Beverly Hills house still has Alan Ladd Jr.’s projection room

A one-time Beverly Hills home of film executive and producer Alan Ladd Jr. has come on the market at $8.995 million. The property last changed hands more than a quarter-century ago for $2.4 million.

Set on less than a half-acre with old-growth olive trees and sunken fountains, the 1929 Mediterranean has been updated and expanded to 6,687 square feet. Arches, period details, beam ceilings, a classic two-story foyer and a sweeping staircase hark back the home’s beginnings. It was designed by architect Gordon Kaufmann, known for his Mediterranean Revival-styles, his work on the Hoover Dam and for his Art Deco design of the Los Angeles Times.

Ladd’s original projection room sits on the main level, which also contains large living, dining and family rooms, an Italian-tiled kitchen, an atrium and a maid’s wing. There are four bedrooms and five bathrooms.

French doors open to courtyards, gardens, a koi pond, an oval swimming pool, a guest/pool house, a terrace and a patio fireplace.

Ladd, 77, greenlighted George Lucas’ “Star Wars.” He was president of Fox before forming his own production company in the late 1970s. Among his successful films were the Oscar-winning “Chariots of Fire” and “The Right Stuff.”

Peter Maurice and Tregg Rustad of Rodeo Realty are the listing agents for the property at 706 N. Elm Drive.

Twitter: @LATHotProperty