An original “Hollywood Regency” French Revival-style residence inspired by famed celebrity architect Paul Williams is on the market for $31.9 million. Known as the ‘Jewel Box’ of Beverly Hills, the home is a paragon of luxury and exquisite refinement, and a true gem among the otherwise uninspired houses in town.
Originally built as Los Angeles began to recover from the Depression, when many skilled craftspeople were unemployed and available, the 10,500-square-foot estate encompasses five bedrooms and 10-and-a-half bathrooms. The meticulous interiors have recently undergone a renovation curated with the finest materials and craftsmanship by renowned interior designer and antiquarian Craig Wright.
LADIES POWDER ROOM: The circular powder room with fluted walls was inspired by Paul Williams’ designs for the Beverly Hills “Saks Fifth Avenue” store. The more delicate antique lighting fixtures are by Simonet Freres. The oval bronze table was made in Paris for this room and frames the floor design.
MORNING ROOM: The Morning Room or Family Dining Room features details original to the house including the fireplace and service alcove opposite. This room is lined with rare 18th century Chinese export wallpaper with a long history in Los Angeles as it was used many times by the Doheny family in various dining rooms. The lighting fixtures which add a distinct contrast to the antique elements of the room were made in Paris for this room by the artist Philip Antonioz. The mirrored dining table was duplicated from a design from an original 1930’s design by Serge Roche. The dining chairs are reproductions of Chinese Chippendale chairs which refer to the antique Chinese export wallpaper to complete the theme.
DINING ROOM OR LANAI ROOM: The two matching alcoves in the dining room feature lighted hammered iron screens after designs by Edgar Brandt. The antique wall sconces and chandelier are Russian and their neo-classic design was often used during the Vogue Regency period in California. The pair of bronze tables in the niches serve as additional seating for larger parties. These sculptural bronze tables were created by Alexandre Loge in Paris specifically for this room. The room has been left intentionally light to focus on the garden and terrace were cocktails can be served. The focus of the view is the Pool Pavilion and bar with the lighted cupola above.
DRAWING ROOM: This room is perhaps the most original to the design of the house with the unusual Georgian paneled fireplace and entrance vestibule. The bowed bay window furnishes a view with a fountain feature beyond which extends to the vista. The unusual detail of the intricate fret frieze band conceals all of the heating and air conditioning which allows the walls to be free for the display of art or antiques. The pair of sconces featured on the original fireplace fluted corners are originals by Andre Arbus. The pair of mirrors above the consoles were duplicated from a design from the original 1930’s design by Serge Roche. The two black coffee tables are contemporary sculptures in coal which contrast to the rare table byHiquily opposite the fireplace. This room leads to the bar which acts as an entrance vestibule to the Library / Club room beyond.
LIBRARY / CLUB ROOM: The library was paneled in exact duplications of the famous Ruhlmann library in Paris. The hanging fixture above the pool table in the adjacent room is by Sabino and a particularly rare model. The ceiling is covered in parchment colored cowhide. The torchers are by the artist Sylvain Suberval and the pair of bronze console tables made for this room are by the artist Bruno Romeda and one of his last custom commissions.
MADAME’S BATH: The bath is centered on the central vista beyond again focusing on the lighted cupola of the pool house. The marble floors and walls in a contemporary/ Art Deco style are particularly interesting and reflect the attention to detail throughout the house. All of lighting fixtures are by Sabino.
MASTER SUITE: The master suite was designed with a multi-purpose room acting as a family/club room, office, or sitting room. Off of this space is a circular domed vestibule with inlayed floor and sky light which were inspired by the crystal Weinstein star fixture. All of the lighting is by Sabino.
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