S W E E T D I G S | 5 0 1 J O H N S T R E E T
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teeped in classic coastal
style, the spacious Manhattan
Beach property on the corner
of 5th and John Streets has an
interesting legacy in sports and
entertainment. MLB pitcher Ken Brett, part of
the famed baseball family that includes younger
brother George, built and lived in the home with
his family for years. For a while Shaquille O'Neill
did also, as a tenant during the beginning of his
Lakers tenure. These days, the property's owners
include Danny Zuker, a notable television writer
and the executive producer of Modern Family.
It stands to reason the Hill Section property
would draw a high-performing crowd. It's private
and relaxed, and home to an airy, refined resi-
dence of approximately 5,725 square feet. Its
style inspired by a French Chateau, the home's
floorplan is decked in a harmonious palette of
white, taupe and wood, and includes in-demand
features of current-day domesticity: A fireplaced
primary suite with ocean views; an open-plan
kitchen that's magnetic for gathering friends and
family; and a for-your-eyes-only outdoor living
area with a pool deck, a barbecue kitchen and
a well-crafted pick of dining and lounging areas.
In short—it's a calming refuge from the
bustling world where one can comfortably
recharge and entertain, in high or lowkey style.
The world outside of the ornate double
doors of this 5-bedroom, 8-bathrooms house,
however, is also quite nice. "The location is off
the charts," describes real estate agent Kris
Lastition. "It's a corner lot and completely walk-
able." John Street is a mellow, out-of-the-way
thoroughfare, and though the home is located in
the Hill Section proper, the surrounding streets
are gently sloped, making a stroll or bike ride
to Downtown or the beach an easy journey. The
Valley-Ardmore greenbelt is only three houses
away, and its a pleasant 10-minute walk to the
ocean, or to restaurants and shops. The address
is central yet private—which is not always easy
to find in Manhattan Beach. "And you get land,"
the agent adds: "It's a big, corner lot that's over
10,000 square feet."
A decade ago the current homeowners
overhauled the exterior and interior of the
home, aided by a design team—Andrea and
Jeff Browning of Model Design—and general
contractor Sean Icaza. The result is a perpetu-
ally fresh dwelling where lush green trees and
plants bloom along the landscaped property,
peeking through oversized windows and French
doors that shuttle in pure coastal sunlight.
The home was custom-built with a special
emphasis on the little details that make daily
life, including the hosting of big and small gath-
erings, much more comfortable and efficient.
"You have a traditional floorplan that integrates
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