Many real estate agents are inclined to encourage buyers to act fast before a more aggressive buyer snatches an attractive property out of their home buying clutches. However, sometimes it’s patience that wins the game. Just ask Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frucsiante.
Almost 20 years ago the veteran rocker shelled out a tetch more than a million bucks for a 3,800-square-foot midcentury home hidden up a semi-private driveway in a serene and celeb-favored micro-neighborhood at the top of L.A.’s fabled Laurel Canyon.
A few of the many other high-profile showbiz folk who have owned homes in the quietly coveted ‘hood include Sacha Baron Cohen, Bruno Mars, Carol Leifer, Diablo Cody and Charleston Heston, whose former house is still owned by the gun-loving late actor’s family. Swedish pop star Tove Lo owns television polymath Danny McBride’s former house, and Mila Kunis’ former digs are now owned by Muse drummer Dominic Howard, who bought the San Fernando Valley-view spread about six years ago, added a recording studio and now has it for sale at a smidgen under $7 million after he first gave it a go at $7.75 million.
Last year, the newly renovated 1960s era home next door to Frucsiante’s longtime home popped up for sale with a price pushing up on $5.1 million. The celebrated guitarist didn’t immediately move on the property but, instead, waited while the price was chopped of times to its final ask of $4.75 million before he swooped in and scooped it up for the discounted, though by no means bargain basement price of $4.55 million.
With four bedrooms and four bathrooms in about 4,300 square feet, the supremely private pad was listed with Tomer Fridman, newly back at Compass after a short stint at Hilton & Hyland, while Frucsiante was repped by Laura Basset of Compass.