Reminiscent of the “Mad Men” era, the former estate of legendary horn player Vincent DeRosa is a classic Mid-Century home situated on one of the most spectacular corner rim lots in La Canada-Flintridge. This prime location offers unobstructed, jaw-dropping views of the mountains, city, and beyond.
Surrounded by mature trees, the estate offers country-style seclusion yet is close to big-city shopping and entertainment. Originally built in 1955 and offered for the first time in 50 years, the property is a trust sale. Because Vincent DeRosa was one of the greatest instrumentalist of his generation, incredible creativity took place at this property at 665 Hillcrest Avenue, La Canada Flintridge. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2,266-square-foot home is listed for $4,200,000 by Ian Brooks in our Santa Monica office.
The matching stone wall, floor, and fireplace open to a grand formal living room featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls that frame the extraordinary mountain and city views. Abundant natural light flows throughout the house.
All three bedrooms have glass sliders articulating the indoor-outdoor experience. All three bathrooms have maintained the original walnut vanities to keep alive the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. Central heating and air conditioning maintain a comfortable interior climate year round.
A circular driveway replete with artfully placed Chinese elms sets the stage for a dramatic approach to the double door entrance. The resort-style front and rear grounds incorporate generous lawns. Outdoor relaxation or entertainment are steps away on the covered patio, at the huge horizontal pool, and cabana with wet bar. The long driveway leads to a multi-car garage and offers ample space for visitor parking.
Vincent DeRosa was an American hornist who served as a studio musician for Hollywood soundtracks and other recordings from 1935 until his retirement in 2008.
Because his career spanned over 70 years, during which he played on many film and television soundtracks and as a sideman on studio albums, he is considered to be one of the most-recorded brass players of all time.
DeRosa set “impeccably high standards” for the horn, and became the first horn for Henry Mancini, Lalo Schifrin, Alfred Newman, and John Williams, among others, with Williams calling him one of the greatest instrumentalists of his generation.
DeRosa contributed to many of the most acclaimed albums of the 20th century, including some of the biggest-selling albums by artists as diverse as Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow, Frank Zappa, Boz Scaggs, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Nilsson, Stan Kenton, Henry Mancini, The Monkees, Sammy Davis Jr., and Mel Tormé.
DeRosa died in 2022 at age 101.
Architectural and Estates Director at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Ian is recognized for strategically representing sellers and buyers of architectural and estate properties in the Los Angeles area. Well-known locally and globally as an expert in the real estate Industry, he is often featured in the Los Angeles Times’ Hot Property section, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, NPR, CNN, VH1, and KNBC-TV Los Angeles.
Ian’s public sales include representing actress Meryl Streep in the recent sale of her architectural “case study” residence to baseball legend, A-Rod. In addition, he sold actress Jane Wyatt’s Paul Williams-designed estate in Bel Air.
Many clients describe Ian’s work as “concierge service at its highest level.” He is fluent in French, Italian, and Spanish. Ian is armed with an MBA in finance, giving clients the best experience in selling and buying a property.
Get in touch with Ian Brooks today to schedule your private tour.
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December 9th, 2022 at 11:00 am