LA City Guide: Hidden Lake Hollywood

On our recent vacation to Los Angeles we have seen the usual touristy spots and, inspired by our sweeping views from our hotel nestled in the Hollywood Hills, we wanted to explore the exclusive hills a bit more. So we did a google search for something like "hidden places in the HH" or similar and we found a page on Lake Hollywood. Also, if you do an image search on this you will see for yourself the amazing beautiful lake, quietly nestled away only 15 minutes from the Walk of Fame.

You have to drive up on a tiny, one lane winding road that gave me the creeps but you will see gorgeous houses along the way and once you reach the lake you will be mesmerized. We walked over the bridge, took in the expansive views, snapped a cute family picture with the Hollywood sign as a backdrop and admired the gorgeous houses (from a distance). What made this trip extremely good is how deserted (at noon on a sunny weekday) this gorgeous place truly was. Apparently it is not publicized much - our friends who live just 3 miles from the lake did not know about it and have never been! Beyond secluded. We parked at the intersection of Lake Hollywood Drive/Montlake Drive/Weidlake Drive and passed the gates. During the whole hour we spent there we only saw one other person: a young man in sweats, hoodie, cap and dark sunglasses jogging. I guessed that he was Leonardo di Caprio but hubby did not think it was his body frame. We didn't give it much thought because we see plenty of celebrities in NYC and we were taken by the insanely-gorgeous views instead.

Apparently Madonna owned a house there, (where Bugsy Siegel also lived at some point) and she was often seen jogging around the lake with her bodyguards. Her former house, Castillo del Lago, is not the one pictured above but this one with the clock tour; it has an intriguing story and is also reportedly for sale. Now to more modern architecture: Here is a longer peek inside the heavenly piece of real estate pictured above.

I love finding hidden gems like Hollywood Lake, quiet and completely off the beaten path. They feel so special, exclusive and relaxing and can surely recharge those batteries for more typical sightseeing. How about you my darlings? Do you have one such place (in any city around the world)? If so, I would love to hear your comments.