Risa Liebster, Toluca Lake Real Estate

Hostess With The Mostess: Bing Crosby Estate Hosts Toluca Lake Benefit While On Market

Apparently some homes are special. This past Saturday evening, the former Bing Crosby estate at 10500 Camarillo St. in Toluca Lake once again played host to the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce's benefit, "Comedy Night Under The Stars". The sold-out event was packed. Rumor has it the Fire Marshall had a sharp eye out for any potential violations. Luckily the event went off without a hitch. The evening started with tours of the stately home and a cocktail hour where "regular" residents mingled with their celebrity neighbors around the pool and lovely rear grounds. A Santa Maria-style barbecue followed; the large, wood-fired grills smoking well into the evening. For desert, cake, comedy and a bit of doo-wop was served to the delight of the "oldies" crowd. A helicopter full of paparazzi even hovered overhead for several passes. Really.

While the food, drinks and entertainment were great, due to a huge recent price reduction down to $4,225,000.00, I am certain that the former Crosby home was the main attraction for many visitors. With a lot size of over 80,000 square feet and and living space measuring over 7,000, there definitely is a lot to look at. The majestic 6 bedroom / 8 bath property designed in the Southern Colonial style is sumptuously appointed at every turn. The grounds, lushly landscaped and well-groomed boast rose gardens, fruit trees, a championship tennis court and over-sized swimming pool with a separate spa, cabana with full amenities, BBQ and Italian fireplace. A detached 2 bed / 2 bath guest quarters includes a kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, living room and gym provides options for hired help or when relatives are in town.

The Bing Crosby estate was built in 1936 and was the entertainer's main residence until 1943. Bob and Delores Hope were once guests staying in one of the outbuildings while their mansion at Moorpark and Ledge was under construction in 1939. Mickey Dolenz, Andy Griffith and Jerry Van Dyke have all taken turns as residents of this pedigreed address. Current owner, Larry Stickney, has outdone himself in preserving a one-of-a-kind gem. This wonderful icon of the old days of Hollywood glamor and royalty is ready for a buyer who fully appreciates the history, craftsmanship and attention to detail found throughout the property. Yes, some homes are truly special.

Shirly Duenckel and Jon Molin of Ramsey-Shilling Associates have the listing.

Toluca Lake - Burbank Lose Two More Small Businesses

In just a short while, Toluca Lake area residents (including those on the "Burbank side" of Toluca Lake) have seen two more small businesses close their doors. According to many long-time customers, there was a sense of shock this past weekend when they learned that the owner of Papoo's Hot Dog Show has chosen to throw in the towel. A fixture in the community since 1949, Papoo's was instructed by the City of Burbank to make certain upgrades to their kitchen which were, apparently, far too expensive for the proprietor(s) to bear. The average area resident is left wondering as Papoo's recently has spent what must have totaled into the thousands to repair their charming vintage signage. One also wonders if the City of Burbank could have done more to encourage the preservation of this unique slice of Southern California history. What a shame.

Just across Riverside Drive, the Toluca Village Pharmacy has posted a sign announcing their closure as well. Customers are instructed to fill their prescriptions at CVS on Hollywood way. Although the pharmacy hasn't been in the area long, they have gained a loyal clientele who enjoyed the "small town feel" of an independent drug store to the cold, impersonal nature of the larger competitors.

What small Toluca Lake or Burbank business will be next? Don't our City leaders in Los Angeles and Burbank comprehend the allure of historic areas like Toluca Lake Village and the potential tourist dollars they may generate? I am fairly certain that the average visitor does not know precisely where city boundaries may be let alone even care, so let's dispense of city politics and get together to preserve the history of the Toluca Lake area before it becomes a strip-mall entirely bereft of personality. Small businesses provide neighborhood residents with variety, choice and a respite from the status-quo. Whether officially in Los Angeles or Burbank, it's part of what makes our community so wonderful.

