Ben Lee Properties — April 2015 Newsletter
This Month's Article
By BEN LEE U nless you have three children or come from a family of three siblings, it’s hard to know what it’s really like to be that middle child.
In our family, there are three boys and while (as parents) we know the individual qualities that make each of our children special and unique and perfect and fabulous, ‘the middle’ often feels a little passed over in favor of the spotlight-grabbing bookend brothers.
In the interest of convenience and manpower, we were guilty of doing what the parenting books cautioned against: the middle child was often dragged to the classes of the elder or play dates of the younger.
His accommodating nature made it easy to justify his lack of activities by making the excuse, “He learns just as much from watching the older kids do it!” He’d compromise television choices and ice cream flavors to please the other two.
Even his bedtime is geared towards when his younger brother (and roommate) goes to sleep.
It’s hard to prove to him how special he really is.
He even brought it to my attention that these newsletter articles often highlight the foibles of my youngest and oldest sons but not as much is said about Spencer.
While I can’t go back in time and give him more classes or solo play dates, I do have the power to give him this!
So last month, our family spent spring break in Hawaii.
It was paradise. I was able to leave the hectic world of westside real estate behind and focus instead on the sand, the sea and spending uninterrupted time with my wife and kids.
One day, Lilli recognized a neighbor from Cheviot.
They were traveling with another Cheviot family (one we didn’t know) and everyone was staying at the same hotel.
Now, to backtrack a bit, at this particular hotel we were given the most amazing upgrade known to man.
They had sold out and with nowhere else to put us, they basically handed us the keys to the palace: the Presidential Suite.
So, upon discovering that Cheviot families were in our midst and with an embarrassment of riches with regards to our enormous, ocean-view suite (it had a grand piano for goodness sake!), we decided to have a party and invite these neighborhood families up for cocktails and to watch the sunset.
They accepted our invitation and, amidst the glorious views and uproarious laughter, it struck us all as quite lovely that the bond of being from Cheviot Hills was strong enough to turn one-time strangers into newfound friends.
But as fantastic of a night as ‘the party in the presidential suite’ was, it wasn’t the number one highlight of the trip.
It wasn’t the whale watching or waterfalls, either.
I think, if I had to choose the one memory of our week in paradise that will make me look back and realize that moments of pure happiness exist, it would be when I went out into the ocean with a surfboard and my son, Spencer.
It was just the two of us, enjoying the elements, sharing some laughs and I was able to introduce my great love of surfing to my cherished middle son.
Sometimes we go back to Goldilocks and the Three Bears to remind him that while one bowl of porridge was too hot and one was too cold, the bowl in the middle was just right.
Spencer, you are just right and I love you.
Featured Listings
ESTATES SALES Cheviot Hills – FOR LEASE! 10290 Cheviot Dr. – Offered at $4,600 p/mo. E Encounter this stately and modern style architecturally superior property in one of the finest, most desirable parts of Mar Vista Hill and know you’ve found your next home. With breathtaking views and a designer’s eye towards décor and detail, this 4 bedroom/ 3.5 bath, twostory fully upgraded home offers much in the way of modern amenities. A formal foyer with impossibly high ceilings and custom White Oak flooring leads to the living room with fireplace, bar and wine refrigerator. Impeccable kitchen with Viking appliances and custom Zebrawood cabinetry also offers a gorgeous island that beckons family members or guests to dine. Upstairs, be impressed by the master suite, complete with an attached deck that showcases incredible views of the city. The bedroom also offers a walk-in closet and exquisite bathroom from which to contemplate the amazing views. This is a truly beautiful home that must be seen to fully appreciate. Palms – REDUCED! 3635 Inglewood Blvd. – Offered at $1,650,000 L ovely, Tudor-style home on charming tree-lined street in Cheviot Hills. A newly constructed property, this three bedroom, three and a half bathroom, English cottage offers plenty of charm: deeply hued hardwood floors below and crown moldings above. The formal living room has a vaulted exposed wood beam ceiling and uniquely crafted glass windows. The kitchen features granite counters, stainless steel appliances, sixburner range, and oversized island, and overlooks a bright, open great room. Beyond this space are the laundry and powder rooms and French doors that open to the private, grassy, flat backyard with relaxing hot tub. One bedroom downstairs and two upstairs, each large in size and with its own en-suite bathroom. The master suite features a spacious walkin closet and bathroom with dual-sink vanity and luxurious spa tub. Award winning Overland Elementary School. Cheviot Hills – 10361 Dunleer Dr. – Offered at $7,200 per month LEASED! Beverlywood – ACTIVE! 9600 Bolton Rd. – Offered at $1,749,000
