2518 Ladbrook Way | Thousand Oaks, California

Offered at $3,995,000

Exquisite French Manor with incredible unobstructed views in Sherwood Country Club Estates. Gated 7,100 square foot residence includes 6 bedrooms & 7 bathrooms, majestic formal living room with fireplace, separate formal dining room with fireplace & butler’s pantry, tastefully appointed library/office with custom bookcases, fireplace & spacious family room.

Sherwood Country Club Estate Home

Gourmet Kitchen amenities include custom cabinetry, granite counters, high end appliances, center work islands & breakfast room. Elegant hardwood flooring, faux finishes & hand crafted moldings throughout add refinement. Master Suite luxuries create a private sanctuary with fireplace, a sumptuous master bath & private outdoor balcony. The extensive 31,363 square foot lot with custom pool & spa, inviting patio with fireplace & built-in BBQ & grassy lawn area is completed by beautiful golf course & mountain views. Award winning Conejo School District, close to HWY 101, shopping & beaches.

Sherwood

Hidden Valley: Southern California’s Secret Celebrity Enclave

Interview and post by : Deidre Woollard & Candice Cerro, REALTOR.com

Reality television shows may have given people the impression that celebrities in Los Angeles spend all their time in Beverly Hills or lunching at The Ivy but some of the biggest celebs actually make their home in quieter places far from the throngs of paparazzi.

We enlisted two local real estate experts, Nicki LaPorta and Karen Crystal, who have each been selling real estate in the area for over a decade, to give us the inside scoop of the world of Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley is a small community located north of Los Angeles in the mountains outside Thousand Oaks, California. Here you’ll find only around 40 homes each with at least 20 acres of property. The area has attracted celebs including Jamie Foxx, Tom Selleck and Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi. Hidden Valley is no trendy newcomer either; for years Sophia Loren owned a ranch with the tranquil name of La Concordia, Robert Wagner ruled the roost at the more prosaically titled RJ Farms and actor William Powell also had a ranch here. The area’s roots actually stretch back further still, into the reaches of old Hollywood when Lake Sherwood was used for the filming of the first Robin Hood movie in the early 1920s.

The area is also attractive to billionaires, none more famously than David H. Murdock, the chairman of Dole Foods, who first began buying land in the area back in the 1980s. Nicki and Karen tell us that they’ve taken some very big spenders on tours through the area. The same things that appeal to their famous clients also appeal to those without name recognition: good schools, private space, scenic beauty and lovely weather. The local private high school Oaks Christian has been attended by children of Wayne Gretzky, Will Smith and Joe Montana and has earned the nickname “Celebrity High.”

(image of Oaks Christian via Oaks Christian Facebook Page)

Those who worry about spending hours in L.A. traffic can also choose to fly in to the nearby Camarillo airport, a perk for those who count this as one of several homes in a luxury portfolio. Some properties are working farms with stables and extensive equestrian facilities while others feature just a few pampered family steeds. Homes tend to be customized to the specific owner’s wants and needs and therefore can stay on the market for a while until the right purchaser is found. Prices start in the $5-to-$6 million range, a price point that weeds out many potential buyers. But as Nicki and Karen tell their clients, you aren’t just buying a home but a lifestyle.

A trip to see a home in Hidden Valley is not a casual in-and-out jaunt. There are no open houses. Nicki and Karen scrupulously screen clients before doors are ever opened and protect the privacy of both buyers and sellers. The pair usually opt to show a home together, giving the potential buyer not just a look at the home and grounds but also at the Hidden Valley lifestyle, a place where the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles doesn’t seem like it exists only an hour away. Nicki and Karen are protective of this part of town, instructing clients that “you can’t get this anywhere else in L.A.” They say that being in Hidden Valley is an emotional connection and that nearly everyone they have helped buy a home here has chosen to stay in the area.

Should you want to make Hidden Valley your home, you might want to take a page from Meryl Streep’s book. If you sighed over Streep’s lovely camera-ready home in “It’s Complicated” you can make the manse your own. The 56-acre ranch is listed for $12 million. The classic Spanish hacienda has a pool house, patio with a terracotta fountain, six-stall horse barn, greenhouse and more.

Calabasas, Park Moderne, and the Chateau Suenos

Even though the Park Moderne is no longer here, the luxury real estate is.

