Dorothy Taylor lived a storied life, and by extension, her mansion did as well. She married and divorced an Italian count, had a love affair with Gary Cooper, and was involved with Bugsy Siegal until his death in 1947.
She was likely the first true Hollywood socialite, someone involved in the Hollywood scene without being in movies herself. Her taste for glitz, glam, and adventure can still be seen in the Hollywood Hills mansion, currently on the market for $26.9 million.
Driveway leading to the mansion. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Immaculate green lawn for the outdoor space. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Immaculate green lawn for the outdoor space. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Exterior of the mansion with arched windows and doorways. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Immaculate green lawn for the outdoor space. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Front garden leading to the main entry of the house. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Front garden leading to the main entry of the house. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Arched entrances. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Wooden double doors on stucco half walls. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Luxurious living room with a chandelier, interior wallpaper, and leather sofas. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Interior wallpaper cover the walls and a massive chandelier hangs above the wood flooring. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
A seating area facing the gilded tables on area rugs and large windows. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The dining room has a chandelier, glazed walls, and a rectangle dining table for a seating of 10. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Interior wallpaper cover the walls of this spacious empty room while a chandelier remains on the ceiling. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
A seating area by the fireplace with gilded interior wallpaper on walls. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
A dining area with interior wallpaper and a dining table for six. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
A massive kitchen island with black countertop in the spacious white kitchen.
White kitchen with glass cabinets, red-patterned backsplash, and black countertops. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Hallway with crown molding, wood flooring, and French doors. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
An empty white room with beam ceiling, glass doors, and wood flooring. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The primary bedroom has interior wallpaper, carpeting, and seating areas. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The primary bath has pastel-colored cabinetry, chair, and tile walls, and an alcove tub. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Aerial view of the estate. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Aerial view of the estate. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Aerial view of the estate. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Aerial view of the estate. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
A photo of Dorothy Taylor in the mansion. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
A photo of Dorothy Taylor. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Dorothy Taylor married a British aviator and divorced him in 1916, the same year she inherited a fortune worth $275 million in today’s dollars from her father. She married an Italian Countย Carlo Dentice di Frasso in 1923, but the couple lived separate lives for most of the marriage. She bought and restored Villa Madema, a home designed by Raphael. Yes, that one.
She met Gary Cooper while he was filming in Rome, and the two began a love affair. When he went back to Hollywood, she followed. She purchased the Beverly Hills mansion and set to work decorating it in classic Hollywood Art Deco glamor. She became well acquainted with the Hollywood elite, throwing lavish parties at the mansion. She eventually rented the estate toย ย Marlene Dietrich while she went on a treasure hunting adventure that began a relationship with Bugsy Siegel.
Mansion Worthy of a Star
In 1947, Dorothy sold the mansion to Jose Iturbi, a pianist for MGM Studios. He lived there until his death in 1980. The home was then sold and is now on the market again with all its original character. The white stucco exterior and archways of the mansion are classic Spanish Revival style. It sets the tone for the 8,000 sq ft home. It has 4 bedrooms and five baths.
The grounds are just over an acre of perfectly landscaped lawn and well-placed trees. The estate was built for entertaining, both inside and out. The living room features rich hardwood floors, a chandelier, and art deco wallpaper. The kitchen is modern, with an art deco touch. The white marble floor contrasts beautifully with the large dark granite countered island.
The stove area has an ornate white hood and a red backsplash, making it a focal point in the spacious room. The master bedroom has floor to ceiling windows, white carpeting, and blue floral wallpaper. The master bath features blue and white cabinetry, a white tile floor, and an alcove tub with blush tile walls.
When you step outside, there’s no doubt you are living in luxury. An inground pool, complete with a pool house, a full-size tennis court, and lots of green lawn to entertain on. It also features a garden area with a walkway leading to the front entrance of the home.