Beverly Hills is basically built on myths. We think of the 90210 as this monolith of glitz, but the Flats—the area between Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard—is where the real stories hide. Right there, 722 North Elm Drive sits as a testament to the specific kind of architectural evolution that defines Southern California luxury. It's not just a house. It’s a case study.
You’ve probably driven past it without realizing. Most people do.
The street itself, North Elm Drive, is legendary among local real estate nerds and historians. It’s one of those wide, palm-fringed corridors where the sidewalk feels like a movie set. But 722 is different from the ultra-modern "glass boxes" popping up like mushrooms across the city. It represents a pivot point in how Beverly Hills residents actually want to live.
The Architectural DNA of 722 North Elm Drive
When we talk about 722 North Elm Drive, we're looking at a property that has seen the neighborhood transition from old-school Hollywood privacy to the high-design era of the 2020s. The property originally stood as a more traditional estate, typical of the 1930s and 40s boom in the Flats. Back then, it was all about Mediterranean Revival or Traditional styles. Stucco. Red tiles. Small windows.
Then came the shift.
Modern buyers didn't want dark rooms. They wanted light. They wanted that "indoor-outdoor" flow that every real estate agent on Netflix talks about until they’re blue in the face. 722 North Elm reflects this transition perfectly. The property was reimagined into a contemporary masterpiece that honors the scale of the neighborhood while pushing the boundaries of what a "home" looks like.
We're talking about massive square footage—over 10,000 square feet in many of these redeveloped North Elm lots. But it isn't just about size. It’s about the materials. At 722, you see the use of high-end stone, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a level of finish that honestly makes most "luxury" condos look like cardboard boxes.
Why the Flats Matter So Much
Location is everything, but in Beverly Hills, the "Flats" carry a specific weight. 722 North Elm Drive is positioned in the heart of this. Why does that matter?
- Walkability. Yeah, people actually walk here. You can stroll to the Beverly Hills Hotel or the shops on Canon Drive without needing a valet.
- The Lot Size. Unlike the winding hills of Trousdale, the lots here are flat (shocker, right?). This allows for massive backyards, lap pools, and sprawling guest houses that you just can't build on a 30-degree incline.
- The "Quiet" Flex. Living on Elm is a quieter statement than living on a gated estate in North Beverly Park. It says you’re part of the fabric of the city, not hiding from it.
What it Really Costs to Live on North Elm
Let’s be real for a second. The price tags here are staggering.
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If you're looking at a property like 722 North Elm, you aren't just paying for the wood and the glass. You’re paying for the zip code, the school district, and the security. In the current market, properties in this specific pocket of the Flats have been known to trade anywhere from $15 million to well over $30 million depending on the pedigree of the architect.
I’ve seen people scoff at these numbers. They say, "It’s just a house." But it’s not. It’s an asset class. In 2026, the Beverly Hills real estate market has proven to be incredibly resilient against global economic shifts. While other luxury markets dipped, the 700 block of North Elm stayed steady. Investors see this specific street as a "blue chip" investment. It’s the real estate equivalent of buying gold, but you can throw a dinner party in it.
The property at 722 specifically benefited from being part of this "Golden Triangle" of residential real estate. When a house in this area goes on the market, it doesn't usually sit. It moves fast, often in off-market pocket listings that never even hit Zillow.
The Design Shift: Beyond the White Box
For a few years, every new house in Beverly Hills looked exactly the same. They were all white boxes with black trim. It got boring. Fast.
722 North Elm Drive represents the move toward "Organic Modernism." This style uses warmer tones—woods, natural stones, and greenery—to make a massive house feel like a home instead of an Apple Store. The integration of "living walls" and mature landscaping is a huge part of the 722 North Elm vibe. It’s about privacy through nature.
Instead of a giant iron gate that screams "stay away," these homes use clever landscaping to create a sanctuary. It’s more sophisticated. It’s also much harder to pull off correctly. You have to balance the massive scale of the building with the softness of the environment.
Inside the Amenities
What does 10,000+ square feet actually look like? At 722 North Elm, it usually involves:
- A "chef’s kitchen" that most owners never actually cook in because they have staff.
- Subterranean levels that house private cinemas, gyms, and wine cellars.
