Hollywood history rarely comes to market with such remarkable provenance. Perched along the legendary stretch of Mulholland Drive known as Celebrity Row, a historic Beverly Hills estate once owned by horror icon Boris Karloff and Academy Award-winning actor Gregory Peck has been listed for $6.5 million. Today, the residence is being offered for sale by former General Hospital head writer Robert Guza Jr., continuing a legacy that spans more than eight decades of entertainment history.
Built in 1941 for Karloff and his family, the Cape Cod-style residence occupies approximately half an acre behind private gates and offers 4,585 square feet of living space with five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a detached guest house, dedicated fitness studio, and sweeping canyon and city views. Despite thoughtful updates over the years, the property has retained much of its original Old Hollywood character, making it one of the increasingly rare surviving celebrity homes along this prestigious corridor.
According to public listing information reviewed by CaliforniaLuxuryHouses, the estate combines historic architectural details with contemporary indoor-outdoor living, creating an exceptional opportunity for buyers seeking both pedigree and privacy.
A Hollywood Legacy Spanning Generations
Few Beverly Hills residences can trace an ownership history as distinguished as this one.
The home was originally commissioned in 1941 for Boris Karloff, forever remembered for portraying Frankenstein’s monster in Universal Pictures’ classic horror film. After Karloff, ownership passed to Gregory Peck, whose celebrated portrayal of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor and cemented his place among Hollywood’s greatest performers.
More recently, the estate became home to Emmy Award-winning television writer Robert Guza Jr. and his late wife, actress and writer Meg Bennett. Public property records show the couple acquired the residence in June 2003, preserving its architectural character while enjoying its secluded hillside setting for more than two decades.
CaliforniaLuxuryHouses reached out for additional background regarding the property’s stewardship but did not receive comment prior to publication.
Timeless Architecture Preserved on Celebrity Row
Positioned behind mature landscaping and secure gates, the residence immediately evokes the elegance of classic Beverly Hills estates.
A long motor court leads to the traditional Cape Cod exterior, where horizontal siding, natural stone detailing, and towering shade trees establish an understated first impression. Unlike many neighboring properties that have been replaced by contemporary mega-mansions, this residence remains an authentic example of Old Hollywood residential architecture.
Listing agent Holly Hatch noted that the property has remained remarkably intact over the decades, preserving many of the design elements that distinguish it from newer luxury homes.
Inside, expansive walls of glass frame panoramic canyon vistas while flooding the interiors with natural light. Wide-plank hardwood floors, neutral finishes, and generous entertaining spaces create a seamless connection between the home’s historic character and modern California living.
The principal living room opens effortlessly onto multiple outdoor terraces, allowing the surrounding landscape to become an extension of the interior.
Elegant Interiors Designed for Modern Living
The thoughtfully planned floor plan balances formal entertaining with everyday comfort.
At the heart of the residence, the chef’s kitchen features marble countertops, white shaker cabinetry, premium stainless-steel appliances, a professional-grade gas range, and a generous center island that functions as both workspace and gathering point. French doors open directly to the gardens, reinforcing Southern California’s signature indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Nearby, a sunlit breakfast nook overlooks mature trees, while the formal dining area enjoys oversized picture windows framing peaceful hillside views.
Upstairs, the primary suite offers a tranquil retreat complete with its own private balcony overlooking the surrounding canyon. The spa-inspired bathroom incorporates dual vanities, marble surfaces, a freestanding soaking tub, and a glass-enclosed shower, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury.
A second vaulted suite showcases exposed painted beams and enough flexibility to accommodate both sleeping and lounge areas.
The property also includes two dedicated home offices—one displaying Robert Guza Jr.’s Daytime Emmy Award—highlighting the creative legacy that has unfolded within these walls over the past two decades.
Resort-Style Grounds with Rare Privacy
Outdoor living remains one of the estate’s defining strengths.
Surrounded by mature hedges and towering trees, the grounds feature a freeform swimming pool, expansive entertaining decks, broad lawns, and numerous patios positioned to capture spectacular canyon and city views.
The detached guest house offers flexibility for extended family, visiting guests, creative studio space, or a private executive office, while the dedicated fitness gym enhances the estate’s lifestyle appeal.
According to the listing brokerage, a private trail from the property also provides convenient access to the popular Fryman Canyon hiking area, offering residents an uncommon blend of natural beauty and urban accessibility.
An Exceptional Beverly Hills Location
Situated along Mulholland Drive’s renowned Celebrity Row, the estate enjoys one of the most desirable hillside addresses in Los Angeles.
From the property, residents are only minutes from Beverly Hills’ famed Rodeo Drive luxury boutiques, the acclaimed restaurants of Sunset Boulevard, Bel Air, West Hollywood, and Century City. Cultural landmarks, five-star hotels, private clubs, and premier entertainment venues are all within convenient reach, while nearby canyon roads provide quick access to Studio City and the San Fernando Valley.
The surrounding neighborhood continues to attract entertainment executives, entrepreneurs, and internationally recognized celebrities seeking privacy without sacrificing proximity to Beverly Hills’ world-class amenities.
Property History
Beyond its celebrity ownership, the residence represents a remarkably well-documented chapter of Beverly Hills history.
Originally constructed in 1941 for Boris Karloff, the estate later became home to Gregory Peck before remaining within Hollywood circles for decades. Public records indicate Robert Guza Jr. and Meg Bennett purchased the property in 2003. It has now returned to the market with an asking price of $6.5 million, offering buyers the opportunity to own a residence whose legacy extends from Hollywood’s Golden Age to modern television history.
For discerning buyers, this is more than simply another luxury listing. It is a carefully preserved piece of cinematic history, where timeless architecture, exceptional privacy, and one of Beverly Hills’ most celebrated addresses converge into an offering unlikely to be replicated.