Jolie sells hollywood history: demille's estate listed for $30m
Angelina Jolie is parting ways with a significant piece of Los Angeles history, listing her sprawling Los Feliz estate for a cool $29.85 million. The sale marks the end of an era for the Oscar winner, who purchased the property in 2017, and offers a rare opportunity to own a Home once belonging to the legendary filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille.
A glimpse into old hollywood glamour
Nestled within the exclusive Laughlin Park, the 2.1-acre estate is a veritable oasis, boasting an 11,000-square-foot main house with six bedrooms and ten bathrooms. But the property's appeal extends far beyond the main residence. A guesthouse, pool house, tea house, and a separate garage equipped with a security station complete the picture, all framed by century-old trees and expansive lawns. The elevated location provides breathtaking views of the Hollywood Hills and the iconic Griffith Observatory—a panorama that undoubtedly contributed to Jolie’s decision to call it Home for several years.
Jolie acquired the estate shortly after her separation from Brad Pitt, using it as her primary residence. The timing of the sale, however, hints at a shift in her priorities, with whispers of increased time spent overseas, particularly in Cambodia, once her youngest children are grown. It's a chapter closing, but the estate’s storied past remains undeniably captivating.
Demille’s cinematic sanctuary
Long before Jolie’s ownership, the property served as a hub for early Hollywood innovation. DeMille acquired the land in 1916 for a modest $27,893, later expanding the estate by incorporating a neighboring residence. According to “Empire of Dreams,” DeMille's biography, the property wasn't just a Home; it was a working studio of sorts. The director hosted private screenings in a dedicated room, though the space was intimate – limited to just two dozen guests who would recline in heavy furniture while DeMille himself observed from a leather chair in the corner. This detail alone underscores the property’s unique place in cinematic history.
The current listing emphasizes the estate’s 1913 architectural roots and its evolution into “a sanctuary of cinematic innovation and social grandeur.” While interior photos remain largely confidential, preserving a sense of mystique, those fortunate enough to see the space will undoubtedly be transported to a bygone era of Hollywood elegance.
The sale of Jolie’s Los Feliz estate is more than just a real estate transaction; it’s the passing of a baton—a transfer of ownership of a landmark that witnessed the genesis of an industry and sheltered one of its most visionary figures. The property’s new owner will inherit not just a luxurious Home, but a legacy – a tangible link to the golden age of Hollywood, and a silent witness to the dreams that shaped the world of entertainment.