History For Sale In Toluca Lake

As celebrity watchers know, Toluca Lake is a magnet for the rich and famous. Actors, high-level execs and recording artists alike are attracted to our safe, tree-lined streets which are located a stone's throw from from three major studios. What folks from out of the area may not know, however, is that Toluca Lake has a rich and interesting history and part of that history is currently for sale.

The magnificent estate of one of Toluca Lake's forefathers, William Klump, is presently offered for sale at $2,950,000.00. Built in 1926, this prime example of Mission Revival architecture is perched high on a knoll overlooking the intersection of Forman and Toluca Lake Avenues in the heart of Toluca Lake. The sweeping corner lot measures over 19,000 sqft; the 5-bedroom, two-bath main house boasts over 3,700 sqft of artfully-designed living space on two levels. Full guest or maid's quarters are situated over the two-car garage.

Beautiful craftsmanship is evident at every turn. From the breathtaking main staircase with wrought-iron railings, to the hand-painted trompe l'loeil details, to the Batchelder fireplaces and hardwood floors - all original features that take us back to a time when true artisans were sought out and appreciated.

Additional features include: a formal entryway, family-style kitchen, den, living room and full basement complete with fireplace, updated electrical and copper plumbing and numerous artistic flourishes that are too numerous to mention. This is truly a unique property for the unique and appreciative buyer.

Broker: Ramsey-Shilling Associates | Listing Agents: Shirley Duenckel, Jon Molin | MLS #F11026705

Data: CRMLS | Presented with permission.

HGTV's The Unsellables Seeking Toluca Lake Area Homeowners

I received a phone call from production company who produces HGTV's "The Unsellables". They are currently looking for Toluca Lake, Burbank, Hollywood Hills, North Hollywood and Studio City homeowners whose homes have been on the market more than 30 days, are owner-occupied and at a listing price of less than $1,000,000. Their criteria also states that "family members should be under 48 years of age". I suppose that has to do with their intended audience demographic. Homes will be rearranged, organized, staged, yards cleaned, etc. - pretty much everything a good real estate agent would recommend to their seller clients will get done. While I am a tad bit of a skeptic, if being on the show can help a family move on from difficult circumstances or help make their dreams come true, I'm all for it. I wonder who the lucky Toluca Lake area families will be? Stay tuned!

Bing Crosby Estate Hosts Toluca Lake Community Benefit

On Saturday evening, September 30th, Larry Stickney current owner of the historic Bing Crosby Estate in Toluca Lake, California graciously opened his home and gardens for the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce's most recent community benefit. "An Evening of Comedy with Fritz Coleman and Friends" exceeded Chamber expectations with well over 200 neighbors and guests in attendance.

The event began at sunset with cocktails by the pool and tours of the main house's first floor. This was a wonderful opportunity for those in the area used to solely viewing the outside of the property in passing to explore the beautifully decorated and well-restored interior. Those who wanted to enjoy the night's welcome cool breezes embarked on self-guided tours of the sumptuous grounds.

On their way to being seated at tables of 10, long-time residents met newcomers, neighborhood elders mingled with thirty-somethings and industry insiders chatted with "average joes" creating a most interesting cacophony of conversations. A buffet dinner was then followed by a round of thanks and introductions by Chamber President, Shirley Duenckel, an appearance by City Councilman, Tom LaBonge and finally, the main event: standup performances by NBC 4's popular weatherman and honorary Mayor of Toluca Lake, Fritz Coleman and his comic compatriots, Brian Kiley, Suli McCullough and Bruce Fine.

The comedians gauged the audience carefully and played it safe, for the most part keeping material to PG-13 levels. The buoyant crowd, well-fed and perhaps slightly tipsy, laughed easily and applauded heartily. Who could blame them? Elbow to elbow with new friends and old in such a uniquely special place, the evening was a rousing success. Knowing that the community will benefit from the event's proceeds widened smiles even further and was the icing on the cake.