Ready for a Close-Up
Built in 1930 for one of Hollywood’s first woman directors, Dorothy Arzner, and designed by W.C. Tanner, this Los Feliz landmark is an example of Greek Revival architecture. It sits on a hill, which is like an acropolis.
About this house: As a woman in the ‘20s, Arzner wasn’t considered a good loan risk and the bank turned her down when she wanted to borrow funds to build a house. Unhappy with the bank, the pioneer filmmaker withdrew her savings and went ahead with her building plans. Within weeks, the stock market crashed and the bank went belly up. But Arzner completed her house and went on to direct more than 20 feature films, including “Christopher Strong” (1933), starring Katharine Hepburn in her first big role. Arzner died at 82 in 1979.
Asking price: $1,795,000.
Size: The 3,614-square-foot house has three bedrooms, including a master suite with a sitting room leading to an indoor/outdoor bath with a fire pit and a spa.
Features: Val Marmillion, a top public relations strategist and owner of Cobalt cantinas in the Silver Lake area and West Hollywood, restored the home after he bought it eight years ago. Since then, he has used the ballroom-size living room, with a columned terrace overlooking Griffith Park Observatory, for political fund-raisers and annual Toys for Tots parties. Marmillion established Pacific Visions Communications with such clients as the National Endowment for the Arts, Kennedy Center and People for the American Way.
Where: 2249 Mountain Oak Drive, Los Feliz; open today from 1 to 4 p.m.
Listing agents: Victor Kaminoff, director of architectural and unique properties, and David Gordon, both at Coldwell Banker Previews, Sunset office, (310) 887-0224.
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Ruth Ryon can be e-mailed with candidates for Home of the Week at ruth.ryon@latimes.com.
