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Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Architecture Wednesday: 1930s Storybook Home

This 1930s Storybook home was designed by notable architect Elmer Grey, who also designed the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Pasadena Playhouse and the Huntington Art Gallery. The home sits at the end of a gated drive with panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline.

Exquisitely elegant—the home retains many period details and historic charm but has been updated with modern conveniences: major systems updated over the last year. Features include hardwood floors, a large living room, formal dining room, four bedrooms, and a second-floor den/media room that showcases incredible views of the city. The floorplan is flexible and could accommodate a number of creative possibilities.

The large lot is charmingly planted and has the feel of a magical wooded garden. Additionally, there are exterior patios off the kitchen that are perfect for entertaining and al fresco dining. The home is over 3,355 square feet with additional bonus finished attic space and there is a two-car garage and parking for multiple cars.

A nice piece of Los Angeles history …

As always, click to emBIGGERate …

33 comments:

  1. We can fix what needs to be done, when do you move in? There must have been a massive sale on white paint. For an expensive house, that is a cheap kitchen.

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    1. I like the kitchen but it doesn't fix the house, and it needs a boatload of color as well as an elevator.

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  2. Krayolakris9:20 AM

    Refreshing to see some brown wood and colors in the furnishings!

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    1. Now some color on the walls and I'd be happy!

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  3. This is really nice. The Spanish influence is still there. The only thing I didn't like were the brown granite kitchen countertops. They stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb.

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    1. Those are definitely an 80s/90s renovation!

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  4. Carpets in the kitchen and bathroom??

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    1. Just area rugs that can be taken up and cleaned; not wall-to-wall carpet at least!

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  5. In with Jabblog - carpets do not belong in either of those rooms. The kitchen doesn't work for me either. The views from the Windows are great though.

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    1. The kitchen is a cheap reno.

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  6. Cleora Borealis11:08 AM

    🙂 I like the style of the house...is there a miniaturized version somewhere to fit my need for less space? There is not one piece of furnishings that I liked! Especially the bunches of faux classic chazerai* on the bathroom walls!! 🤢😬
    *one of my favorite Yiddish words. I'm amazed at how much junky, crappy chazerai there is in the world...see the current Oval Office!! 😱🤬

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    1. The OVal is junky, crappy because its occupant is junky, crappy.

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  7. Anonymous12:24 PM

    the dog's mother
    yes, elevators!
    xoxo :-)

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    1. I'm not walking up all that!!!
      xoxo

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  8. Anonymous1:22 PM

    Luv it !
    Just like other fine homes in the Hollywood Hills.
    I would get a period light fixture for the living room and get rid of the curtains on that cupboard, and the carpets in the kitchen and bathroom.
    I would get a restored vintage stove for the kitchen.
    -CA jock

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    1. It needs a new kitchen that suits its heritage definitely.

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  9. I don't like anything about this house, and I don't have the vision to change it.

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  10. Well, well, I love it!! For a tad over $3,000.000, it comes ready for me to move in.

    A few thoughts:

    *I was sold on the place with that exquisite front door.

    *The driveway is a killer. It doesn't get below freezing too often in LA for too long, but one needs a contingency plan.

    *I understand with all those levels and stairs it might pose an issue for some, but for me at 67, I can handle it for now. I might explore options where I could snugly fit a small elevator.

    *I could easily live on level 3. It has all I need. But level 4 is where there is a bigger bedroom and great views of the city.

    *I love the light and brightness of the place. I will consult a designer to add a touch of color to the space without it being overwhelming. Just a pop here and there. So easy to do.

    *The kitchen is fine, and I can work with it. The only thing I would change is to rummage around in the garage and see if I can locate the doors for the cabinets.

    *LA is great for al fresco dining, and the outdoor space is great for that.

    *I really appreciate the views of this home. I have included a link to the listing, which has pictures of the great view from the house. Stunning!!--- https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4803-Cromwell-Ave-Los-Angeles-CA-90027/20808974_zpid/

    Great find. Have a great Wednesday evening.

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    1. I want an elevator. I'm not lugging groceries up all those stairs from the garage!!

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  11. All it needs is a splash of color, well, maybe more than one.

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    1. I can't believe Dave didn't like all the white?

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    2. 😂😂😂

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  12. The house is fab.
    Everything inside it needs to go. STAT. The furniture is just not good. Not. Good.
    They have the money for this house and THAT is the kitchen they give us??

    XOXO

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    1. That kitchen is a low-rent flip!!!
      xoxo

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  13. Honey you had me at 1930's and exquisitely elegant. LOVE the exterior. this whole place has me written on it. I could live with the kitchen, but that one counter with the draw curtains??? What that about, what this called honey? The kitchen may have to be updated in some elements.

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    1. I agree; the exterior sells this house!

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  14. Far too much white for me but a few buckets of paint will fix that, and as Mistress Maddie said, nix the draw curtains, get cabinet doors there instead.

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  15. I would definitely change some of the furnishings and that rug in the kitchen would have to go for obvious reasons but otherwise I love everything about it (although probably not the price I'm betting)!

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    1. Yeah, the furniture would be removed and the kitchen gutted and an elevator installed, so maybe I could get it at a bargain???

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  16. Some very odd decor choices (i.e., nice rug in the kitchen but why would you have a rug like that in the kitchen? and the kitchen is at least pleasant but looks like what one would do in a rental).

    I thought I would love it but nothing about this sings to me.

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    1. I see beyond the apartment kitchen and really like it though the stairs!!! Oy, the stairs!!!!

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