My Neighborhood

—SYCAMORE DISTRICT, L.A.— Central Perks

Sightglass Coffee

REBECCA REALE thought she’d miss the change of seasons when she moved from Houston to Los Angeles to join the first violin section of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2019. Fortunately, she and her fiancé fell for the trees that give the up-and-coming Sycamore Rebecca District its name. To borrow a note Reale from Vivaldi, they get to enjoy the four seasons in their new neighborhood.

“The leaves on the Sycamore trees that line our entire street turn brown in the fall, fall off in the winter, and new green leaves come out in the spring—so we get to have seasons,” says Reale, who has won two Grammys for Best Orchestral Performance.

The Sycamore District offers other perks, too, including an easy commute to both L.A. Philharmonic locations—the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall downtown and the legendary Hollywood Bowl nestled in the hills. “I love how fast this neighborhood is growing,” Reale says of her central location. “There’s always a new spot popping up to go check out.”

—Lisa Rosen

BEST BETS

One of the first shops that made the area a destination was Tartine, known far and wide for its exquisite baked goods (911 N. Sycamore Ave., 323.552.6054). It’s Reale’s go-to spot for lunch—when she can choose what to order. “The pizza is really good. Their salmon tartine is delicious. Their breakfast sandwich is incredible. Their lemon poppyseed tea cake is, oh my god—I could go on.” Naturally, everything is baked fresh daily.

Tartine

“We also spend way too much time and money at Sightglass Coffee,” Reale says of the sprawling new all-day corner café, a place that is serious about its beans. (7051 Willoughby Ave., 323.763.8588 )

A few doors up, “there’s a really cool furniture store called Pop Up Home (927 N. Sycamore Ave., hello@ popuphome.com). They have great artwork for sale and groovy vintage furniture, unique home goods, and it’s all wellorganized and designed, so it’s fun to mosey around.” Next door you’ll come upon “a wildly expensive luxury department store called Just One Eye (915 N. Sycamore Ave., 323.969.9129 ). The way everything is displayed, it’s like you’re in a gallery.”

GREAT GALLERY

One block east, an actual gallery—Jeffrey Deitch— beckons (925 N. Orange Dr., 323.925.3000). Owner Deitch has been intimately involved with the contemporary art scene for more than 40 years, including a stint as director of L.A.’s Museum of Contemporary Art. “No matter what the show is, the art is always extraordinary,” Reale says.

GRILL TALK

“We love to walk over to Standings Butchery and pick out meat that we’re going to grill later in the night,” she says of the artisanal shop (7016 Melrose Ave., 323.413.2212 ). “They have an amazing selection, they know exactly what you want, they’re super friendly, and they have high-quality meat.”

If they want to get their dinner grilled for them, they’ll head to Mizlala (7007 W. Romaine St., Ste. 103, 323.347.6292), a Middle Eastern restaurant with a casual corner terrace set off by string lights. “We’ll grab a falafel or a salad with shawarma. It’s all delicious.” Reale insists that “no matter what you get, you must order the pita, because it’s the best pita you’ll ever have in your entire life.”

Pop Up Home

UPPER HUNTINGTON PALISADES TR ADITIONAL | Pacific Palisades | $7,585,000 This world-class estate boasts 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, formal dining room, family room, remodeled T V screening room with ultra-high-end equipment, gourmet chef’s kitchen, hardwood floors, automatic front gates, Bird intercom system and more. Relax around the swimming pool and spa which were redone in 2019. Web # 21784724. Mark Douglas, O: 310.968.4716, mark.douglas@elliman.com

MEDITERR ANEAN COMPOUND | Hancock Park | $13 ,500,000 With nearly 200ft of frontage along the Wilshire Countr y Club golf course, this residential compound affords the most dramatic fair way views found in all the region. Ultimate privacy from the street, the home feels as if it was removed to the Italian countr yside. Outdoor colonnades, covered terraces, Juliet balconies, parterre gardens and expansive lawn are just some of the luxuries presented on site. Web # 21772412. Ernie Carswell, O: 310.345.7500, ernie.carswell@elliman.com

