A 'legendary' estate that was once the largest private residence in Los Angeles is back on the market with a $65 million price chop. Here's a look inside the historic luxury home that was previously owned by Sonny and Cher and neighbors the Playboy Mansion.
The Owlwood Estate was first built as a family estate for developer Arthur Letts. After his death, the home was completed by his widow Florence Letts Quinn and her subsequent husband. The estate was the largest Los Angeles residence at the time of its completion.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
Following the Letts and Quinn families, the estate changed hands amongst some of Hollywood's most elite stars.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
Owners of The Owlwood Estate over the years included Sonny Bono & Cher, who purchased the property from actor Tony Curtis. Additionally, founder of the infamous Hotel Bel-Air Joseph Drown once called the estate home.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
Previously, according to an Owlwood representative, "Marilyn Monroe was a usual fixture and part-time resident at the villa, having been a close friend and rumored lover of previous owner Joseph Schenck."
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
The Owlwood Estate neighbors both the Playboy Mansion and the Spelling Manor in the exclusive Holmby Hills neighborhood. Also nearby is the Los Angeles Country Club.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
The neighborhood itself is nestled between Beverly Hills and Bel Air. Past neighborhood residents included Walt Disney and Frank Sinatra.
Source: Google Maps, LA Times, The Hollywood Reporter, The Owlwood Estate
The Playboy Mansion — occupied by Hugh Hefner until his death in 2017 — is infamous for its Hollywood parties. The mansion recently sold for $100 million.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Business Insider, Mansion Global
Meanwhile, the Spelling Manor — now known as simply The Manor — is among Los Angeles' largest homes. The 123-room-home is larger than the White House, and it broke the country record when it sold in July for $120 million.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Forbes, LA Times
The Owlwood Estate sits on 10 acres of property ...
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
... which is made up of three lots. One lot includes the pool, pool house, and tennis court, another sits empty, and the third includes the historic mansion.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
The entire property — including the main mansion — is currently on the market for $115 million. It was originally listed for $180 million in 2017 by Woodbridge Group developer Robert Shapiro.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, The Real Deal, Robb Report, Variety
From the street, passersby can only see the main gate ...
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Google Maps
... but up the drive, the mansion soon comes into view. The mansion was designed by architect Robert D. Farquhar in 1936.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
The mansion — classified as "Italian Renaissance Revival" — includes over 12,000 square feet of floor space. Upon entering the home, the main hallways include finished wood walls and light marble flooring.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
On the first floor, several living rooms offer plenty of seating in the Tuscan-style luxury home. One such room features a grand piano ...
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
... while elsewhere in the home, another room is complete with more modern furniture, bookshelves, and a large desk.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
The dining room seats 10 at a large table. The room also includes bench seating, a buffet table, and — like most rooms — a chandelier.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
A grand staircase in the main foyer wraps around a large crystal chandelier ...
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
... which leads upstairs to the bedrooms. The second level of the home is covered in off-white carpeting.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
There are nine bedrooms in total ...
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
... including a master suite with a dressing room.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
Other rooms also feature plenty of natural light and additional seating.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
Back downstairs, another sitting area leads outside to a patio ...
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
... which serves as an entertaining space during the early evenings.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
The side and back of the house are covered in ivy, and the lawn is beautifully manicured.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
The property also includes a pool and poolhouse. The pair was installed by Olympic swimmer and actress Esther Williams when she owned the estate.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
Inside the poolhouse, outdoor furniture surrounds a coffee table.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
Nearby, an on-site tennis court is surrounded by hedges.
Source: The Owlwood Estate, Robb Report, Variety
In the past few years, the property was used for a pre-Grammys brunch, which featured a star-studded guest list. Staff wore white and served sponsored drinks.
Source: Getty Images
In the backyard, a temporary pavilion was set up, along with additional outdoor seating and games.
Source: Getty Images
In the front of the home, a larger-than-life chess board was set up on the lawn.
Source: Getty Images
A brunch spread was laid out on tables on the side of the mansion. Other stations included a cigar station and multiple bars.
Source: Getty Images
Stars in attendance included Joe Jonas and his bandmates from DNCE, along with his brother Nick Jonas and fellow singer Demi Lovato.
Source: Getty Images
Other guests included Rihanna and Greys Anatomy actor Jesse Williams.
Source: Getty Images
Jay-Z hosted the event, as his group Roc Nation sponsors the event.
Source: Getty Images, NY Times
Jay-Z mingled with guests such as Jaden Smith, DJ Khaled, and Sean Combs.
Source: Getty Images, W Magazine
Inside one of the mansion's sitting rooms — in front of the fireplace — Brett Yormark and Michael Yormark toasted the event. The brothers head Roc Nation.
Source: Getty Images
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