Sumptuous California Villa

When I was young and starry-eyed, I used to dream of moving to Los Angeles and living in the big white house on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Now that I’m older — though still starry-eyed — I think I would prefer something a little more sophisticated, like this six-bedroom villa in L.A.’s ritzy Holmby Hills area. Imagine living in the same neighbourhood that Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley all called home. Sadly, I don’t think I can afford the $27.5 million asking price!

The house is just outside of Hollywood — about a half-hour drive from downtown L.A. — but if you lived here, why would you ever leave? The 20,000-square-foot property has a theatre, a 50-foot lap pool, a gym and a sunken tennis court, as well as 15 bathrooms, two home offices and staff quarters. The principal bedroom alone boasts two dressing rooms, two ensuites and its own sitting area.

The grand hearth looks very European, but the palette evokes a casual, California feeling.

I like how the deep coffers crown the space.

The formal dining room is well appointed, well proportioned and pretty well perfect. This is the kind of space that makes dinner guests sit up extra-straight and meticulously mind their manners.

For more information on the house, contact Hilton & Hyland.

Photo credits:
1-3. Hilton & Hyland