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<\/a><\/p>\nPhoto:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a> via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n In the first episode of the Netflix docusoap <\/span>Selling Sunset<\/span><\/i>, a group of agents from The Oppenheim Group tour a then-under construction 20,000-square-foot mansion high up in the Hollywood Hills. Despite the scaffolding and plastic tarps, it\u2019s a sight to behold with five bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a private elevator and nearly 360-degree views. \u201cIt\u2019s the biggest house ever built in the Hollywood Hills,\u201d explains Jason Oppenheim to the team.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Cut to a year or so later, as a colleague and I spill out of an Uber and approach the gates of 8408 Hillside Avenue<\/a> \u2014 now complete and still on the market. We\u2019re here to meet top real estate agent David Parnes (yes, that David Parnes from <\/span>The Agency<\/span><\/a> and Bravo\u2019s <\/span>Million Dollar Listing<\/span><\/i>). He soon arrives in an SUV with his mother in tow \u2014 she\u2019s just stepped off a flight from London.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Slipping on disposable shoe covers, we\u2019re whisked into a jaw-dropping entryway with a bridge-like walkway flanked by two water features. There\u2019s an oblong table, although it\u2019s really more of an art piece, with the finest slab of onyx I\u2019ve ever laid eyes on.<\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThis way,\u201d Parnes says as he leads us to the car showroom, which is climate controlled and clad in limestone. There are six vehicles on display that day, although the space can easily accommodate 10. I count a Lamborghini, Dodge Charger, McLaren, Mercedes and a Ford GT among them. The homeowner, as we later learned, owns several car dealerships in addition to his real estate development ventures.<\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The wellness center is the next stop on our tour, complete with hot and cold plunge spas, a sauna, steam room, gym and massage tables. We continue on to the velvet-sheathed theatre room, which features exquisite lighting design and a state-of-the-art projection and sound system.<\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n We climb the stairs to the light-drenched main level, encased by operable glass walls that open to the outdoors. A 163-foot infinity pool snakes its way around the patio \u2014 its brilliant blue mosaic tiles glittering in the sun. A repairman is onsite doing the final installation on a massive flatscreen TV that rises from the edge of the pool, a unique feature of the home touted on <\/span>Selling Sunset<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Taking in the spectacular view, it\u2019s easy to overlook the custom-made sofas and large-scale artwork that surround us. The furniture, which is included in the pricetag, isn\u2019t akin to that of a spec home, notes Parnes. These are the owners\u2019 own pieces, which gives Hillside an authentic, truly livable vibe.<\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n One of the most striking elements throughout the SAOTA-designed home (this was the firm\u2019s first-ever ground up construction, in fact) are the wood slat ceilings. While many modernist Hollywood homes resemble concrete bunkers, Hillside feels warm and inviting despite its gargantuan footprint.<\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n We pop by \u2018the kitchen,\u2019 which is actually two kitchens \u2014 one for eating and entertaining and the other for cooking \u2014\u00a0and ogle the walk-in wine vault. Here, there is a more casual sitting area with yet another TV that emerges out of the side of a wall (the homeowner was understandably very excited to show us this feature).<\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n From there, we climb a set of stairs that leads to the sleeping quarters. This staircase provides an excellent view into the glassed-in courtyard where two towering palm trees grow. The master bedroom, which occupies its own wing, is an indoor\/outdoor retreat, featuring a retractable wall of windows and a wraparound terrace with a spa. In the ensuite bath, an oval semi-recessed tub is paired with a black marble-adorned walk-in shower.<\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n We make our way down the hall to the oversized dressing room with systems imported from\u00a0Lake Como, Italy. There is mahogany absolutely everywhere. \u201cIt\u2019s like shopping at Prada!\u201d says Ms. Parnes, \u201cNo, it\u2019s better than Prada!\u201d Perfectly-pressed shirts are hung with care, while purses that cost triple my rent are perched on back-lit shelves.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Next it\u2019s time to explore the other four bedrooms, all of which have a personality of their own. There is a handsome library with navy blue grasscloth wallcoverings and a floating slab of marble where one might work on a laptop, pausing occasionally to marvel at the view.<\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n When we\u2019ve had our fill of bedrooms, we head up to the immense rooftop terrace where a collective gasp ensues. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean, claims Parnes. The homeowner spent $1 million to bury nearby power lines that obstructed the view.<\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n A conversation pit with a gas-burning fire evokes a \u201870s feel, while the dining area and bar make the terrace the perfect spot for hosting events. Parnes points out that the private elevator reaches this level to prevent curious party guests from traipsing around the house.<\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0Simon Berlyn<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0The Agency<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n At this point we did not do an all-hands-in cheer \u00e0 la <\/span>Selling Sunset<\/span><\/i>, but we did take the time to snap a few photos and admire the sweeping vistas. \u201cHow does Hillside compare to other homes you\u2019ve seen in L.A.?\u201d Parnes asked me. Sheepishly, I admitted this was the very first home I\u2019d toured since moving here last fall. \u201cYou\u2019ve set the bar as high as it can possibly go,\u201d I answered. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n