Category: feature

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Out and About: LA’s Best Scenic Drives

 In this traffic consumed metropolis, one redeeming factor about having a car is the plethora of beautiful scenic drives, you can take in almost any direction to escape the frustrations of Los Angeles. There’s much to enjoy from the majestic coastlines to the awe-inspiring mountain ranges. So take some time this Earth day to appreciate the many scenic routes that meander through this wonderful state of ours. Below are some suggested ways you can take.

Palos Verdes Drive

A unique coastal experience, along the Palos Verdes Peninsula with beautiful cliffs, sandy beaches and tide-pools. The route is short but also easier to enjoy because it’s at a slower pace than the other scenic drives. Some suggested picturesque stops are Pointe Vicente Lighthouse, Wayfarer’s Chapel, the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the Korean Bell of Friendship at Angel’s Gate Park in San Pedro.

Pacific Coast Highway

The quintessential scenic route along the California coastline, spans the entire West Coast of the US, with nearly 650 miles of coastal views. The Pacific Coast Highway stretches from California’s northern border with Oregon all the way down to San Diego making it the longest road in California but is also considered one of the most scenic drives in the US. With non-stop coastal views, beach towns and piers, and panoramic vantage points from the various mountain ranges there are so many wonderful spots to pullover at and explore it just comes down to whatever tickles your curiosity. Beware California’s coast has led to portions of Highway 1 being closed for long periods of time. To avoid being re-routed further inland, be sure to check the current conditions before departing.

Angeles Crest Scenic Byway

An often-overlooked scenic drive because it is inland is the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway which runs through the San Gabriel mountain range all the way through the Angeles National Forest. Climbing up to almost 8,000 feet, the drive will take you through spectacular views of the Pomona Valley and the Mojave Desert. Be sure to pack a picnic, as there are plenty of areas to stop and enjoy lunch with your view, as well as several trailheads for running, hiking or climbing. The most popular is the San Gabriel Peak, an easy hike with views you’ll never forget. At the top of the summit, you can enjoy a 360 view of the surrounding area and neighborhoods of Pasadena or Glendale.

Link to check road conditions: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/display.php?page=sr1
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Weekend Events: April 12-14

While half of LA will be making the trek to Coachella Weekend 1, the rest of us are looking forward to…less traffic. But also our own weekend fun outside of Indio. While we don’t have Ariana to headline our city events, this round-up is Angeleno approved. So read on for the top things to do this April 12-14!

Friday, April 12

Game of Thrones Party

Location: Alcove, 1929 Hillhurst Avenue., Los Angeles

Brace yourselves GOT fans, an epic themed party is coming! Hosted by Alcove and Big Bar is a fete fit for the Dragon Queen. The venue will be transforming into Westeros for the evening. Enjoy a night filled with immersive experiences, entertainment, cocktails and food.

Click here for more info.

For an extra special GOT treat check out Wanderlust Creamery and their Game of Cones Ice Cream line-up. Click here to learn more.

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Premiere Night

Location: Universal Studios

Ready your wands for Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Premiere Night. Universal Studios will be putting on quite the spectacle this weekend to celebrate the brand-new Dark Arts light show. The celebration will be two days of festivities that include photo-ops, a catered dinner and wizardly entertainment.

Click here for more info.

The Toyota Grand Prix

Location: Long Beach

Speed over to Long Beach for the Toyota Grand Prix this weekend. The annual event will feature live street racing, music, a lifestyle expo, contest, food and more! The event is sponsored by Acura and takes place over 4 days.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, April 13

Los Angeles Dance Festival

Location: 5151 State University Drive., Los Angeles

Don’t miss out on an exciting showcase of talent! The LA Dance Festival brings attention to the best contemporary dance in the city. In partnership with the Luckman Fine Arts Complex and Cal State University-LA, the event features a wide range of concert dance.

Click here for more info.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Wildflower Week

Location: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Wildflower Week kicks off this Saturday through April 21st. Enjoy a nine-day celebration of California’s wildflowers at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens. Along with a display of california poppies and lupines will be an art exhibit, cocktail party and guided tours.

