Sale of Smokey Robinson’s former estate was Encino’s chart-topper of 2017

Encino – Spanish for “oak” – found its name after Spanish soldier Gaspar de Portola sat his donkey near a 700-year-old oak tree that now sits at the heart of the San Fernando Valley community. Hollywood began using the ranch land for filming locations in the 1920s, and now, tear-downs and new construction are bringing Encino into the modern age.

In 2017, there were 120 single-family home sales of $2 million or more in Encino, up from 98 in 2016. There were 16 sales of $5-million or more, besting the previous year by 10 sales.

$8.253 million – Rancho Street

The October sale of a Southern Colonial-style home once owned by Motown icon Smokey Robinson was not only Encino’s most expensive of the year, but also a price record for the city.

The buyers of the estate, which has been renovated and expanded, were “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” personality Kyle Richards and her husband, real estate agent Mauricio Umansky.

Private gates open to a boxwood topiary garden, and through the front door, a checkerboard marble foyer leads into more than 10,000 square feet of living space.

The master suite, one of seven bedrooms, features an 800-square-foot balcony overlooking the grounds.

Craig Knizek, Billy Rose and Andrea Korchek of the Agency held the listing. Mauricio Umansky, also with the Agency, represented himself in the deal.

$6.995 million – Hayvenhurst Drive

Antonio Gates, the decorated tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers, found a new home field in July when he paid the asking price for this 2016-built estate.

The multi-level house has more than 8,500 square feet of interior space highlighted by clean lines, white oak floors, motorized walls of glass and open spaces. A covered patio, outfitted with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace, adds additional living space.

A covered patio space with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace feature creates additional living space outdoors. An infinity-edge swimming pool, a basketball half-court and a four-car garage make up the grounds.

Patricia Phillips of Rodeo Realty was the listing agent. Brittney Hinds of eXp Realty of California represented the buyers.

$6.995 million – Valley Vista

This Cape Cod-style house, built in 2016 and featured on the current season of “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles,” hit the market in March and sold a month later for the asking price.

Within the 7,700 square feet of living space is a formal dining room, chef’s kitchen and an open-plan living room with a bar.

A two-story guesthouse adds additional space, and the grounds also hold an infinity pool adjacent to a lawn.

David Parnes and James Harris, the Agency duo featured on “MDLLA,” were the listing agents. Marci Kays, also of the Agency, represented the buyer.

$6.55 million – White Oak Avenue

YouTube personality Logan Paul bought this Robert Byrd-designed home in October.

Updated by developer Maxim Cherniavsky, the French country-turned-contemporary house features an exterior finished in reclaimed wood siding and polished concrete. Marble countertops, a modern kitchen and a new-look bar are among updates to the 8,689-square-foot interior.

There are seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, including a master suite with a spa-like bath and custom closet.

The park-like backyard is where “the magic of this house lies,” according to Paul. It includes mature trees, lawns and a swimming pool. There’s also an outdoor kitchen and a guesthouse.

Aaron Kirman and Angelo Fierro of John Aaroe Group held the listing. Josh and Matt Altman represented Paul.

$6.4 million – Royal Oak Road

This newly built farmhouse in Royal Oaks packs seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms into nearly 10,000 square feet of interior space. It sold in November for $150,000 less than the asking price.

Walls of glass in the hardwood-lined living spaces open to a backyard with a pool, spa and outdoor kitchen, and a two-story guesthouse sits adjacent.

Other amenities include a theater, wood-paneled study and a master suite attached to a private balcony.

Brian Pane of Sotheby’s International Realty held the listing. Anngel Benoun of Dilbeck Real Estate represented the buyer.

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