S
outhern California's most exclusive properties are now being taken to new heights - literally underground. In Los Angeles, affluent homeowners are investing heavily in subterranean living spaces, often referred to as "iceberg homes." These hidden gems offer a chance for owners to indulge in lavish amenities without drawing attention from prying eyes.

    According to Zoltan E. Pali, design principal at SPF:a architecture studio, the trend emerged in response to zoning regulations and is now also driven by the desire to preserve above-ground views. His firm's Orum Residence, a 18,000-square-foot Bel Air estate, features a third-floor basement with a home theater, gym, spa, and wine room. The Bronze House in Los Angeles boasts a similar setup, complete with a fitness room, spa, and guest bedrooms.

    Pali predicts that the demand for iceberg homes will continue to grow, particularly in celebrity-dense areas like Los Angeles. This trend has also gained traction across the pond, with examples such as Hastings House's subterranean swimming pool in London's Knightsbridge neighborhood and Cara Delevingne's childhood home's underground movie theater and gym.

    While these projects come with significant construction challenges and costs - estimated to exceed $1 million in Los Angeles - Pali sees them as a unique opportunity for design innovation. For those who can afford it, iceberg homes offer the ultimate in luxury living, hidden from view but full of surprises.