Calabasas Park Estates

Calabasas is just south of the planned community of Thousand Oaks, California. Both cities lie North of Los Angeles and are known for their affluence, Hollywood’s biggest stars and its natural beauty – as well as the Sotheby’s home office, Ewing & Associates. (Please “like” us on facebook,btw)

Communities in Calabasas:

From Parkway Calabasas: Westridge, Calabasas Hills, Calabasas Park Estates, Calabasas Country Estates, and The Oaks.

From Park Granada or Mulholland Drive: Mulholland Heights, Mulwood, Las Villas, Bellagio, The Ridge, Creekside, Clairidge, Calabasas Highlands, Mountain Park, Cold Creek, and Park Moderne.

From Las Virgenes: Monte Nido, Deer Springs, Stone Creek, El Encanto, Archstone, Mont Calabasas, Malibu Canyon Park, The Colony at Calabasas, and Calabasas View.

Monte Nido

From Lost Hills Road: Saratoga Hills, Saratoga Ranch, Deer Springs, Steeplechase, and Mira Monte.

… and if you are looking for where the stars in Southern Caifornia purchase luxury real esate, you don’t have to go downtown to do so… just grab a bite to eat at the the Calabasas Commons.

Calabasas Commons at Night

Here’s a short list…

• Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries – Socialite + Athlete
• Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom – Socialite + Athlete
• Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick – Socialite + Businessman
• Rob Kardashian – Socialite
• Kris Jenner and Bruce Jenner – Businesswoman + Retired athlete
• Jerry O’Connell and Rebecca Romijn – Actors
• Melissa Sue Anderson – Actress
• Shiri Appleby – Actress
• Danny Bonaduce – Actor
• Brandon Boyd – Musician
• Charles Bronson – Actor
• Rod Carew – Athlete
• Lynda Carter – Actress and Singer
• Ron Cey – Baseball player
• Susan Dey – Actress
• Corey Dillon – American football player
• Dr. Dre – Producer and rapper, resided in a mansion in Calabasas around 1992.
• Don Drysdale – baseball player
• C. Thomas Howell – actor
• All five original members of Incubus were born and raised in Calabasas.
• Jamie Farr – actor
• Donna Feldman – model and actress
• Larry Fine – comedian and actor, The Three Stooges
• Derek Fisher – basketball player
• Lady Gaga – musician
• Steve Garvey – baseball player
• Gary Grant – athlete
• Howie Mandel – game show host and comedian
• Meat Loaf – musician, resides just outside of Calabasas, California, near Saddle Peak and Calabasas Peak
• Matt Stone – South Park co-creator, lives near Calabasas
• John Melendez – comedian, The Howard Stern Show and The Jay Leno Show
• Clayton Moore – actor, The Lone Ranger
• Brandy Norwood – singer and actress
• Kane Hodder – stuntman/actor
• Wes Parker – baseball player
• Mitch Richmond – athlete
• Leann Rimes and Eddie Cibrian, singer and celebrity couple
• Bret Saberhagen – athlete
• Sacha Sacket – singer, songwriter and musician
• Arturo Sandoval – musician, Cuban jazz
• Tupac Shakur – rapper, resided in Calabasas
• Allison Scagliotti – actress, lives in Calabasas
• Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey – pop singers (former home)
• Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott – actors
• Britney Spears – pop superstar
• Richie Sambora – musician, guitarist of Bon Jovi
• Cameron Diaz – actress
• Loretta Swit – actress
• Dennis Weaver – actor
• Lee Majors – actor
• Lindsey Wagner – actress
• Siavash Ghomayshi – pop singer
• Nikki Sixx – musician, founder of Mötley Crüe
• Cheryl Cole & Derek Hough – Singer & Dancer Cheryl is from the UK here to be a judge on The X Factor

One of the most famous luxury estates is also in Calabasas, the Chateau Suenos (“House of Dreams”) – former home to Britney Spears.

Of course, some of the residents are former residents, including one of the most dominant pitchers the game of baseball has ever seen, Don Drysdale. Shortly after Drysdale’s death, Vin Scully (a resident of Thousand Oaks),a broadcasting colleague announced the news to Dodger fans,

“Never have I been asked to make an announcement that hurts me as much as this one. And I say it to you as best I can with a broken heart.”

2593 Newbern Court

European Style on Top of the World within the luxurious confines of Lake Sherwood Country Club, with its world renowned golf course and pristine lake, there is a single parcel of prized land which is situated high above all others. Once atop this 5.6 acre perch – in every direction you look – you will be awed by the spectacular views of the lake and surrounding countryside that unfold before your eyes.

