Home Notifications Newsletters Next Share

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.https://www.businessinsider.in/miscellaneous/a-legendary-estate-that-was-once-the-largest-private-residence-in-los-angeles-is-back-on-the-market-with-a-65-million-price-chop-heres-a-look-inside-the-historic-luxury-home-that-was-previously-owned-by-sonny-and-cher-and-neighbors-the-playboy-mansion-/slidelist/70575701.cms2019-08-07T21:31:28+05:30

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.

Aug 7, 2019, 21:31 IST

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.

Following the Letts and Quinn families, the estate changed hands amongst some of Hollywood's most elite stars.

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.

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."

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.

The neighborhood itself is nestled between Beverly Hills and Bel Air. Past neighborhood residents included Walt Disney and Frank Sinatra.

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.

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.

The Owlwood Estate sits on 10 acres of property ...

... 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.

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.

From the street, passersby can only see the main gate ...

... but up the drive, the mansion soon comes into view. The mansion was designed by architect Robert D. Farquhar in 1936.

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.

On the first floor, several living rooms offer plenty of seating in the Tuscan-style luxury home. One such room features a grand piano ...

... while elsewhere in the home, another room is complete with more modern furniture, bookshelves, and a large desk.

The dining room seats 10 at a large table. The room also includes bench seating, a buffet table, and — like most rooms — a chandelier.

The mansion features ten bathrooms.

A grand staircase in the main foyer wraps around a large crystal chandelier ...

... which leads upstairs to the bedrooms. The second level of the home is covered in off-white carpeting.

There are nine bedrooms in total ...

... including a master suite with a dressing room.

Other rooms also feature plenty of natural light and additional seating.

Back downstairs, another sitting area leads outside to a patio ...

... which serves as an entertaining space during the early evenings.

The side and back of the house are covered in ivy, and the lawn is beautifully manicured.

The property also includes a pool and poolhouse. The pair was installed by Olympic swimmer and actress Esther Williams when she owned the estate.

Inside the poolhouse, outdoor furniture surrounds a coffee table.

Nearby, an on-site tennis court is surrounded by hedges.

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.

In the backyard, a temporary pavilion was set up, along with additional outdoor seating and games.

In the front of the home, a larger-than-life chess board was set up on the lawn.

A brunch spread was laid out on tables on the side of the mansion. Other stations included a cigar station and multiple bars.

Stars in attendance included Joe Jonas and his bandmates from DNCE, along with his brother Nick Jonas and fellow singer Demi Lovato.

Other guests included Rihanna and Greys Anatomy actor Jesse Williams.

Jay-Z hosted the event, as his group Roc Nation sponsors the event.

Jay-Z mingled with guests such as Jaden Smith, DJ Khaled, and Sean Combs.

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.

Next Story Here's the average annual income in 25 countries,...

View All Latest