Helen Mirren’s Hollywood rental has a star past of its own

A Los Angeles home built for silent film star Dustin Farnum and currently owned by actress Helen Mirren and her husband, Taylor Hackford, have listed for rent at $35,000.

The gated estate, built on the precipice of Hollywood’s Golden Age in 1911, sits hidden on nearly seven acres near Runyon Canyon with a main home, a 2,700-square-foot guest cottage, a long terrace, mature gardens and a pool.

Mixing Mediterannean and Provincial styles, the nearly 6,700 square feet of living space in the main residence includes a chef’s kitchen, a formal dining room, a living room, four bedrooms and seven baths. A library with a wood-burning fireplace and a master suite with a private balcony and city views are among the features.

Outdoors, mature trees and native flora provide the perfect cover for a pool and patio.

Farnum, like many theatrical types of that era, was drawn to Southern California’s favorable summer months and its close proximity to both the mountains and the ocean.

“I like Southern California better every time I come here,” Farnum told The Times in 1909. “I anticipate my visit to this city with enthusiasm. All theatrical people like this country. They like it in the winter, as well as summer. It is a good show city, besides its wonderful, natural attractions. Many stage people are buying property out here and will make this their summer home.”

In addition to Farnum and Mirren, the pied-a-tierre’s celebrity pedigree has snared a number of other notables of the years. Mark Hellinger, noted theater critic and film producer, owned the home during the 1940’s. Actress and “Perry Mason” executive producer Gail Patrick staked claim to the property for a period of time during the 1960s.

Hackford purchased the home in 1986 for $1.15 million, according to public records. He and Mirren wed in 1997.

Joyce Rey of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage – Beverly Hills South is the listing agent.

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