Bel Air Real Estate
Bel Air is an extremely affluent residential community in the hills of west Los Angeles. Together with Holmby Hills and Beverly Hills, Bel Air is one of the luxury neighborhoods in close proximity on the west side of Los Angeles. Bordering the north side of UCLA campus along Sunset Blvd, the heart of the community is made by the Bel Air County Club and Hotel Bel Air. Most of the residences in Bel Air are extremely private because of the winding roads and lush foliage.
Bel Air was founded by a successful gentleman farmer named Alphonzo Bell who unexpectedly struck it rich when oil was discovered on his farmland in Santa Fe Springs, enabling him to buy a large ranch with a stately home on top of today’s Bel Air Road. From his lofty vista, Bell had a vision of a community with winding roads and beautiful large home lots. He began sub-dividing his property into estate lots out of his office which is now a suite at the Hotel Bel Air. Until health problems forced him to pass development interests on to a trust, Bell had a managing hand in developing Bel Air Beach Club in Santa Monica, Bel Air Country Club, Equestrian Facilities, and Hotel Bel Air, while Mrs. Bell founded the still active Bel-Air Garden Club which contributed to the beautiful public landscaping that the community enjoys to this day. Today, the Keep Bel Air Beautiful campaign raises funds from within the community to keep up the beautiful appearance of the neighborhood’s shared spaces.
Home to numerous celebrities and high powered executives, the Bel Air community is served by The Bel Air Association that works to preserve the life-style and property values of the Bel Air community. Bel Air homes range between the more modest Ranch-Style family residences to luxurious mansions and estates. Local ordinances regarding architecture and lot sizes help preserve the distinct style of the Bel Air community.
Much of Bel Air is gated with main gates located at Beverly Glen and Sunset as well as Bellagio Road and Sunset. The three regions of Bel Air are East Gate Old Bel Air, West Gate Bel Air and Upper Bel Air. East Gate Old Bel Air is made up of mostly pre-war estates, and has the feel of the golden Hollywood Era. The other neighborhoods developed in the post-war years and have a different design aesthetic. Bel Air is known in entertainment, made widely popular by the 1990s television series The Fresh Prince of Bel Air starring a young Will Smith. Bel Air is also home to the annual Bel Air Film Festival. Notable celebrity residents include Meg Ryan, Kanye West, Lauren Bacall, Michael Kane, Nicolas Cage, Clint Eastwood, Helen Hunt, Steve Martin, Joni Mitchell and many more.
Places of Interest:
UCLA:
This flagship University of California Los Angeles campus has a beautiful and sprawling campus in Westwood that stretches to the foot of Bel Air neighborhoods. With a beautiful campus, many lectures and events, and wonderful outdoor facilities, it is a favorite place for locals to come for a good workout or to connect to cultural events at the school. A favorite Hollywood location films such as Legally Blonde (2001), Old School (2003), The Nutty Professor(1995), Erin Brockovich (2000), How High (2001), National Lampoon’s Van Wilder (2002), and American Pie 2 (2001), were all mainly shot at the university campus or locale. One of the top universities in the state of California, admissions standards are extremely high, making it one of the most challenging schools to gain admission to in the entire country.
Bel Air Country Club:
Founded in 1925 the Bel Air Country Club is, “a private club, rich in tradition, that offers an outstanding golf experience with an unmatched membership that fosters camaraderie.” Memberships are exclusive, expensive and hard to obtain: there are rumors of years-long waiting lists even with a hefty retainer. Guests are allowed and dress codes are strictly enforced. Wedding receptions and holliday parties are often hosted here, so keep an eye out for a very special invitation. The golf course is challenging and ranked as one of the best courses on the west coast.
Hotel Bel Air:
On 12 lush garden acres, half a mile off of Sunset Boulevard, and one mile west of Beverly Hills, The Hotel Bel Air is an iconic destination. Opened in 1946, the hotel has been one of Hollywood’s most beloved hideaways for decades. The hotel recently reopened after a two year restoration project. The glamorous eras of the 30’s 40’s and 50’s are represented through an eclectic selection of furnishings, color, and relaxed interiors. The Spanish Colonial architecture recalls graceful living and international flair.