The Bird Streets: An Architect Buff’s Paradise in the Hollywood Hills

Situated just north of the world-famous Sunset Strip in the Hollywood Hills is the neighborhood known as Doheny Estates – often called the Bird Streets as a result of street names including Oriole, Thrasher and Warbler. It is within this prestigious residential community that some of the most architecturally impressive homes in the region can be found. Inspired residences that span from mid-century modern, to ultra-modern, to veritable castles can be seen dotting the hillsides. Conveniently located in regards to accessing the best parts of the Los Angeles, and within close proximity to the city’s best dining and nightlife, it’s little wonder that the Bird Streets have been attracting Hollywood royalty like moths to a flame.

1654 Blue Jay Way is a large and luxurious modern Bird Streets home in Los Angeles, California, once owned by funnyman and media mogul Tyler Perry. Boasting three different levels with balconies, courtyards and spectacular views of the Hollywood Hills, it is undoubtedly one of the finest homes in Southern California. The interior is decidedly modern with a sleek stairwell that opens up the floor plan of the dining and living areas. The staircase itself is impressively made out of steel beams and railings. The color scheme throughout the house includes white, black, nude and brown finishes, furniture and fixtures. Special features of the house include a billiards room and a striking nightclub bar and lounge. A true bachelor home, Tyler Perry is said to have enjoyed some pretty wild parties here.

Another famous figure with a spectacular trophy house on one of the Bird Streets is Keanu Reeves a.k.a. The One. The Matrix star is said to have bought his 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath contemporary castle for $5,495,000. A stone’s throw from Jennifer Aniston and Leonardo DiCaprio’s homes, Keanu’s house was built in 1988 and features 5,600-square-feet in which to frolic and play. The gated abode has glass walls with ocean and city views, stone floors, state-of-the-art security, and an infinity pool to help Keanu stay in shape between films. Famously, Keanu Reeves was “homeless” for many years even though he had millions in the bank; he would divide his time between cottages at the Chateau Marmont, when he was in LA, and other high end hotels all over the world when filming. It seems his Bird Streets residence is the first place he’s really been able to call “home”.

Last but not least, Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando Bloom owns a Bird Streets compound and he recently put it up for lease at a staggering $18,000 a month. Bloom’s home features 3,200 square feet of living space, all set behind gates on a heavily landscaped lot of three-quarters of an acre. The exterior is quite dark and woodsy, perfect for relaxing in the shade. The interior is decidedly contemporary with state of the art amenities in the kitchen and bath. On a side note, the home was burglarized in 2009 by the so-called “bling ring” burglars who focused on celebrities homes including Paris Hilton’s.

For an architect buff that happens to be in Los Angeles, a drive through the Bird Streets is well worth the time and effort. Just be prepared with a good answer in case one of those pesky ADT Security officers decides to stop and question you.