Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
With 688 m², Pacific View and a History Marked by Bela Lugosi and Frank Sinatra, Villa Dorada Returns to the Market After Half a Century, Preserving the Original Glamour of Old Hollywood
Hollywood is famous for its legendary addresses, but few properties have a story as cinematic as Villa Dorada in Outpost Estates. The residence, which was home to actor Bela Lugosi — the eternal Count Dracula — has just been put up for sale for the first time in over 50 years, with an initial value of US$ 7.5 million, according to data from the New York Post.
Built in 1929 in Spanish Colonial Revival style, the three-story mansion maintains virtually intact the elements that marked nearly a century of glamour. Lugosi lived there in the early 1930s when his career was at its peak.
Since then, the property has passed through notable figures, such as Oscar-winning composer Jimmy Van Heusen and Elizabeth Stack, the daughter of host Robert Stack.
-
Friends have been building a small “town” for 30 years to grow old together, with compact houses, a common area, nature surrounding it, and a collective life project designed for friendship, coexistence, and simplicity.
-
This small town in Germany created its own currency 24 years ago, today it circulates millions per year, is accepted in over 300 stores, and the German government allowed all of this to happen under one condition.
-
Curitiba is shrinking and is expected to lose 97,000 residents by 2050, while inland cities in Paraná such as Sarandi, Araucária, and Toledo are experiencing accelerated growth that is changing the entire state’s map.
-
Tourists were poisoned on Everest in a million-dollar fraud scheme involving helicopters that diverted over $19 million and shocked international authorities.
Address of Stars and Tranquility
Located on a lot of over 1,200 m² in a cul-de-sac in Outpost Estates, the property offers expansive views of Los Angeles — from the Hollywood sign to the Pacific.
The neighborhood, known for its tranquility and the leafy canopies of carob trees, is also home to celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Orlando Bloom, and Winona Ryder.
According to realtor Tom Davila, a resident of the area for three decades, the charm of the location lies in its urban planning.
“It was one of the few developments of the 1920s that buried all electrical wiring, ensuring a clean and wire-free appearance,” he states.
Additionally, zoning prevents tourist bus traffic, reinforcing the reserved character of the community.
The Mansion Is an Architectural Gem of the 1920s
Villa Dorada, with 688 m² of built area, combines elegance and privacy. Large windows reveal the city’s shimmering skyline, while the interior spaces preserve the original charm of the 1920s.
The house features four suites, staff quarters, and a separate living room.
Among its highlights are a rare wooden elevator, the original intercom system, and hand-carved doors.
The tiles, chandeliers, and doorknobs in art deco style reinforce the historical value of the residence.
According to realtor John Zaffarano, the current owner commissioned a complete historical survey.
The study revealed that the construction received, at the time, the highest ratings from the Builder’s Assessor — “Special” for plumbing and electrical installations and “Extra Special” for overall structure.
Elegance Preserved in the Smallest Details
The house also impresses in the social areas. The lowered living room features a built-in bar and powder room, while the lower level houses a spacious ballroom with a fireplace and direct access to the backyard.
Terraces on every floor connect the indoor spaces to the outdoors, expanding the panoramic views.
Kennon Earl, another realtor responsible for the sale, describes the residence as “one of the best examples of Spanish Revival still preserved in Los Angeles.”
For him, the integrity of the design and the original magnesite floors make Villa Dorada an architectural rarity.
A Refuge of Old Hollywood
Outpost Estates has always been a refuge for big names in the film industry. Since its inception in the 1920s, the enclave has maintained discretion and luxury as its hallmarks.
Villa Dorada reflects this tradition — and also carries the stories of its former residents.
The property was originally commissioned by doctor Frederick A. Dunsmoor and completed in 1930.
Shortly thereafter, it was rented by Bela Lugosi, who, according to records, referred to the residence as his “day coffin,” in allusion to the character that immortalized him on screen.
In 1946, Elizabeth Stack acquired the property, where she lived for seven years. Later, Jimmy Van Heusen bought the mansion and began hosting major music stars there.
The composer, a partner of Frank Sinatra, is the author of hits like Come Fly With Me and Love and Marriage.
Rumor has it that Sinatra frequented the place with lyricist Sammy Cahn, turning the house into a discreet meeting spot for the artistic elite.
Iconic Mansion: A Living Piece of Cinematic History
Van Heusen sold the property in 1957, and it changed hands several times until being purchased by the current owner in 1972.
Today, the mansion returns to the market surrounded by equally famous neighbors, such as Brad Pitt, who recently acquired a Spanish-style home nearby.
For the buyer, Villa Dorada represents more than an exclusive address: it is an opportunity to own a piece of Hollywood history.
The fusion of luxury, classic architecture, and cinematic legacy creates a unique atmosphere.
Whoever acquires the property will be able to enjoy the same setting that inspired generations of artists — whether hosting friends in the ballroom, admiring the sunset on the terrace, or strolling through the tree-lined streets of the neighborhood.
In a city that blends tradition and modernity, Villa Dorada remains a symbol of both worlds. A preserved refuge, where the shine of old Hollywood remains alive, waiting for a new chapter in its long and fascinating history.
With information from New York Post.
-
-
-
-
-
-
24 pessoas reagiram a isso.