Click here for more info.

L.A. Times Festival of Books

Location: USC, University Park Campus

Let your inner bookworm roam free at the L.A. Times Festival of Books. The annual event will feature over 500 authors, celebrities, chefs, musicians and artists. Among the literary stars and celebs scheduled to appear are Ali Abbas, Stephanie Abraham, Kwame Alexander and many more.

Click here for more info.

Sunday, April 14

Gelateria Uli 5th Anniversary Party

Location: Spring Arcade, DTLA

In celebration of their 5th Anniversary, the Gelateria Uli at DTLA Spring Arcade will host a bubbly party from 2-5 p.m. Stop by for drinks, music and tours of the gelato kitchen along with gelato and sorbet of course.

Click here for more info.

Dodgers Vs. Brewers

Location: Dodger Stadium

As Dodger season continues to ramp up towards our hopefully inevitable victory, the boys in blue take on the Milwaukee Brewers this Sunday. Enjoy a good ol’ day at the old ball game and be sure to bring the little ones for the Dodgers ‘Kids Run The Bases’ day. Kids AGE 14 and under will get the chance to run the famed field after the game alongside a silent auction put on by the Dodgers Foundation.

Click here for more info.

Silent Sundays at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

Location: San Gabriel Playhouse

The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse welcomes back the Silent Sundays series. This Sunday will feature Alfred Hitchcocks 1929 thriller Blackmail alongside a Wurlitzer organ accompaniment. This film is considered one of his earliest masterpieces. Quoted by TCM as a “beautifully crafted early exercise in nail biting suspense from Hitchcock’s pre-Hollywood canon”.

Click here for more info.

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A Tax Day Guide

Filing your taxes can be…taxing. Whether you opt for the DIY way online or a quick trip to HR Block, there’s no shortage of options. Make sure you prepared for Tax day by reading below for your go to resources straight from the IRS. We can’t say we wish everyday was Tax Day but we certainly are counting down until refund season!

Discover your Tax guide below!

Find a Tax Professional

Tax professionals have varying levels of skills, education and expertise. And, not all tax professionals have the right to represent taxpayers before the IRS, such as during an audit. You should know the credentials, qualifications and extent of service each prospective professional provides before obtaining their service.

Free Resources

  • Free Tax Return Preparation: Find out if you are eligible to get free help preparing your tax return from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs listed here.
  • Free Help To Resolve Tax Disputes (not tax return preparation): Find out if you are eligible to get free help resolving tax disputes with the IRS from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC).

Paid Preparers and e-File Providers

Prepare Your Own Return

Electronic filing is the easiest way to file a complete and accurate tax return. You can use Free File or commercial tax prep software and file your taxes electronically. You can pay electronically, too.

Free Resources

  • Free File: Find out if you are eligible for free file software or if you can file your return using free fillable forms.
  • Pay Electronically:  Find options to pay your taxes electronically.

Commercial Software

  • E-file Option: This page explains your options for e-filing, including commercial software.
Courtesy of IRS.Gov
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Ben Bacals Bird Streets listing featured in Luxe Digs

Hailed a “Sublime Symphony” by Luxe Digs magazine, Ben Bacal holds the listing for this lower Bird Streets Estate.

The article highlights each luxury element of the Alex Pettas designed property.

Noting the “abundance of light, water, glass, Italian stone, cedar and European oak flooring throughout” the stunning abode. An epitome of style, the Vanina Alfaro designed living space is an entertainers dream.

The magazine feature continues by noting  the homes “eye-catching features–like the biometric, oversized door that opens tp a cascading infinity-edge pool and bonsai trees; soaring great room with disappearing glass doors and floor to ceiling Italian marble fireplace; and decadent master suite with its own living room and designer showroom closet.”

If that isn’t show stopping enough the ultimate highlight is the homes 1,000-square-foot rooftop deck with built-in bar and Jacuzzi.

“off-the-charts cool” as Ben describes it and when do we move in is the only question on all of our minds.

1172 N. Doheny Drive is listed at $9.3 Million

 

Click here to view the article Luxe Digs article(Pg. 68).

