Old Hollywood’s forgotten illusion

What’s up, friends?

Today is the 1st day of the last month of 2025 -Happy December! 

To commemorate this chilly holiday season, I decided to bring us a home located in the warm city of Los Angeles. And not only does its history extend almost 100 years back into Hollywood history, but its facade is reminiscent of M. C. Escher’s Relativity:

Built in 1929, this 6-bed, 7-bath, $7.5 million dollar property has been owned by award-winning entertainers… that your grandparents probably know the names of. 

Located in Hollywood Hills, the home rests at the end of a cut-de-sac with its Spanish roofing, 3-car garage, and custom name placard, “Villa Dorada”.

Inside, the living room you’re greeted with a luxurious blast-from-the-past: the chandelier, original tile work, Art Deco finishings, and… that view:

Through the window frame of the wall-length window, with the tree in the foreground, backed by the beautiful Los Angeles scenery, it looks like a shot out of a movie!

While there aren’t any photos of the kitchen -as I assume it's a part of the “staff quarters”- there’s plenty of craftsman-made cabinetry to gawk at:

Also above: a glimpse at the home’s original intercom system.

Cooking isn’t front and center, but dining absolutely is. This dining room uses that dark wood to its fullest extent; From the woodwork on the ceiling, the curvature of the chairs, and the tree in the corner, this space is gorgeous. 

As we make our way upstairs, take a moment to look up and down: the stairs contain the original Spanish-style mosaic tiles, and the ceiling is an ornate dome.

Step into the primary bedroom for some flat design -I mean that literally and figuratively. I just think that, comparatively, it’s the blandest of the rooms. 

On the other hand, the en-suite bathroom is doused in color, texture, and life. The deep reds in the tile pair perfectly with the color tones of the rest of the home.

Honestly, I think the secondary bedrooms are more interesting than the primary. One of them has sheets that match its wallpaper, and the other plays with dark-and-light nicely.    

Jewel-toned tiles give the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood… but this pink and green are reminding me of a Popular present-day blockbuster hit.

Apparently, Frank Sinatra’s good friend once owned this home -hence the portrait of the famous singer in the hallway to the washing machines. 

It does make me think though… Do you think Frank’s washing machine ever broke, so his friend (who owned this home) let him do his laundry here? 

Just something to think about.

Amenities at this antique palace are surprisingly limited: a small home gym, an office, and the lack of pool -which, in California, is wicked.

Do we get a glimpse into the staff quarters two-bedroom section? Nope. But we do get to see the additional living spaces across the over 7.4k square footage.

And just outside those various rooms are SO. MANY. PATIOS -all with that incredible view.

I feel redundant mentioning the view again… but it really is that stunning.

Since it’s nice outside, make sure to use the outdoor dining table. There, you’ll be able to hear the nearby fountain trickle into your private pond.

Maybe, if you listen close enough, you’ll even hear the ghost of Frank Sinatra humming to himself as he does his laundry.

Sarah @Hometastrophes