(Vintage Photography: Padilla Company)
Commanding a high eminence above the breakers of the blue Pacific, the Villa Leon has been a Southern California landmark ever since its completion some eighty-five years ago, an edifice so stately and dramatic it is frequently confused for the nearby Getty Museum, which lies directly to its north. Named after its original builder, Austrian native Leon Kauffman, the Villa Leon was the result of a longstanding promise Kauffman had made to his wife Clemence that, if he ever had the money, he would build for her a dream castle by the sea. A fortune made in the wool processing business in California during the First World War allowed Kauffman to make good on his promise and, after purchasing an impressive six-lot parcel above the famous Castle and Haystack Rock formations, Kauffman began construction of his $1,000,000 dream house in 1926.
In his design of the Villa Leon, prominent Los Angeles architect Kenneth A. MacDonald, Jr., made the most of the site’s awe-inspiring vistas, orienting the home so that nearly all of its thirty-five rooms had a stunning view of the ocean, the surrounding mountains or a combination of both. Stylistically, MacDonald dressed a classic Beaux Arts structure with warm Mediterranean accents, creating a pleasing combination that evoked comparisons to the grand villas that dotted the Italian coastline during the heyday of Rome’s Imperial majesty.
An elaborately embellished architrave leads from the living room to the 67-foot high marble-staired entry hall.
The intricately designed wrought-iron stair rail was executed by craftsman James C. Kubic who incorporated rams heads as a witty reference to the owner’s wool manufacturing business.
A 35-Foot High hand-stenciled ceiling was a feature of the Villa's enormous living room.
Numerous terraces and formal gardens, including an intricately laid out Chinese garden, added to the overall effect. The interior spaces of the Villa Leon were equally impressive and provided a fitting showcase for the fine collection of antique furniture, sculptures and paintings the Kauffmans acquired through the years on their frequent sojourns to Europe.
Sitting Room.
Dining Room.
The Kauffmans were to enjoy their fabulous seaside villa for but a few short years, with Clemence dying in 1933 followed by her husband just two years later. For nearly twenty years, the grand villa and its numerous art treasures sat unoccupied, save for a solitary caretaker who roamed the marble halls accompanied only by his pet dog.
A pair of elegantly carved and gilded antique beds purchased by the Kauffmans in Europe highlights the paneled master suite.
Daughter's Bedroom.
During this period, several attempts to sell the house were made, most notably in 1949 when the Aly Kahn considered it as a honeymoon home for himself and his new bride Rita Hayworth; however this, like the others, did not come to pass. When it was finally put up for auction in 1952, the Villa Leon, which cost a reputed million dollars to build, sold, exclusive of furnishings, for a mere $71,000. Fortunately for the Villa Leon, its new owners, as well as those who followed, treasured it as much as Leon Kauffman had and, in spite of the loss of much of its terraced gardens through landslides in the ensuing years, the Villa Leon remains today one of the most distinctive landmarks for travelers making their way up and down the Pacific Coast Highway between Santa Monica and Malibu. When it was last put up for sale in the mid-2000s, the recently restored Villa Leon was listed for $14,500,000. The following photographs were “Internet finds” from its time for sale.
Wonderful post. What a difference between the black and white photos (that make the house look so dark) and the recent color pictures that show just how open and bright the house really is. Imagine a wonderful summer afternoon, with all the french doors open to the sea breeze and light, sitting in that huge living room and enjoying the day.
Incidentally, Kauffman had a home previous to Villa Leon, located in the Wilshire district, an area quite popular in the 1910-30 era.
Jim, always a pleasure to hear from you and enjoy your perceptive comments. It’s true! Many of the old photos of these places give the false impression they were darker than they actually were. It’s interesting to see an interior similar to the way it orginally was and just how bright it was. And you are also right about the earlier Kauffman house. It was at the southeast corner of Wilshire and Wilton at, I believe 3986 Wilshire. Long gone, of course. I wish I could find a picture. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for this, I have always wondered what the interior looked like!
I’ve ALWAYS loved this house, growing up as I did in Brentwood and Malibu. For years, we mistakenly thought it was the Getty Residence (long before the Getty Museum was built), but the Getty Ranch House was further up the canyon, past where the museum is now, and still serves as admin offices for the Getty Villa.
For more photos, I offer this fantastic gallery: http://meyler.locations.org/library6180/index.php?mode=album&album=Mansions%2F2067
The mansion was also used as one of the two locations for Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” music video…primarily at the start and finish. The middle section was filmed at a horrendous house in Bel-Air that also must be seen to be believed…but that’s not in a good way, LOL.
Hey Steven:
Thanks SO much for the info and the great website of Villa Leon images. Really something!
What a wonderful series of photos. I love one day to be able to see it from my very own eyes. Thanks!
Wow so great to finally know the history of this incredible mysterious LA landmark. In the mid 1970s my mother was working at UCLA in the school of engineering. One of the students working in the office with my mom told her she and a group of friends, all college students, had put all their money together and bought the house for $100,000. The album cover for Procol Harum’s “Grand Hotel” was shot there, and the girl brought the LP in to show my mom and said, “This is my new house!” Months later the girl said they were still finding new rooms, and eventually said they even found an entire FLOOR they hadn’t realized existed that were intended as maids quarters. We have always been enchanted with this story and wondered if the students had continued to live there or what became of their adventure.
What a precious series of images, a precious art deco, moorish style why not, and the last image that so much reminds me of my dear Spain. Sad to know that they did enjoy little years in this wonderful villa.
As always – great story & photos. Did anyone else notice original living room photos show organ console next to gilded wrought iron doors? Modern living room photos show same doors but no organ and assume staircase hall wall piercing for organ pipes.
Third house of this era I know of that had organs which didn’t survive changing tastes to modern era. Only one remaining, in unrestored condition, is at the Lionel Feuchtwanger home (Villa Aurora) also in the Palisades. Was told cost prohibitive at $200 K back in the late 80′s. Still, can only imagine the music emanating from a 60 foot marble hall throughout the house.
Quite a while back saw some postcards/photos of the house pre Roosevelt Highway (PHC). If I’m not mistaken the original “front yard” ran all the way down to the ocean & there was even some sort of hillside trolly from the house to the beach.
They also shot most of Foster the People’s “Call it What You Want” here.
Great info. Thanks Logan!