Los Angeles is brimming with historic estates and a handful are available for public use. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, a historic home can instantly elevate the event. From masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright to Mediterranean Revival manors, there are several properties that stand out among the Los Angeles landscape.
The Paramour Estate
Listed in the official Michelin Guide, The Paramour Estate was designed by Robert D. Farquhuar in 1918 and completed in 1923. Originally, it was the home of Los Angeles socialite Daisy Canfield, who hosted lavish parties throughout the Roaring Twenties. It went through several periods of transformation throughout the 20th century, but always retained its opulent Spanish charm. The Paramour Estate includes nine rooms and is located at 1923 Micheltorena Street, Los Angeles, CA 90039. You can book one of its iconic rooms, or a larger portion of the estate.
The Sowden House
A Frank Lloyd Wright masterwork, the Sowden House was named after the original owner – John Sowden. He was a close friend of Wright’s and the home was a collaboration between the two creatives. Wright built the home using decorative concrete blockwork, creating a neo-Mayan style space. The result is highly geometric and conceptual. The home has appeared in countless iconic films, including The Aviator. It is currently available to book for photoshoots and events – but no weddings. The Sowden House covers 6,000 square feet and is located at 5121 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
The Adamson House
The Adamson House is located directly in front of the picturesque Malibu Lagoon. The grounds also act as a museum and are available to tour during the week. It sits on a plot of land that originally belonged to the Chumash tribe. The home was built in 1929 in a Spanish Colonial Revival style. Its extensive display of decorative tiles and Moorish details make this property truly striking. The structure covers two stories and includes a total of ten rooms. The Adamson House is located at 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
Greystone Park & Mansion
Perhaps one of the most famous properties in Los Angeles, Greystone Mansion is a Beverly Hills icon. Construction began in 1927 and it took three years to complete the home. It was built in the Tudor Revival Style and includes expansive English gardens – which are available for the public to tour. Originally owned and commissioned by the Doheny family, it was purchased by the City of Beverly Hills in 1965. The descending staircase has starred in countless films, television shows, and music videos. The home has 55 rooms and covers 46,000 square feet. Greystone Mansion is situated at 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
The Carondelet House
The Carondelet House has gone through several iterations since its construction in 1926, but its original brick exterior is still intact. It was the headquarters for Otis College of the Arts for many years and now serves exclusively as an event venue. The interior is now rustic chic, offering creative touches and a blend of contemporary and vintage furnishings. It has several different spaces for rent, both interior and exterior. The event space spans 7,600 square feet, with a 150-person capacity for a sit-down reception and a 220-person capacity for a cocktail party. The address of the Carondelet House is 627 S Carondelet St, Los Angeles, CA 90057.
The Lombardi House
Built in 1904, the Lombardi House is one of the oldest homes still standing in Hollywood. It is a Victorian-style farmhouse located near Franklin Village. The original structure was only one story, but the structure was expanded in the 1930s. Several significant figures, including senators and vaudevillian stars, inhabited the Lombardi House throughout the 20th century. It was a hotspot for rowdy events for Hollywood’s elite. Today, the estate can accommodate up to 250 guests. It is located at 1717 Bronson Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90028.
The Maxwell House
George H. Maxwell, a distinguished East Coast litigator and philanthropist, set out to create an extraordinary home on the grounds of the Vista del Arroyo Hotel. In 1929, he enlisted the expertise of architects Marston and Maybury to design a 13,000-square-foot residence. The result was a stunning Mediterranean Italianate-style “bungalow,” characterized by its elegant stucco walls, a striking Palladian entrance, and a classic tile roof. It is now a non-profit organization and home to the Western Justice Center. Traditional wedding packages start at $9,500 and there are specific day rates for room rentals. There are also smaller, boutique wedding packages available. The address is 55 South Grand Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105.
Hosting an Event at a Historic Los Angeles Home
Los Angeles is full of architecturally significant properties and several homes offer the unique opportunity of privatization. Depending on the size and nature of your event, there are a variety of historic estates to suit your needs. In addition to hosting a stunning affair, choosing to celebrate at one of these iconic mansions supports the conservation of historic homes.
