A Manhattan Beach, California, estate once home to a Hollywood writer-producer as well as two popular sports figures recently sold for $10.5 million. The five-bedroom estate is located in the Hill District of the Southern California coastal city, a small enclave known for its large lots and prestigious houses.
The home with French Country flair at 501 John Street was sold in May by photographer Annette Lombardi and Danny Zuker, the Emmy Award-winning writer and executive producer of the popular TV sitcom “Modern Family.” The series ran 249 episodes before it ended in 2020.
The house was previously owned by Major League Baseball player Ken Brett, the older brother of Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett. The one-time youngest pitcher in World Series history who died in 2003 raised his family here. In the mid-1990s, it was dubbed the “Shaq House” when Shaquille O’Neal rented it during his early days with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 5,725-square foot residence on three levels was remodeled a decade ago by Andrea and Jeff Browning of Model Design Inc. in San Pedro. The oak and stone flooring as well as bespoke cabinetry throughout lend the home a timeless, contemporary feel.
The main level features a kitchen and dining area where French doors open out to a backyard pool and spa, barbecue, fire pit and pool house.
The primary bedroom on the upper floor delivers views of the ocean as well as the nearby hills of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It features an en-suite bathroom with a soaking tub, steam shower, stone fireplace and loft area. Four additional bedrooms plus a library are located on the upper level.
The lower level basement, which could be used as a media or family room, covers more than 500 square feet.
The home is located on a corner lot with a wraparound driveway in the affluent Hill Section, which is bordered by Pacific Coast Highway to the east, Ardmore Avenue to the West, Manhattan Beach Boulevard to the north and the city of Hermosa Beach to the south. Houses here boast large lots and, as the name suggests, are located on a hilltop. Although the neighborhood dates to the 1950s, many houses were torn down to make way for modern residences.
Kris Lastition of Strand Hill Properties handled the all-cash sale that closed in 14 days.