A Star With Classic Good Looks of Craftsman Era
Since it was built in 1910, this Craftsman-style house in the Hollywood Hills has been a star itself, and in its time it played many parts: a Midwestern farmhouse, Pacific Heights Victorian and Manhattan brownstone.
It appeared with Sylvester Stallone and Julia Roberts. It starred in “Pacific Heights” (1990) with Michael Keaton and Melanie Griffith; “Mr. Saturday Night” (1992) with Billy Crystal and “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge” (1999) with Halle Berry on HBO. It was featured in more than 40 TV shows and commercials. And that was just during the last 16 years.
The house has been owned during that time by screenwriter Hillary Carlip, TV and film actor Ken Cortland and talent consultant-former casting director Sam Christensen.
About this house: It wasn’t always a movie star. Built as the grove master’s residence for an avocado orchard, the grounds still have one of those avocado trees.
Inside, the restored house has leaded-glass book cabinets in the library and built-ins in the bedrooms, all from the home’s original construction. There is tile work from the ‘20s in two of the three bathrooms, when the baths were remodeled. There are original lighting fixtures and art-glass shades.
The house plans were reputedly drawn by a young draftsman who was moonlighting from his day job as an assistant in the renowned Greene & Greene architectural firm.
Asking price: Bids start at $995,000
Size: Four bedrooms, two stories, about 2,500 square feet on an 8,100-square-foot lot.
Features: The main floor has fir beams and woodwork popular during the Arts and Crafts period. The house also has hardwood floors. Two of the bedrooms open to a front balcony with views of the Hollywood Hills. The master suite has a dressing room and a private balcony. The fourth bedroom has a view of the Hollywood sign. There is a large stone fireplace, several bay windows, a homey country kitchen.
Where: Hollywood Hills, 1943 N. Van Ness Ave.; open today from 1 to 4 p.m.
Contact: Sam Christensen, (323) 464-2902, https://www.classichomeforsale.com.
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To be considered as a candidate for Home of the Week, please send color interior and exterior photos (copies only, please; we cannot return the pictures) and a brief description of the house, including what makes the property unusual, to Ruth Ryon, Real Estate Section, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; or e-mail homeoftheweek@latimes.com.
