Introduction to a Piece of Hollywood History
This Mediterranean revival estate near Los Angeles has a lot to brag about.
The Home’s Rich History
The home in La Cañada Flintridge was designed in 1927 by trailblazing architect Paul R. Williams, the designer of iconic commercial buildings and residences across California and the first African-American member of the American Institute of Architects. The residence later served as a retreat for Golden Age Hollywood actor Dennis Morgan. On top of its Californian bona fides, the sprawling property boasts an super-sized swimming pool.
A Rare Opportunity
Now, this 1.2-acre estate can be yours for $8.5 million — marking its first sale in decades.
“It’s a truly magnificent, almost fossilized home,” Compass agent George Penner told The Post. “It captures the spirit of Hollywood and Los Angeles in the 1930s.”
The grounds include unique structures like an observatory and a tea house. Sterling Reed Photography
The living room. Sterling Reed Photography
Former resident Dennis Morgan appeared in Hollywood musicals and movies throughout the 1940s. Kobal / Shutterstock
The Primary Estate Residence
The primary estate residence, designed by Williams, includes four bedrooms across 8,156 square feet. Painstakingly crafted details are sprinkled throughout the home, including hand-painted stenciled ceilings, black and white marble floors, tile mosaics and stained glass.
Specialty Rooms
Specialty rooms include a paneled library, a music room and a basement wine cellar.
The home’s reception hall with 20-foot ceilings. Sterling Reed Photography
The formal dining room features a stained glass window. Sterling Reed Photography
The library. Sterling Reed Photography
The Estate’s Grounds
The estate’s grounds, nestled in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains, includes a garden, two greenhouses, a one-bedroom casita and a faux bois tea house built by a Japanese artisan in 1929. A two-bedroom guest house features a look-out “observatory” and a two-car garage.
The faux bois tea house, built in 1929. Sterling Reed Photography
The wonderful interior of the tea house. Sterling Reed Photography
A one-bedroom casita. Sterling Reed Photography
The guest house includes an observatory and a two-car garage. Sterling Reed Photography
The guest house interior. Sterling Reed Photography
The Swimming Pool
Then, there’s the swimming pool.
Penner said the Olympic-size pool draws a great deal of attention. Sterling Reed Photography
An aerial of the swimming pool. Cameron Carothers Photos
A garden fountain. Sterling Reed Photography
Scattered sunlight hits a mosaic wall. Sterling Reed Photography
“Everyone seems to comment about the Olympic-size pool, because it’s so unusual to have such an enormous, opulent pool for a single family home,” Penner said.
The Architect and His Legacy
Architect Paul R. Williams built the residence early in his career for attorney James Degnan. Williams went on to design homes for the likes of Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball.
“[Williams] was a real trailblazer, and certainly the most prolific African-American architect of the 20th century, certainly in California,” Penner said. “To do work of this incredible level in 1927 is, I think, extraordinary.”
The Current Owners
Gina Guerra has lived in the home with her family since they purchased it for $2.07 million in 1999. The Guerras inherited the home’s well-preserved — but “quite run down” — architectural details, like original tiling and light fixtures, alongside stories of Errol Flynn partying on the property.
Guerra told The Post that the family focused on restoration, rather than renovation, through their years of ownership, although upgrades to the kitchen and bathrooms were necessary.
Descendants of James Degnan gifted Guerra vintage photos of the property.
The dining room.
The tiled fountain.
A vintage view of the observatory.
Guerra added the property’s expansive green space and multiple greenhouses turned her into an avid gardener.
“I’m now in the Garden Club of America judging program for horticulture, so it really took me down this whole path that I never expected in my life,” Guerra said. “I hope another family moves in, raises their kids here and loves it the way we do.”
Conclusion
The estate is a rare find for those looking for a piece of Hollywood history, with its stunning architecture, beautiful grounds, and unique features like the Olympic-size swimming pool. With its rich history and meticulous restoration, this property is a true gem that is sure to capture the hearts of its new owners.
FAQs
Q: How much is the estate listed for?
A: The estate is listed for $8.5 million.
Q: Who designed the estate?
A: The estate was designed by architect Paul R. Williams.
Q: How many bedrooms does the primary estate residence have?
A: The primary estate residence has four bedrooms.
Q: What unique features does the estate have?
A: The estate has a faux bois tea house, an observatory, a one-bedroom casita, and an Olympic-size swimming pool.
Q: How long has the current owner owned the estate?
A: The current owner, Gina Guerra, has owned the estate since 1999.
