When is a house more than just a house? When it is the iconic property that has been used in a wide array of films. In the case of the Beverly House Compound, the stunning mansion has always been larger than life, and it's over the top appearance has made it the go-to shooting location for movies that need to show someone living "the good life". The house has appeared in such films as "The Godfather" and "The Bodyguard", and the list of former owners, and extended guests, reads like a "who's who" of the rich and powerful. Remember the scene in The Godfather where the Hollywood studio executive wakes up to find the decapitated head of his favorite horse under his covers? That happened in this house. Now the massive property is on sale. For the bargain price of $135 million you can sleep in the same rooms as famous actors, dignitaries, and politicians. But maybe you can make the owner an offer he can't refuse…
The Beverly House was built by Milton Getz, a California-based banker, in the 1920s. It was designed by famed architect, Gordon Kaufman, and the look of the property is heavily influenced by Spanish and Italian architectural traditions. Over the years, it has changed hands multiple times. At one point, it was owned by William Randolph Hearst and actress Marion Davies. The Kennedys, Jacqueline and John F., honeymooned in the opulent home, as well. Rihanna threw a recent birthday party there, and Prince Albert of Monaco also partied there. It is currently owned by financier, Leonard Ross, who purchased it in the 80s for $2 million when he was single, and enjoying the first throes of business success. That's the inflation adjusted equivalent of paying around $6 million for the house. If Leonard successfully sells the property today for $135 million, that will be an extremely good return!
So what makes this particular property so special? Well, the size to start with. Beverly House rests on six acres of land three blocks from Sunset Boulevard and measures 50,000 square feet. It features 30 bedrooms, 40 bathrooms, a terrace, a spa, 22-foot high ceilings, and a two-story library. There is also a massive billiards room, multiple fireplaces, multiple balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a breakfast room. In case your guests are thirsty or feel like booty-shaking, there is a night club, a wine cellar, and two different projection rooms for showing movies. A state-of-the-kitchen, office space, a tennis court, an eight-car garage, and separate cottages for security staff, rounds out the huge home. The grounds feature landscaping by Paul Thiene, and include a large swimming pool, a gazebo, and hedges and shrubs everywhere. It takes upwards of two hours to view the entire the property. $135 million may have seemed like a ridiculous sum initially, but for a home with 30 bedrooms, two home theaters, and a terrace that can seat up to 400 people, $135 million actually seems just about right.
