THIS L.A. CONTEMPORARY, SET IN THE HEART OF BEL-AIR WITH SWEEPING VIEWS THAT STRETCH FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE PACIFIC, IS PACKED WITH MORE TREASURES THAN A PRIVATE ISLAND. GRAB A GLASS OF VEUVE (FROM THE CHAMPAGNE TASTING ROOM, OF COURSE) AND PREPARE TO BE DAZZLED BY AMANDA MCCOY PHOTOS
BY JOE BRYANT, JUWAN LI, AND MARC ANGELES
Across cultures, an air of mystique and fascination has long enveloped the number seven, the prime numeral holding significance in everything from ancient folklore and literature to Las Vegas slot machines and pop culture (Snow White wasn’t taken in by six dwarfs, after all). In a stunning Bel-Air showpiece, lucky number seven is a prevalent theme: the seven-bedroom mega-palace boasts a seven-star resort bathroom along with several seven-horsepower jets in the outdoor infinity pool. The asking price? $87,777,777.
The vision of homeowner Alex Khadavi (a famed cosmetic dermatologist-to-the-stars, known by his prominent clients as the Needle Ninja) and the team at the L.A.-based architecture firm Ali Rad Design Group, the Palazzo di Vista is an unabashedly extravagant departure from the typical multi-million-dollar mega-mansion that sits on every cul-de-sac in Southern California’s most affluent neighborhoods. Its name, translating from Italian to “the palace of views,” is a Cinderella fit. Resting atop a one-acre promontory in Bel-Air, the Palazzo boasts far-reaching vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains to the east, the Pacific Coast to the west, and the many rolling hills of cityscape in-between. On a clear day, denizens can even peep the Channel Islands in the distance. The facade of the 11-bath room, compound-style home is mostly glass-sided to take advantage of the primetime views.
Dr. Khadavi purchased the property in 2013 for a comparatively modest $16 million before sinking another $30 million into modernizing the home for the 21st century aristocrat. While the Palazzo sports the same stalwarts found in any high-end mansion (a massive infinity pool, in-home elevator, state-of the-art fitness center, plush home theater, palatial walk-in closet with custom built-ins, et al.), it’s also brimming with unconventional, wildly over-the-top extras. Take the Non Fungible Token art gallery, for instance, which showcases an impressive collection of NFTs on seven (of course) large-screen media displays, plus a collective of works from contemporary artists like Ghost Girl, Andy Moses, Shane Guffogg, and Jimi Gleason.
The dramatic entrance is framed by an illuminated dark gray marble walkway and double-height glass front door. To the side, palm trees and grassy lounge areas provide the perfect backdrop for morning yoga or afternoon meditation. The entry foyer is accented with a waterfall overhead lighting feature that looms over glossy white floors, which flow into the cavernous living spaces. Dual sided fireplaces, deep velvet sofas, and vibrant wall art lend warmth to the glass, stone, and metal construction. Indoor recreation features include a fully glassen closed lounge with retractable walls, a cozy media room with state-of-the-art theater equipment and bright turquoise sofas, and a custom backlit liquor display accompanied by an L-shaped marble bar. Prefer bubbles over bourbon? A champagne tasting room is stacked with vintage labels and even flaunts a marble high-top.
An outdoor Feng Shui Koi pond can be glimpsed through the oversized windows of several rooms in the house, accented with a living wall and waterfall. There’s also a glass-enclosed elevator that services all levels, including the roof deck, because views are always better from the top.
The master wing is unsurprisingly lavish, finished with a floating wraparound deck, white marble fireplace, and a stylish resort-modeled bath that rivals the type of presidential suite only Oprah or Taylor could afford. Wash away the day’s stresses in the freestanding tub, positioned in the center of the room, as a floor-to-ceiling glass wall pumps in views of the sun-soaked city. A pair of rainfall showers, custom vanities on opposing walls, and a starburst chandelier only add to the grandeur.
The Palazzo experience was designed to be shared, made evident by several thoughtful inclusions to jolt the senses. An outdoor tequila bar, for example, is stacked with ultra-premium expressions and ready to serve top-shelf margaritas long into the night, while the living room hides a suspended DJ platform that, with the touch of a button, emerges from the floor via a hydraulic lift. A rotating 3-D laser projector casts a vertical light show 1,650 square feet above the infinity pool, channeling Disney’s California Adventure Park’s famed World of Color attraction. The visual dance pairs with the pool’s built-in jets, both synchronized to the music so guests can not only hear, but feel the pulsing beats.
There’s also an adjoining guest house, itself peppered with luxuries like a gourmet chef ’s kitchen, three spa bathrooms, and its own tequila bar.
777 Sarbonne Road is listed for $87,777,777 and featured on TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. The NFT collection is not included in the sale of the property, but the seller will throw it in for another $7 million.
Marshall Peck
Douglas Elliman, Beverly Hills marshallpeck.elliman.com