My Neighborhood: Bel Air

Adam Latham Photographer Adam Latham loves exploring the world, and that includes his own corner of it in Bel Air. The prime residential area in Los Angeles is known for gorgeous estates just off the beaten path, with very little commercial activity. Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, Bel Air owes its name to oil millionaire Alphonzo Bell, who founded the town in 1923 and built the fabled Bel-Air Country Club two years later. (Howard Hughes famously landed a private plane on its golf course when he was late to meet Kate Hepburn.) Like the Country Club, the Hanna Carter Japanese Gardens are a local icon, dotted with streams and stone carvings. Speaking of icons, Bel Air has long drawn famous residents. But despite its star power, “It’s a friendly community,” Latham assures. “Though it’s just a few minutes from Sunset Boulevard, it feels remote to be up in the hills without the noise of the city.” —Lisa Rosen VIEW FINDER Latham owns an architectural photography business; clients include the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Center, and Douglas Elliman brokers. ( belairphotography.com ) On the way home from shooting beautiful houses, he sees even more. “I’ll walk or drive around the Bel Air Estates to enjoy Adam the architectural styles Latham and landscaping,” he says. “The East Gate to Bel Air Road has the famous blue neon sign. The West Gate , at Bellagio Road, is more imposing, with dramatic arches at the entrance, a bit like Paramount Studios. There’s a guardhouse by the gates, but the roads are open to all. Bel Air’s West Gate SECRET TREK Latham lives next to the stunning Stone Canyon Reservoir . “Above my house, right next to the lake, is a trail that takes you past a Buddhist stone labyrinth that was created decades ago and has been studiously maintained by local residents ever since. Park at the end of Scenario Lane and then walk up the path to go to the reservoir and the labyrinth. There are no signs. Above the labyrinth is a gorgeous lookout point with 360-degree views.” Stone Canyon Reservoir IN GOOD TASTE “There’s nothing in Los Angeles like the Hotel Bel-Air ( 701 Stone Canyon Rd., 310.909.1644 ). As soon as you walk the bridge across Swan Lake, with its famous swans, you feel like you’ve been transported to a fairy-tale village.”And the dining is nonpareil. “The bar has a timeless elegance. The fire is always lit, and there’s often someone playing piano. I take a corner banquette and get a burger and a cocktail, the Norma Jean. On the menu it’s virgin, but I add rum to it. “The hotel is also the home of Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air . By far the best restaurant in Bel Air, it’s a stunning patio setting with romantic lighting,” Latham says. The menu changes often, but the caviar and steak are permanent fixtures. “It feels incredibly intimate and has spectacular service.” Herb Alpert’s Vibrato NIGHT LIGHTS “For a quiet little place, we do have proper nightlife: Herb Alpert’s Vibrato ( 2930 Beverly Glen Cir., 310.474.9400 ). It looks like a hole in the wall in a strip mall, but the minute you walk through the door, you feel like you’re in a New York jazz club. For pandemic times, they took the entire back parking lot and created a huge open-air area with seats and lighting and a stage. It draws a destination crowd.” Make your next move in California with a Douglas Elliman agent.