As a kid growing up in the eclectic neighborhood of Eagle Rock, in the far northeastern reaches of Los Angeles, Gary Mkrtichyan would always hear mysterious whispers about the clandestine activity that had long ago transpired at a stately 1930s residence on his block. He would daydream about all the exclusive Old Hollywood parties that were said to have once taken place in the Prohibition-era speakeasy at the home then owned by Earle M. Daniels, a powerful attorney for Hollywood’s landmark Pantages Theatre.
“While stars dazzled onstage just miles away, this was where they came to unwind, indulge, and disappear … and it wasn’t just any stars,” Mkrtichyan told Robb Report in a statement. Power players who reportedly graced the Pantages stage during its heyday and were rumored to have attended exclusive, invitation-only after-parties at the secluded estate included the likes of Charlie Chaplin, a known lover of speakeasies, as well as Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Marlene Dietrich, Fred Astaire, and Judy Garland.
A bar and lounge are tucked away with a wine cellar in the speakeasy-style basement.
Nick Frandjian
“There was something mysterious about it—like the walls were holding on to stories and secrets of a forgotten era,” he added. “Every time I passed by, I imagined what it once was, and what it could be again.” Fast-forward to 2021, and his childhood daydreams came full circle when Mkrtichyan, the current owner of Opus Builders, bought the storied place for $2.5 million and began restoring it in keeping with the charm and spirit that first captured his imagination. He named it the Gatsby.
Originally built almost a century ago by architect Harold S. Johnson and later fully renovated by another prominent architect, Paul R. Williams, the Spanish Colonial Revival manor has just returned to the market. The asking price is exactly $7 million, with Nicole Plaxen and Shauna Walters of The Beverly Hills Estates and Brad Keyes of Keyes Real Estate sharing the listing.
The sage-hued kitchen’s large eat-island overlooks a luxe 12-burner La Cornue range.
Gavin Cater
Tucked away on almost three-quarters of an acre behind a wrought-iron fence and gate and a manicured lawn bolstered by a tiered fountain, the stucco and terracotta-roof structure features five bedrooms and an equal number of baths in roughly 6,700 square feet of tri-level living space boasting period details paired with modern amenities. The most unique aspect of the property? A speakeasy-style basement, which has several rooms offering up a lounge, bar, wine cellar, and tasting area.
Other highlights include a soaring double-height entry foyer displaying a vaulted hand-stenciled ceiling and a curving mosaic-tiled staircase that heads upstairs to a posh primary suite with a fireplace, wraparound balcony, and walk-through wardrobe that empties out at a bath outfitted with a double-sink pedestal vanity and gold-plated soaking tub flanked by rainfall showers.
A Herringbone-tiled pool and raised spa in the private backyard are flanked by a sundeck.
Gavin Cater
Back on the main level, a sunken fireside great room inspired by the owner’s trip to the Taj Mahal Palace hotel across from the Gateway of India in Mumbai City is clad in wood paneling. A few steps up is an office, while a separate glass-lined space holds a family room, dining area, and kitchen outfitted with custom sage-hued cabinetry, an eat-in island, a pricey La Cornue range, an integrated refrigerator, a wine cooler, and a walk-in pantry.
French doors open to reveal the resort-like grounds, which are laced with winding garden pathways and host a herringbone-tiled pool with a raised spa, along with a fire pit and sport court. An attached three-car garage can also be found on the premises.
Click here for more photos of the Eagle Rock residence.
Gavin Cater
Authors
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Wendy Bowman
