November 9, 2021
See Inside The Novogratz Newest Hollywood Dream House
Stars from the Golden Age of film like Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, and Vivian Leigh were all regulars of Hollywood’s iconic Bird Street Houses, perched in the Hollywood Hills north of Sunset Boulevard. In 2019, Cortney and Robert Novogratz bought a 7,500 sq. ft.1931 Spanish Modern villa (located next door to the former home of legendary director George Cukor) and worked their magic on the interiors.
The couple have sold more than 10 homes over 25 years, and are known for their reality home renovation and decoration shows, Bravo’s 9 By Design and HGTV’s Home by Novogratz. After the total overhaul of this property was done, they recently listed it for $17.9M as they plan to return to their roots and move their family back to New York. Scroll down to see why it’s worth every penny.
The exterior has classic Spanish style with a terracotta tile roof and central courtyard, while inside amenities include a home theatre, gym, and sauna. “The idea was to bring it back to its original charm, but unfortunately, we had to bring it down. We rebuilt the house, doubling its size but kept the same spirit,” says Robert.
The front entry opens up to a parterre patio, picturesque saltwater pool and lush greenery. The pool house is tiled in terracotta, just like the main house.
Encaustic floor tiles enliven the central courtyard, it’s the centrepiece of the home and designed to foster the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that Californians crave. “We kept the original layout of the house and made the courtyard the focal point of the entire home,” according to Robert.
Steel frame doors open onto a dining area in the courtyard, for a complete indoor/outdoor feel.
The crisp white and neutral design of the home is juxtaposed by modern art pieces collected by the Novogratz, with the works of Diego Uchitel, Erwin Olaf, Tracy Emin, Marcel Dzarma and Enoc Perez breathing life into each room. White oak floors and oak accent creamy walls underscore the Spanish villa vibe.
Medium-toned wood adds warmth to an all-white scheme.
White oak floors and white walls give a gallery feel to the home.
A stepped hearth gives an Art Deco vibe to this living room.
Arched windows are staples of Spanish Revival architecture. Here, the window spills natural light into the living room over a day bed.
The pool room bar has a sexy mid-century modern vibe with wood panelling. “The bar is my favorite part of the house,” Robert says. “I’ve designed so much for so many wealthy people, but I have never done a pool house bar, and I always wanted to.”
A portrait of David Bowie smolders in the recreation room.
A blush toned La Cornue range is a pretty counterpoint for white oak cabinets in the kitchen. A simple Venetian plaster range hood gives a farmhouse vibe.
In the principal bedroom, a tall linen headboard adds some quiet, California drama to the pale palette.
In the principal ensuite, a sculptural tub, tree stump accent table and bare windows are simple and serene.
A simple walk in shower is wrapped in mocha tiles for a wet room feel.
A wicker chair and breezy linens capture the laid-back appeal in this guest bedroom.