Producer Mario Kassar—who founded 1980’s and 90’s powerhouse production company Carolco—has picked up a very pleasant Cape Cod-style house in Encino. Kassar snagged the home after considerable price reductions, paying $4.32 million for the property; it had been listed at $4.5 million prior to the sale, and on the market for a little over a year.
At 7,200 square feet, the single-story home sprawls somewhat. It dates to the early 1950’s, and is defined from the street-side by cedar shingles, a pergola, and a circular drive.
The single-floor design lends itself to high ceilings, and throughout the home’s interiors a pleasing sense of proportion prevails. Renovations to the home have modernized the interiors, but a few quaint mid-century design elements remain: a boxy, modern-style gas fireplace and exposed brick accents speak to the home’s period. Otherwise, renovations and current fashion define the place: marble, matte-finished floors, recessed ceiling fixtures, and a kitchen dressed with subway tile and pendant lighting.
More majestic spaces include a producer-grade screening room, an exterior living room, and a very large master suite. The master features a fireplace, walk-in closet with custom cabinetry, and a bath with freestanding soaking tub.
The property extends to about half an acre, and includes a pool with elevated spa and water feature, a grill station, and a slice of lawn.
Kassar’s Carolco Pictures hit it big with 1982’s grim blockbuster ‘Rambo’; the company went on to produce films directed by Alan Parker (‘Angel Heart’), Paul Verhoeven (‘Basic Instinct’), and Oliver Stone (‘The Doors’).