Dirt: Elizabeth Banks Snags Prime Live-Work Compound
They already own a Sherman Oaks residence worth $7 million. But Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman are still adding to their real estate portfolio, this time doling out just over $2 million for a significantly smaller house in the heart of Studio City’s coveted Silver Triangle neighborhood.
Word has it that the long-married Hollywood power couple may use the property as live-work space for their Brownstone Productions company. Though she’s widely known as an actress (“Hunger Games,” “W”) and director (“Pitch Perfect 2,” Cocaine Bear”), and he’s a sports writer and blogger, the pair teamed up to produce films and TV shows together back in 2002. Since then, they’ve been behind the Hulu series “Shrill” and ABC game show “Press Your Luck,” which Banks also hosts, along with “Charlie’s Angels” and three movies in the “Pitch Perfect” franchise.
As for Banks and Handelman’s newly acquired digs, they were built way back in the 1930s but have been extensively remodeled through the years. Records show the single-level house sold to the couple in a bidding war, for around $400,000 over the asking price. The place last traded hands for just $770,000 almost 10 years ago, back in December 2012.
Resting on a compact 0.13-acre parcel, the gray stucco and white-accented structure is secured by a wide gated driveway that flows past a grassy yard and small yet whimsically tiled porch boasting a bright yellow front door. Once inside, two bedrooms and a matching number of baths are filtered across a little more than 1,400 square feet of living space adorned throughout with dark hardwood floors, wainscoted walls and arched doorways.
Among the highlights: a formal living room sporting a wood-burning fireplace and large picture window, plus an adjoining formal dining room. A sleekly designed kitchen is outfitted with a subway tile backsplash and top-tier appliances, and includes a cozy breakfast nook nestled alongside a door leading outside.
An inviting master retreat comes complete with French doors spilling out to the backyard and a tiled bath equipped with a glass-encased shower; and elsewhere is a small pool and spa, along with a pergola-shaded deck ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining. There’s also a detached two-car garage that’s currently being used a gym, and is topped by a guest suite with its own kitchenette and bath.
Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman were represented by Richard Ehrlich of Westside Estate Agency.
