Florist to the stars is branching out
Celebrity florist David Jones, who has worked for stars including Liam Neeson, Tony Curtis and Elizabeth Taylor, has listed his studio and home in West Hollywood at $7.995 million.
The first floor of the French chateau-style building contains his floral shop and another retail space, the second floor has five offices and a reception area and the third floor is his pied-à-terre with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The living room, dining room and master bedroom have coffered ceilings with cove lighting and French limestone fireplaces. “I brought the mantels from France,” he said. The 6,750-square-foot building also has a motor court and a backyard that Jones uses as a nursery.
When Jones bought the building in 1994 it had only two floors, but he was able to add a story. “A false mansard roof dictated the height limit,” he said. “Mine is the only building with a third floor in the area.”
He has used the custom-built apartment as his personal residence, frequently entertaining friends and clients.
Jones is particularly fond of the terrace, which looks out at a neighbor’s tree and faces the hills. “I always have breakfast out there,” he said. The terrace and kitchen have slate floors, the bathrooms are done in marble and granite and the bulk of the living space flooring is herringbone parquet.
An elevator decorated in chinoiserie panels hand-painted over a 31/2-year period provides the means of commute for Jones and his three Brussels Griffons, he said. “My dogs like the ride.”
The floral designer got his start in New York City with an established florist and soon counted among his clients Babe and Bill Paley of CBS and philanthropists Bunny and Paul Mellon. After moving to Los Angeles in 1963, his friends Nancy Reagan and Betsy Bloomingdale introduced him to entertainment industry customers. He has done flowers for princesses, President Reagan’s state dinners and a California visit by Pope John Paul II.
Jones is selling as he prepares to branch out and pursue projects such as a book. He will continue to take private requests for flowers but hopes to do more personal entertaining, charity work and garden design. “I want to have a little more free time for me,” Jones said.
Bret Parsons of Aaroe Architectural is the listing agent.
