A rare piece of Hollywood history has arrived on the luxury real estate market as a beautifully preserved Beverly Hills estate once owned by legendary actors Boris Karloff and Gregory Peck is now listed for $6.5 million. Located along the iconic Mulholland Drive corridor known as “Celebrity Row,” the classic Cape Cod-style residence combines timeless architecture, celebrity provenance, and sweeping canyon views in one of Los Angeles’ most prestigious neighborhoods.
Currently owned by Robert Guza Jr., the former head writer of General Hospital, the property has remained closely connected to Hollywood for more than eight decades.
A Rare Old Hollywood Residence Preserved Through Generations
Constructed in 1941, the home was originally built for horror film icon Boris Karloff, whose unforgettable portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster established him as one of cinema’s earliest legends. Karloff later sold the residence to Academy Award-winning actor Gregory Peck, best remembered for his Oscar-winning performance as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Unlike many historic estates along Mulholland Drive that have been demolished to make way for contemporary mega-mansions, this residence has retained much of its original architectural character.
CaliforniaLuxuryHouses reviewed the property’s history and found it has remained in the hands of notable entertainment industry figures throughout its lifetime, making it one of the few surviving examples of authentic Old Hollywood residential architecture in the area.
Classic Design Meets Comfortable Modern Living
Set on approximately half an acre, the residence offers 4,585 square feet of living space with five bedrooms and seven bathrooms distributed between the main house and a detached guest house.
The traditional Cape Cod-inspired design features generous living spaces, hardwood flooring, multiple fireplaces, and large windows that fill the interiors with natural light while framing panoramic canyon and city views.
The spacious chef’s kitchen centers around a large island and breakfast nook, while formal and informal living areas create an inviting setting for both entertaining and everyday living.
A flexible floor plan allows the current home gym to be converted into a sixth bedroom, while a hidden passage connecting the primary suite to the guest house adds both functionality and privacy.
Resort-Inspired Outdoor Living
Outside, landscaped gardens surround a classic kidney-shaped swimming pool and expansive sun deck overlooking the surrounding canyon. The elevated setting captures breathtaking vistas stretching across Los Angeles toward Catalina Island on clear days.
Nature lovers will appreciate the property’s direct access to the popular Fryman Canyon Trail, offering miles of scenic hiking just beyond the backyard—an exceptionally rare feature for a luxury estate in Beverly Hills.
According to the listing agents, the home’s combination of privacy, mature landscaping, and preserved architecture distinguishes it from many newer luxury developments throughout the area.
Celebrity Legacy on Mulholland Drive
Public records indicate Robert Guza Jr. and his late wife, actress and television writer Meg Bennett, purchased the residence in 2003. While the purchase price was not publicly disclosed, the home has remained carefully maintained, preserving its architectural integrity while continuing its long association with Hollywood’s creative community.
CaliforniaLuxuryHouses reached out to the listing representatives for additional historical details surrounding the estate’s ownership, though no further comments were available before publication.
Today, Mulholland Drive’s celebrated Celebrity Row remains home to numerous high-profile residents and continues to be one of Southern California’s most sought-after residential addresses.
Prime Beverly Hills Lifestyle
Beyond its remarkable celebrity pedigree, the estate enjoys convenient access to Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Studio City, and the Sunset Strip. Residents are minutes from luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive, acclaimed restaurants, private clubs, renowned entertainment venues, and premier film and television studios.
The combination of historic significance, architectural authenticity, and exceptional location makes the property particularly attractive to buyers seeking a residence that offers both prestige and long-term value.
A Timeless Hollywood Treasure
Historic celebrity homes with documented ownership by multiple Hollywood legends rarely become available. With its 1941 origins, remarkably preserved Cape Cod architecture, direct connection to Boris Karloff, Gregory Peck, and Robert Guza Jr., and prime location along Mulholland Drive, this Beverly Hills estate represents one of the market’s most compelling opportunities.
For buyers searching for a home that embodies both classic Hollywood elegance and modern California living, this extraordinary residence offers an unmatched blend of history, privacy, and enduring appeal.