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Home built for cosmetics magnate Merle Norman is for sale in Santa Monica

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A 1930s home once owned by cosmetic magnate Merle Norman has come on the market in Santa Monica at $4.129 million.

The Mediterranean Revival, which incorporates Streamline Modern elements, was designed for Norman by architect Ellis Martin.

Built in 1936, the multi-story home has 4,722 square feet of vividly colored interiors. Carved rafter tails, corbels, wrought-iron work and period tiles are among the original details.

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A sweeping staircase leads to the living room, which spans the front of the house. A dining room, a den, a library/study, a breakfast room, four bedrooms and five bathrooms are among the living spaces. The master suite features ocean views, a sitting room, dual bathrooms and a circular dressing room.

There’s a courtyard that is entered through the porte cochere.

The guesthouse contains a kitchen, a living room, a bedroom and a bathroom.

Norman, who died in 1972, started a cosmetics business in the late 1920s working out of her house in the Ocean Park area of Santa Monica. She and nephew J.B. Nethercutt, who lived with his aunt from age 9 after his mother’s death, went on to make their fortunes in beauty products as co-founders of Merle Norman Cosmetics.

Rodeo Realty agents Tregg Rustad and Peter Maurice have the listing.

Twitter: @LATHotProperty

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