LUXURY EQUESTRIA N R A NCH | Santa Barbara | $7,995,000 A trophy property sited on approx. 13.7 acres in prime Santa Barbara. Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and mountains from the approx. 4,077sf main house. An expansive dual guest house complex features multiple entertainment areas, putting green, saltwater pool/spa and cabanas. Extensive equestrian facilities include ocean view pastures, riding ring, and paddocks. Web # 212427. Adam McKaig, O: 805.617.4180, M: 805.452.6884, adam.mckaig@elliman.com

EXQUISITE EUROPEA N VILLA | Beverly Hills | $18,500,000 This exquisite European Villa located within the prestigious guard-gated enclave of Beverly Ridge Estates is a delicate combination of stunning architectural design and dramatic scale. Situated on approximately 2 acres of land, gorgeous sunsets ser ve as the perfect backdrop to the infinity-edge pool, floating sky deck and stunning canyon views. Web # 21785828. Connie Blankenship, O: 310.734.2655, M: 310.994.6451, connie.blankenship@elliman.com

THE BARBIE PENTHOUSE | Century Cit y | $9,999,888 This one-of-a-kind penthouse boasts some of the best views in Los Angeles from the top floor of a full-ser vice I.M. Pei architectural masterpiece. The approx. 3,200sf home consists of 3BR, 3.5BA, and an of fice. The beautiful kitchen boasts a custom La Cornue range/oven, top-of-the-line appliances and hidden cabinets–all of which opens up to a dining and living area perfectly appointed for entertaining. Web # 21771060. Scott Segall, O: 310.480.4823, scott.segall@elliman.com, Carrie Lewis O: 310.435.5714, carrie.lewis@elliman.com

CENTURY WOODS LUXURY VILLA | Century Cit y | $9,995,000 Custom designed to echo grand European architecture, this 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom grand estate stuns with a vast 2-stor y living room featuring Juliette balconies that overlook a fountain, live trees and 1 of 6 fireplaces. This palatial home is complete with an elevator, sunken wet bar, hair salon, private courtyard with pool and spa, and more. Web # 21715850. Kelly deLaat, O: 310.880.9255, kelly.delaat@elliman.com, Rachelle Rosten, O: 310.710.5151, rachelle.rosten@elliman.com.

HIGGINS MANSION | Hancock Park | $8,995,000 Designed by the renowned John C. Austin, best known for The Grif fith Obser vator y, this home stands as one of the most notable estates remaining in private hands today. Reimagined by Xorin Balbes, the 9BD, 11BA home perfectly marries modern convenience with effortless elegance spanning 4 floors and over 12,000sf. Web # 21764608. Tracy Tutor, O: 310.595.3889, tracy.tutor@elliman.com, Gina Dickerson, O: 310.744.5584, gina.dickerson@elliman.com MOR AGA ESTATES TUDOR | Bel Air | $8,625,000 Situated on over 1.5 acres of land with an incredible new 65-foot swimming pool, grand water features and lush landscaping throughout, this picture perfect 2-stor y traditional style Tudor has oversized living and entertaining areas, covered loggias for poolside relaxing, high ceilings and 4 gas burning fireplaces. Additional features include a whole-home generator, water filtration system and saline pool. Web # 21782518. Michelle Oliver, O: 310.734.2653 M: 310.500.6111, michelle.oliver@elliman.com

ARCHITECTUR AL SHOWHOUSE | Santa Monica | $5,695,000 Earthy textures and clean lines give life to each space as oversized picture windows, skylights, and the central lofty atrium bring in light to each floor. Relax on the outdoor decks and enjoy the views, or float in the infinity pool/spa. Modern luxuries include refrigerated wine room, premium Sonos surround sound, custom lighting, sculptural fixtures and security system. Web # 21748970. David Solomon, O: 310.279.7759, ds@elliman.com, Anna Solomon, O: 310.866.9306, anna.solomon@elliman.com COASTAL ENTERTAINER’S HOME | Newport Heights | $3 ,950,000 Crafted with the avid entertainer in mind, this stunning, updated residence boasts 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms across approx. 4,800sf of comfortable living. Hardwood floors gleam under abundant natural light in the bright, welcoming living room where a stately fireplace invites guests to wind down. Memorable outdoor entertaining awaits on the oversized patio that surrounds the saltwater pool/spa. Web # NP21175571. Breanna Lepante, O: 949.270.0440, M: 949.233.2508, breanna.lepante@elliman.com