Back in summer 2018, film producer/director Ari Ryan — the only grandson of prominent Chicago businessman and philanthropist Zev Karkomi, who built one of the country’s largest privately held chain of nursing home facilities — doled out $12.8 million for a striking Spanish-style estate in the Little Holmby neighborhood. At the time, the transaction ranked as the priciest sale ever in the affluent enclave, which is tucked between Westwood and Holmby Hills.
Earlier this year, that record-breaking sum was topped by both a $16.8 million transaction, and the $13 million transfer of a renovated and expanded Sumner Spaulding-designed house on the same street.
Ryan and wife Rebecca have now decided to hoist their home back onto the market, this time asking a tad under $15.8 million. And though the current list price won’t break any more records, it’s still nearly $3 million more than they paid Anders Eisner — the youngest son of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner — for the place about three years ago.
Built in the late 1920s and formerly owned for years by “Knots Landing” actress Michele Lee, the premises were extensively remodeled during the Eisner’s tenure, complete with five bedrooms and 11 baths in more than 11,000 square feet of living space adorned throughout with oak and stone floors, arched doorways and wood-beam ceilings. Modern amenities include two office spaces, a movie theater, game room and gym.
Nestled on a secluded one-way street, amid a walled and gated double lot spanning over an acre, the stucco and terracotta-roof structure overlooks picturesque golf course and city lights views. A spacious motorcourt fronts the house, which features a stately porte-cochère entryway that leads into a large foyer boasting a decorative fireplace and built-in display nook.
Other highlights include a living room with fireplace and walls of French doors opening to the grounds, and an adjacent wet bar and wine closet that connect to a formal dining room sporting French doors spilling out to an al fresco dining terrace.
A sleekly designed kitchen outfitted with marble countertops, high-end stainless appliances and an eat-in island abuts a light-filled family room; upstairs, a posh master retreat is decked out with a fireside sitting area, private balcony, and dual walk-in closets and baths.
Outdoors, the terraced backyard is laced with gorgeous fruit trees and a rose garden, and hosts a pool and spa flanked by a sundeck, barbecue setup, running track and half basketball court. There’s also a Barbara Butler-designed treehouse for kids and three-car garage for the adult auto enthusiasts.
The listing is held by Josh Flagg of Douglas Elliman and Bobby Boyd of Avenue 8.
