Residents of AKA Beverly Hills can enjoy the outdoor residents-only lounge, a spacious landscaped terrace with spectacular views of the Hollywood Hills.
Photo ©2014 Eric Staudenmaier.
In these times of social distancing and working from home, any amount of travel feels like an enormous reprieve from the new normal. Those needing or looking for high-end lodging away from home, for work or otherwise, might feel anxious striking out into a new city or living in a safe, clean environment. One brand is offering luxury, semi-permanent rental spaces in cities around the country that feel safe and more than comfortable.
The AKA brand originally formed in 2005 with the idea of recognizing an “unmet need in major cities for luxury extended-stay apartments with hotel services,” according to Elana Friedman, chief marketing officer of AKA. Founder Larry Korman and his family conceptualized furnished apartments that would satisfy residents’ need for flexible living arrangements without sacrificing luxury. Since then, according to Friedman, these innovative ideas have grown to incorporate the best in cuisine, design, wellness and technology in metropolitan locations all over, including London, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
AKA specializes in weekly and monthly stays, therefore creating a “home away from home experience for our residents, no matter where they are traveling from,” Friedman says. She adds that to meet the demand of those who are looking for a self-sufficient living experience, AKA offers luxurious furnished apartments with modern kitchens, spacious floor plans and services as requested, all furnished in a contemporary style by renowned designers.
Each AKA location offers a diverse range of services designed to provide residents with comfort, choice and luxury for any length of stay. All locations provide on-site services such as a 24-hour front desk, dedicated doorman, meticulous housekeeping, valet and laundering, in-suite dining, secure transportation, and more. Private amenity spaces are included as well, from thoughtfully designed fitness centers and lounges, to cafes and cinemas.
With the developing public health crisis, priorities over privacy and cleanliness have grown, as well as a need for safe workspaces. AKA has not only recognized these concerns, but has adapted to remain open and flexible to residents.
“We concepted flexible office suites that will allow a person to book a suite to work, rent as a socially distanced office, or have the bed removed to create a workspace for two employees,” Friedman says. These suites also feature a full kitchen, private bathroom, copier/printer/scanner, complimentary WiFi, and can be booked on a weekly or monthly basis.
Flexible office space at AKA Central Park in New York.
Photo courtesy AKA Hotel Residences.
AKA Beverly Hills offers a contemporary residential oasis boasting suites with custom furnishings, private balconies and more.
Photo ©2018 Eric Staudenmaier
Private workspace at AKA University City.
Photo © Halkin Mason Photography
When it comes to traveling in today’s world, finding a balance between privacy and engaging activities can be difficult and have the potential to change the hospitality industry at its core. However, brands like AKA that are already seeing changes in what was “normal” prior to the pandemic, are finding ways to stay ahead. “People are now and will continue to be more hyper-focused on the cleanliness and safety of their surroundings, and these facets are taking the lead when planning a trip or experience,” Friedman notes. “Given that, we anticipate travelers will look for more extended-stay or serviced residence options coming out of the downturn as a way to have greater control over their accommodations.”
With AKA’s Live It! Program, AKA residents are encouraged to uncover new experiences like a local, while keeping safe in socially distanced settings. “From custom fitness sessions, improv classes, trapeze lessons, cooking classes and more, AKA connects travelers with the fabric of a city,” Friedman says. She adds that another new opportunity exclusive to AKA is an East Coast road trip package that offers travelers a chance to experience New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., all in one trip. With two to three hours of driving between each destination, the getaway gives residents the opportunity to embark on a journey of sightseeing, outdoor activities, photo opportunities, local eateries, history and iconic stops along the way to the next city, all in a custom, outdoor, social-distanced activity itinerary.
For more information on the AKA East Coast Road Trip, visit the link here.
For more information on AKA’s Flexible Office Spaces, visit their website here.
A star property itself, this private estate offers incredible attention to detail and elegant interiors that exude sophistication.
Patrick Fogarty of Hilton & Hyland represented the buyers, German national Ekkehart Hassels-Weiler and his new husband Omar Romero, who were eager to acquire this unique home. Fogarty says the home was on the market for less than a month and bought in under four.
Externally, the home is almost mysterious at first glance, as the long driveway affords complete privacy from the street. That mystery transitions into pure awe once the house is in full view, as Fogarty says the home’s proportions and classic design give it a grand feel that enhances with every meticulous detail. “The style is timeless rather than of the moment,” he says, adding that the overall aesthetic is tasteful yet opulent.
Built and developed by the seller, British property developers Ian and Richard Livingston, the estate greets visitors with a graceful motor court that features both trees and fountains. The front doors open to a striking grand entry with 30-foot ceilings and walls of marble, all opening up to a grand staircase and detailed floor plan. A strong yet beautiful harmony is felt in every room, from the dramatic kitchen to the tasteful master bedroom and baths. Interestingly, Fogarty notes that though “the home is grand in scale, [it] still manages to feel like a home.” Other features of this estate include a master wing, gym, theater, guesthouse, staff quarters and bocce court. The expansive backyard also boasts an ozone pool that highlights the perfect California indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Only approximately five minutes from Rodeo Drive, the 8-bedroom, 11-bath home remarkably reflects a sense of tranquility and serenity, allowing the new owners to relax with complete privacy. The blend of rich landscaping and natural materials, such as stones, wood, steel, and brass, also enrich its character and depth, making it a true sanctuary.
Photos by Berlyn Photography 2019.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE GLOBAL 2019 ISSUE OF UNIQUE HOMES. TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.
Jeff Hyland and Drew Fenton are thrilled to present The Glazer Estate, located in Beverly Hills, California. Totaling approximately 27,500 square feet, the massive concrete home with a modern museum-style aesthetic was completed in 1995, and has since replaced the longtime home Dean Martin originally purchased in the 1950s. The property was most recently owned by late real estate developer Guilford Glazer and his wife, Diane Glazer.
“Offering an exclusive Beverly Hills lifestyle, this rare gem is the ultimate in refinement and architectural prowess,” Hyland says.
Beautifully situated on 1.6+ acres in the most prime neighborhood of Beverly Hills real estate, Mountain Drive is arguably the best street in the city, making The Glazer Estate a world-class home in a world-class location.
Guests are instantly greeted by a long, private driveway surrounded by park-like grounds. With no expense spared, The Glazer Estate makes entertaining on a grand-scale seamless, with the ability to host over 1,000 guests.
From large teak doors to a two-story atrium and theatrical water elements, only the highest level of quality is showcased throughout the residence. The open floor plan allows guests to flow between the grand formal dining room to the glass-enclosed junior dining room, formal living room, and an exceptional water lounge surrounded by ponds on all sides.
The lavish master retreat is a world unto itself, with dual baths and closets. Other standout amenities include indoor and outdoor pools as well as a ballroom.
Photos courtesy of Jim Bartsch
All photos courtesy of Jeff Elson.
By Kristen Ordonez
Sometimes the most striking features of a house lie within its history and are revealed through the owners who called it home. For this mansion located on 1023 N Roxbury Drive in Beverly Hills, a rich history was one of the key characteristics that kept buyers interested.
“Some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry have taken up residence on this gorgeous property over the years,” says listing agent Myra Nourmand of Nourmand & Associates. Among its previous occupants are Hollywood legends Agnes Moorehead, (“Bewitched”) and Spencer Tracy (“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”). “A who’s who show of business legends have walked the halls of this grand estate – it is a veritable Walk of Fame. The people who have lived in the mansion would agree that this is the ultimate California dream.”
Selling for $16 million earlier this year, which was close to the original listing price of $18.5 million, Nourmand first put the property on the market in 2015. The home was then sold off-market, six months after the listing had expired, to an entrepreneur, according to the agent.
