If ever there was a home that had stories to tell, this is the one. Simply known as “Farralone” this amazing estate was once famously owned by Frank Sinatra and is currently listed by Coldwell Banker agent, Lynn Teschner, for $12 million USD.
It has been referred to as “The great glass mansion that perches like a lighted jewel on its own 13.5 acre hilltop”. No wonder, with its 16 ft. ceilings the interior is surrounded by glass walls that open seamlessly to the outdoor spaces. Today the property has been painstakingly restored to its pristine original condition and continues to sparkle and amaze.
“Farralone” was commissioned by Dora Hutchison, the heiress to the Chase Manhattan Bank fortune. It was completed in 1951 by Pereira & Luckman, the architects most famous for building this “trophy” residence, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Kennedy Center, The Transamerica Pyramid building in San Francisco and the master plan for the City of Beverly Hills.
The parties hosted there between 1951-1954 were legendary and included such guests as Lucille Ball and Ava Gardner. Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli renewed their wedding vows there. Frank Sinatra leased the house for several years. During that time Marilyn Monroe frequently resided in the guesthouse and had one of her last photo shoots there as well as the alleged rendezvous with Jack Kennedy. The estate earns a significant income each year from TV and film location shoots.
The 10,000 sq. ft. main estate, surrounded by two acres of rolling lawn, is up a long, winding private road on 5.5 acres. It includes 4 bedrooms/5.5 baths, a grand gallery and three lower level private offices complete with a conference room. The one bedroom/1.5 bath guest house is 1,000 sq. ft. with its own pool. A detached gym is located adjacent to the stunning 50 ft. pool. A 9.5 acre section, out of site from the residence, has a tentative tract map divided into 13 lots and is currently used as a vineyard with horse riding trails. In addition to the large motor court there is parking for 200 cars.
This fine example of mid-century magnificence could not be replicated today. It is beyond a doubt one of the most private, dazzling and important estates in all of southern California.
While $12 million is nothing to balk at, to me it sounds like a bargain given the history and glamour of the listing when compared to other home prices in exclusive Southern California markets. Besides, how cool would it be to live in Sinatra’s house? I guess one owner will soon discover what it’s like to have the world on a string.
To see more photos and details on the Farralone estate, click here or send us an email to info@cbriveras.com.
