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The history of Falcon Lair, the home that once belonged to silent-screen legend Rudolph Valentino, is so rich it’s worth a movie of its own.
Perhaps the new owners will begin work on a screenplay—right after they’ve paid the $4.95 million for the part of the estate that still remains.
Hidden on a side street in Benedict Canyon in Beverly Hills, CA, the Spanish-style mansion was built in 1924 and the estate originally comprised 8 acres. The Pickfair estate of Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford was just a little ways down the canyon.
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In 1925, Valentino paid $175,000 for the property, which would accommodate his dogs, horses, and treasures he’d collected around the world, including medieval armory and Spanish sculpture.
He dubbed it Falcon Lair, after an unreleased film titled “The Hooded Falcon,” which he worked on with his second wife, Natacha Rambova.
As one of the first international superstars, Valentino built a high concrete wall to protect himself from ardent fans. He also purchased an adjoining 6.5 acres so he could ride his horses in peace.
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He also added a fountain; more stables; luxe furnishings, including draperies and carpets; and bookshelves he lined with the classics. Unfortunately he didn’t get to enjoy his luxury estate for very long. He died of complications from gastric ulcers in 1926. He was 31.
He left most of his estate to his brother and sister, who sold off pieces of it to pay off Valentino’s debts. Philanthropist Doris Duke eventually bought Falcon Lair and used it as her West Coast home until her death, in 1993. Subsequent owners sold off parts of the property and modified the structures, including demolishing the main house.
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The former stable is now a three-bedroom, three-bath house measuring 2,844 square feet, and it sits on a 1.3-acre lot. The master suite has a sitting area, fireplace, walk-in closet, and luxe bathroom with a steam shower, claw-foot tub, and radiant heating.
The chef’s kitchen has a center island, Viking appliances, and an eat-in breakfast area. Outside, there’s a saltwater pool and spa.
Although Valentino lived there for a short period of time, the privacy he coveted remains. According to listing agent Yvette Busot, “It’s a very private house, with great indoor-outdoor flow. When you’re there, you can just imagine what it was like in the ’20s when Valentino was living there and taking care of his beloved horses and entertaining.”
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The post Rudolph Valentino’s Storied Estate Lands on the Market for $4.95M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
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