RealKey
‪(213) 433-7766‬

1277 Leona Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210, Beverly Hills, 90210 - 5 bed, 4 bath

1277 Leona Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210 home-pic-0
ACTIVE$6,500,000
1277 Leona Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210
5Beds
4Baths
3,411Sqft
18,851Lot
Year Built
1939
Close
-
List price
$6.5M
Original List price
$7M
Price/Sqft
$1,906
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
25510377
Home ConditionFair
Features
Good View: City Lights, Canyon, Hills
Deck
Pool
Patio
ViewCity Lights,Canyon,Hills

About this home

Possibly Over-Priced:The estimated price is 23% below the list price. We found 3 Cons,7 Pros. Rank: price - $6.50M(56th), sqft - 3411(39th), beds - 5(50th), baths - 4(38th).

This one-of-a-kind character home was the estate and workspace of the late celebrity and fashion photographer Melvin Sokolsky for almost 50 years. Originally built in 1939 and designed by architect Frederic Barienbrock for a silent screen actress, the rich history and creative spirit of this inspiring property is a piece of Beverly Hills' cultural legacy. Tucked away on a knoll at the end of a cul-de-sac and surrounded by nature in the foothills of Benedict Canyon, the peaceful landscape features an English garden with heirloom roses and serene vistas of Century City. Located just minutes from world class shopping and restaurants on Rodeo Drive, this hillside sanctuary offers an unparalleled living experience. A long, brick-paved, gated driveway leads to a magical 5 bedroom and 4 bath Country Colonial Revival residence with European interior design details that exudes warmth and sophistication. Upon entering the home, you are greeted by a dramatic foyer with Degas-inspired powder room. Highlights include beautiful custom wood built-ins, imported clay tile flooring throughout, two wood burning fireplaces, wood-paneled study and wood beamed ceilings. Adjacent to the formal dining room is a rustic farmhouse kitchen featuring artisanal wood counters, sitting island, commercial stainless steel glass door display refrigerator and professional chef's stove. Expansive lower primary suite offers an adjoining bathroom with separate dressing area. A spacious outdoor rear deck that wraps around the back of the house is the perfect place to lounge and gaze at the city lights. The property grounds of over 18,000sqft offer a remodeled pool with new hardscaping and landscaping to complete this unique property. Lot APN #4348018012 is included in sale.

Nearby schools

9/10
Warner Avenue Elementary School
Public,•K-5•1.4mi
9/10
Fairburn Avenue Elementary School
Public,•K-5•2.1mi
9/10
West Hollywood Elementary School
Public,•K-5•2.2mi
4/10
Rosewood Avenue Elementary School, School for Advanced Studies
Public,•K-6•3.0mi
9/10
Wonderland Avenue Elementary School
Public,•K-5•3.1mi
7/10
Canfield Avenue Elementary School
Public,•K-5•3.4mi
5/10
Carthay Center Elementary
Public,•K-5•3.9mi
8/10
Hawthorne Elementary School
Public,•K-8•1.5mi
8/10
El Rodeo Elementary School
Public,•K-8•1.7mi
8/10
Beverly Vista Elementary School
Public,•K-8•2.5mi
8/10
Horace Mann Elementary School
Public,•K-8•3.0mi
3/10
Daniel Webster Middle School
Public,•6-8•4.2mi
7/10
Palms Middle School
Public,•6-8•4.6mi
3/10
Hubert Howe Bancroft Middle School
Public,•6-8•5.1mi
7/10
John Burroughs Middle School
Public,•6-8•5.4mi
9/10
Beverly Hills High School
Public,•9-12•2.1mi
6/10
University Senior High School
Public,•9-12•3.7mi
6/10
University Senior High School Charter
Public,•9-12•3.7mi
7/10
Fairfax Senior High School
Public,•9-12•3.7mi
6/10
Alexander Hamilton Senior High School
Public,•9-12•4.4mi
Condition Rating
Fair
Built in 1939, this property boasts unique character and has been well-maintained with some notable updates like professional kitchen appliances and a remodeled pool. However, the interior design, particularly the 'rustic farmhouse' kitchen with artisanal wood counters and the distinct, somewhat dated style of the bathroom (glass block windows, concrete-like vanity), suggests that while functional, many elements show signs of being outdated. The overall aesthetic, while charming, is niche and not a recent, comprehensive renovation to modern standards, aligning with the 'Fair' category's description of an aged home maintained through regular upkeep and occasional updates, where major components are functional but show signs of being outdated.
Pros & Cons

Pros

High Available Lot Utilization: The property has a large lot size, which is more than 4 times of its living area. lot size in square feet = 18851, living area = 3411.
Great Schools: Elementary School: Fairburn Avenue Elementary School (9/10). High School: Beverly Hills High School (9/10).
Historical Significance & Provenance: The property boasts a rich history, having served as the estate and workspace of celebrity photographer Melvin Sokolsky for nearly 50 years, and was originally designed by architect Frederic Barienbrock for a silent screen actress, adding unique cultural and architectural value.
Prime & Private Location: Tucked away on a knoll at the end of a cul-de-sac in the foothills of Benedict Canyon, the property offers exceptional privacy and tranquility, while remaining just minutes from world-class shopping and dining on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
Expansive Outdoor Amenities & Views: Situated on over 18,000 sqft of grounds, the property features an English garden, serene vistas of Century City and city lights, a spacious rear deck, and a recently remodeled pool with new hardscaping and landscaping, ideal for entertaining and relaxation.
Unique Architectural Character & Interior Details: This Country Colonial Revival residence showcases distinctive European interior design details, including custom wood built-ins, imported clay tile flooring, two wood-burning fireplaces, a wood-paneled study, and wood-beamed ceilings, exuding warmth and sophistication.
Upgraded Gourmet Kitchen: The rustic farmhouse kitchen is well-appointed with artisanal wood counters, a sitting island, a commercial stainless steel glass door display refrigerator, and a professional chef's stove, catering to culinary enthusiasts.

Cons

Significant Price Discrepancy: The current listing price of $6.5 million is substantially higher than the estimated property value of approximately $5.0 million, which may present challenges in market competitiveness and buyer perception.
Age-Related Maintenance & System Concerns: Built in 1939, the property, despite some described renovations, may have underlying older infrastructure (e.g., plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems) that could require significant future investment for updates or ongoing maintenance not explicitly detailed.
Niche Interior Aesthetic: The 'Country Colonial Revival' style with 'European interior design details' and a 'rustic farmhouse kitchen' may appeal to a specific buyer demographic, potentially limiting the broader market appeal compared to more universally sought-after contemporary luxury designs in Beverly Hills.

Best solution for experienced home buyers!

Data-driven home buying experience with our licensed real estate agents and cutting-edge AI

Browse Properties by State Browse housing market trends by state