Classic Hollywood and California vibes meet at this $6.495 million Spanish Colonial where movie icon Marlene Dietrich once entertained the stars of the day.
The four-bedroom, five-bathroom Los Angeles home went on the market earlier this week.
Besides Dietrich, the home also has ties to Todd Wellington Johnson, the tax attorney for Bing Crosby, and other Hollywood luminaries, according to the Los Angeles Times. The paper reports that Dietrich, a singer and actress, hosted many celebrities at the home. The 6,167-square-foot house, on Birchwood Drive in Westwood, was designed by architect L.G. Scherer in 1932, and sits on a half-acre lot.
"This is a gorgeous piece of property," listing agent Jane Brill Gavens of the John Aaroe Group said. "It’s beautifully landscaped with a garden and pond."
More:Click For a Look Inside Some of the Most Luxurious Celebrity Homes and Real Estate Moves
The singer and actress, who died in 1992 at age 90, started her career in silent films and went on to become one of the most sought-after starlets of the 1930s and 1940s. Among her many movies are "The Blue Angel" (1930), "Shanghai Express" (1932) and "Desire" (1936).
The current owner bought the home in October of 2016, had a change of plans and decided to put the property back on the market, Ms. Gavens said. The home was purchased for $5,472,500, according to public records. Before that, the home hadn’t been sold since 1977, when it fetched $325,000.
One can easily imagine a swanky Golden Age of Hollywood soiree here, with glamorous film stars, including the German-born Dietrich, slinking between the home’s indoor living areas into the interior courtyard. Each room on the main floor opens up onto the outdoor area, and there are dramatic arches framing the lush plantings as well as the seating areas, according to the listing.
"The courtyard becomes part of the living space. It adds a huge amount of square feet," said Ms. Gavens. The other listing agents are Marc Noah and Jay Robertson of Sotheby’s International Realty.
More:Marilyn Monroe’s Former Los Angeles Home Hits Market for $6.9 Million
Beamed cathedral ceilings make the spacious rooms of this house seem even bigger. Features include terracotta floors and stained glass windows, and there are six fireplaces throughout. A paneled study is part of the great room, both of which have views of the grounds, including the in-ground pool, and Los Angeles Country Club beyond, according to the listing.
A sun room and gaming room, with a bar, are across from the great room. The eat-in kitchen has been remodeled and has stainless-steel appliances and a dining area. There’s also a formal dining room.
The bedrooms are on the second level, overlooking the courtyard. The master suite has two walk-in closets, a sitting area and an en-suite office area with a separate entrance to a deck above.
More:Greta Garbo’s Manhattan Sanctuary Hits Market for $5.95 Million
Outside, enjoy waterfalls, an outdoor fireplace and many paths and seating areas. There’s also an outdoor barbecue, a three-car garage and a wine cellar.
In addition to its star cred, the Westwood neighborhood, next to Beverly Hills and Westwood Village, is prime.
"It’s a beautiful, enclosed neighborhood with rolling hills and gorgeous architecture," Ms. Gavens said.
Ms. Gavens said the current owner has made some recent upgrades to the home, including landscaping and other improvements.