Los Angeles, CA 90039
$39,995,000 | 15 Beds | 15 Baths | 21,632 Sq. Ft. | Price/Sq.Ft. $1,849 | 3.42 Acres | Built in 1923
Welcome to The Paramour Estate in Silver Lake! You’ve certainly seen it before in film, television, and music videos. Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to stay overnight at this iconic east side property, or, if you’re like me, you went to their estate sale earlier this year. I snagged a large painting from the current owner and seller, Dana Hollister’s, collection. It hangs in the entry of my home so it’s the first thing we see when we enter. Dana told me she brought it home in her suitcase from India many years ago. That must have been a gigantic suitcase!
The home began construction over one hundred years ago, in 1918, when socialite Daisy Canfield, heir to the Pan American Petroleum fortune, envisioned a lavish estate on the highest promontory in the Los Angeles basin. Canfield commissioned architect Robert D. Farquhuar, best known as the designer of the Olympic Club and the Beverly Hills High School.
The Spanish Mediterranean home is sited on five acres and includes an 18,000 square foot main residence, a stables, tack house, ice plant, green house, no less than three staff cottages, and garages for five cars.
The grounds were and continue to be adorned with rose gardens, a citrus orchard, grace arbor, terraced fountains, and a wishing well.
The grandiose estate was completed in 1923. Canfield moved in shortly thereafter with her husband, silent screen star Antonio Moreno. Luminaries from the Golden Age of Hollywood attended many lavish parties held at the estate. It was the Roarin’ 20s after all. These stars included Marion Davies, Norma Shearer, and Buster Keaton. Hollywood tabloids at the time christened the estate as, “The Most Beautiful Home in Hollywood.”
And today, over 100 years later, it’s easy to see why. The home is located on the hilltop and boasts spectacular views that stretch all the way out to the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, plus the first range of the San Gabriel Mountains in the other direction. Not to mention pretty much all of Los Angeles including the surrounding Silver Lake hills, Downtown LA, and Hollywood.
One enters the walled private compound through ornate iron gates. The dramatic driveway ascends to a circular motor court and rose garden. The inner court and its glorious marble and hand-tiled swimming pool was, of course, the main scene of the exclusive soirees.
But, as with any legendary estate, 1923 Micheltorena offers plenty more enclaves to entertain, including this brick terrace with incredible views.
Other outdoor areas on this expansive property include this rolling green lawn.
Facing the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park, looking out at the mountain really feels like one has reached the end of the world. Or, at least, the end of Los Angeles.
The main house is absolutely stunning. The opulent living room has a fireplace, coffered ceiling, and French doors with proscenium arches.
A separate sunroom has a magnificent chandelier and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer majestic treetop views.
A grand ballroom, yes, ballroom has gorgeous 25 foot high cathedral ceilings that are really, truly, breathtaking.
The adjoining bar is really handsome and truly evokes a bygone era.
The formal dining room offers a fantastic setting for dinner parties. The Polar Bear certainly adds a dramatic element. We can ask if he’s included in the $40,000,000 price tag.
The main house includes four guest suites and two guest rooms, and a lower-level kitchen and staff quarters.
The guest suites offer separate areas for lounging,.
And several have their own fireplaces. Each one has unique quirks and charms and all of them are insanely spacious.
Your guests will want to see each of the suites and the lovely baths. It’s the perfect home to tour, the kind of rare Los Angeles offering where you feel like – especially if it’s your first time at the house – you can really explore.
The baths maintain some elements from the past, but have been updated in subtle but important ways including new tiles and fixtures.
Dotted throughout the sweeping grounds are four guest cottages.
These cottages are truly dreamy and all of them are so different. Like, this one has an incredible wood beamed ceiling and beautiful casement doors.
And you’ll love the decadent and delicious baths, all designed with a singular vision.
Plus, these guest cottages have their own private outdoor spaces so your guests can relax and enjoy some peaceful solitude before, and, of course, after, the party to come.
The Paramour Estate is truly one of the crown jewels of all of Los Angeles. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a prestigious and storied estate rich in Hollywood history.
With perhaps the absolute best views in the whole city.
I would love to give you a private tour of The Paramour Estate in Silver Lake. Call me today at (937) 243-2349 or email me at tatiana.tensen@sothebyshomes.com to schedule a visit.
Listing provided courtesy of Sally Forster Jones, Compass.