Beverly Hills' Hillcrest Residence reveals Hollywood's hidden golden-age secrets
The Hillcrest Residence in Beverly Hills has been a landmark of Hollywood history since its construction in 1926. Originally built for silent film star Hobart Bosworth, the Spanish hacienda-style home later passed through the hands of legendary figures like William Powell, Carole Lombard, and James Bond producer Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli. Over two decades ago, designer Kelly Wearstler and her husband Brad Korzen took ownership, beginning a careful restoration that honours its storied past while weaving in their own creative vision.
The estate first gained widespread recognition when Architectural Digest featured it in 1935, praising its architectural elegance and understated sophistication. Decades later, Wearstler and Korzen acquired the property, determined to preserve its original character. They retained the marble bathrooms and meticulously recreated the Art Deco staircase railing, ensuring key historical details remained intact.
During renovations, the family uncovered a trove of photographs hidden in the basement archives. The images captured iconic guests—Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, and even political figures like Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy—revealing the home's role as a gathering place for Hollywood's elite.
Wearstler's design philosophy centres on blending old and new, and the Hillcrest Residence embodies this approach. Vintage furniture sits alongside contemporary collectibles, while the poolhouse has been repurposed into Side Hustle, a gallery showcasing emerging artists and designers. For her, the home is a living conversation between history and modernity, where personal stories and artistic expression coexist.
Today, the Hillcrest Residence stands as both a preserved piece of Hollywood's golden age and a dynamic space shaped by Wearstler's vision. The careful balance of original features and modern additions ensures its legacy continues. The estate remains a testament to how design can bridge generations while keeping history alive.
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