After a long time in the market, the famed Owlwood Estate in Holmby Hills has finally welcomed a new owner. This 10-acre luxurious haven, often dubbed the “Crown” of Holmby Hills, is a storied masterpiece between the illustrious Sunset Boulevard and the renowned Los Angeles Country Club.
The estate, once rumored to have been graced by the presence of the iconic Marilyn Monroe, boasts a history as rich as its opulent grounds. After gracing the market in 2017 with an initial price tag of $180 million, the estate settled at $88 million.
While awaiting a permanent resident, this remarkable property found fame as a dazzling event venue, most notably hosting the star-studded Grammy Awards brunch in 2017.
Photos of The Hollywood Starlet Home
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Hollywood’s Iconic Playground
The history of Owlwood Estate is deeply intertwined with the fabric of Hollywood itself. Conceived by architect Robert D. Farquhar in 1935, the mansion was born into the embrace of Florence and Charles Quinn.
While Farquhar’s design portfolio included notable landmarks like the Beverly Hills High School, the Owlwood Estate would soon become its own landmark. It became a playground for controversy in the 20th century when Century Fox Co-founder Joseph Schenck began hosting 21-year-old actress Marilyn Monroe while still married. As rumors of an illicit affair spread, the mansion became an epicenter of Hollywood intrigue, with Monroe’s proximity to Schenck’s marriage adding fire to gossip mills. This chapter concluded with Monroe relocating to the guest house, further fueling the whispers of the affair.
A Star-Studded Journey Through Ownership
Owlwood’s ownership then transitioned to oil magnate William Keck, setting the stage for a new era. Familiar faces continued to grace its halls as legendary actor Tony Curtis, known for his role alongside Monroe in “Some Like It Hot,” took ownership. The classic mansion’s lore extended to Cher, who was bewitched by the property’s opulence during a party visit and made it her own. Cher’s time in the estate was marked by marital turbulence, leading her to occupy a separate wing within the mansion.
With each proprietor, the mansion’s controversy seemed to shimmer with the glamor of Hollywood. Even the audacious Ghazi Aita, a youthful presence from Monaco, joined the estate’s narrative, throwing extravagant parties attended by celebrities and beauties from Hollywood alike. Following this flamboyant chapter, Ameriquest-founder Roland Arnall took the reins, expanding the estate to its present grandeur of 10 acres.
A Walk through Owlwood’s Estate
As one steps onto the lush grounds of Owlwood Estate, the essence of a bygone era envelopes them. The sprawling estate comprises two guesthouses and a magnificent nine-bedroom Italian Renaissance-style mansion, echoing an era of grandeur and sophistication.
The front façade, with its expansive circular driveway and verdant walkways, sets a tone of opulence. Elegance is embodied in its Tuscan-style architecture, creating an impressive ensemble of natural beauty and architectural brilliance.
The property boasts an outdoor tennis court, a swimming pool cocooned by flower-adorned walls, and a charming pool house. Amidst these luxuries, restored formal gardens, enchanting fountains, and flourishing fruit trees abound, creating an enchanting paradise from which to enjoy the outdoors
The Tuscan-Style Mansion
Step within the mansion’s doors, and history unfolds in every corner. Old-world craftsmanship converges with contemporary elegance, reflected in oak paneling, meticulously carved moldings, and hand-carved mantels. Like the outdoors, the interior exudes a timeless charm, featuring a series of fireplaces and classic chandeliers that grace the grand residence. A sweeping staircase ushers one into the upper levels, where nine bedrooms bask in natural light, accentuated by ten baths. With a full basement serviced by an elevator connecting all three floors, the mansion offers a symphony of luxurious living spaces.
A Captivating Chapter Continues
The Owlwood Estate has embarked on a new chapter, yet its narrative retains the echoes of Hollywood’s enchanting past and its vibrant present. As its doors open to a new owner, they enter a world where history, elegance, and legendary allure converge.
