This is how far along they are on the 6,000 square foot house they have been building about 8 houses up from me, as of Sunday, March 10th, 2008.....Below, is where they were four months before, on November 19th, 2007.....
And, two years before....this whole little hill was nothing but a little hill....
And the only reason I took the picture above was because I felt something was going to happen on this little hill. There was a fence that I had not been there before....And Sand Bags...! Hmmmmm. This hill that had been empty for years and years and years, was, it seemed to me, about to change. I had no idea that this 'change' would still be going on two years later......and still not finished.
Above, a closer look back in November, 2007.....And here below, where it is now, four months later, on Sunday afternoon.....
They have actually gotten quite a lot done, I think....But, they still have a l-o-n-g way to go.....Here below, a closer look at those windows....First, the November look......
And here below, the way it looked this past Sunday....They really have done a lot, don't you think?
And then there is another kind of interesting view....What will be the Entry section of the house, though we cannot actually see that, but it will be to the left of what you can see.....
This is November above, and at that point they had a double door in the center of this section....Well, there may have been a 'change of plans'. On Sunday, this is what is there, now......
It is possible they took the double doors down temporarily...or, maybe they decided to not put a door in the center, at all.....Time will tell.....Two years ago, this hill still looked empty and almost as it had looked for at least 1o0 years before.....
And a slightly different view below, with just the barest evidence of the enormous retaining wall that would be built, behind this 'new' house....
Both these pictures above were taken in August of 2006.....Six months after I took that first picture of the fence and the sandbags.....Who knew what was to come.....?
Well, the Architect and the Builder did.....Here above, in November, 2008, this is how far it has come.....I did document a lot in-between, and even posted quite a bit of it....But now that we are at the two year mark...Well, below, here is this same section of the house---this is the part that faces South, and the city head on----on Sunday, March 10th.....
Another view below of the center section of the house facing West and Runyon Canyon and The Pacific Ocean back in November, 2007...
And below, this same area of the house, only a closer look at that one section, four months later, this past Sunday......
I am personally fascinated by this project. And I find it pretty astounding that this house is being built 'on spec'....At a time when the Housing Market has changed a lot, and in favor of the buyer I might add, it will be interesting to see what happens with this huge house.....
Above----November, 2007.Below----March, 2008.
So there you have it. My update on this 'House In The Hills'.....Someone in the neighborhood told me that they are asking $8 mill+ for this property.....If they actually get this, it will be a "first" for this area. As far as I know, I don't think any house up here in my particular area has sold for as much as $3 mill. Stay Tuned......
Update on Spidey & Batty: The Winner of my first and most likely my last Caption Contest is R. Sherman. I laughed out loud at his caption....Special Mention to: pun'dit and christine.....and great thanks to everyone who played.
More To Come......
- had this to say:
wow. that's is one HUGE structure. i sure hope it doesn't look like a sore thumb there on the hill.
- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 1:52:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Thanks for the shout-out.
I look at those retaining walls and wonder if they'll keep the house from sliding into the street during a mud-slide or earthquake.
Cheers.- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 5:03:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Who knew? YOU DID!!! You had the foresight to snap photos long before the first brick (or sandbag)!
Absolutely amazing that it might sell for $8Mil. So does that mean that your house value will go up accordingly? Imagine selling your house (if and when you are ready of course) and having all that dough to retire/travel/splurge on!
You haven't heard who owns the property then? Must be someone rich and famous to afford building on spec and in such a location.
Great photos; ty for posting a bird's eye view of what is going on in your neck of the woods.
Anne- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 6:17:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
gosh Naomi.. that place is so big it looks like an apartment complex, not a home!
- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 7:17:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
That's a very large construction!! No matter how big the house is, the prize is just out of my normal understanding.
- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 7:25:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Hi Naomi, that really is a very large house, do they have a boat load of children, All I can think of who gets to clean that? Not to mention, my pocket book, can not even fathom, just how much money, a person might make to afford something like that. It does not look very eye catching either other than big. Have a great weekend.
- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 9:53:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a great photo reportage, Naomi! I remember well your photos taken on 2006! I am so impressed with that huge house! Really, that's a very large construction!
Many hugs to you!- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 12:18:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow... It's HUGE! Are they seriously hoping that it will be snapped up by someone? I guess that it *could* happen. I had presumed that it was being built to order....
- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 12:49:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
We have some 6,000 sq. foot houses around here, but none for 8mill! I think most of the cost of that one is going into the retaining walls and substructure!
- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 3:29:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Did you know you are a great digital story teller too (not only a great performer and singer!). This is a very readable post with great documentation of the development of the buildings constructions.
I don't have the money so I'm sorry, I can't say I'll be your next neighbour (although I wish I could - but just because of you!)
Wishing you a lovely end to your week :-)- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 5:14:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hopefully they aren't getting paid by the hour!
- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 5:26:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
That's huge! I bet the buyer/owner would love to see your pictures of the progress once it's done. Those are great.
Oh, hi from Michele's!- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 5:40:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow, that is enormous! I'd hate to have to keep something that big clean. But I guess if you pay for something like that, you hire someone to clean for you.
- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 8:20:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Actually, I'm surprised it's not going for more. Trump is building a condo complex here, studios--$300,000 is the buzz. Seattle.
- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 10:10:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Property prices are going up in Delhi too. A few times times, I have thought whatever for?