Click here to view Ben Bacal’s current listings.

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Nadia Emelia list Alice Eve’s Hollywood Dell Home

Rodeo Realty’s Nadia Emelia has listed British Actress Alice Eve’s Hollywood Home.

The listing recently received coverage in Variety’s Real Estate column-Real Estalker which highlighted the homes stylish features. The 1,230 Square foot 1940’s bungalow is on the market for $1.5 million.

The publication describes the homes allure of privacy noting its “graveled driveway. It further notes it’s location “behind a thick privet hedge amid a jungle-like tumble of leafy trees and dense foliage.”

Stunningly renovated additional features of the home include designer touches like the kitchens stainless Smeg appliances. The abodes hillside location allows for it’s perfect sun-splashed roof deck to be an ideal entertaining or lounging spot.

Variety also touches on other home attributes like the “light-filled living room…vintage brick fireplace and gigantic bay window.”

Alice Eve is known for her roles in “She’s Out of Your League”, “Iron First” and the upcoming untitled biopic about the late Roger Ailes.

Read the original Variety article here.

See more of Nadia Emelia’s listings here.

 

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LA Eats: Healthy Eats of the Week

Sunday is Earth Day but for us Angeleno’s we’re pretty good at spreading green initiatives all year round. We lead the forefront of organic and vegan dining options, and live off kombucha and kale. With healthy eats being such a major part of our diet, this weeks restaurant round up is fresher then our jokes!

Read below for the top 10 Organic restaurants to try in LA and discover your inner angeleno!!

Akasha

Location: Culver City

Between the organic spirits and California-Mediterranean menu, Akahsa is setting the bar for healthy sips and bites. “The Akasha” for example is a Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka thats every bit as refreshing as it sounds. Try that alongside their Turkey Burger topped with Jalapeno and red pepper for simple perfection.

Elf Cafe

Location: Los Angeles

This quaint dinner-only spot is both soulful and satisfying. A vegetarian gem for Angeleno’s, Elf Cafe creatively nods to the Middle East. The Moroccan vegetable tagine on a bed of quinoa is deliciously welcoming to even the most timid taste buds. Or go for a savory tart with crimini mushrooms and braised leeks. Either way, your appetite wont be disappointed.

Neighbor

Location: Venice

Neighbor seeks to eschew typical borderlines like the South or even California, opting instead for a roster of dishes from chef Joshua Luce. The menu moves from garden peas and burrata with flowering mint to turmeric and yogurt-laced broccolini. There’s also the buckwheat noodles with black garlic and scallions. Or the salmon with miso mustard, the requisite Mary’s chicken, and steak for those in need. We’ll go on but I’m sure your hungry!

Local

Location: Los Angeles

At this laid back spot, you can tuck into a crisp, whole wheat Belgian waffle topped with chunky homemade fruit compote or indulge in dangerously good spicy fries served with spicy ranch dressing. (Order them extra crispy.)  If you’re in a hurry, you can hit the salad bar for sesame kale, or tomatoes with feta. Dinner recently received an  overhaul. With homemade sausages, Cuban sandwiches, fish and chips. The most popular offerings will make the cut.

Mohawk Bend

Location: Los Angeles

Mohawk Bend doesn’t look like what you might think of an organic-type restaurant. It’s hip, but not hippie. But the restaurant’s most notable feature is its beer. There are a whopping 70 offerings on tap, two more in casks, and beer paraphernalia everywhere you look. The kitchen uses organic flour and organic tomatoes for their pies. They come out of the oven nice and chewy with a blistered crust. Offerings range from the classic Holy Trinity, with a choice of standard mozzarella or vegan cheese, to a vegan banh mi pizza with Sriracha aioli.

SunCafe Organic

Location: Studio City

Kale is the celebrity at this sweet cafe. It is star of the popular “sweet kale shake,” along with banana, cashew and agave. And it is a popular side with the pizzas and burgers, all of which are vegetarian and available raw. The pizzas, for instance, can be had on either whole wheat flatbread or raw “SunCrust,” a combination of nuts and seeds. But not everything contains kale. Lettuce tacos, listed as a starter, make an ample lunch.

