Palisades Teardown, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Feb 25th 2008 at 1:02PM

Today's home is a bit of old Hollywood tradition in Pacific Palisades, California. The home is now on Amalfi Drive but was built in 1924 with an address on Haldeman Road. At that time, the Uplifters Club owned Rustic Canyon where several members built homes. It is said that the home was designed by architect William Dodd, an Uplifters Club member who designed what is now the Rustic Canyon Recreation Center. The home was later bought by Hal Roach Studios, and became a Hollywood hangout for some of Hollywood's early big stars such as Harold Lloyd, Jean Harlow and Will Rogers. It was reputedly occupied by Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy during his divorces. The home is, as the listing admits, in need of a lot of work but it has, as they say, lovely bones. The property website says "restoration or wrecking ball?" Restoration, please! This home is listed at $5 million.

Gallery: Palisades Teardown

Tags: estate of the day, luxury real estate, pacific palisades, PacificPalisades, southern california

Filed under: Estates

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

C.K. Dexter-Haven Feb 25th 2008 1:21PM

It appears to be neglected but not vandalized...it'd be great to see it brought back, but I suppose it is more likely that it'll be razed and something massive put in it's place...

Spectacular Bid Feb 25th 2008 1:41PM

I agree with Dex's remarks - it isn't bad but will likely be lost and replaced with some hulking structure. If the walls could talk I'm sure there would be some great tales. However this home rather lacking in charm. The images shared are devoid of capturing the facade of either side except for a hint of the rear.

Aside from the vaulted timber effect of the interior I would've been hard pressed to say this was a 1920's era home. Rather it looks like a poor 1960s/70s major rework that robbed the home of any warmth or detailing. Without the classic styling cues of say an Italian coastal villa it just seems to be neither fish nor fowl. Perhaps all the more reason it should be razed.

Kevin Feb 25th 2008 2:16PM

Wow, if this is a teardown, I guess that means I live in a destitute hovel. A lot of people would pay good money for the distressed look and all the woodwork. I agree it needs basic remodeling and certainly plenty of decorating. But a complete teardown? Seems like a shame to me. Maybe the pics don't convey how it looks in real life. . .

Andy Feb 25th 2008 2:49PM

Where this is located, the house needs to be brought up to code for structural retrofitting to meet earthquake standards. Unfortunately, it would be easier to start fresh than try to get this house to 2008 code.

Rich Feb 25th 2008 2:58PM

Well, I totally dig it. Thing is, when I lived in L.A. (loved it btw), one of the things I was consistently amazed by was the propensity to bulldoze the city's heritage, culture, and legacy. However, Andy's point re- the code issue is very well taken.

Jeff Feb 25th 2008 3:07PM

Let's see. The code standards are to insure that the building can stand up to earthquakes? My guess is that this house has lived through more earthquakes than the politico/lawyer that wrote the code. 84 years???? That's what happens when lawyers take over and common sense becomes passe'. A little cleaning and paint and this place would shine!

Valerie Feb 26th 2008 12:13PM

A very interesting and beautiful home.Hope it's restored.

TBOU Mar 2nd 2008 10:30PM

It doesn't even appear neglected, it looks in better shape than most houses.

Of course the architect with "local experience" recommends it should be razed and replaced with one of his big box designs since he won't get a check if it’s kept...