The Most Lavish Homes Built by Hollywood Stars: The Beach House and Beyond
The world of Hollywood has always been associated with glamour and luxury, and when it comes to opulent homes, no other region can match the allure of Beverly Hills and the coast of Santa Monica. Two particularly extravagant properties stand out: Danny Thomas’s staggeringly expensive home in Beverly Hills and Marion Davies’s luxurious Beach House on the PCH. This article delves into these two sumptuous mansions, their designs, and the celebrity owners who created these architectural marvels.
The Relatively Affordable Beverly Hills Mansion
Danny Thomas’s Home in Beverly Hills is a perfect example of how Hollywood glamour can extend beyond just the entertainment industry. His home, built in the mid-20th century, was initially asking for $135 million but ultimately sold for $65 million in 2022. This $70 million price reduction might seem substantial, but consider the extraordinary location, extensive outdoor space, and breathtaking views that made this estate a perfect gathering place for both high society and stars alike.
Imagine strolling through manicured gardens, sipping cocktails by the pool, and hosting dinner parties with renowned actors, directors, and producers. The home's outdoor spaces and expansive terraces would have been the perfect backdrop for such lavish affairs. Additionally, the location was ideal for a celebrity figure like Danny Thomas, known for many highly successful TV series and charity work, but this luxury would fit into his public persona as well, enhancing his image as a man with a discerning taste for quality living.
The Grandeur of The Beach House
Across the coast in Santa Monica, the truly extravagant property is “The Beach House,” built circa 1930 and later valued at a staggering $110 million (in 2022 dollars). Renowned as the “Versailles of Hollywood,” this landmark mansion is a true testament to the wealth and power of its owner, actress Marion Davies.
With its wide expanse of opulent rooms, grandeur, and the sheer scale of its construction, “The Beach House” is a sight for sore eyes. The massive villa, spanning 110 rooms over three stories, features grand ballrooms, luxurious guest houses, and extensive outdoor amenities. The fact that it was capable of housing 110 rooms speaks volumes about the vision and ambition of its architect and owner.
Marion Davies, often known as the “Queen of Fleurette” for her beauty and sophistication, built this house as a way to escape the fast-paced life in the city. Towards the end of its history, it became a hub for social gatherings and entertainment, with celebrities and the social elite regularly gathering at this lavish abode. The scale of the property made it a symbol of success and wealth, a place where she could live amongst her friends, indulge in expensive tastes, and showcase her wit and charm.
Comparison and Contrast
While both properties are magnificent in their own right, they present interesting contrasts. Danny Thomas’s home, though built for a figure with significant wealth, had a more contemporary approach to its design and layout, reflecting the changing tastes in architecture and the times.
On the other hand, the “Beach House” is a grandiose example of a simpler era, with its stately architecture and opulent furnishings. Both homes, however, serve as testaments to the excess and affluence of their magnificently affluent owners, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles that defined their owners' public personas.
Conclusion
The most lavish homes built by Hollywood stars often reflect the values, aspirations, and public images of their owners. Whether it's the contemporary elegance of an estate like Danny Thomas’s or the grandeur of a home like “The Beach House,” these properties stand as landmarks in the history of American luxury and celebrity. They endure as architectural marvels and symbols of ambition, showcasing the blend of artistic vision and technological marvel that these magnates so effortlessly combined to create.
From its Georgian-inspired design to its impeccable outdoor spaces, each of these homes offers a window into the lives of these luminaries, encapsulating the essence of Hollywood glamour and excess.