Ready for Its Close-Up: $4.9M Moroccan Masterpiece Embodies Old Hollywood Glamour

Want a tidy definition of glamorous, Old Hollywood home design? Images of this marvelous Moroccan mansion are a great place to start.

You can practically picture a scene from the classic 1950 film “Sunset Boulevard” playing out here, with Gloria Swanson‘s Norma Desmond declaring, “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.”

Some lucky soul now has the opportunity to relive certain cinematic moments and create exciting new memories, as this remarkable Los Angeles property is on the market for $4,995,000.

That price, by the way, conveniently clocks in just below the requirements of the new and controversial Los Angeles mansion tax, which requires sellers of homes between $5 million and $10 million to pay a 4% sales tax.

But some people might insist that the opportunity to live in a Hollywood casbah is priceless. And who could argue?

“I love all of the colors and details that the current owners have given it,” says listing agent Robby Fields, of Compass. “I think it’s truly a gem like nothing else you’ll ever see.”

Old Hollywood home

This grand mansion, designed by architect William L. Skidmore, was built in 1925. It sits on a stately hillside overlooking Hollywood Boulevard, near its intersection with Laurel Canyon. Anyone who’s ever spent much time in Los Angeles has probably driven past this legendary property. It holds a unique and commanding presence.

But that doesn’t mean it lacks privacy. Recently and magnificently renovated, the home is securely walled and gated. It even has a brand-new, state-of-the-art security system for when you, too, “want to be alone,” a la Greta Garbo.

It also has a two-car garage and a private driveway with enough parking for nine cars—for when you don’t want to be alone and feel like hosting a soiree, of course.

The lot measures 10,000 square feet, which is generous for this part of town. The main house and a 1,400-square-foot guesthouse artfully inhabit the property with a combined 5,082 square feet. Between the two, there are five bedrooms and seven baths.

Breathtaking details

But those are just numbers. It’s the design that takes your breath away. What seems like acres of intricate Moorish tile work, ornate wood carvings, and vibrant mosaics greet you at every turn.

The rich colors of the walls, ceilings, draperies, stained glass, and plasterwork evoke a feeling of timeless elegance and reveal an astounding attention to detail.

Although the home honors the luxury of the past, the convenience of the present is apparent in the open chef’s kitchen, which features Viking appliances, a breakfast nook, and French doors that open onto the terrace.

There’s another well-equipped (and covered) kitchen outside, along with a barbecue and bar.

Backyard entertaining here, by the way, will be a guaranteed delight, thanks to the heated pool, spa, outdoor living room, and grand fireplace.

What Moroccan mansion would be complete without a high-luxury primary suite? This one features gold velvet draperies with black tassels, onyx-colored walls, and golden king-size bed. The space also has dual walk-in closets and a bath with a steam-spa shower, stand-alone tub, marble, elaborate tile, and lush draperies.

Upstairs, there’s an expansive deck, where the central attraction is a showstopping view of Los Angeles and beyond. (Fingers crossed that the next owner takes full advantage of the space by lounging here while gazing off into the distance and sipping a dry martini.)

You’ll notice how the furniture fits the home perfectly. Maybe you’re even wondering if its included in the sale price. Alas, it is not, but “of course, everything is negotiable,” Fields says.

The current owners purchased the house in 2019 for $3,910,000. They’ve made the difficult decision to sell, because their careers are taking them elsewhere, reveals Fields.

And, as the title of the 1938 Frank Capra-directed comedy goes, “You can’t take it with you.”

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