Rudolph Valentino’s home once stood on this Westside lot, now ready for a new star
The original Spanish-style house was torn down a dozen years ago, but its history remains. Falcon Lair, the estate where the 1920s home of early screen star Rudolph Valentino once stood, is for sale in the Beverly Crest area at $29.5 million.
Overlooking Beverly Hills, the 4-acre property was later a getaway for American Tobacco Co. heiress Doris Duke, who usually arrived for visits to coincide with her November birthday.
Today the site has been approved for a 30,000-square-foot-plus modern Mediterranean house designed to take advantage of natural light and panoramic views. Features would include an expansive family and entertainment room, a wine-tasting room and a swimming pool. The plans include more than 4,000 square feet of covered patio space.
An existing guest house and garage are already on the grounds, which contain olive, lemon, pomegranate and avocado trees.
Silent film actor and sex symbol Valentino died in 1926 at age 31. Socialite and philanthropist Duke died at the home in 1993 at age 80, having owned Falcon Lair for 40 years.
Jeffrey Hyland of Hilton & Hyland is the listing agent.
Twitter: @laurenebeale
