Over eight decades ago, this historic Monterey Colonial-style residence in the prestigious Lower Bel Air area of Los Angeles was owned by John Farrow and Maureen O’Sullivan—he an Oscar-winning Australian film director and she an Irish-born actress famous for her role as Jane Parker in numerous Tarzan films. They were also the parents of Mia Farrow, known for her role in the 1968 horror classic Rosemary’s Baby and her former partnership with Woody Allen. At one point, the house was also inhabited by film and TV composer Bruce Broughton. The property has recently changed ownership again, now being sold to a trust associated with veteran filmmaker and entertainment executive James Gunn.
According to records, the director of Guardians of the Galaxy and co-CEO of DC Studios purchased the creamy stucco and terracotta-roofed property for $8.5 million, which was originally listed just under $11 million. Designed by architect Arlos R. Sedgley in 1937 and known as Greystoke Cottage, the recently renovated home sits on over half an acre and features four bedrooms and five bathrooms within nearly 4,300 square feet of living space designed by John Cottrell on two levels.
The main level includes formal living and dining rooms, an updated kitchen with a center island, high-end stainless steel appliances, and a cozy breakfast nook with a fireplace. Additional highlights are a wood-paneled library, a media room with French doors leading to a Juliet balcony, and a primary suite with a fireplace, a wraparound balcony, dual walk-in closets, and a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub.
The lower level contains three additional bedrooms, one of which could easily be converted into an office. Outdoor amenities include Tichenor & Thorpe-designed grounds featuring a covered veranda with steps leading down to a lower terrace perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining, a pool with a sundeck, and meandering pathways through lush gardens. There is also a two-car garage on the property.
The listing was managed by Allen Roth and Kaitlyn Benson of Sotheby’s International Realty, while James Gunn was represented by Brittany Herman of Douglas Elliman. Gunn, who also owns a home in Fayette County, Georgia, purchased in 2018 for about $1.3 million, has added this property to his portfolio.
