CALIFORNIA
MY NEIGHBORHOOD
Hotel Bel-Air
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Bel of the Ball
HOTOGRAPHER ADAM LATHAM loves exploring the world, and that includes his own corner of it in Bel Air. The prime residential area in Los Angeles is known for gorgeous estates just off the beaten path, with very little commercial activity. Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, Bel Air owes its name to oil millionaire Alphonzo Bell, who founded the town in 1923 and built the fabled Bel-Air Country Club two years later. (Howard Hughes famously landed a private plane on its golf course when he was late to meet Kate Hepburn.) Like the Country Club, the Hanna Carter Japanese Gardens are a local icon, dotted with streams and stone carvings. Speaking of icons, Bel Air has long drawn famous residents. But despite its star power, “It’s a friendly community,” Latham assures. “Though it’s just a few minutes from Sunset Boulevard, it feels remote to be up in the hills without the noise of the city.” —Lisa Rosen
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The bar at Hotel Bel-Air
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Despite its star power, it’s a friendly community. —Adam Latham
Adam Latham
Latham owns an architectural photography business; clients include the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Center, and Douglas Elliman brokers. (belairphotography.com) On the way home from shooting beautiful houses, he sees even more. “I’ll walk or drive around the Bel Air Estates to enjoy the architectural styles and landscaping,” he says. “The East Gate to Bel Air Road has the famous blue neon sign. The West Gate, at Bellagio Road, is more imposing, with dramatic arches at the entrance, a bit like Paramount Studios. There’s a guardhouse by the gates, but the roads are open to all.
COURTESY HOTEL BEL-AIR (2)
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