Do you crave the intrigue and suspense of a classic 1950’s film noir crime flick? Then imagine owning the house where the critically acclaimed movie L.A. Confidential was filmed. That 1990’s movie starred Academy-award-winning actress Kim Basinger and then-unknown actors Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce.
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The home, on the market for $7.495 million, was originally designed by silent-film actor and architect Jack Donovan and built in 1923. It was chosen by L.A. Confidential production designer Jeannine Oppenwall for its classic Old World Spanish style. It’s as popular today as it was in the 1950s era when the movie was set.
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Keeping in character
The 5,000-square-foot home sits on a large corner lot and has four bedrooms and five baths. Large arched-wall openings, which were heavily draped in the film, now let daylight flood the rooms with brightness. A wrought-iron staircase, stucco fireplace and two-storey living room and formal dining room with French doors that open to the grounds was the home for Kim Basinger’s Veronica Lake look-alike character in the film.
Modern times
For the last two years, the house has undergone numerous updates and an expansion, giving it a more modern aesthetic. The completely transformed chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry and service kitchen reflect a tasteful, contemporary style. The large windows and French doors throughout the home provide a spectacular vista of the grounds. With a pool, two-storey guest house and bocce ball court, two fireplaces, putting green and an inviting outdoor dining area, it is easy to fall in love with this stunning property.
Neighbourhood appeal
Located in L.A.’s Hancock Park neighbourhood directly adjacent to Hollywood and the Wilshire Country Club, the coveted area has attracted a litany of celebrities, including Muhammad Ali, whose home was used as the set for Rocky Balboa’s mansion in Rocky III.
Lights, camera, action
While you don’t have to be a film buff to want to watch plainclothes officer Wendell “Bud” White (Russell Crowe) and call-girl Lynn Bracken (Kim Basinger) drive off together at the end of the movie, you can’t deny the luxurious appeal of this well-appointed home.
And now it can be yours!
Listing agents are Diana Knox, Jake Valente and Aaron Kirman of Aaron Kirman Group, Compass Realty, Los Angeles. Thanks to toptenrealestatedeals.com for the information.
Marlene Eisner is a freelance writer and editor. She is currently the editor of RENO+DÉCOR magazine (National) and New Home + Condo Guide magazine (Vancouver). She also writes, edits and publishes content for websites and edits master’s and PhD theses and memories.