- Smart home integration that controls everything from the humidity of the art gallery to the temperature of the pool water via an iPhone.
Honestly, the tech inside these homes is more advanced than what they used to land on the moon. Everything is automated. Everything is seamless.
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The Misconceptions About 700 Block Living
People think living on North Elm is all about paparazzi and tourists. It’s actually the opposite.
The tourists stay on Rodeo Drive. The paparazzi usually hang out at the Ivy or outside the hotels. The residential streets like North Elm are surprisingly suburban. On a Tuesday morning, you’ll see people jogging with their dogs or pushing high-end strollers. It’s a neighborhood in the truest sense, just one where the median home price has eight figures.
Another myth? That these houses are "soulless."
While some "spec homes" (houses built specifically to be sold for profit) can feel a bit clinical, the properties on this stretch of Elm often have incredible attention to detail. The craftsmen who work on these sites are some of the best in the world. The stonework alone at 722 North Elm is a masterclass in precision.
How 722 North Elm Drives the Local Economy
It’s easy to look at a mansion and see it as a drain on resources, but these properties are massive economic engines for Beverly Hills.
The property taxes alone fund a huge portion of the city’s infrastructure. Then there’s the maintenance. A house like 722 North Elm requires a small army to keep it running. Landscapers, pool techs, security teams, house managers, and specialized cleaners. It’s a micro-economy.
Furthermore, the renovation and construction of these estates provide years of work for local contractors. When a property like 722 gets a "refresh," it’s a multimillion-dollar project that touches dozens of local businesses.
Navigating the Beverly Hills Real Estate Scene
If you’re actually looking to buy or invest in this area, you have to understand the nuances.
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First off, don't trust the public listing data blindly. In the world of 722 North Elm Drive, the most important information is what isn't on the internet. You need a broker who knows the history of the lot. Was there a drainage issue ten years ago? Who were the previous owners? In Beverly Hills, the "pedigree" of ownership can actually add value to a home.
Secondly, pay attention to the zoning. Beverly Hills has some of the strictest building codes in the world. If you want to change a window or add a hedge at a property like 722 North Elm, you’re going to be dealing with the city council and a lot of paperwork. This is why "turnkey" properties—homes that are finished and ready to move into—command such a massive premium. People aren't just paying for the house; they’re paying to avoid the two-year headache of a renovation.
Strategic Insights for the Beverly Hills Market
- Focus on "The Flats": If you want long-term appreciation, the area between Wilshire and Sunset remains the safest bet in LA.
- Architectural Integrity: Homes designed by recognized names (think Paul McClean or Saota) hold their value significantly better than generic moderns.
- Energy Efficiency: Believe it or not, the ultra-wealthy are now obsessed with "green" features. Solar arrays, greywater systems, and LEED certification are the new status symbols at addresses like 722 North Elm.
The Future of 722 North Elm Drive
The era of the "Mega-Mansion" is shifting into the era of the "Wellness Estate."
We're seeing more properties on North Elm incorporate infrared saunas, cold plunge pools, and circadian lighting systems. 722 North Elm sits right in the middle of this evolution. It’s no longer enough to just have a big house. It has to be a house that actively makes you feel better.
As Beverly Hills continues to grow, these central lots on Elm Drive will only become more scarce. They aren't making more land in the 90210. Every time one of these houses is updated or rebuilt, the "floor" for the neighborhood’s value rises.
If you're tracking the pulse of the Los Angeles luxury market, you have to keep an eye on these specific addresses. They tell the story of the city better than any guidebook ever could.
What to Do Next
If you're serious about exploring the Beverly Hills market or just want to understand the architectural landscape of the Flats, start by doing a drive-through of the 700 blocks of Elm, Foothill, and Alpine.
- Compare the eras: Look at the remaining 1920s builds versus the 2020s reconstructions like 722.
- Check the permits: If you're a buyer, use the Beverly Hills public records portal to see the work history of a property. It'll tell you more than any brochure.
- Analyze the landscaping: Notice how the newest homes use "soft" security (plants and elevation) rather than "hard" security (walls and bars). It’s the hallmark of modern luxury design.
Living at or investing near 722 North Elm Drive isn't just about a house. It’s about a specific, curated lifestyle that remains the gold standard for luxury living globally.