The Ultimate Sherwood Estate

Inspired by the splendor and craftsmanship of the finest European estates, this newly constructed home is a setting of old-world charm accented by 21st Century conveniences. A showcase of artisanship and detail, the estate is a gallery of fine woods, exquisite stone work, and hand forged metals, all custom crafted to help create the home’s inviting personality.

The moment you enter through its wrought iron gates, you’ll notice that the abundant use of oversized windows and doors create an architectural marriage between the home’s surroundings and its interior. From the rustic wine room with its hand painted mural and intricately carved cabinetry – to the stately library with its wood paneled walls and ceiling, inviting cast stone wood burning fireplace, and beautifully crafted book cases, European customs and influences are intrinsic throughout.

An appreciation for relaxation has been provided for as well. For among its six bedrooms suites, the master suite is a consummate testament to privacy. With two private sleeping quarters that share a sweeping balcony, a spacious sitting room with fireplace, his and her baths with a steam shower and granite vanities, and an outside living area with fireplace and bar ideal for secluded lounging while enjoying the expansive views on a warm summer’s eve.

The most modern technology and conveniences have also been incorporated for your enjoyment. A fully automated in-home theater with a ten foot screen and Denon sound-surround system; seven large screen plasma televisions throughout the living areas; fully integrated indoor and outdoor audio systems; and for creating those culinary masterpieces – a custom gourmet kitchen equipped with Viking and Dacor appliances.

Step outside onto the rear of the grounds and just beyond the lush lawns a spectacular infinity pool and spa provides the dramatic illusion of its waters seamlessly blending into Lake Sherwood. And for special friends and family, there is a private guest house with a full kitchen, bath, fireplace, entertainment center, and a quiet patio dining area with stunning views.

Simply stated, this is a home that offers the ultimate in comfort, relaxation, and style – all while peacefully nestled on top of the world.

North Ranch Country Club. 906 Vista Ridge Lane

Built in 1998, this exquisite 7,372 square foot home is located inside the beautiful North Ranch Country Club, and is close to top rated schools, with easy access to Highway 101. This two story, 5 bedroom, 6 bath beauty rests on a magnificent 58,370 square foot lot, amid manicured Versailles gardens and citrus trees. A backyard oasis includes a pool, jacuzzi, and a waterfall. An outdoor fireplace keeps away the chill. A 5 car finished garage with painted floor is an extension of the house. The Santa Maria Stone driveway and accents compliment the garden hardscapes.

Once past the twin entry ponds and waterfall, you will enter into a setting of Old World splendor and artisan craftsmanship seldom seen in newer construction. Special attention to detail is apparent throughout the house, including custom lighting fixtures, sumptuous hand carved moldings, five imported European fireplaces and Mediterranean architectural accents. Distressed walnut wood floors and stained glass windows add to the aura of grace and distinction.

Modern conveniences have not been overlooked. Updated high end appliances, a central vacuum system and an upstairs washer/dryer set up keep things efficient. The multi-zone stereo and smart lighting systems make it easy to control the ambiance in any room. An indoor sauna and jacuzzi make it easy to relax anytime. The master suite includes a spacious walk in closet and grand bathroom, and the children’s room and playroom offer additional storage. The upstairs office and balcony afford a dazzling view of the surrounding environs.

Throughout time, a White Stallion has served as a symbol of illustrious rarity. Often depicted with exceptional markings and features that set it apart from the ordinary, they have come to represent a fantastical world where the exceptional is possible and dreams are limited only by one’s imagination. Welcome to 2500 White Stallion Road– distinguished estate living designed to cater to the senses.

Hidden Valley serves as the secluded retreat for this spectacular residence. Celebrated for panoramic vistas that stretch from the Santa Monica Mountains to the blue Pacific, spectacular equestrian and bike trails, and century-old oak trees that dot the countryside, Hidden Valley is called home by those in search of quiet country living while still having easy access to all that the Greater Los Angeles area has to offer.

white stallion estate

Rarely, if ever, will you find the attention to the extraordinary that 2500 White Stallion Drive has cultivated throughout its 23 acres of masterfully designed and meticulously manicured grounds. Beyond the beautifully ornate gate and guard shack, the expansive rolling green lawns quietly lead you into an estate that has been generously infused with features that never cease to amaze. On a canvas covered with delightful red and soft white begonias, limestone walkways lined by flowering magnolia trees, magnificent hand carved French limestone fountains and planters, and a variety of exquisitely arranged and executed parterres inspired by the Gardens of Versailles, the grounds are a showcase of elegance and grace, and an appropriate prelude to the sophistication and style that the living quarters has to offer.

http://nickiandkaren.com/listings/2500-white-stallion/

The two-level French Formal home was recently renovated and redesigned for the sole purpose of pursuing the art of fine living. Throughout the over 16,000 square feet of living space, you’ll find a wealth of traditional European culture and charm at every turn: glorious ceilings framed by glazed wood crown moldings; custom quartz rock crystal chandeliers; Breaumanier limestone flooring ,and an elegant use of rich woods and upholstered walls. This appreciation for French artisanship is carried through to many of the home’s eight fireplaces, where intricately hand-carved limestone mantles provide a stunning focal point.

