Encino, CA

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.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to jump out of an airplane, but the thought of careening toward the earth gives you weak knees? Well now you can get the entire sensation of sky diving while never going near an airplane. Only in Los Angeles!

SkyVenture is an innovative company that has created a vertical wind tunnel that simulates skydiving indoors. iFLY Hollywood gives you the opportunity to experience the rush and thrill of flying within a safe environment. Located on Universal Studios City Walk in Los Angeles, iFLY is housed in a clear tube allowing you to see and be seen as you practice your flying maneuvers with the help of a skilled instructor.

This is a great activity to do as a family or as a corporate bonding activity. It makes a great gift for graduations, birthdays and even retirements. Still too scared to try? It's worth taking a visit to Universal City Walk and watching others as the experience weightlessness!

There are so many things to do in the Los Angeles area, so many museums, cultural events, festivals and celebrations, that you can easily overlook some of the gems that are available. The Skirball Cultural Center is definitely a gem that should not be overlooked!

Quoted in the The New York Times as "a lesson on how to connect the eye to heart and mind," the Skirball Cultural Center offers a wide range of exhibits to entertain the entire family. Right now the Center has several exhibits and events focusing on the theme of comic book heroes. And of course the acclaimed Noah's Arc exhibit continues to reside at the Center.

Located at 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles, admission to the Skirball Cultural Center is $10 for adults, $7.50 for Seniors and Students, $5 for children 2-12 and children under 2 are free. Additionally every Thursday the Center is open to public free of charge. The Museum Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 12:00-5:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. They are closed on Mondays and most Jewish Holidays.