Just North of Santa Monica Boulevard would be a project that Southern California had never seen before, advertised as a new community “Between the City and the Sea.” It was October 21, 1906, “when Angelenos opened their morning newspapers to see large advertisements for a new community named Beverly Hills,” wrote Jeff Hyland in The Legendary Estates of Beverly Hills.
Los Angeles had only spread out as far west as Vermont Avenue, which left five miles between the budding city and what would become Beverly Hills. Isolated and full of possibilities, the realm of potential in what was once an agricultural community was endless. Not to be confused with its sister tract, Beverly, a triangular section of land south of Santa Monica comprised of smaller lots designed for modest estates, the Beverly Hills Flats showcased lots for larger-scaled homes. “Most designs in Beverly Hills’ Flats were Spanish, Traditional, and Ranch-Style,” said Felix Pena, Estates Director at Hilton & Hyland. The community received its name, The Flats, because of its predominantly flat landscape and natural Southern California aesthetic.
When the neighborhood added The Beverly Hills Hotel in 1912, it began to boom, and by 1930, the population increased by nearly 3,000%. While the Great Depression halted almost all growth in Los Angeles, it did not impact Beverly Hills to the same degree. Post-war development led to expansion northward through Benedict and Coldwater Canyons. While the growth was legally part of the City of Los Angeles, the migration to a more northern part of the community formed a new neighborhood later called Beverly Hills Post Office.
Due to the wisdom of the 1906 master plan and the idyllic location, “between the city and the sea,” Beverly Hills has been able to wonderfully accommodate its exponential growth without jeopardizing the community’s physical beauty or quality of life. “While a handful of iconic estates still stand from The Flats’ beginnings, many homeowners rebuilt or remodeled the homes to reflect the different style periods,” said Pena. “The 80s called for modern architecture with black marble and glass, the 90s changed to art deco and Mediterranean-style with a European flare, and the turn of the century transformed properties into monumental Traditionals, French Chateaus, Ultra-moderns, expansive Contemporaries.”
North of Santa Monica Boulevard, south of Doheny Road, West of Doheny Drive, and East of Whittier Drive, the allure of The Flats is unmistakable. If you enjoy large-sized lots, celebrity culture, an idyllic location, renowned architecture, and premiere privacy, The Flats is for you.
The serene Southern California setting has been a longstanding hotbed for influence and celebrity. From Beverly Hills’ inception, the city’s proximity to the neighboring community of Hollywood, known as ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World,’ led to an influx of affluent residents. Some notable luminaries called The Flats their home, including Virginia and Harry Robinson, Kirk Douglas, Diana Ross, and Frank Sinatra. Today, just like decades past, properties in The Flats represent affluence and eminence. “There is a reason why 90210 is the most famous Zip code in the world,” said David Kramer, President of Hilton & Hyland. “The fame and fortune found at every turn is astounding.”
Currently, The Flats displays a powerful roster of about 2,200 of the world’s finest properties. “We don’t make land here,” said Pena, “you can’t find properties with as much pedigree and prominence as you can in Beverly Hills Flats.”
Here is a selection of properties Hilton & Hyland has represented in The Flats over the years:
613 North Canon Drive – Sold – Jeff Hyland represented the seller.
Originally built in 1921, Maison 613 set a new standard of elegance, beauty, and sophistication in the residential landscape of Beverly Hills. Sited on one of the deepest “Golden Flats” lots, the French estate offered lavish amenities and impeccable detail. With a breathtaking kitchen, state-of-the-art theater with a star roof, indoor basketball court, Quibeca AMF 2 lane Bowling Alley, and resort-sized swimming pool, this impressive property had it all.
709 North Maple Drive – $47,900/month – Represented by Neil McDermott.
This exceptional home is on a huge private lot in one of the best locations in the city. This magnificent property is classic-styled and the ultimate example of a renovated and updated Beverly Hills abode. Fantastic for entertaining on a grand scale with a well-known, prestigious address, nothing can beat this exceptional offer in The Flats.
968 North Alpine Drive – Sold – Felix Pena represented the seller.
Nestled on Billionaires Road in Beverly Hills’ most coveted cul-de-sac North of Sunset Boulevard. Large-scaled living and entertainment spaces create the perfect hideout. This magnificent Mid-Century in The Flats was impressive, showcasing a sunroom, movie theater, basketball court, and putting green.