Gardens. The magnificent garden surrounds the home on a huge private lot, tucked away on a cul-de-sac. The garden is organically maintained, with micro irrigation; it has French drains, a natural stone patio, paths and terraced walls, as well as a small stream, a waterfall and an outdoor charcoal BBQ.

Located in wonderful Wood Ranch, this 4/5-bedroom, 4-bath home features a well-equipped kitchen with a double oven, custom shelving in the walk-in pantry and extra shelving in the cabinets. The dining room and kitchen open onto the yard, while a balcony off the master suite overlooks it.

Other upgrades include ceiling fans, customized closets and a cedar-lined closet in the master, as well as a bonus room off the master and a workroom in the garage. There are built-in cabinets in the garage and rain gutters too! Situated close to top-rated Wood Ranch Elementary School, this spacious home and garden are a rare and special offering. Listed at $859,000

This home, located at 684 Starbright Ct., Simi Valley, will be open Friday, April 9, from 11 – 1.

5401 Softwind Way

This little gem in the Hillrise neighborhood has great curb appeal and  nice concrete driveway. There are large tile pavers in entry, livingroom, family room and kitchen, which sports granite counters. There are smoothe ceilings throughout, with much recessed lighting and ceiling fans.  The flat backyard features block walls and  a patio slab.  Hillrise offers excellent access to the freeway and shopping. Desirable Las Virgenes  schools. Listed by Rob Jordan, Ewing & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. $399,000

1791 Shawness Ct., Westlake Village, CA 91362

This well-priced four-bedroom home, nestled in the heart of North Ranch at the end of a cul-de-sac, has been updated throughout with contemporary taste. The spacious gourmet kitchen features a large center island, granite counters, built-in pantry, stainless-steel appliances and a sunny breakfast room. Adjacent to the kitchen is the family room. There is one full bedroom/bathroom suite downstairs. A wide staircase leads upstairs to the elegant master suite with fireplace, sitting area and plenty of closet space. The grassy yard has ample room for play or entertaining. The home is close to the North Ranch Golf Course and Country Club, a large public park, and fine resutarnts and shopping. The school district is Conejo. Listed at $975,000 by Nicki La Porta and Karen Crystal, Ewing & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty.