Tranquil Home In Hollywood Hills

Description

Our family home is in the heart of the Hollywood hills. We look out onto trees and woodland, yet we are a ten minute drive into Hollywood and a ten minute walk to the metro. We have deer and coyote that wander through, and often go to sleep to the sound of owls. The house is one of those indoor/outdoor living spaces that California lends itself to so well. The glass doors of the living room open out onto an outside patio area which doubles our living space. We eat outside most of the year. The master bedroom also opens out onto a private deck. The living space is open plan - kitchen, dining and living room all rolled into one. It has been a wonderful home to raise a family in and remains a special place to entertain in. The price of our privacy, is a lot of steps. We live up 70 steps from our garage to our front door. No lift or escalator! We love that about our house, because it makes it feel like a tree house, and keeps us fit. But it's not for everyone. It wouldn't work for anyone who can't climb stairs or for anyone with toddlers or small children. (And it can be annoying if you have big bags of groceries!) The house is in the Studio City area, not far from the 101 freeway, and walking distance to Universal Studios and Universal Metro. Our street is small and windy because we're in the hills. Our neighbors are a friendly bunch. We all know each other. Ralphs, the supermarket is a five minute drive or 20 minute walk. It's a safe area, and I feel comfortable walking the dog in the dark. There's tons of restaurants along Ventura Boulevard and we're close to the Hollywood Bowl where the summer concerts are great. Both UCLA and USC are probably 30 minute drives away, depending on the dreaded Los Angeles traffic. (In rush hour, it will likely take longer). There is a double garage at the bottom and we would hope to leave one car ourselves, allowing one extra space, but there is plenty of parking on the street. There is also a basement area to the house, which we would probably seal off to leave a few things in there. The house is self-contained on the upper level any way, so we don't think it would interfere with anyone's enjoyment of the place. There is also a small room on the lower level with a big picture window and desk which I use as an office. The washing machine and dryer are also down here, hidden behind sliding doors. We are hopeful of finding a London house to exchange with. Both our adult sons now live in the UK, and we are looking to find a home away from home, a place where my husband and I can work and live, and be near them. We are British so London is familiar to us, but we have not lived there for 25 years, so this will be our adventure. We also have an elderly, well-behaved terrier who will have to come with us. We are hoping this doesn't put anyone off, but I just can't leave her behind, and she's super well behaved.