Builder suits himself with Bel-Air showcase for art

When Sheldon Appel, a custom builder, built this home in Bel-Air for himself in 1990, he had to take into account his collection of art.

After completing the house, it took a helicopter to lift four sculptures into his backyard. Now the walls of the house are a showplace for original art.

The house has 10-foot-high doors finished like mirrors, 14-foot ceilings, slabs of seamless granite covering the floors and kitchen cabinets of stainless steel. The entry hall is 30 by 30 feet, big enough for a grand piano. And the walls of the study are Napa burl wood stained mustard yellow.

There is a granite motor court for 30 cars and 12-foot-high front doors, made of pewter.

About this house: This is one of a dozen houses that Appel built in a guard-gated enclave within Bel-Air.

Asking price: $5.9 million

Size: 8,400 square feet

Features: The home also has six bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms plus a dining area, breakfast bar, family room, patio and office. The house sits on almost one flat acre with city views.

Where: Bel-Air

Listing agent: Marjorie Oswald, Coldwell Banker, Beverly Hills, (310) 285-7519.

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To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, please send color interior and exterior photos (copies only, please; we cannot return the pictures) and a brief description of the house, including what makes the property unusual, to Ruth Ryon, Real Estate Section, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; or e-mail [email protected].