The Iconic Old Hollywood Home Of A Famed Director Can Be Yours For $20 Million
Those who like their homes with a bit of history will definitely want to check out a recently listed property with some major VIP connections. Listed with Douglas Elliman just two days ago, the Bel-Air property was built in 1934 for the Berlin-born film director Ernst Lubitsch. Given the property's connection to Lubitsch, according to New York Post, the home has been host to a variety of VIPs, including kings, presidents, dignitaries, as well as old Hollywood legends such as Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich.
Though the entertainment industry connections may be of interest to fans of old Hollywood, the house itself is an absolute stunner worthy of attention on its own merits. Listed for just under $20 million, the home features five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, with a total of 9,292 square feet. It has been under the same ownership for over 60 years, making it a charming time capsule packed with personality — this certainly isn't a typical Bel-Air home that's been gutted and transformed with a minimalist modern aesthetic.
From the eye-catching architectural details to the cozy little nooks to the abundance of outdoor spaces, this home is filled with character and would be the perfect fit for anyone interested in a one-of-a-kind property. As an added bonus, the listing mentions there's a separate casita on the grounds, so you have the perfect private spot to offer any guests who wish to stay over.
Read on to learn more about this gorgeous property with Hollywood roots.
Your own slice of paradise
Though the property is located in Bel-Air, it seems like it's nestled a world away, thanks to how the grounds are arranged. As you approach the home, two white brick pillars flank a gated driveway that winds up with towering trees on both sides, taking you to the eye-catching front entry, as the Douglas Elliman listing photos highlight. The home's facade features the same white brick spotted at the entry, which according to New York Post was inspired by the white-washed brickworks found in Mexico.
The property sits on 1.06 acres of land, including vegetable gardens, an abundance of outdoor loggias, as well as a large swimming pool flanked by rustic stone tile that adds a Mediterranean feel. The entire grounds are filled with all kinds of plants, from towering trees to manicured shrubs, making it feel like a Garden of Eden.
There are also several cozy outdoor spaces, including a few that feature outdoor wood-burning fireplaces. Several of the outdoor areas are covered, offering shade from the sun, while others have plants winding along the columns and railings, giving the entire exterior a truly magical effect. You can easily envision old Hollywood starlets sipping cocktails and exchanging chatter in the breathtaking outdoor areas of the home — it truly is something special and seems the type of place you could lose hours in over good conversation with guests.
Old Hollywood meets the Mediterranean
The interior has a slightly Mediterranean feel, as the Douglas Elliman listing photos demonstrate. The main level flooring features the same square terracotta-hued tiles that are found in the entry, also bringing in hints at the abundance of indoor-outdoor spaces across the property. The staircase to the second story has stunning colorful accent tiles along both sides, adding another splash of Mediterranean influence.
These influences are balanced by the vintage touches throughout, such as a variety of ornate metallic wall sconces and thick draperies. There are also an abundance of windows, many overlooking the magical backyard area, that allow natural light to fill the ornately decorated rooms. Though the home is spacious, the decor choices and fireplaces — there are eight wood-burning fireplaces spread throughout the home, done in various styles — manage to make it feel incredibly cozy and inviting.
Continuing with the pattern of statement tile, the kitchen likewise features a gorgeous blue-and-white tile backsplash, with the same tile used on the countertops, giving it a vintage feel. There are also a few vintage light fixtures, but they're placed alongside the modern white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, creating a space that feels charming yet modern.
There are also a few unique architectural details, such as an arched area in the kitchen and sloped ceilings with thick white beams across them throughout the home, that add splashes of extra visual interest in this unique home packed with delightful details.
An entertainer's dream — and a private haven
This home offers the best of both worlds, with plenty of spaces to entertain as well as a gorgeous master suite that feels like a romantic retreat from the rest of the home.
As the Douglas Elliman listing details, the lower level features a cantina. Wood beams stretch across the ceilings, and there is brick along several portions of the wall, giving the area a slightly more rustic feel than the bright, airy upper levels. Several seating areas have furniture that wouldn't be out of place on a Mexican resort, paying homage to some of the home's inspirations. And, of course, the cantina features a bar with even more stunning tile work, providing the perfect hub for all your guests to grab their libations before circulating around the gorgeous grounds.
The primary suite feels like a bit of a magical garden itself, with botanical-print wallpaper and lush textiles likewise featuring various types of plants and foliage. In addition to the spacious master bedroom, there's a large walk-in closet for storing all your Hollywood-ready couture, as well as a chic dressing room area with a U-shaped built-in mirrored vanity nestled right in front of the window, allowing the natural sunlight to stream in as you get ready for the day. Finally, so that you can truly enjoy the breathtaking property, there's also an oversized private balcony attached to the master suite overlooking the grounds.