The History
The 1920s was an extraordinary time in Los Angeles. With its beautiful leading ladies and handsome gentlemen, Hollywood was creating a new standard for style and glamor. Sid Grauman converted a Chinese Temple into a glittering movie palace, and the Hollywoodland sign was a beacon for an up-and-coming real estate development.
10778 Chalon Road is Born
In 1927, on Chalon Road in the hills of Bel-Air, the owners of a dramatic 1.5 acre parcel with awe-inspiring vistas hired an emerging architect, Gordon B. Kaufmann, to develop a unique vision for their property. Kaufmann, who would later go on to create such landmark buildings as the Greystone Mansion, the Los Angeles Times Building, and the Hollywood Paladium, listened to the couple describe an almost avant-garde idea that would integrate groundbreaking design elements with traditional architecture. Fascinated, Kaufmann agreed to proceed with a plan to construct an evocative estate that favored the American Colonial Revival style but with compellingly innovative differences.
The result is a truly iconic home that today is considered by experts to be a significant part of the architectural history of Los Angeles.
Welcome to 10778 Chalon Way.
The Estate Today: The author of “The Legendary Estates of Beverly Hills” considers 10778 Chalon Road “…a trendsetting landmark in the constant evolution of the city’s finest homes.”
Lovingly renovated and meticulously maintained, this extremely rare offering has been expanded and updated to accommodate 21st Century living while graciously preserving the integrity and resplendence of the original design.
Abundant detailing and amenities are found throughout the home’s three-level, 11,505 square foot floor plan. The generous use of rich varietal woods; ornately carved stone; and light fixtures fashioned from sterling silver, onyx, and fine crystal are superb representations of the era’s artisan craftsmanship. The sensitively applied additions, including hand-painted accents by contemporary artist John Wullbrandt, are in perfect pitch with the surroundings and seamlessly merge with the integrity of the 1927 architecture.
After passing through the camera-monitored privacy gates, you’ll be struck by how the main residence has been brilliantly off-set on the promontory to maximize the skyline views. This compelling composition also serves to showcase the lush terraced gardens and provide a breathtaking “reveal” for arriving guests.
The exterior’s rustic brick façade with a columned portico entryway topped by symmetrical arched windows are traditional Colonial Revival elements. But Kaufmann then broke with protocol by incorporating a non-traditional, two-story circular tower that serves to add stature while softening the corner of the home; only one of several groundbreaking elements that contribute to the estate’s architectural significance.
Kaufmann once again went against conventional wisdom by removing the staircase from first view when entering the home. Instead guests are met by an impressive gallery with a 14’ softly lit arched ceiling, exquisite parquet and walnut plank flooring, intricately detailed molding and wainscoting, and walls that feature Wullbrandt’s beautifully hand-painted wall accents.
It was at the end of the gallery, before entering the large formal dining room, that he placed the “surprise”: a beautifully presented spiral, freestanding stairway that languorously leads upstairs to the bedroom suites. The stunning stairway is an artistic masterpiece in itself, crafted with wrought-iron and rich wood banisters, then finished with plush burgundy carpeting.
On the second level, a private wing serves the exceptionally spacious master bedroom suite. Among the suite’s generous amenities are a gym; personal office; two master bath/dressing rooms; secluded outdoor balcony with a fireplace; and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Los Angeles skyline.
Outside, the rear grounds are terraced in line with the slope of the hillside to create a visually stunning presentation of verdant gardens, meticulously maintained rolling lawns, and a variety of mature trees. Set against a backdrop of the city below, the expansive grounds also provide a pristine swimming pool with a nearby pool house; a one bedroom/ one bath guest cottage; and a tropical greenhouse.
Since the creation of 10778 Chalon Road, trends in Los Angeles have come and gone. But with its distinctive lines and classic beauty, the estate on Chalon Road stands as a testament that true elegance is timeless and legends live forever. For a private showing, you are cordially invited to contact Nicki & Karen.
Features & Amenities
- Built in 2006
- Interior
- Estimated Total Finish Sq. Ft. 12,435
- Main Residence 11,505 Sq. Ft.
- Guest House 930 Sq. Ft.
- American Colonial Revival Built 1927
- Architect Gordan B. Kaufmann
- 6 Bedrooms
- 8 ½ Baths
- Formal Powder Room
- Master Suite with Dual Baths/Dressing Room
- 2 Suites with Sitting Rooms
- Sun Room
- Formal Living Room
- Formal Dining Room
- Family Room
- Gentleman’s Bar
- 2 Offices
- Kitchen
- Butlers Pantry
- Gym
- Wrapping Room
- Maids Quarters
- Laundry Room
- Spiral Freestanding Staircase
- 5 Wood Burning Fireplaces
- Central Surround System
- Exterior
- Panoramic Views of Los Angeles
- Pool & Spa
- Pool Changing Room with Bath
- Tropical Greenhouse
- Expansive Grounds with Rolling Lawns & Mature Trees
- 1 Bedroom Guesthouse
- Outdoor Patios, 1 Wood Burning Fireplace
- Front Gate Security Cameras
- 3 Car Detached Garage