Tar & Roses

Location: Santa Monica

If carrots could be anything, they would want to land in Andrew Kirschner’s kitchen. At Tar & Roses, they are charred to almost burnt, soft and sweet and caramelized, and topped with a dollop of lush crème fraiche touched with chermoula. Like the carrots, the “pho” paccio on the menu packs big flavor. Think of it as pho without the broth: paper-thin rounds of meltingly tender beef finished with sambal, Thai basil, cilantro and red jalapeno.

Sqirl Kitchen

Location: Los Angeles

Vegans and vegetarians are as happy here as meat-loving restaurant critic Jonathan Gold, who has a namesake sandwich: prosciutto and fennel on burnt baguette. Regulars at this tiny, toast-forward, breakfast-all-day café in Silver Lake are a loyal bunch, lining up for thick slices of burnt brioche slathered with ricotta and pretty housemade jam, bowls of “kaboulleh” (kale, raw cauliflower, and crispy fried rice), and jam-filled French toast with crème fraîche. The creative seasonal food is kinda healthy, kinda decadent, and definitely delicious.

Flower Child

Location: Santa Monica

We’re pretty sure Santa Monica did not need another fast casual spot, but we’re also sure we could do a lot worse than Flower Child. There are plenty of salads and vegan options on the menu, as well as heartier dishes that will mean you’re not hungry again in an hour. We’re also appreciative of the table service that happens after you place your order, making the whole place feel less like our high school cafeteria.

Crossroads Kitchen

Location: Los Angeles

It seemed Impossible that a restaurant could make even the heaviest carnivore question whether they’re eating plant or meat. The folks at Crossroads took that challenge and delivered 1000x over. Home of the famed “Impossible” burger, a 100% plant based gourmet take on the American classic is a dream. Take that alongside their extensive menu of all plant based bites and you’re in a vegan paradise whose doors are open to all.

 

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Weekend Events: April 5-7

April is a busy month for Angeleno’s. Between Coachella and every other music festival gearing up now through the summer, what is there to do for those staying in town? No fret! We have you covered. No we don’t have a way to get you to Palm Springs. But we do have a weekend round-up worthy of staying out in the city of stars. So forget about listening to unheard of bands in the middle of the desert and discover your inner angeleno!

 

Friday, April 5th
I Like Scary Movies Experience

Location: The Desmond, Los Angeles

Fans of the horror film genre can rejoice at this eery pop-up. See, smell, hear, and feel iconic moments from some of Hollywoods scariest motion pictures. From IT to A Nightmare on Elm Street, this multi-sensory experience is not for the faint of heart. Running April 4-June 16, Thursday-Sunday.

Click here for more information.

All Space Considered

Location: Griffith Observatory

Explore the phenomena’s of the universe at Griffith Observatory’s monthly forum. This exciting free public program is hosted by the observatory’s curatorial staff. Join them as they explain the most talked about subjects in astronomy and space science.

Click here for more information.

First Fridays in Long Beach: County Fair

Location: Long Beach

Don’t miss the Long Beach County Fair at First Fridays! This version of the popular First Friday event in Long Beach will feature a bounty of family friendly fun. Enjoy fair food, contest, local vendors, art, live music, storytelling and more!

Click here for more information.

Saturday, April 6th
Huntington Library: Shakespeare Day

Dost thou wand’rest where yee may find a celebration of Shakespeare? Well your in luck! Luck being that we wont use anymore old timey jargon  but also that it’s Shakespeare day at Huntington Library! Partake in an afternoon of family friendly performances and fun.

Click here for more information.

Corgi Beach Day a.k.a. Corgchella

Location: Main Street, Huntington Beach

Does this event even need explaining? Corgchella (insert elated happiness) comes to Huntington Beach this Saturday. The event is an afternoon in the sun honoring and hanging out with these precious pups. While this is a corgi-centric event, all pups and humans are welcome. Stop by and find out why the Queen prefers these furry friends.

Click here for more information.

