Kathy Griffin makes an A-list upgrade in Bel-Air, and other top sales

Beverly Hills, as it has for years, served as the backdrop for L.A.’s biggest real estate sales through the early part of July. Among the priciest transactions were four sales of $9.5 million or more in the 90210 — and a big splash in Bel-Air by one self-proclaimed D-list star.

Here’s a look at the most expensive home sales from July 3 through July 16.

$22.5 million — Beverly Hills

A modern showplace that replaced the longtime family residence of actor Morey Amsterdam of “The Dick Van Dyke Show� sold in the 1000 block of North Hillcrest Road for about $2.5 million less than the asking price of $24.999 million.

Developed by DIJ Group and completed this year, the contemporary estate has a museum-like vibe with a floating-style walkway, gallery walls and massive skylights. Sliding walls of glass bring a zero-edge swimming pool inside.

Open-plan formal rooms, chef’s and catering kitchens, a lounge/den and a Lucite-enclosed wine cellar lie within a single story. The master suite, one of six bedrooms and six bathrooms, has a pair of boutique-inspired closets.

Drew Fenton of Hilton & Hyland, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, and Jade Mills of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage were the listing agents. Mills also represented the buyer.

$14.574 million — Beverly Hills

In the 1200 block of Benedict Canyon Drive, the historic Harvey Mudd Estate changed hands in a deal completed off-market.

Named for mining engineer and philanthropist Harvey Mudd, the Elmer-Grey-designed residence has been home to a number of notable names over the years. Oil magnate Harry S. Rothschild, actors Martin Landau and Barbara Bain, and film producer Jack Rapke are among the former property owners.

The Country English-style residence, built in 1922, features such period details as hand-carved wood paneling and woodwork, stone pillars and delicate stenciled ceilings. Nearly 11,000 square feet of living space includes a wine cellar, a conservatory and a guest studio.

An aviary, a swimming pool with a waterfall, various patios and gardens fill the manicured grounds. A large circular motor court with a fountain sits off the entrance.

Victoria Risko of Sotheby’s International Realty and Stephen Resnick and Jonathan Nash of Hilton and Hyland, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, represented the seller in the transaction.

$13.1 million — Beverly Hills

Shoe manufacturer and distributor Rich Makowsky and his wife, clothing designer Christina Makowsky, saw a solid return on investment from their compound in the 10000 block of Cielo Drive. The renovated estate changed hands for $7.6 million more than what they paid for it two years ago: $5.5 million.

Sitting on 1.25 acres of manicured grounds, the estate centers on a Mediterranean-style home that sits among tall palms and is reached by a 500-foot gated drive. A lagoon-style swimming pool, a bocce ball court, an outdoor wet bar, gardens and fire pit lend a resort-like quality to the grounds.

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Including a guesthouse, there are seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms in more than 7,500 square feet of space. The master suite, occupying the entire second floor, has his and hers dressing rooms and a balcony overlooking the grounds.

Ben Becal of Rodeo Realty and Rayni Williams of Hilton & Hyland were the listing agents. Barry Peele of Sotheby’s International Realty repped the buyer.

$10.85 million — Bel-Air

Actress, comedian and self-proclaimed “D-list celebrity� Kathy Griffin did her best A-list impression, buying a renovated estate on Southampton Court in an eight-figure deal.

The multilevel mansion, built in 2003 and recently renovated, showcases an elegant yet contemporary look, with broad arches, artful wrought-iron work and modern fixtures throughout. A lower-level lounge holds a billiards room, a home theater and a wine cellar.

Within roughly 13,400 square feet of living space are a gray-hued kitchen with two islands; a library; a den/office; an elevator; and nine bedrooms. The master suite itself accounts for two of the 11 bathrooms.

There’s also a subterranean garage and car gallery.

Drew Fenton and Susan Smith of Hilton and Hyland were the listing agents. Aileen Comora and Paul Lester of the Agency represented Griffin.

$9.5 million — Beverly Hills

A Sunset Boulevard estate with a sports court and a two-story guesthouse sold for $750,000 less than the most recent asking price of $10.25 million.

Tucked behind gates and privacy hedges, the three-story home was recently remodeled and includes a 16-seat home theater, a dining room painted a vibrant red and a multilevel den/game room/library. Seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms are within nearly 9,400 square feet of interior space.

Various patios, lawns and a swimming pool and spa also lie within the grounds.

Susan Smith of Hilton & Hyland was the listing agent.

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