On The Market: Beverly Hills, California

11/01/2006

LOCATION: On Beverly Crest Drive, an Old Hollywood section of Beverly Hills where Carole Lombard, Clark Gable and Desi Arnaz once lived.

BACKGROUND: The original house was built in the 1930s for Leopold Stokowski, who shared it with Greta Garbo and then Gloria Vanderbilt. Designer, builder and current owner Nicole Sassaman purchased it in 2003 and spent nearly three years renovating and restoring the home. The majority of the house—including its high walls that blocked the paparazzi as well as the view—was completely rearranged and rebuilt. The only remaining details of the original home are the main fireplace and an old horse hitch attached to the front of the house. (Click image to enlarge)

STATS: The 15,170-square-foot lot includes the tri-level 5,200-square-foot home, an infinity-edge swimming pool and spa and a large area of flat grass—a rare amenity in the hilly area. The six-bedroom house features an abundance of African mahogany and walnut wood, smooth stucco, steel and several different kinds of stone, such as ancient Jerusalem stone, which was used in the shower of one of the bathrooms. Other highlights include a wine cellar and gym on the lower level and an upper-level master bedroom with its own 500-square-foot deck that overlooks the city from downtown Los Angeles to the ocean. (Click image to enlarge)

WHAT SETS IT APART: “It was the first house to be built on the street, so it has the best view, and I made sure every room takes advantage of it,” says Sassaman. “The house also has a great history and gorgeous design and finishes.”

MARKET INQUIRIES: $7.99 million. Marie Healey, Prudential California Realty, 310.777.2838, www.9330beverlycrest.com