Introduction to the Estate
When Barbara Harris first met Cary Grant in the 1970s, the Hollywood legend was already deep into remodeling his Beverly Hills residence. Although the couple married in 1981, Harris — who was then working in public relations in London — had minimal involvement in the home’s redesign. “The design was already in process,” Harris, now 74, told the Wall Street Journal in an interview.
The Original Structure and Its Renovation
The two shared the estate until Grant’s death in 1986, at which point she inherited the property. More than three decades later, she and her current husband, real-estate investor David Jaynes, have transformed the site entirely, replacing the original circa-1940s structure with a sprawling contemporary residence. Though they married in 1981, Barbara had little say in the design and inherited the property after Grant’s death in 1986.
The New Contemporary Estate
Decades later, now Barbara Jaynes, she and her second husband, real estate investor David Jaynes, tore down the outdated 1940s house and built a roughly 15,700-square-foot contemporary estate inspired by Aman resorts. The newly built home is now listed for $77.5 million, according to the Journal. Located on roughly 2.9 acres in the heart of Beverly Hills, the six-bedroom estate spans approximately 15,700 square feet and is designed to capture sweeping views from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean.
Design and Features
Jaynes said the couple prioritized ceiling height and floor-to-ceiling glass to open up the interiors. “We didn’t want anything to clash with the beauty of the view,” Harris said. The couple’s design sensibility took cues from their favorite hospitality brand, the ultra-luxury Aman, which portrayed privacy, simplicity and quality. The home features minimalist, high-end finishes and sweeping views from downtown LA to the Pacific. The six-bedroom home features floor-to-ceiling windows. A movie theater. Materials such as rift-sawn white oak, cream-colored stone and soft neutral fabrics were used throughout.
Amenities and Outdoor Spaces
The estate includes 12 bathrooms — two in the primary suite alone — as well as a lower-level theater, a first-floor wine room with stainless steel walls and custom oak cabinetry, and expansive terraces that wrap around both levels of the home. A tennis court, a swimming pool and manicured gardens featuring white and cream-colored roses round out the outdoor amenities. The landscape overhaul was extensive. Apart from a handful of old stone pine trees, nearly all of the original foliage was replaced. They planted over 100 trees and 500 shrubs to create a serene, landscaped oasis. A library. One of 12 bathrooms. An expansive walk-in closet. The home boasts a wine room and expansive terraces, all on 2.9 acres with a pool and tennis court. A tennis court.
History and Legacy
“The property was so outdated,” Harris recalled. “Cary, even when he finished, he said, ‘I should have knocked the whole thing down.’” The Jayneses ultimately did just that — starting construction on the new home in 2014 and completing it around 2022. “It’s very serene and peaceful down there,” Harris said of the new garden, which includes more than 100 newly planted trees and 500 shrubs. In a nod to the property’s storied past, Harris recalled throwing a surprise party for Grant during the original home’s renovation. Harris recalled when guests like Frank Sinatra and Gregory Peck crawled through a window to get in the house. “We were really happy here,” she said.
Listing and Market
Now approaching her 75th birthday, Harris said the timing felt right to make a move. “It doesn’t mean I won’t miss the house, but I’m happy to move to a smaller place,” she said. Aaron Kirman of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, who holds the listing with colleagues Josh Morrow and Rosh Vinyua, said despite broader market uncertainty, ultra-luxury properties in Los Angeles are still commanding strong interest. Now, with Barbara approaching 75 and ready to downsize, the couple has listed the property for $77.5 million. Despite market challenges, top-tier LA homes are still seeing major deals, according to listing agent Aaron Kirman. “I think people recognize that they’re getting pretty good deals in markets that are challenging,” he told the Journal. Kirman is also co-listing the home with Denise Moreno and Gordon MacGeachy of Hilton Hilton.
Conclusion
Cary Grant’s former home, now a stunning contemporary estate, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury and the legacy of Hollywood’s golden age. With its sleek design, expansive views, and meticulous attention to detail, this property is a rare gem in the heart of Beverly Hills. As the real estate market continues to evolve, properties like this one remind us of the timeless value of elegance, sophistication, and the pursuit of perfection.
FAQs
- Q: Who was the original owner of the property?
- A: Cary Grant, the Hollywood legend, purchased the property in 1946 for approximately $46,000.
- Q: What inspired the design of the new contemporary estate?
- A: The couple’s favorite hospitality brand, the ultra-luxury Aman, inspired the design, focusing on privacy, simplicity, and quality.
- Q: How much is the property listed for?
- A: The property is listed for $77.5 million.
- Q: What are some of the notable features of the estate?
- A: The estate includes a movie theater, a wine room, expansive terraces, a tennis court, a swimming pool, and manicured gardens.
- Q: Why is the property being sold?
- A: Barbara Jaynes, Cary Grant’s widow, is ready to downsize as she approaches her 75th birthday.
