Paul R. Williams made his name as an architect to early Hollywood stars, and he became the very first Black member of the American Institute of Architects in 1923. Now one of the renowned architect’s earliest residential commissions, designed when he was just 33, is on the market for the first time in decades.
Situated in La Cañada Flintridge’s Alta Canyada Estates, about 13 miles north of downtown L.A., the $8.5 million Mediterranean Revival abode was built in 1927 for the attorney James Degnan. Over the years, it became a favorite of Hollywood types, with the actor-turned-businessman Dennis Morgan at one time owning the house (and hosting Errol Flynn) and with Diane Keaton featuring it in her book California Romantica. While the estate originally spanned more than five acres, it’s since been winnowed down to a smaller but still sizable 1.2 acres. The George Penner Team at Compass holds the listing.
The formal dining room includes a period stained-glass picture scape.
Sterling Reed Photography
The grand yet welcoming main home opens into a striking foyer with black-and-white marble floors, coffered 20-foot ceilings, and bas relief detailing. Off to the sides are an old-school ladies’ lounge and a paneled library. Anchored by a wide-mouth cast-cement fireplace and with a hand-painted stenciled ceiling, the slightly sunken living room has a separate music space and leads out to a terrace with a Spanish fountain showcasing Della-Robbia ceramic mosaic tile. The formal dining room, meanwhile, has a delightful period stained-glass picture scape, and there’s a wine cellar in the basement.
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With four bedrooms in total, the main house sports a primary suite with dual bathrooms, a sleeping terrace, and views of the ample gardens. While guests could spend…