A classic Spanish Colonial Revival residence, boasting a Hollywood lineage, stands upon nearly an acre of mature gardens adjacent to Griffith Park in Los Angeles. This historic Los Feliz property, erected in 1924, has hosted notable figures including actors Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, as confirmed by public records. Recently listed for $19.8 million by Chris Cortazzo of Compass and Elliott Law of Coldwell Banker Realty, it marks the second highest-priced listing in the leafy enclave of Los Feliz, renowned for its preserved homes, tree-lined avenues, and proximity to Griffith Park Observatory.
A freestanding secondary home serves as the property’s guest house.
Alanson Inslee Root, the founder of Omaha’s Beacon Press publishing company, commissioned the house in the 1920s. Acquiring the land for $170,000, Root discovered its regal past as property once held by King Charles the Third of Spain, as indicated in the original land deed. Engaging the renowned architect Carlton Winslow Sr., Root spearheaded the creation of the six-bedroom residence, embracing the then-popular Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style. This estate, among the earliest in Los Feliz, holds a distinct historical significance, Law noted. “The meticulously preserved ambiance of the home offers a journey back in time,” Law remarked. “It stands as one of California’s most exceptional properties. Once the gates close, you’re transported to another realm—an idyllic escape.”
There are numerous outdoor spaces for dining or lounging.
A trailblazer in the architectural movement of the early 20th century, Winslow played a pivotal role in co-designing structures for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego. His influence extended to prominent projects such as the Los Angeles Public Library, the Bel-Air Country Club, the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, and the Santa Barbara Public Library, along with numerous churches and private residences.
There’s a sauna among the property’s many amenities.
Additionally, Root enlisted the talents of renowned landscape architect Paul J. Howard to craft the estate’s diverse array of intimate garden spaces and Spanish-style courtyards, adorned with a variety of specimen trees. Following Root’s passing in 1944, genealogical records indicate the estate changed hands.
The home’s open kitchen leads into an informal dining and living space.
Throughout subsequent decades, the property housed several noteworthy Californian residents. Among them was Los Angeles Supreme Court Justice Nancy Baker Watson, one of the state’s earliest female justices, who resided in the home during the 1970s, according to the Los Feliz Improvement Association. Records from PropertyShark and the L.A. assessor’s office reveal DeVito’s ownership from the mid-1980s until he sold the property in 1998.
There’s also a gym in the guest house.
Naveen Jeereddi, a hedge fund manager, and Amy Hathaway, recognized for her roles in “My Two Dads” and “Last Exit to Earth,” acquired the property in 2012 for an estimated $9.6 million, as indicated by records. Attempts to reach them for comment were unsuccessful.
A bathroom includes a fireplace, walk-in shower and soaking tub.
The meticulously preserved three-story residence still showcases many of Winslow’s original design elements, including traditional stucco walls, intricate clay tile work, graceful archways, leaded glass windows, and intricate wrought-iron accents.
The guest house has three bedrooms in total.
Welcoming residents at the entrance is an authentic Spanish fountain adorned with century-old tiles. The foyer, retaining its original Spanish clay tile flooring and adorned with a vaulted ceiling featuring Spanish Baroque fresco detailing, sets a grand tone. The spacious step-down living room boasts exposed wooden beams across its vaulted ceiling, a fireplace adorned with Spanish tiles, wood plank flooring, and arched windows and French doors leading to a balcony.
A stream cuts through the property.
Adjacent to the living room, the first-floor library showcases original wood built-in shelving and another fireplace adorned with tiles. The formal dining room, also on the first floor, features a turreted tower with vaulted ceilings and retains its original leaded glass windows.
Also on the first floor, the home’s formal dining room has a turreted tower with vaulted ceilings and the original leaded glass windows.
Winslow crafted two elaborate spiral staircases for the residence, each adorned with ornate iron railings. One staircase, accessible from the modern kitchen and family room, descends to the basement wine cellar and tasting room, embellished with Spanish tile accents. The other spiral staircase ascends to the second floor, granting access to the five bedrooms and adorned with a wrought iron chandelier. The primary suite boasts a fully renovated bathroom, complete with a corner fireplace adorned in vintage Malibu tile.
Alanson Inslee Root, founder of the publishing company the Beacon Press of Omaha, commissioned the house in the 1920s.
French doors are a recurring feature throughout the main house, fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor connection between interior areas and adjacent covered arcade porches, intimate gardens adorned with frescoes, and well-established landscaping, as well as the expansive tiled courtyard housing a pool. Meandering pathways lead to numerous distinct outdoor spaces, showcasing garden sculptures, an outdoor fireplace, a concealed tearoom, and even a footbridge spanning the property’s adjoining creek.
Its original entrance foyer features Spanish clay tile floors and a vaulted ceiling with Spanish Baroque painted fresco detailing.
The sale encompasses a separate guest house situated on its own plot, featuring three bedrooms, an office, and a fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Additionally, separate staff accommodations comprise a complete bedroom and a kitchenette.
A large step-down living room has a vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden beams.
The main house has a wine cellar.
The guest house living room has a fireplace.
The paths also lead to a “hidden” tearoom, as well as a footbridge over the property’s bordering creek.
There are 10 bedrooms spread across the main house and a guest house.