Certainly, though, the most intriguing aspects of the house lie in its design and architecture. The Mediterranean-style mansion is fronted by a circular driveway, manicured lawn and rows of lush palm trees. Inside is a gated, eight-bedroom, seven-bath, villa-like home that boasts a grand two-story entry, step-down living room with vaulted ceilings, and formal dining room with hand-painted murals on the coffered ceiling. The master suite also has painted murals on the ceiling, dual baths and dual closets.
Other features include a media and billiards room with a full wet bar downstairs, which raises the potential for “an awesome man cave,” Nourmand notes. The guest cabana suite by the pool has a sitting room and large full bath. The courtyard is perfect for entertaining and offers a pool with a spa, as well as a lighted tennis court.
Along with its famous ownership history, the location of the property adds to the overall character of the home, making it a “star” on its own. “North Roxbury Drive is an iconic street that many of Hollywood’s legendary stars have called home, and is still one of the most desirable streets in Beverly Hills,” Nourmand affirms.
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2017 Edition of Homes & Estates Magazine.
MAISON 613 SETS A NEW STANDARD OF LUXURY AND ELEGANCE IN THE GOLDEN FLATS.
By Samantha Myers
Set in the prestigious “Golden Flats,” one of the best-situated neighborhoods in Beverly Hills on the south side of Sunset Boulevard is “Maison 613,” a French chateau-style home that paints immersive luxury with design elegance. When it comes to Beverly Hills real estate, it’s all about the Flats now — an area that has skyrocketed into multiple-acre price points and where some of the most expensive homes are offered. Yet, nothing compares to this French-infused California residence, which aspires to culminate in one of the most expensive sales in the Golden Flats.
Although recently completed at the end of 2016, “Maison 613” already offers a dense history of creation. The home was born from the collaborative vision of the late Norbert Gehr, successful businessman and founder/CEO of the Los Angeles-based The Gehr Group, and famed designer Roy Sklarin, who became involved with the project 19 years ago, after Gehr purchased the property. At the time, the property housed a 1920s Beverly Hills original, but now, a 21,000-square-foot-plus French beacon stuns on one of the deepest lots in the neighborhood…
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY AS SEEN IN THE SPRING 2017 ISSUE OF HOMES & ESTATES.
Listed for $13.85 million, a Beverly Hills home is not only flaunting its impressive 6,400 square feet, but also its ability to be seen from any prospective buyer in the world. Nourmand & Associates is introducing branded virtual reality googles, allowing buyers to view the house from their location.
The estate was home to late talent agent Freddie Fields, and was the hot spot of many star-studded parties and the epicenter of Hollywood’s social scene. The beautiful 6-bedroom, 9-bathroom home is listed by Rochelle Atlas Maize, executive director of the luxury estate division at Nourmand & Associates.
“We’re proud to be at the forefront of integrating virtual reality into the luxury real estate sector,” added Maize. “Beverly Hills has always been a global marketplace. While beautiful photos, videos and drones will continue to be staples, there is nothing like VR to truly convey the atmosphere and details of each home that I represent.”
The Beverly Hills house can be toured by one without leaving their living room. Maize has engaged the world of virtual reality, creating branded VR googles, which allow users to view the home in a three-dimensional perspective. This pioneering technology allows buyers to virtually tour the listing, no matter the distance between them and the estate.
“This home is a landmark – and along with its history, the home is located in one of the most desirable neighborhoods of Beverly Hills,” said Maize. “The home has been beautifully maintained, from the original etched glass windows to a wooden banquet, the characteristics very much embody the Golden Era.”
For over 40 years, Nourmand & Associates have represented celebrities, entertainment attorneys, and high net worth individuals. Offices can currently be found in Beverly Hills, Brentwood and Hollywood.
Photo credit to Simon Berlyn – Berlyn Photography Inc.