The Mid-Century Glamor Of Byrdview, $21.5M
Author:Philip Ferrato
One of the great Mid-Century estates of Los Angeles and the residence of Frank Sinatra in the ‘50s and ‘60s, Byrdview was a spectacular venue for both legendary parties and legendary guests. Designed by William L. Pereira, the prolific and era-defining architect, and one of only four homes by him. His major projects included LAX and the futuristic Theme building there (his firm, Luckman & Pereira was one of a consortium of architects working on the airport’s master plan) plus the Transamerica Tower in San Francisco, as well as the somewhat less-beloved LA County Museum.
Byrdview is an extraordinary place on a compelling site, stretching out atop a 14-acre promontory with commanding views in all directions, including the vast (and adjoining) Chatsworth Preserve. Built in 1949, it’s been in the same family for more than two decades, beautifully maintained and sensitively updated over the years.
Pereira took his cues from the European Modernist masters with long, sweeping roof lines and loggias and broad but monumental flights of steps, like the ones leading from the pool to the living room.
It’s also been a location for film (Dreamgirls, Mad Men) and commercials, and as per the agent, reaps about $1M per year in location fees. Part of the site has been recently subdivided into 10 buildable lots– all hidden from the house.
Below, the entirely independent guest house– rumored to have been an occasional hideaway for Marylin Monroe– has its own circular swimming pool.
More: Go to the listing for additional images and details. An extraordinary opportunity to own an historic, architectural property with a unique provenance, represented by luxury real estate veteran Barrie Livingstone at Sotheby’s International Realty.
Photo Credit: Scott Everts for Sotheby’s International Realty