Legendary actress, playwright, singer, screenwriter and comedienne, this unmatched movie Siren shook Hollywood to it’s core with her blasé double-entendres firmly cementing her as the no-nonsense queen of sexual liberation and quick witted one-liners. Originally from Brooklyn she was lured to Hollywood after writing and performing in numerous stage plays, one of which landed her in jail for immorality. Never the wallflower West held center stage literally and figuratively and by 1935 she was the highest-paid star in Hollywood — and the second highest-paid person in the US, only out-earned by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst.
West made Los Angeles her home and her most prominent dwelling was The Ravenswood Apartments. Built in 1930 by Paramount Studios and designed by Max Maltzman, West lived in the building for over 50 years and her interior taste echoed her golden era blond-bombshell persona; she shared the building with the likes of Clarke Gable, Judy Garland and Ava Gardner. During this tenure, her lifelong friend, African American Boxer William Jones, was barred by the management from entering; she solved the problem by purchasing the building and lifting the ban. Her social justice and sharp (well funded) business acumen kick started a love of real estate and Mae invested in a portfolio that included a Hacienda style villa in the Valley, a Ranch, and the beautifully appointed 175 W Channel Road beach home, a precursor to her Neutra designed ocean front property. On West’s beach-life activities, family friend Ellis Nassour, recalled ‘she often frequented - but never went into the sun’ . . .
This declaration would definitely explain why the exquisite 1920s Mediterranean sited in the coveted Santa Monica Canyon is enveloped by lush, meticulously manicured gardens and mature trees, all secured by full hedges and gates, this secluded sanctuary offers unparalleled privacy just moments from the beach, elegantly marrying historic charm with contemporary convenience.
The expansive layout now features a beautifully updated gourmet kitchen and dining nook, cozy family room and elegant living room with period picture window and formal dining room. The awe-inspiring primary suite boasts a step-down boutique-style walk-in closet with peek-a-boo wet bar, spacious en-suite and a sunlit office with captivating ocean views. The grounds feature numerous terraced vignette-style courtyards for dining, relaxing and sunset vistas.
This particular former residence presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of history that combines architectural sophistication and ultimate privacy with beachside proximity, one can only imagine the guests that frequented her hideaway, with Marion Davies, Norma Talmadge and Greta Garbo as neighbors, the Gold Coast most definitely reveled in it’s Silver Screen stars.
175 W Channel Road is represented by Jonathan Mogharrabi and Marci Kays at Carolwood Estates.
4BD 4BA, 3,465 sqft on 10,685 sqft lot | Offered at $5,995,000.
