Spotlight on Spaulding’s Heritage in LA Home for Sale

Renowned architect Sumner Spaulding designed an epic LA home for sale in Bel Air. Chartwell, a gorgeous 10.3-acre storybook property in Bel Air, hits the real estate market with a record-breaking price tag. The château style mansion features 25,000 square feet of opulence surrounded by blissful gardens and sweeping views–Downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean.

During the 1930s, a property developer commissioned the bucolic Spaulding design as a gift for his wife. The extravagance did not suit her style, although subsequent owners fully appreciated the 18th century French neoclassical inspiration. Among the sterling amenities, this fabulous LA home for sale includes a ballroom, state-of-the-art wine cellar, formal salon, and period-paneled dining room. In addition to the pristine landscapes, the exquisite property includes a 5700-square foot guesthouse, a resort style swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, and underground parking.

The sensational Los Angeles real estate is being sold by the Estate of A. Jerrold Perenchio, a media tycoon, for $350M. Jerry added much to the work of art over the past three decades. The estate now includes five contiguous Bel Air properties, including Ronald and Nancy Reagan’s home.

Greenacres

In 1923, Harold Lloyd, a silent film star, hired Sumner Spaulding to design a house in the Benedict Canyon area of Beverly Hills. Set on a hilltop, the 15-acre property includes the 44-room mansion, a fairyland children’s estate, and outbuildings. The property also features nine-pole golf course, oversized pool, horse stables, tennis courts, outdoor bowling, handball, and a stocked 900-foot canoe stream. Landscape architect AE Hanson fittingly landscaped the beautiful fountains and palm trees leading into the villa.

Lloyd lived in this mansion for the rest of his life. It was then purchased by a retired international businessman and subdivided. Eventually, the mansion at Greenacres was restored to its original Spaulding glory. It is often used for filming and fundraising events.

Catalina Casino

Another Spaulding masterpiece, Catalina Casino exemplifies Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival architecture. Designed in coordination with Walter Weber, the building ascends the equivalent of 12 stories. It houses a theatre on the main floor and ballroom and promenade on the upper floor. Elements include rounds, cantilevered, and reinforced concrete columns. Interior touches include painted murals, walnut wood paneling, French doors, and sterling silver and gold leaf accents.

Overwhelming the site of the former Sugarloaf Casino, the Los Angeles real estate is a landmark on the historically significant Santa Catalina Island in Avalon Harbor. Boasting excellent acoustics, the facility was often used to preview cinematic productions and live theatre. The California Chapter of the American Institute of Architects awarded this building as “one of the outstanding architectural accomplishments.” Interestingly, the masterpiece doubles as the civil defense shelter for Catalina Island. Nice place to stay!