Classic Regency Style Beverly Hills Estate in the exclusive celebrity enclave of Hidden Valley Road. This upscale neighborhood with homes on expansive lots provides a beautiful backdrop to luxury living in Los Angeles.
The lush verdant landscape follows the winding quarter-mile tree-lined private drive to the dramatic entrance of the property, with a beautiful sky-lit entry gallery. As a guard-gated neighborhood, it maintains the ultimate in privacy and discretion.
The Mayos Residence – Elegance by a Master of Design from a bygone era. In 1946 the Mayos commissioned Architect Paul Laszlo to reimagine their Fryman Estates home and transform it into a shining example of modernism and luxury. This property is on the market for only the second time. Notable mid-century photographer Julius Shulman not only photographed the home but was invited over socially by both sets of owners. Many of the original Laszlo designed details are intact.
The formal entryway opens to an expansive living room featuring a 1940s custom curvilinear mirror by Carvarts over the fireplace. The sizable step-up dining room currently houses an original Laszlo dining set and is highlighted by a “neon-lighted drop ceiling.”
Designer William “Billy” Haines (1900-1973) was a classic renaissance man. Beginning his career as an actor in the early days of Hollywood, Haines with his boy-next-door good looks, starred in many films both silent and sound, becoming the number-one box office star of 1930. After leaving the film industry in 1936, he opened an antique store and went on to become one of Hollywood’s premier decorators, working friends and acquaintances from his influential circle of celebrities and bon vivants.
Haines was known for his interest in how people truly live, not just decorating for snob appeal. He and his team of designers created sleek, classic pieces that were low profile, functional yet elegant. His best friend and client Betsy Bloomingdale stated, “he designed all of my pieces low to the floor. That way people were grander, not the furniture.” In a bold move for the time, he dared to create an all-white living room, then took a 360 and generously splashed bright, brilliant colors through the home of Carole Lombard.
Haines designed interiors for the home of Ronald and Nancy Reagan while he was governor of California. In a prized commission, he was chosen as the interior designer (along with Ted Graber) for Walter and Leonore Annenberg’s estate, Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage. This spectacular mid-century modern estate designed by architect A. Quincy Jones was known for its pink roof and has been frequented throughout the years by both political leaders and celebrities alike.
Capturing the essence of California living, The Malibu Chair and Ottoman originally designed in 1950, is the perfect pairing for quintessential outdoor elegance. The powder-coated steel frame is upholstered in a white rayon blend, can be used indoors or out, and has been re-issued through williamhaines.com.
This stunning statement piece, known as The Valentine Sofa, showcases Haines’ mastery of sleek, sexy, functional design. This sofa with a low tufted seat and leather-wrapped arm either in right or left orientation was first introduced in 1950 and lucky for us is currently still in production through williamhaines.com.
