Iconic ‘Dracula’ actor’s storied Hollywood property listed for first time in half-century

Hollywood is residence to many properties with awe-inspiring A-list connections. However, few can examine with the actually incomparable mansion that has simply hit the market within the Outpost Estates, practically 100 years after it served because the dwelling of the trade’s authentic Count Dracula.

Listed for the primary time in additional than a half-century, with an asking value of $7.5 million, Villa Dorada is a 1929 Spanish Revival property that was as soon as rented by legendary actor Bela Lugosi, who was greatest identified for his iconic portrayal of the villainous vampire within the 1931 basic “Dracula.”

Since his residence within the extraordinary property, the property has handed via the fingers of many different Hollywood bigwigs—from Oscar-winning songwriter and Frank Sinatra collaborator Jimmy Van Heusen to heiress Elizabeth Stack, daughter of “Unsolved Mysteries” host Robert Stack.

Lugosi, a legendary horror actor who died in 1956, resided there within the early Thirties, when he rented the property from the proprietor, Elizabeth D. Clark, simply as his profession took off.

Its partitions have been aware about all method of Old Hollywood glamour, but they’ve additionally been meticulously preserved all through its near-100-year historical past.

Set on a 13,185-square-foot lot alongside a flat cul-de-sac within the Outpost Estates, one of many Hollywood Hills’ most coveted communities, the house gives sweeping views of Los Angeles, from the Hollywood signal to the Pacific Ocean.

Over the years, the neighborhood has been residence to the likes of Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Orlando Bloom, and Winona Ryder, amongst others.

But removed from being splashy or over-the-top, the Outpost Estates is among the most peaceable and scenic areas in Los Angeles, in response to Compass itemizing agent Tom Davila.

“I’ve been a resident of Outpost Estates for 30 years and have always loved the leafy canopy of carob trees that line Outpost Drive,” he provides.

“The neighborhood was one of the few developments in the late 1920s to bury all utilities underground, preserving the views without telephone poles or wires. With its celebrity residents, close proximity to film studios and downtown Los Angeles, and zoning that prohibits tour buses, Outpost Estates continues to offer both privacy and charm.”

Peace and privateness are on the very core of the Outpost Estates ethos—and nowhere is that higher represented than throughout the gates of Villa Dorada.

The three-level, 7,400-square-foot residence is designed to maximise that feeling of safety, whereas additionally taking full benefit of its unimaginable location, with massive home windows that body town’s glittering skyline.

Inside are 4 spacious en suite bedrooms, plus employees quarters with non-public bedrooms and a front room.

While the scale and views impress, it’s the historic particulars that make this residence actually particular. Each proprietor has rigorously preserved its Nineteen Twenties attraction, from the uncommon wood-paneled elevator and authentic intercom system to hand-carved picket doorways, classic tile work, artwork deco doorknobs, and interval chandeliers.

Through these unimaginable particulars, the present home-owner commissioned a historical past of the house, which has helped to construct out the story and energy of this property, a key a part of the sale for agent John Zaffarano. 

“I find it fascinating the homeowner commissioned a thorough history of the home, uncovering original permits that awarded it the highest Builder Assessor ratings of the era—‘Special’ for its plumbing and electrical fixtures and the rare ‘Extra Special’ designation for overall construction, affirming its exceptional craftsmanship,” he explains.

That craftsmanship sings within the residence’s entertaining areas. The property incorporates a step-down parlor with a built-in bar and visitor tub, plus a grand ballroom on the decrease stage anchored by an outsized fire and opening on to the yard.

Multiple terraces on each ground invite seamless indoor-outdoor dwelling and views throughout town.

“This home is a rare jewel, one of the finest examples of the Spanish Revival period, still preserving its original integrity and thoughtful flow. Pristine magnesite floors and authentic details remain intact, honoring the home’s heritage,” notes the third agent on the itemizing, Kennon Earl.

Villa Dorada’s prestigious location within the Outpost Estates, mixed with its wealthy architectural heritage, has lengthy made it a magnet for Hollywood’s elite. The non-public enclave, zoned to ban tour buses, has served as a quiet hideaway for stars because the Nineteen Twenties.

Originally commissioned by Minneapolis doctor Frederick A. Dunsmoor, Villa Dorada was accomplished in 1930 and shortly leased to Lugosi through the top of his “Dracula” fame, incomes its popularity because the actor’s “daytime coffin.”

In 1946, Elizabeth Stack bought the property, the place she lived for seven years, earlier than the dwelling was handed to Van Heusen in 1953, 4 years earlier than he would win the second of his 4 Academy Awards.

As rumor has it, Van Heusen—who was greatest identified for writing Sinatra’s hits “Come Fly With Me,” “Love and Marriage,” and “High Hopes”—commonly hosted Sinatra within the property, with some suggesting that the dwelling could have served as a “bachelor pad” for the duo, together with their different longtime writing associate, Sammy Cahn.

Van Heusen bought the property in 1957, and it modified fingers a number of extra occasions earlier than its present proprietor bought it in 1972.

To this present day, Villa Dorada stays surrounded by stars, together with Pitt, who not too long ago bought a Spanish-style residence close by for roughly $12 million from Dave Keuning, lead guitarist for The Killers.

For patrons, Villa Dorada represents an opportunity to personal a dwelling piece of Hollywood historical past. With its mix of cinematic legacy, architectural artistry, and unmatched privateness, the property gives a uncommon alternative to step into a life-style as soon as reserved for display legends.

Whether entertaining within the grand ballroom, taking in city-to-ocean views from one of many terraces, or just strolling the elegant, tree-lined streets of Outpost Estates, residents can expertise the magic of Old Hollywood daily.

In a metropolis the place historical past and trendy luxurious typically collide, Villa Dorada stands as a timeless testomony to each, and a once-in-a-lifetime alternative for the discerning collector of Hollywood treasures.