In the realm of Hollywood culture is linked with opulence and charm alongside figures who lived grand lives off screen as well, as on it.The dwellings of these personalities echoed their styles and preferences in a way that showcased their essence beyond the cinematic world.This investigation takes us inside the homes of legendary Old Hollywood stars to uncover how they shaped their living spaces into havens that reflected their selves.
Jane Mansfield: The Pink Palace
In 1958 Jane Mansfield brought a Mediterranean style house for $76k ( to, about $650k completely transforming it into the Pink Palace with her husband Mickey Hargitay. Featuring a heart shaped pool and bathtub. Which became a vivid representation of her extravagant character and way of life.
Marilyn Monroe: A Hollywood Hills Retreat
In 1952 Marilyn Monroe rented a house, in Hollywood Hills for a $237 a month while seeing Joe Di Maggio of the New York Yankees baseball team. This cozy abode was where they passed moments together even though their marriage was short lived. Monroe later acquired a home, in Brentwood for $75 000 in 1962 marking her property ownership. Sadly she was discovered deceased in this residence a few months after it became hers. The Brentwood estate was purchased for $ 725 million in 2019. A day prior, to her 91st birthday celebration.
Frank Sinatra: Twin Palms Estate
In 1947 Frank Sinatra had his Palm Springs mansion Twin Palms custom built for him at a cost of $150k ( to $1.. Million today). This luxurious estate was a gathering place, for celebrities, in the Golden Age of Hollywood and Sinatra would raise a Jack Daniels flag to let his celebrity pals know when it was time to celebrate.
Joan Crawford: El Jodo
Joan Crawford bought her Brentwood property for $57 500 in the summer of 1928. Named it El Jodo after herself and her then husband Douglas Fairbanks Jr․ She resided there for to thirty years during which she made several improvements, like adding a pool house and a theater․ The iconic residence has been sold times since then. Was purchased for $1․5 million in 1996․
Judy Garland: A Slice of New England
In 1938 Judy Garlands charming Bel Air residence was constructed before her breakthrough, in "The Wizard of Oz." Garland and her mother actively participated in shaping the design of the house to capture a New England vibe, amidst the California backdrop. Adorned with a brick façade and a welcoming front porch the house changed hands for $5 02 million in 2011. Was later resold for $67 million in the subsequent year.
Clark Gable: A Ranch Home of Memories
In 1939 Clark Gable bought Mickey Rooneys Encino residence for $50k. Lived there with his wife Carole Lombard until her untimely death, in 1942.In spite of never selling the property Gable seldom frequented it after her passing.It was later purchased by financier Michael Milken in 1977 for $587k.
Shirley Temple: The Quest for Privacy
Shirley Temples family purchased a bungalow, in Santa Monica for her at the age of five years old. As Temples career flourished rapidly her family became worried, about their privacy. Decided to set up a security system connected to the police station. Eventually they relocated to the Brentwood neighborhood in search of safety and tranquility.
Jimmy Stewart: A Family Home
In 1948 Jimmy Stewart purchased a house on Roxbury Drive, in Beverly Hills. Made it his family home for five decades before it was put on the market for $47. 3 Million, in 2018 following his death. The initial residence was torn down. Replaced with a mansion featuring Italian design elements.
Errol Flynn: The Party Haven
Errol Flynns 11 acre Mulholand Farm was a spot, in the 1940S with hidden passages and a casino on site.The property has been split into seven plots since then. One was sold for $ 79 million in 2013.Flynns estate was famous, for hosting lively parties and lavish events.
Rudolph Valentino: Falcon Lair
In 1925,Rudolph Valentino,an actor, from the 1920s bought a luxurious mansion in Beverly Hills for a hefty sum of$175000.He adorned it with unique treasures, like ancient swords and vintage furniture.The mansion was christened Falcon Lair,a name derived from a movie idea he envisioned with his then spouse,Natasha Rambova.
Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks: Pickfair Estate
Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks purchased the Pickfair estate for a $35,000 and turned a modest cabin into a sprawling 42 room mansion where they welcomed prominent figures of their time with open arms.The legendary Mary Pickford maintained her hospitality by entertaining guests from her bedroom even as she led a life in her later years until her passing in 1979.Subsequently sold multiple times over the years the estate met its fate of being demolished to pave the way for an extravagant mega mansion listed at a staggering $60 million.
Each of these houses holds the tales of the celebrities who once called them home and mirrors their individuality and way of living during that time period From the Pink Palace, to the Falcon Lair each home is a fragment of Hollywoods past safeguarded in memory of its occupants.