Founded in 1922, Pacific Palisades offers a totally unique Los Angeles experience in comparison to most other neighborhoods. The natural splendor of clear, unbroken ocean views perfectly complements the unique architectural stylings of the homes, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in Los Angeles.
A Special Place to Call Home
Pacific Palisades real estate offers more than breathtaking views – its residents have a strong sense of community. The residents of Pacific Palisades have all been attracted by the singular lifestyle this area offers – including the joy of spotting dolphins from your balcony. It’s easy to forget you’re still within Los Angeles!
The neighborhood is a welcoming place where you can join a community of like-minded Californians. Enjoy the very best of what Los Angeles has to offer, all in one place, A short walk to the beach or to a trailhead is combined with the convenience of great shopping and quick access to busier west-side communities just a few miles further down the coast. And thanks to its coastal location, there is a permanent sea breeze to temper the warm southern California temperatures.
Most residents in Pacific Palisades are homeowners, with around 80% of homes owner-occupied; this no doubt contributes to the strong feeling of community. Increasing homeownership is a trend we’ll see continue in the coming years, according to Bloomberg. Ownership brings a spirit of community-building that keeps the charming neighborhoods like the Village, Via Mesa, the Huntington Palisades, the El Medio Mesa, Castellammare, Palisades Highlands, Rustic Canyon, and the Riviera clean and safe, and enriches its unique culture.
Pacific Palisades coastline offers 1.75 miles of pristine coastline at Will Rogers State Beach. The State Historic Park includes the acres that were once Rogers’ ranch, with hiking trails and, fittingly, horseback trail riding.
Los Leones Canyon has stunning ocean views, and Paseo Miramar offers vistas of a rugged landscape, hugged gently by a sandy coastline and seemingly infinite blue water. Many of the trails are dog-friendly and all deliver on a memorable day hike or picnic. Pacific Palisades also shares a border with Topanga State Park, the world’s largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city.
A History of Enchantment
Pacific Palisades’ spectacular views have attracted forward-thinkers and artists since its founding in the early twentieth century. Featuring several architectural styles, the areas offers luxury for any taste.
Renowned landscape architect Frederick Olmsted, the co-creator of Central Park in New York City, was enlisted to oversee some of the original work in Pacific Palisades. His work can be seen largely in the Huntington Palisades area, and helped to shape the way the neighborhood unfolded.
A signature of Pacific Palisades’ architecture is a callback to Mediterranean themes. One of the best-known examples is the Getty Villa, which is a recreation of an ancient Roman country house – an unexpected jewel hidden in the seaside hills. The Getty Villa showcases 7,000 years of ancient art in addition to gardens modeled after classical styles.
Another unmistakable design style took root in Pacific Palisades: mid-century modern. The Eames house, most notably, worked with the spectacular landscape of the area by “nestling the house into the hillside, rather than imposing it on the site.” Husband and wife design team Charles and Ray Eames worked integratively with the Pacific Palisades landscape to let the home become a part of its breathtaking scenery, rather than obscuring it.
One of the brightest stars to settle in Pacific Palisades, Steven Spielberg was drawn to the area in the 1980s. In this excerpted interview from Architectural Digest discussing his recently remodeled Mediterranean-style villa, Spielberg points to stars from the ‘30s and ‘40s as his inspiration.
“The history of the house attracted me instinctively,” Spielberg says. “It was important for me to know that David Selznick had lived there during the time he produced Gone With the Wind.” He continued, “On the right [the estate] was flanked by Will Rogers State Park, which was the most attractive thing about the site. I knew they could never destroy the park view with homes.”
Spielberg captured the essence of Pacific Palisades: inspiring landscapes and golden history. Today, many of Hollywood’s biggest stars have invested in homes in this secluded paradise, knowing that the area’s abundant parkland ensures overdevelopment is impossible and the feeling of privacy and wildness will remain indefinitely.
A Growing, Vibrant Community
Recent visitors to the Palisades may have noticed some new construction happening downtown; crews are working hard to bring the new Palisades Village to life. Rick Caruso, creator of iconic Los Angeles developments like The Grove and The Americana and Brand, is bringing his magic touch to the neighborhood. By combining the look and feel of small town America’s historic main streets and the highest quality retail, restaurant, and community tenants, Palisades Village will revitalize the downtown area and create an incredible family destination in the heart of the community.
Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, Palisades Village will include boutique shopping, a mix of family and fine-dining restaurants, and neighborhood staples like grocery markets together with a large, beautifully landscaped pedestrian pavilion to create a family-friendly mixed-use space. The jewel in the crown of this project will be the re-opening of the painstakingly restored Bay Theatre, which has been closed since 1978, as an intimate, 5-screen neighborhood cinema.
The Ocean is Calling
Set on approx. 1.9 acres at the end of a designated private road in the heart of the Palisades, this equestrian estate offers extraordinary serenity, elevated and nestled within the hills on gorgeous park-like grounds. Exquisitely designed by Elaine Culotti, the new construction contemporary farm house is expected to be complete Fall 2017. The 12,000-sq. ft. estate will boast 8 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms with close proximity to the beach and direct access to Will Rogers hiking/riding trails and polo field. An additional parcel may be available with horse stables.
Pacific Palisades offers an exclusive yet welcoming environment, replete with organic and boutique eateries, colorful public art and dynamic public spaces to make for a fun town. Coupled with the state parks and unbeatable views, Pacific Palisades is a California treasure.
Joyce Rey is the exclusive agent representing the Beverly Hills, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. Contact her here!
Images courtesy of Joyce Rey