Foodie Con

Location: The Reef, Los Angeles

Fellow Foodies unite! Foodie Con returns to the Magic Box this weekend only for a two-day extravaganza of food-centric fun. Event highlights include, a silent disco, cooking demos, vendors, alcohol samplings and more.

Click here for more information.

Sunday, April 7th
Masters of Taste

Location: Pasadena Rose Bowl

Yes there are a ton of food festivals this weekend, but who is complaining? Partake in the fourth annual Masters of Taste at Pasadena’s historic Rose Bowl this Sunday! Nosh on samplings from over 40 culinary Masters and restaurants while sipping on craft cocktails. 100% of the days proceeds will go to Union Station Homeless Services, a nonprofit that assists homeless individuals rebuild their lives.

Click here for more information. 

6th Annual Montrose Craft Beer Fest

Location: Glendale

The 6th annual Montrose Craft Beer Fest returns on April 7 to showcase its brewers and breweries from the Los Angeles area. Attendees can taste some of the best local brewers paired with delicious food samples, to enhance their experience. This one-block festival includes various vendors and booths, a photo station activation, lawn games, music from DJ Chloe, and more.

Click here for more information.

8th Annual Earth Day Celebration-Taste of Toluca

Location: Toluca Lake

Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council (GTLNC) is hosting its 8th Annual Earth Day Celebration, featuring Taste of Toluca. While Earth day is a couple weeks ago, why not celebrate our planet a little earlier? Over 40 booths offering green living products, information and services will be on hand. Concurrently, Taste of Toluca will offer complimentary small plates from a wide variety of local purveyors. There will also be a kids’ activity corner, live music and entertainment on the center stage throughout the day.

Click here for more information. 

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At Home Exercises to Stay Healthy

This Sunday is World Health Day, so aside from green eats and electric cars, maintaining your health applies at home too. Thats why we are rounding together a handful of easy exercises you can do from the comfort of your abode. Stay healthy the Rodeo Realty way!

FITNESS BLENDER

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender
The husband and wife team behind Fitness Blender, offers a wide selection of full-length videos that allow you to exercise at home without equipment. You will find fat-burning workouts, kickboxing routines, total body strength training, workouts for boosting metabolism, stretching sequences, and more.

Sweaty Betty

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/SweatyBettyUK
This resource offers wonderful online classes that are full of easy exercises to do at home. Sweaty Betty provides yoga workouts, HIIT routines, and many other types for you to try. No matter whether you have experience doing fitness classes or are a complete beginner, Sweaty Betty has something that will get you working at an appropriate level.

Turbulence Training

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/cbathletics
Craig Ballentyne of Turbulence Training provides an in depth collection of no-equipment bodyweight workouts designed to help you burn fat and get lean. These instructional videos are mostly short ones (i.e. under 10 minutes) and can be used to create your own home workouts.

POPSUGAR FITNESS

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/popsugartvfit
The excuses are over! Popular fitness channel Popsugar Fitness offers total body workouts that are quick and effective for the time poor. Every single workout will challenge your entire body and will include elements of cardio, strength, and core conditioning.

Bodyrock.tv

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/charliejames1975
Bodyrock.tv is one of the forerunners in online exercise videos. This popular health and exercise blog is dedicated to weight loss, fitness, beauty, and food. Find daily at-home workouts that are laid out with descriptions and pictures or in video format. All of the online workouts can be done with minimal equipment.

Body Project

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFjc9H89-RpWuIStDqhO7AQ
The Body Project specializes in high-intensity fat-burning workouts that can be done from home. Their workouts have some creative moves that are fun and effective. The low-impact cardio workout is a great place to start.

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LA’s Best Comedy Clubs

April is National Humor Month, but here in LA we can have a good laugh all year round. With famed comedy clubs like The Laugh Factory or the Comedy Store, there is no shortage of humor. So have a laugh today or any day of the week with our round-up below of LA’s best Comedy Clubs!

