His casual California
Tab Hunter, who became a movie star with the release of Island of Desire in 1952, now lives in Montecito, where his house looks like something of a Hollywood throwback too. The black-and-white marble entry quickly reveals one of the actors lifelong loves: antiques. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
This undated historical photo shows the oak paneling in the living room of Hunters 1920s house. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Hunter restored the oak paneling and filled the room with an unusual mix of pieces reflecting his love of the outdoors and appreciation for old English, Spanish and Portuguese furniture. Despite the abundance of dark wood, the house feels surprisingly bright thanks to banks of windows that open to gardens. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Tab Hunter at his desk. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Known as the Sigh Guy, Hunter was a matinee idol by the time he was 20. Visitors to the house wont see movie memorabilia, however. Thats a past life, the actor says. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Hunter learned to ride horses at an earlier age, and to this day he calls horses my life. Artwork and antiques related to his passion fill the house and, despite the seeming incongruity, mix with religious folk art he has collected over the years. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Hunter shares the house with his partner, film producer Allan Glaser, whose bathroom reveals his sense of humor: mounted antlers and, across from the commode, Hunters 1955 Audience Award flanked by an Emmy and an Oscar. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Hoof candlesticks arent so much a nod to the resurgent popularity of taxidermy, trophy heads and other animal-related decor, but rather a reflection of Hunters love of the outdoors. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
At first I thought it was tiny, Hunter says of his home. But I liked the feel to it. It seemed to embrace me. Now every day here is a thank-you day. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Windows are a constant reminder the 2,000-square-foot house sits on an acre of open land. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
A doorstop in the foyer. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Hunter with his two whippets, whose dog run is part of the yard that the actor jokingly calls Villa Debris. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
In the garden, where Hunter and Glaser like to entertain friends. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Glaser walks across the back lawn of the house, designed by George Washington Smith. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
