(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!
Nice
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Who lives here now?!
Very nice. Thanks for posting this
I believe doctor or dentist now owns the villa. The pictures do not give the true beauty of the Villa de Leon. I have stayed many times in this villa years ago, and it is exceptional. The views of the ocean are spectacular.
There is a terrace overlooking the ocean which did at one time have stairs that lead down to the beach. The coast highway was expanded over the years and the stairs were cut off. Eventually, I believe in the early 1980′s, the hillside slid onto the Coast highway, due to a heavy El Niño year. There was a gorgeous garden beneath the terrace that was surrounded by a high wall, which you can now see the remnants of from PCH.
The main entry has a marble spiral staircase, with a black and gold leaf wrought iron and wood railing. There is an elevator off the main entry, that accesses all levels of the Villa. To the right of the elevator is the library, which has a larger ornate mantle and beautiful inland bookshelves. The main salon is also accessed through the entryway with double gold leaf wrougth iron ornate doors. The main salon walls and floor are checker board style. There was an organ at one time, but not when I was there.
There is a spacious round room off the main salon which has unparalleled views of the ocean from several high arching windows that can open. This round room is next to a vey exceptionally large kitchen, which has a separate large walk-in pantry and a separate storage room for refrigerators.
Off the the kitchen is a back stairwell up to housekeeping rooms with their own baths. One can continue up the stairwell to the expansive master bedroom. The master bedroom has a valet area next to the beautifully tiled master bath . On the other side of the master bedroom is a large walk in closet with drawers. There are views of the ocean and hills from this room.
Down the hall is another guest room overlooking the ocean. Painted ceilings of a subtle blue, with gold accents. Again with beautifully tiled bath. Across are additional guest rooms. At the end of the hallway you are at the elevator and the spiral staircase which leads to the main entry.
The lower levels are additional butler and/or chauffeur rooms, a vault, a playroom and there is also a large old style sheet cleaning and press. From this area of the villa, there is access to a very spacious 7 or more car garage. The garage entrance is adjacent to the gated circular drive
Needless to say, the Villa de Leon is a special place. I would have loved to seen the original stairway and trolly which went to the ocean. I shall always treasure the years I had visited this home. It shall be in my mind for years to come.
Incredible! thanks for the info. You were so lucky to visit and experience!
Cinde — it being owned by a doctor or dentist correllates with what i have been told as well. actually, my friend (who was Budget Director at the Getty Villa) told me it was a consortium of them, like a partnership of 5.
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Villa Aurora has been bought by the german government fr around 3mio $. i visited martha feuchtwanger in the 80s. told us about their weekend gatherings of the famous: peter lorre, charly chaplin, thomas mann, etc..