The WPJ
Orson Welles' Former Home Up For Grabs

Orson Welles' Former Home Up For Grabs

» Featured Columnists | By Lauren Beale | August 12, 2011 11:00 AM ET



Summer is traditionally a slow season in real estate, but you wouldn't know it based on two super-quick deals of note.

One sale in the works involves the former Sunset Strip-area home of legendary film director Orson Welles. The gated compound came on the market at $1,285,000 late last month, and in less than two weeks a sale was pending.

With its crown molding and wainscoting, the 1921 main house is the picture of Southern Colonial style. The property, one third of an acre, also has a guesthouse and a swimming pool.

Welles, who died at 70 in 1985, gained recognition in 1938 with his panic-inducing "The War of the Worlds" radio drama about a Martian invasion. His film masterpiece, "Citizen Kane," was released 70 years ago.



Michael Schur's Home Moves Fast

Meanwhile, the Hancock Park home of "Parks and Recreation" co-creator Michael Schur and his wife, TV producer and writer Jennifer Philbin, went into escrow eight days after coming on the market earlier this summer. It sold for $1,775,000 -- $26,000 above their asking price.

The Spanish-style contemporary was built in 2007, the old world ambience given up-to-date features including pre-wiring for media, built-in speakers, automated lighting and a remote-control pool system. The 3,604-square-foot house has five bedrooms and five bathrooms.

Schur, 35, created "Parks and Recreation" (2009-present) with Greg Daniels. Philbin, 36, worked on "The O.C." (2004-07).

Public records show they bought the house in 2007 for $2,215,000.



His Spot for a Day at the Beach

Actor Tony Danza has listed his longtime Malibu beach house for $9.1 million.

On 50 feet of beachfront, the 1949 traditional main house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master suite, with a sitting area, fireplace and deck, takes up the second level of the home. The property also has two detached guest suites.

Danza, 60, won TV fans with his roles in the sitcoms "Taxi" (1978-83) and "Who's the Boss" (1984-92). The former professional boxer has since turned to Broadway, playing Max Bialystock in "The Producers" (2006-07). Last year he starred in the thriller "Aftermath" and the reality series "Teach: Tony Danza."

He bought the property in 1987 for $1.15 million.



Smurfette Leaves Village Behind

Update: Pop singer Katy Perry and her husband, comic actor Russell Brand, have sold their Los Feliz home for $3.3 million, the MLS shows.

The gated one-third-acre property includes a 1922 Mediterranean-style house and a swimming pool.

The 4,600-square-foot home has four bedrooms and 4 1/2 bathrooms. Perry, 26, started out as a gospel singer before releasing studio albums including "One of the Boys" (2008) and "Teenage Dream" (2010). She is in the partially animated film "The Smurfs," released last month.

Brand, 36, starred in the remake of "Arthur," released in April, as well as "Get Him to the Greek" (2010) and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (2008).

They own a pied-a-terre in New York and recently bought a Sunset Strip-area compound for $6.5 million.

The couple bought the Los Feliz house in 2009 for $3.25 million, according to public records.



She'll Play Hostess in L.A.

Entertainment news show host Mary Hart and her husband, producer Burt Sugarman, have bought a corner unit in the Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. Live.

The purchase price was not available, but similar two-bedroom, 2 3/4-bathroom units are listed at $1.8 million. Their residence has 2,161 square feet of living space.

The 54-story tower houses the Ritz-Carlton and the JW Marriott hotels. The residential units for sale, from one-bedrooms to penthouses, start on the 27th floor and are accessed through a separate entrance and private elevator.

Hart, 60, was the host of "Entertainment Tonight" from 1982 until May. Sugarman, 72, produced such game shows as "Celebrity Sweepstakes" (1974-79) and an updated "The Newlywed Game" (1988-89) as well as films including "Children of a Lesser God" (1986).



Rapper Rolls Out of the Hills

Update: Rapper and actress Eve Jeffers, who goes by Eve, has sold her Hollywood Hills home for $1,325,000, according to the MLS.

The contemporary Mediterranean, which has large public rooms, was designed for entertaining. The 4,297-square-foot house, built in 2005, has four bedrooms and 4 1/2 bathrooms.

Jeffers, 32, appeared in the roller derby film "Whip It" (2009) and played a choral coach on "Glee" (2009). She starred in the comedy "Eve" from 2003 to 2006. Her first three albums have sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.

She purchased the gated house in 2005 for $1,775,000, records indicate.




Real Estate Listings Showcase

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Read More