Encino, CA

By Carol Wolfe

The Griffith Observatory is one of the most famous landmarks in Los Angeles, made famous by the hit James Dean movie Rebel Without a Cause.

With the newly refurbished dome, star projector and theater, the Samuel Oschin Planetarium is without a doubt the finest planetarium in the world.

Currently the planetarium features three different shows guaranteed to transport visitors on a journey through cosmic space. The first show Centered in the Universe addresses man's deepest questions about where we come from and how we came to be, starting with The Big Bang.

The second show, Water is Life takes visitors on a journey through space looking for signs of life and water on other planets.

The newest show First Light: The Telescope Changed Everything explores the night sky and how Galileo's discoveries changed our world.

The Griffith Observatory is located in Los Angeles on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. Admissions to the grounds are free. There is a small charge to attend shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. For more information visit www.griffithobs.org

By Carol Wolfe

The Hollywood Bowl is the largest outdoor amphitheatre in the United States and a major Hollywood Icon.

It is a place where the world's finest musicians come to play on an outdoor stage for a crowd that is happy to enjoy the music, ambience and twinkling stars hung on the LA skyline.

The Hollywood Bowl is the summer home of the LA Philharmonic but the music doesn't end there. The best in Jazz, Classical, Broadway and world music find their way to The Hollywood Bowl each summer.

There are three types of seating at the Hollywood bowl, box seats, chairs and benches, seat cushions are available for a small charge.

There is no such thing as a bad seat at the Hollywood Bowl as large video screens project what is happening on stage.

Food and Beverages are sold on the premises but picnic baskets are also allowed depending on the event. Ticket prices range from $1 to $100 and subscription packages are available.

By Carol Wolfe

Tennis anyone? This lovely secluded estate lies nestled behind electric gates and a hedged wall.

The circular drive leads the way to leaded glass double doors and an enormous foyer and a generous sized living room. Marble flooring leads to the library with custom bookcases and a desk. Living room and formal dining room lead to a remarkable chef's kitchen with a tremendous center island, custom maple cabinets, granite countertops and top of the line Viking and Sub-Zero appliances.

A sumptuous family room and five bedrooms finish the existing rooms.

The master suite boasts etched glass windows, and an elegant bathroom with spa tub and an oversized shower. French doors open out to verdant lawns, a swimming pool, barbecue area, and north-south tennis court.

This home has to be seen to be appreciated.

By Carol Wolfe

The Los Angeles Film Festival is an annual event where, for ten days, some of the best of independent film, both American and International is showcased.

Each year over 100,000 people attend the festival and over 175 films are shown. This year the festival will begin on June 18th opening with a touching film entitled Paperman which stars Jeff Daniels as a man who regularly speaks to a super hero inside his head (played by Ryan Reynolds)

The festival will also feature the US premiere of the new Transformer movie. For the complete schedule and information on how and where to obtain tickets please visit: http://www.lafilmfest.com/index.php

I'm Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.

By Carol Wolfe

Quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail are the words that spring to mind in this spectacular new two story Tuscan Villa in Amestoy Estates. A stone paved circular drive leads the way to this stunning property which is set back from the street and rests on a half acre of impressive park like grounds.

The two story foyer delivers a dramatic curved wrought iron staircase and beautiful travertine flooring all lit by wrought iron chandeliers and clerestory windows against a beautiful domed ceiling.

There are 6 En-suite Bedrooms, including maid's quarters and 6.5 Bathrooms. The main level boasts a home theater, banquet sized formal dining room, hardwood floors edged with stone, and wood beamed ceilings. The step down living room features travertine floors with a border of mosaic tiles, vaulted ceilings and a spectacular cast stone fireplace. The Cook's kitchen delights with granite counter tops, a center island with marble top and top-of-the-line appliances including a Wolf 6 burner range and a glass front SubZero refrigerator. Completing the main level is a family room with a granite wet bar and another cast stone fireplace.

The second level features four spacious en-suite bedrooms as well as a divinely luxurious master suite complete with retreat area, stone fireplace, wet bar and balcony. The master bath boasts a spa tub, dressing table, oversized shower with curved glass and multiple shower heads. Additionally there is an upstairs open landing ideal for studying with built-in bookcases and a desk.

This home also features dual staircases, a temperature controlled wine cellar, an indoor and outdoor speaker system with room controls, custom lighting throughout, crown moldings, four zone HVAC, a security system and a three car garage.

To view this divine property or other homes of distinction in the Encino area please contact me. I'm Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.