Thanks for the update. Great that you have taken pictures at each step!
And it sure feels good be here again via Michele!- Friday, March 14, 2008 at 11:40:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
I thought it was an apartment. Can't wait 'til it's done :D
- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 12:50:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow Naomi!! That house has sure come a long ways from being just a steep hillside. Amazing that they can build homes like that. There sure is a LOT of retaining walls. Those alone must have cost a fortune!! Looks like with all the glass that it'll probably have a great view. Eight million huh??? Well, I say that's way way wayyyyyyy out of my range!! LOL
- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 2:05:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I wonder if a realtor somewhere has the artist's impression of what it could look like when its finished?
If its really on spec then the prospects would need to take a peek at something more 'complete' and at an ego level could even have a say in the final touches?
Interesting to see your pictures and I remember your prior posts too. Someone adventurous needs to snap a couple more 'site' views, if you know what I mean.
Best rashbre- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 4:15:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
There doesn't seem to be all that much progress from Nov-Mar, but they are doing SOMETHING, and you have incredible close-up shots that tell the story.
Keep these pictures coming, Naomi. I'll be curious to see what an 8 mil-dollar home looks like.- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 4:23:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I just cannot imagine needing a house THAT big. All show I suppose. I guess not ALL the country is going into a recession. I was actually wondering how that big mansion was coming along since you haven't pictured it recently.
- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 7:04:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow. Having listed my house a year ago with not even a nibble, I think someone is mighty brave.
I laughed out loud at many of your super hero entries. Please don't give up the game! I have so little to entertain me lately. :-)- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 10:29:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Personally, I liked the hill just as it was. On the brighter side, it does give you something to look at when you are out walking.
Michele sent me- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 10:41:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
At the rate this is going it seems like the owner is not in a hurry to move in any time soon Naomi.
You are wonderful to snap the development of this hill....such a lovely hill :D
Have a nice weekend Naomi :D- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 11:10:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Who would have thought they would even think of building a house on a hill like that?!! And now two years later there is a veritable mansion there that is almost finished! The building is fascinating and the house looks like it is going to look fantastic but I just can't help thinking that I liked the little hill better.
Sorry I missed your caption contest. I did go and read some of the excellent captions though :)- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 2:03:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Just dropping by to wishing you a nice and lovely Sunday! Many hugs!
- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 3:43:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi ! How are you doing this weekend ? I love your documentation of the house ! It looks interesting on the outside with all the large windows. It will be equally interesting to see if the interior layout flows well, and the finishes are high quality, especially given that it is a spec house ! Given the current market environment, and the fcat that nothing in your neighborhood has sold for more than $3 million, they might be hard pressed to come up with anything close to $8 million, even at 6,000 square feet ! Depends on what the price per square foot is going for now... Supply still outpaces demand, and the high end is hurting just as much as the low end... Imagine the property taxes they will pay each year... It would be interesting to know how much the builder has invested so far between the price of the land, the grading he had to do on the lot, and the construction costs...
- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 5:37:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow. That is one large home, is it not! I wonder what the new owners will be like. I wonder if they'll show you the interior once it is all finished? *heehee* Maybe if you can give them some photos of the building process that you've been sharing with us, they might be kind enough to let you indoors for a peek!!
- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 9:22:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I hope that you eventually like your new neighbor. Michele sent me. :-)
- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 9:23:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I think I would get tired just moving around such a large house. Heck, my house 1/2 that size and I think it's too big. Hope it ends up as a nice house in the neighborhood tho.
Just wanted to let you know michele sent me :D
-n- Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 9:24:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
They are making slow progress on that monstrosity of a house. I bet it will be an amazing house when it is finished. I hope they allow tours, and then maybe you could get some inside photos before it gets sold.
I hope the home's site prep work was top notch. It would be hitonious for the house to slide down that little hill in a mud slide. What a photo THAT would be!!!- Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 5:23:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
One of the reasons it is taking so long (aside from bureaucratic red tape!) (lol) is that in hillside areas, major earthmoving and certain other operations cannot be attempted during the rainy season.
It takes a lot of time to get thru the building permit and inspections. When this project was started, the boom was on. With the downturn in the market, the speculator will not make a fat profit, but may come out ok, if he's lucky. That's what speculating is- gambling on favorable conditions.
Many of the blogfolk think this is a huge house. It really isn't that big. The location, view, value of the land and demographics of the neighborhood are consistent with a house that has such things as a screening room, gym, rehearsal studio, servants' quarters etc. which eat up space.
Owners in the entertainment industry often need the convenience and security of being able to work at home, or entertain business clients at work-related quasi-social events.
However, whether this house is an eyesore or a thing of beauty all depends on the good sense and aesthetic sensibility of the owner.
Just for fun, why not take one of the photos and- Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 5:36:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
oops! a mini-crash!!! virtually "finish" it, landscape it, and see how beautiful it might look when done by an artist....or (lol) cover it with (ugh!) billboards!
- Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 5:55:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Looks very modern. I wonder if it will have that frosted glass look.
~S- Monday, March 17, 2008 at 7:30:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hopefully that huge project is going to house more than 1 family. I can't help but think of the contrasts in our society.
I wonder if it's townhomes?
I hope your new neighbors are nice.
And quiet. ;)- Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 4:31:00 PM PDT
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