Beverlywood – IN ESCROW! 3043 Oakhurst Ave. – Offered at $1,299,000 I nspired by the lush tapestry of Tuscany’s countryside, step into this home and experience a bit of Italy in the heart of Beverlywood. Mixing elements of original artistry with modern improvements, this four bedroom/three bathroom home offers exquisite examples of how to live beautifully al Italia. From the Batchelder tiled fireplace and paned, arched bay windows in the living room, to the richly landscaped, Medici-like fruit trees in the backyard… every detail in this hand painted, two story, hard wood floored home exudes romance. Built in 1928 and recently remodeled to create more space, modern features include: an upstairs laundry facility, an enormous master suite with an adjacent room that could double as a nursery, gym or office. The tastefully decorated suite also has a large walk-in closet and steam shower in the master bath. This home has recessed lighting, designer builtins for art and media, a usable attic for extra storage, generously sized bedrooms and closets, a spacious breakfast nook with beautiful views and a kitchen that offers every necessary amenity for the at-home chef, eager to whip up a delizioso pasta pesto. Located on a family friendly street, just a stone’s throw from the award winning Castle Heights Elementary School, this much loved house is just waiting to welcome you home. A n enchanting property, perched above a quiet and family friendly street in Beverlywood, this 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home offers many features iconic to homes of this era without compromising modern day conveniences. We invite you to be charmed by the home’s intricate crowned moldings, hardwood floors, original light fixtures, marble fireplace and beautiful views. The three bedrooms and bathrooms are large and comfortable, closets in the bedrooms are built?in, including Italian designed Polyform Custom closets in the master. French doors connect the master bedroom to the ultra?private backyard, ideal for entertaining thanks to a variety of seating areas and built?in fire pit. A spacious room downstairs (with attached half bath) can be used for a number of purposes: gym, office, housekeeper or guests. With central air/heat, a two?car garage, living room surround sound, and a multitude of closets and storage capabilities,this comfortable family house in the award winning Castle Heights School district is just waiting for you to move right in. L ocated on a superb, tree-lined street, this charming and quaint home boasts 2 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, formal living and dining room, eat in kitchen, hardwood floors and central heat. Large living room has a romantic, brick fireplace and French doors that lead out to a private backyard, complete with a fire pit. It is situated in the coveted Castle Heights elementary school district, a terrific opportunity to move into this neighborhood at an affordable price! Cheviot Hills – SHORT TERM LEASE! 2840 McConnell Dr. – Offered at $6,000 p/mo. C harming Cheviot Cottage.This 3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath fully furnished home boasts a beautifully updated kitchen There is a spacious living area with 2 decorative fireplaces and hardwood floors. The is also a large den is located off of the living room and kitchen. Upstairs you'll find 3 bedrooms plus 2 baths with updated fixtures. Out into the bright and private back yard there is a patio perfect for gatherings. Steps from Club Circle and Irving Schachter Parks.
Community & More
By BEN LEE O n April 18th, a rather special thing occurred.
My wife Lilli and I threw a party to thank and honor my past and present clients.
People who helped make my real estate business thrive and who entrusted me to help them either sell or buy properties.
What struck me as particularly remarkable was that this party didn’t feel populated with clients.
Each person who entered our home and greeted my wife and I with warm hugs and enormous smiles somehow went from being work associates to cherished friends.
Each of my ‘clients’ came to this party because there was a solid bond between us, one that made me so proud.
A connection that was made that altered the original relationship and propelled it from professional to familial.
Guests included Susan, a Cheviot Hills seller who was anxious to meet my mother-in-law because she had been friends with her brother back at Hamilton High.
