SUBSCRIBE NOW
    • Homes

    Cortney and Robert Novogratz bring a contemporary flair to an extravagant LA home with a bygone allure

    JUL 11, 2020 | By Sakshi Rai
    The grand entrance to this Hollywood actor couple's home is characterised with vibrant flora and mosaic tiles; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz
    An exterior shot of the castle facade; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz
    The master bedroom dons a vintage vibe with an antique bed and an enormous Bear Girl framed painting by Anne Seims; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz
    A vintage farm table brought from the UK allows room for hearty meals in the dining room. The space is also spruced with magnificent artworks including creations of Lisa Ruyter and Ann Carrington; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz
    Adding to the historic essence of the pace is an arrow shaped light from a 1960s era hotel, which is fixed on the facing wall; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz
    In the living room, an artwork by Laurie Simmons is seen behind the custom crafted couch by The Novogratz; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz
    Colour is brought into this white walled bedroom with solid patterned linens and collectibles including Basketball Prints by Leroy Neiman; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz

    Tucked away in the foothills behind the illustrious Chateau Marmont Hotel—a historical and cultural landmark in Los Angeles—lies an intriguing, unconventionally styled villa. This former 1920s castle is now a triple storeyed mansion belonging to a Hollywood celebrity couple, which has been refurbished by design world mavericks Cortney and Robert Novogratz and also features in their recently released book—Novogratz Design Fix: Chic and Stylish tips for Every Decorating Scenario.

    The home lies within a gated promontory and is, not surprisingly, conspicuous for its distinct, old world allure. It was built a century ago on half an acre of land and at present, the 7,700 sq ft home accommodates four bedrooms and seven bathrooms. 

    One of the most interesting tidbits about it is that it has had only three owners since its construction approximately 100 years ago. Glimpses and tastes of all the previous inhabitants have been retained despite it being radically refurbished to suit the lifestyles of the actor couple who now call it home. 

    The focal points of transition between the living and dining areas are an orange-hued Tom Dixon chair and a wall-mounted painting by David Kramer; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz

    Cortney and Robert Novogratz, who have a 20-year repertoire of modelled spaces across Manhattan and Los Angeles (and rebuilding entire city blocks even) bring their characteristic fun, hip persona to this project as well.

    Flanked by artworks and photographs, the kitchen setting is spruced with a table and chairs by Eames Demetrios; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz

    Owing to the house’s inconsistent and varied construction, it initially resembled a maze-like structure with several tiny rooms, numerous interconnected doorways, mismatched hardwood floorings and a complicated floor plan. And the creatives also faced the challenge of retaining the historic built and charm while modernising its interiors. 

    A quirky Hollywood sign and a Pluma light are seen on this landing; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz

    The Novogratzs kept a roomy, loft-like setting in mind and rid the property of its many divisions and opened the space up. This ensured that several of its original architectural elements were retained, including the balustrades of the abode’s staircase.

    A trio of bespoke pendant lights custom made by The Novogratz illuminates this cosy boudoir; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz

    The result of The Novogratz’s intervention is that of a renovated home that accommodates a colossal, bi-level, fluid living and dining area, a spacious luxury kitchen wrapped around a marble topped island, and an adjoining breakfast room that extends onto the backyard through chic, steel-trimmed French doors. 

    Swarovski lights can be seen in this stylish, modular kitchen by Boffi; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz

    A commodious master suite with a quaint balcony offers sweeping views of the city. It is coupled with a few guest rooms, all of which occupy the upper level. Exuberance continues onto the walk-in closet as well, which is lined with bespoke inbuilt functions.

    One of the washroom features a window side bathtub and subway tiles; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz

    For more intimate gatherings and events, the designers also fashioned an enormous family room with an adjoining kitchenette and a spacious guest suite. The mansion also houses a gym and recording studio. 

    The master bedroom is curated with a bathtub from Toto and a dash of green; Photographs courtesy The Novogratz

    The outdoors with its series of attractive tiled terrace grounds, lush lawns, an alfresco kitchen and an inviting oval shaped swimming pool are all hidden by a wall of dense foliage, playing the role of ideal recreational hubs for the homeowners.