Yet with all of the home’s aesthetic visuals, its living quarters never disappoint when it comes to providing for a lifestyle of relaxation and enjoyment. From the comfortable elegance of the formal dining room, perfectly appointed to encourage an evening of fine dining and engaging conversation while sampling the offerings of the home’s wine cellar; to the theater with its rich woods, acoustically perfect sound system and plush, oversized burgundy-leather seating; to the kitchen and breakfast area, appointed with state-of-the-art appliances, Italian hand-carved wood cabinetry, and abundant quartz countertops that provide all of the space necessary to undertake the preparation of a savory Ratatouille or a mouth-watering chocolate soufflé, the home seems to anticipate your every need.

Likewise, the nearly 3,800 square foot master suite displays a refined elegance that caters to moments of intimate privacy and luxurious living. The spacious suite is a sumptuous oasis that provides a relaxing sitting room, a second bedroom, gymnasium, dual-master baths, oversized walk-in closets with bone washed wood and silver leaf accents, and expansive windows that frame the stunning views of the Piute Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

The rear grounds of the estate are no less magnificent. Optimizing its natural geographical setting of breath-taking views and dazzling sunsets, the crystal-clear infinity pool and cascading spa is complimented by Versailles pattern limestone terraces and walkways that form a captivating symmetry to the upper terrace. The lower terrace is a recreational lover’s paradise featuring a knoll top tennis and sport court complete with grandstands and surround-sound speakers, as well as a custom designed play land – the kind that every child dreams of.

Like a mythical White Stallion, the estate is proudly poised atop a promontory in a land of rolling hills and stately oak trees. Possessing an illustrious rarity all its own, this home was conceived and created with the kind of care and craftsmanship that reaches beyond the ordinary to achieve a level of unparalleled grandeur and magnificence.

Guard Gated Communities | North Ranch

Guard Gated Communities in North Ranch, California is home to many of  tonight’s Oscar Nominees and Award winners.  (even if they are their second of third properties.) North Ranch is in Westlake Village, California, a planned community within the city limits of ThousandOaks, California—a city  known for their world class country club real estate as well as its school system.

One property recently listed in the Conejo Valley is located in the luxury community of Sherwood Country Club It is an incredibly ornate custom home behind the gates on West Stafford Road—directly on the 11th hole of the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course.

280 W Stafford

280 W Stafford

Another exclusive luxury community in Southern California is North Ranch Country Club where you can find another exclusive luxury property offering stunning views—1090 Vista Ridge An extraordinarily rare and unique Spanish Hacienda-style estate with remarkable views of the Santa Monica Mountains.

1090 Vista Ridge

California Luxury Real Estate

It’s been 38 years since the band America popularized the song ‘Ventura Highway.” Since then, then ‘highway’ has turned into a ‘freeway’ and has become home to the some of of the most exclusive real estate offerings in Southern California.

Ventura County is the county seat of many of North America’s most sought after suburban real estate, Many of the area’s cities experienced a large boom in population in the middle of the 20th century. One of the region’s largest boom was that of the East County, moving from the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles and out into the Conejo and Simi Valleys, which consists of Calabasas, Hidden Valley, Agoura Hills, Agoura, and parts of Westlake Village belonging to Los Angeles County. The other half of the Conejo Valley, which belongs to Ventura County, consists of Lake Sherwood, Hidden Valley, Oak Park, parts of Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Newbury Park experienced a later surged toward the end of the 1960′s and the 1970′s.

Lake Sherwood, home of the affluent country club Sherwood Country Club, is known for exclusive real estate offerings that don’t come around very often. One such property is …

98 Queens Garden.

98 Queens Garden

Of course, not all stops on the Ventura Highway (freeway) are sealed with the cachet of a Lake Sherwood address; however, many are just as beautiful… not too mention some of the most stunning views. Somis, California is no exception.

6741 Bradley Road, Somis, California

6741 Bradley Road

Here’s what you can do about it….

