Newly built contemporary was Hermosa Beach’s high-water sale of 2017

Hermosa Beach has worn many hats during the last century. What started out as a small downtown area to serve residents of five permanent homes in 1903 eventually evolved into a full-fledged beach town, becoming a hot spot for jazz and surfing along the way.

Modern homes now line the boardwalk area known as the Strand, and Hermosa’s relaxed, walkable pier makes it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Last year, the South Bay city that measures just under a mile and a half square had 50 single-family home sales of $2 million or more, down slightly from 52 in 2016, records show. There were 11 sales of $5 million or more in 2017, or two more than the previous year.

Here’s a look at the area’s most expensive deals of 2017.

$14.15 million – the Strand

A new four-level contemporary built by Mike Davis Custom Homes sold in May for $150,000 over the asking price.

Wrapped in wood and glass, the modern mansion gives way to an open beach room outfitted with a full wet bar. Floor-to-ceiling windows serve up panoramic ocean views on each level.

The master suite, one of five bedrooms, offers dual walk-in closets and a spa-style bathroom. There are five bedrooms and 6.25 bathrooms in 4,643 square feet of living space.

David Caskey of Strand Hill – Christie’s International Real Estate was the listing agent. Daniel O’Connor of RE/MAX Estate Properties represented the buyer.

$13 million — the Strand

Set on a corner lot fronting the Strand, this Spanish Mission-style home had been owned by the same family for nearly 70 years when it hit the market in October for $14.85 million.

The 2,817-square-foot house, with five bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, sold in December for $1.85 million less than the asking price, records show.

Built in 1927, the two-story house features such period details as beamed ceilings, plaster walls and a tiled fireplace in the living room. A veranda spans the second story and overlooks a walled and brick-lined courtyard.

Nicholas Schneider of Palm Realty Boutique was the listing agent. Dunham Stewart of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty represented the buyer.

$9.2 million – the Strand

Just up the coastline, this Strand-adjacent home in October sold off-market to a corporate entity tied to Platinum Equity founding partner Johnny O. Lopez, records show.

The three-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom house has large picture windows on two floors and a Strand-facing courtyard.

Hardwood floors, stained glass windows and beamed ceilings accent more than 3,000 square feet of interiors. There are fireplaces in the living room and master suite.

Piper Rissmiller and Karen Phillips of RE/MAX First Class co-listed the home. Robb Stroyke of Stroyke Properties represented the buyer.

$8.9 million – the Strand

This corner-lot house on the Strand hit the market in February for $9.299 million and sold in May for $399,000 less than the asking price.

It previously sold for in 2007 for $8.5 million and, before that, in 2006 for $5 million, records show.

A side patio, rear yard and rooftop deck combine to offer more than 1,700 square feet of outdoor living space in this corner-lot, Mediterranean-style home.

Interior living spaces include a living room with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and a dining area adjacent to sliding glass doors leading to the beach. The rooftop deck features a fireplace, grill and outdoor kitchen.

Daniel O’Connor and Anna Randall of RE/MAX Estate Properties held the listing. Brett Zebrowski of Palm Realty Boutique repped the buyer.

$8.35 million – the Strand

One of the few empty lots left on the Strand, this 6,632-square-foot property found a buyer in May, records show.

The double-lot set a record for the community back in 2015 when it sold for $15 million.

Dennis Moloney of Strand Hill, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, held the listing. Molly Hobin of the Hobin Co. represented the buyer.

$7.75 million – Hermosa Avenue

Celebrity stylist Mary Alice Haney and her husband, Tom Davidov, in March sold this two-bedroom to a trust tied to William J. Ready, the chief operating officer and executive vice president at PayPal Holdings Inc.

The property was marketed with permitted plans for a four-story home designed by Los Angeles-based KAA Design.

Features of the design include a yoga studio, wine hall and entertainment room. The proposed master suite would occupy an entire floor and include two offices, two walk-in closets and two bathrooms.

Views from the property, which has 50 feet of frontage of Hermosa Avenue, extend up and down the coastline.

Lee LeGrande of NWRE Brokers handled both ends of the deal, according to the Multiple Listing Service.

jack.flemming@latimes.com

Twitter: @jflem94

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