Few homes in Beverly Hills can claim a direct connection to Hollywood’s formative years, but a grand estate once owned by Warner Bros. co-founder Harry Warner is once again commanding the spotlight. Now listed for $39.999 million, the meticulously restored residence offers not only timeless architecture and resort-style amenities but also a remarkable chapter of cinematic history.
Nestled on approximately 1.1 acres in one of Beverly Hills’ most prestigious enclaves, the estate has been carefully preserved and reimagined by its current owner, media executive Daphna Edwards Ziman, whose extensive restoration sought to honor the property’s legacy while introducing modern luxury. CaliforniaLuxuryHouses reviewed the publicly available listing information and historical records surrounding the property, revealing a residence where Old Hollywood elegance meets contemporary comfort.
A Home That Once Welcomed Hollywood Royalty
Originally owned by Harry Warner during the 1940s, the estate occupies a unique place in Beverly Hills history. Warner, one of the four brothers who founded Warner Bros. Studios, helped shape the American film industry during Hollywood’s Golden Age, making the residence more than simply another luxury property—it is part of Hollywood’s cultural heritage.
When Daphna Edwards Ziman and her then-husband, prominent real estate investor Richard Ziman, purchased the property in 1996, they reportedly discovered a collection of vintage photographs documenting gatherings hosted by Warner himself. The images captured legendary stars including Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner enjoying the estate, inspiring an ambitious restoration project centered on preserving its original character.
“For me, the restoration was about bringing back the glamour and history that once defined this extraordinary home,” Ziman said in comments accompanying the property’s marketing.
Rather than modernizing the estate beyond recognition, the renovation embraced its historical significance, carefully restoring architectural details while introducing discreet contemporary upgrades.
Restored Architectural Details Preserve a Bygone Era
Spanning approximately 13,000 square feet, the seven-bedroom residence showcases craftsmanship rarely replicated in contemporary construction.
Original hand-carved oak paneling, elegant leaded-glass windows and a dramatic stained-glass skylight remain among the home’s defining architectural features. Throughout the interiors, antique sconces, period-inspired finishes and carefully curated photographs of classic Hollywood icons—including Humphrey Bogart and Marlene Dietrich—reinforce the estate’s cinematic identity.
Perhaps the most distinctive restoration can be found inside the kitchen, where artisans hand-painted ceramic tiles to faithfully replicate those visible in historic photographs discovered after the purchase.
CaliforniaLuxuryHouses found that this level of historically informed restoration distinguishes the property from many celebrity homes that prioritize modernization over preservation, allowing buyers to experience an authentic piece of Beverly Hills’ architectural history.
Designed for Film Lovers and Grand Entertaining
The estate’s entertainment amenities reflect both its Hollywood pedigree and its current owner’s background in the film industry.
A thoughtfully designed addition incorporates a private screening room featuring silk velvet curtains salvaged from a historic downtown Los Angeles movie theater, blending vintage cinema aesthetics with modern viewing technology.
Additional specialty spaces include a professional film-editing suite and a secure archival film vault, features added by Ziman, who serves as president of international television network Cinémoi.
Elsewhere, spacious formal living and dining rooms flow seamlessly into intimate gathering spaces, creating a home equally suited for elegant entertaining or relaxed family living.
The detached one-bedroom guest house introduces a playful touch through its nostalgic ice cream soda bar, originally created for children’s celebrations and family events.
Resort-Style Grounds in the Heart of Beverly Hills
Beyond the residence itself, the landscaped grounds provide an atmosphere reminiscent of a private luxury resort.
The approximately 1.1-acre estate features cascading waterfalls woven throughout the gardens, creating tranquil outdoor settings surrounding the swimming pool, tennis court and multiple entertaining terraces.
Mature landscaping enhances privacy while complementing the estate’s classic architecture, allowing the property to feel secluded despite its coveted Beverly Hills location.
The outdoor amenities reflect the enduring appeal of Southern California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle, offering expansive spaces for entertaining while maintaining the elegance associated with the neighborhood’s most prestigious residences.
Ownership History and Market Perspective
Public property records indicate that Daphna Edwards Ziman and Richard Ziman acquired the estate in 1996 before undertaking an extensive restoration inspired by the property’s Hollywood legacy. Following their divorce in 2010, Ziman retained ownership and continued preserving the residence as both a family home and a tribute to one of the entertainment industry’s pioneering figures.
According to Ziman, the decision to sell follows a personal life transition as her children have reached adulthood.
“I feel that it’s time to begin a new chapter,” she explained.
The nearly $40 million asking price reflects more than the property’s impressive size and prestigious Beverly Hills address. Estates with direct ties to Hollywood history—particularly those connected to influential studio founders—rarely become available, making this offering especially significant within Southern California’s ultra-luxury residential market.
Combining architectural integrity, historical provenance and modern lifestyle amenities, Harry Warner’s former Beverly Hills estate stands as one of the market’s most compelling legacy properties, offering future owners the opportunity to steward a residence that helped define Hollywood’s golden era.