Between the views and the 4,525 square feet of undead — er, living — space inside, the price tag is a Whale of a deal. Charmaine David
Talk about drama! This old-school Hollywood home is where film director James Whale — who in the 1930s directed “Frankenstein,” “The Invisible Man” and “The Bride of Frankenstein,” and in 1998, was portrayed by Ian McKellen in the film, “Gods and Monsters” — once lived with his partner, David Lewis.
The classic four-bedroom, four-bath Mediterranean villa — modeled like a Tuscan chateau — is now on the market for $7.24 million.
Henry Harwood Hewitt designed the 4,525-square-foot home, at 4565 Dundee Drive, in 1927.
Hewitt is also known for designing poet Alice Lynch’s former home in 1922 and the Masonic Temple in LA’s Westlake neighborhood in 1914.
Known as “Villa Collina,” the villa was originally built for Clement E. Smoot, an American golfer who competed in the 1904 summer Olympics when the Americans won the gold medal.
Details include original handmade tiles, a fireplace, and multiple French doors that lead to a terrace and a gazebo overlooking the city lights.
Hidden in the Los Feliz hills, it boasts stunning views from the Griffith Observatory to the LA skyline. The home opens with a turreted, formal entry that leads to open dining and living rooms.
Late “Frankenstein” director James Whale.
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Sprawling Villa Collina is snug as a bug in the scenic Los Feliz hills.
The backyard’s star is the well-fountained pool.
Charmaine David
One of four bedrooms inside the Tuscan-esque villa.
Charmaine David
The home also features an eat-in chef’s kitchen with French doors, a main bedroom suite with a sitting room and spa-like bath, a guest bedroom with views on three sides, down a long, arched hallway, along with a home office and a den. French doors open to a deck, a pool, fountains, a landscaped garden and a gazebo overlooking the city.
A downstairs guest suite doubles as a spa.
Henry Harwood Hewitt designed the chateau, at 4565 Dundee Drive, in 1927.
Charmaine David
An eat-in chef’s kitchen sports French doors.
Charmaine David
Another bed to lay your head, bolted, stitched or otherwise.
Charmaine David
The seller bought it for $5.62 million in 2021.
The co-listing brokers are Nourmand & Associates’ Konstantine Valissarakos and Sotheby’s Richard Yohon.
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