9 things to do in Thousand Oaks

Annual Arbor Earth Day

Annual Arbor Earth Day is a free community event presented by the City of Thousand Oaks and Conejo Recreation and Park District. The purpose of the event if to promote a healthy, prosperous and sustainable environment by highlighting planet-friendly activities, services and products. Learn to “Go Green” in a fun, family atmosphere.

Amgen Tour of California

The largest cycling event in America, the 2011 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race, presented by AEG, that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course from May 15-22.

Founded in 2005 by Amgen, Breakaway from Cancer® is a national initiative to increase awareness of the important resources available to people affected by cancer from prevention to survivorship. The initiative supports the valuable support, education and advocacy resources offered by Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community, Patient Advocate Foundation and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza was built by decision of the Thousand Oaks City Council and opened the theatres for their inaugural season in October 1994. The complex, including the Bank of America Performing Arts Center and the parking structure, is owned by the City of Thousand Oaks and is operated by the City’s Community and Cultural Services Department. Thousand Oaks City Hall and the 3-acre Mary and Richard Carpenter Plaza Park are also located here. For more information, contact the Community and Cultural Services Department Administration office, (805) 449-2700 or email

The Arts Council of the Conejo Valley

The Arts Council of the Conejo Valley (ACCV) was established in 1969. During its over four decade span, the ACCV has gone through extensive changes in its programs and services. Established as a regional Federation of Arts organization that was formed to promote the community’s cultural development, the ACCV has evolved into a membership support agency that also delivers and co-sponsors many cultural programs. Member services include marketing, technical assistance workshops and lowered rent at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts (Hillcrest).

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

The Garden’s focus is to encourage the public to become involved in the enjoyment, conservation, preservation, and protection of our wondrous natural resources. For information call 805-494-763

Conejo Valley Days

Conejo Valley Days entertains 55,000 visitors each year over the five-day festival. With carnival rides, commercial vendors, arts & crafts, community organizations, games, food and a wonderful community spirit, it is truly a long-standing celebration perfect for the whole family

The small group of friends and neighbors who started the idea of Conejo Valley Days has grown into a network of clubs, organizations, charities, sponsors and hundreds of volunteers who work every year, throughout the year, to guarantee the success of Conejo Valley Days, as a community event that provides a wonderful source of fundraising for so many needed services and projects in our community.

The Oaks Mall

An exceptional retail environment in an exclusive suburban setting northwest of Los Angeles, The Oaks serves one of the most affluent consumer markets in the country. Drawing customers from as far away as Santa Barbara and as close as Malibu, The Oaks is a super-regional destination offering the only major enclosed shopping center within a 20-mile radius. Poised for a multi million-dollar renovation that will elevate the center’s aesthetics and offerings, this shopping magnet delivers a strong collection of upscale brands in Ventura County.

With Macy’s Women, Macy’s Men & Home, JCPenney department stores – and a new Nordstrom slated to open in 2008- The Oaks serves upwardly bound executive families with a forward-looking mix of over 120 desirable retailers, including Anthropologie, J. Crew, IRIDESSE, Apple, Williams-Sonoma and Coach.

Thousand Oaks Library

Map to Library

Thousand Oaks is proud to have a City-owned library system which is funded by an assessment from homeowners. The Thousand Oaks Library is comprised of one main facility, The Grant R. Brimhall Library, located at 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks, and one branch library, the Newbury Park Branch, located at 2331 Borchard Road in Newbury Park. The Library collection includes over 350,000 items and friendly staff to provide assistance.

The Thousand Oaks Library was opened in 1982. The 62,000 square foot building was expanded an additional 22,000 square feet to accommodate an improved Children’s Services area, quiet study rooms, and additional seating and shelving capacity. A new 3,600 gallon salt-water aquarium donated by the Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library enhances the walkway between the adult and children’s services areas. The aquarium is 18 feet wide and 5 feet tall and is home to a variety of different species of fish from all over the world. The reef is man-made and painted to represent coral from various oceans.

The Promenade

Premium new shopping and restaurants. The Promenade is better than ever. If you’re looking for exciting dining in Westlake Village, you’ve found it. The addition of The Grill on the Alley and Farfalla Trattoria brings LA’s favorite restaurants to the area. And for shopping, check out Madison, our new designer boutique with today”s hottest labels.

For a date night or a day of family fun, The Promenade offers the best shopping & restaurants in Westlake & Thousand Oaks. We hope you will enjoy our beautifully rejuvenated outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment center…

…. just to name a few.

Happy New Year!!!!!