Long before Tyler Henry proliferated the stratosphere with his alleged spiritual gifts — the “Hollywood Medium” alum has a new “Life After Death” Netflix special, recently published memoir and live shows nationwide — there was John Edward, who became all the rage when he launched “Crossing Over.” One of the first syndicated TV shows dedicated to the world of psychic mediumship, the popular series ran for four seasons on the Syfy channel.
Edward, 52, doesn’t have a TV presence nowadays — he leaves that up to his 15-year-old daughter Olivia, who’s on the FX series “Better Things” — but the New York-based psychic is still going strong when it comes to helping folks reconnect with their departed loved ones via in-person and virtual events, as well as private readings; and now he’s also hoping he can channel a buyer who’s willing to shell out the nearly $9.5 million he’s asking for his hacienda-style estate in the San Fernando Valley community of Encino.
Though that’s a substantial increase over the $5.5 million he paid for the place three years ago, back in April 2019, Edward did undertake some extensive renovations during his tenure. While he kept many of the artisan details added by the former owner, “Telenovela” actress Alex Meneses, he incorporated some of his own tweaks as well — most notably, changing out the previously blush-colored exterior for a warmer off-white hue.
Tucked away behind a double-gated driveway, and resting on almost an acre of land, the two-story stucco and terracotta-roof structure was originally built way back in 1947. Once inside, eight bedrooms and nine baths are sprawled across just over 7,800 square feet of living space punctuated throughout with hardwood and tile floors, Venetian plaster walls, and vintage ironwork lanterns and sconces.
Visitors are greeted by a spacious brick motorcourt bolstered by a central fountain and garage that can accommodate up to four vehicles. From there, a walkway passes through a manicured lawn and up to a hand-carved wood front door, which opens into a grand double-height foyer displaying a mosaic-tiled staircase and custom wrought-iron chandelier.
Main-level highlights include a wood-beam family room sporting a corner fireplace and French doors spilling out to a terrace. An updated gourmet kitchen outfitted with a large eat-in island and high-end stainless appliances connects to a formal dining room boasting walls of glass; and a family room adorned with a 17th-century antique fireplace holds court beneath an extravagant hand-painted and stenciled coffered ceiling.
Upstairs, the fireside master retreat has dual walk-in closets and French doors leading out to a balcony overlooking the backyard, as well as a separate sitting room that opens up to its own outdoor balcony with a fireplace. A luxe bath is equipped with dual vanities, an oval soaking tub and a glass-encased shower.
Heading outdoors, one will find a mosaic-tiled pool and spa, brand-new barbecue area, fire-pit with built-in seating, and several al fresco dining and lounging areas. There’s also a detached guesthouse with its own kitchenette and sitting room, which is accessible via the backyard or a private entrance.
Loren Judd of Coldwell Banker Realty serves as the listing agent.