The Comedy Store

Location: 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood, CA, USA

The Store was started by comedian Sammy Shore and his wife Mitzi, parents of Pauly Shore. At the original location on the Sunset Strip, the Belly and Main rooms feature lesser-known talents, while the Original Room hosts frequent visits from nationally recognized comedians. Many famous faces have graced the stage at The Store – Dave Chappelle, Chelsea Peretti, Gallagher, Judy Tenuta, Andrew Dice Clay, Leslie Jones, Andy Kaufman, and Chris Rock, just to name a few. As if your night couldn’t get any happier, they even offer discounted parking, which is virtually unheard of on the Strip.

Click here for more information.

The Groundlings

Location: 7307 Melrose Ave., Fairfax, CA, USA 

The Groundlings is an improv school and theater that boasts a trove of famous alums like Melissa McCarthy, Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, John Goodman, and Jim Rash – the list goes on. They offer totally improvised shows as well as sketches that have been practiced and perfected. Audience participation is integral to improv, so get ready to interact! But if that’s not your thing, hit up a Sunday show, where you simply kick back, relax, and laugh your face off.

Click here for more information.

 

The Hollywood Improv

Location:  8162 Melrose Ave., Beverly Grove, CA, USA 

One of the many great things about The Improv is that big names drop in all the time. Any night of the week, patrons are pretty much guaranteed a stellar line up, with the possibility of someone like Louis C. K. or Dana Carvey stopping by for a set. Check it out during the week, and make sure to show up early to hang out by the bar for Happy Hour. Nothing is better than half-priced drinks and a night of laughs.

Click here for more information.

The Laugh Factory

Location: 8001 W. Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood, CA, USA

Los Angeles comedy and The Laugh Factory are synonymous with each other. An appearance by a vet comedian can be guaranteed on the bill almost any night of the week. Rest assured, the rotation of regular local comedians is sure to leave you breathless in your seats. Speaking of seats, they’re all pretty close to the stage, making it easy for comics to include the audience in their acts.

Click here for more information.

The Second City Hollywood

Location: 6560 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA, USA 

Alan Alda, Dan Aykroyd, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey and Keegan-Michael Key have all graced the stage at the Second City Hollywood, the L.A. spin-off of the original Chicago comedy team. Known best for their classes, SC Hollywood also offers structured and improv comedy shows. What makes them unique is their focus on creating a theater experience, whether it be improv, sketch, or even musicals.

Click here for more information.

The Upright Citizens Brigade-Hollywood

Location: 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, CA, USA

UCB holds up as one of the best places to see improv and sketch in Los Angeles. Like many other clubs on this list, this place has spawned talents that have gone on to join shows like SNL, The Daily Show, and Parks & Rec. UCB puts no limit on who can enjoy a show there as all ages are welcome. Every member of the family can enjoy a show for less than $10 per person.

Click here for more information.

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Brendan Barry sells Vintage 1930’s Spanish to Comedian Chris O’Dowd

Rodeo Realty’s Brendan Barry recently closed sale on a 100-year-old Spanish bungalow to comedian Chris O’Dowd.

The sale picked up media coverage in outlets like Variety and Architectural Digest. Both publications focused on the homes Old-Hollywood charm. Originally built in 1930, the two-story residence was on the market for the first time in 50 years. Located in the affluent Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles’ Mid City West, the home sold for nearly $2.15 million.

It boast almost 3,000 square feet of living space and features authentic details throughout. From its hand-forged wrought iron accents to a gently curved stone staircase that ascends unto the terra cotta tile foyer is golden era glamour.

The home also features natural light that floods in through the living rooms multi-colored stain glass window. While stunning accents like the antique crystal chandelier hanging in the homes formal dining room add a touch of elegance.

This is the second piece of U.S. real estate for U.K. Actor/Comedian Chris O’Dowd and his writer/TV Presenter wife Dawn O’Porter. Their first home on this side of the pond is a mere few blocks away from their new abode.

O’Dowd is most notable for his role in Bridesmaids and Sundance TV’s State of the Union. He will also be featured in the CBS All Access upcoming reboot of The Twilight Zone hosted by Oscar Winner Jordan Peele.

Variety article-click here.
Architectural Digest article-click here.
To view Brendan Barry’s current listings click here.
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