Upfront with Linda May Real estate as art is a concept Linda May knows well. As a Coldwell Banker Previews International® Property Specialist in L.A.’s most prestigious neighborhoods—including Holmby Hills, Beverly Hills and Bel Air—she has previously sold residences by architectural heavyweights such as Paul Williams, Wallace Neff, A. Quincy Jones, Frank Gehry and Hal Leavitt. But it’s her connections to the art world that run deepest, bringing instant excitement to her face whenever names like Frankenthaler and Warhol are uttered. No matter where she is in the world, she always manages to make a stop at a gallery opening, museum or musical performance. She has even attended Miami’s Art Basel as an arts patron.
“It’s a non-stop, art viewing, party-hopping, people-watching event,” she recalls of the four-day event. “I was afraid I would miss something if I slept!”
In honor of the cultural phenomenon that dominates Miami for four days in December, Previews Inside Out literally sat down with the luxury agent in her chic Beverly Hills office to talk art, design and all things luxury. My idea of perfect happiness is: Seeing any great show at LACMA or MOCA.
If I wasn’t a real estate agent, I’d be: An interior designer. Or a writer who shares ideas.
Favorite Artist: Helen Frankenthaler. She painted these beautiful color fields that are so rich and blend into each other, leaving you awestruck.
Person I most admire: Hillary Clinton. I admire her intelligence and ability to rise above politics to take on a great challenge.
Greatest extravagance: Time with my husband, Jack.
Greatest necessity: My cell phone.
If I could buy any 3 Previews homes in the world, they would be in: London, New York and Montecito.
Looking forward to: My trip to China during the holidays. We’re going to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.
Greatest achievement: Being successful in the things that are important in life: family, community and business.
Most treasured possession: I’m not too attached to things; people are much more important to me.
Most marked characteristic: I like to take something serious and downplay it with humor.
Motto: Be true to your purpose and yourself. Favorite style of architecture: contemporary.
I feel most inspired when: I’m listening to classical music at Walt Disney Concert Hall with Dudamel conducting.
Luxury is: Feeling incredibly content.
Wish you had met: Jackie Kennedy. She was the most admired woman on the planet during her time. She was not only a fashion icon, but she had this mysteriousness and elegance about her. Everyone wanted to know more about her because she possessed these incredible qualities.
Last exhibition I attended: Wayne Thiebaud at Acquavella Gallery in New York.
Book I’m Reading: “Lady in Gold: The Extraordinary Tale of Gustav Klimt’s Masterpiece, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by Anne-Marie O’Connor.”
Preview the Bel Air Lifestyle: Rosewood Estate in Bel Air, the finest example of Georgian Architecture in Los Angeles set on over 1.75 acres of manicured grounds.
Linda May is a luxury real estate specialist who has spent the last 30 years ascending the highest echelons of L.A.’s global marketplace. Over the last decade, she has consistently ranked among the top 1% of Coldwell Banker sales associates internationally. A passionate patron of the arts, she is a Charter Founder of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), a patron of the L.A. Opera and a member of Blue Ribbon, a women’s support organization of The Music Center in Los Angeles. For more information about Linda May, click here.
