Historic El Cabrillo Classic Brings Back Hollywood’s Golden Age | 1838 Grace Ave.

A rare unit has just become available in the famed and historic El Cabrillo courtyard complex in Hollywood. Nestled just below Franklin Blvd., the 10 unit El Cabrillo was originally commissioned by legendary filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille.

1838 Grace Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028

$845,000 | 1 Bed | 1 Bath | 770 Sq. Ft. | $1,097 Price/Sq.Ft. | .3 Acres | Built in 1928 | $425/mo. HOA | 1 Parking Space 

DeMille originally constructed the property to temporarily house Broadway stage actors moving to Los Angeles to work in sound films in the 1920s. The location was carefully chosen by DeMille so that it was at the foot of Whitley Heights and DeMille’s studio, which was then Hollywood’s premier address, where Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino each had houses of their own.

El Cabrillo was built in 1927 by architects Arthur and Nina Zwebell, a husband-and-wife team known for their Spanish and Hollywood Mission-style courtyard architecture. With its Moorish central fountain and swashbuckling wrought-iron detailing, the development quickly became one of Hollywood’s most fashionable addresses in the late 1920s and 1930s. Actress Ann Harding rented a unit in 1928 for the then-unheard-of sum of $500 per month. The building’s Spanish Revival courtyard is said to have served as a set in a Rudolph Valentino film. In the 1960s, actor Divine, a muse of John Waters, lived in one of the units. More recently, the complex appeared as the home of the main character in the television series Chuck.

The building was meticulously restored in 2009 by designer Xorin Balbes, the Los Angeles–based founder of TempleHome, a design and architecture firm. He has been described as a “master flipper” for his work restoring and selling high-end California homes. He recently sold a Los Feliz residence for $9.7 million, roughly four times what he paid just two years prior. Also in Los Feliz, Balbes restored Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1927 Sowden House, as well as a 17th-century-style mansion once owned by early 20th-century screen legend Norma Talmadge.

The complex has been described as a “gothic wonderland,” but there’s nothing dark or gloomy about this enchanting, extraordinary building. Many have claimed walking into the courtyard is like walking onto a movie set.

Legend has it, the previous owners of the complex, Bob Grumbles and Donna Morris, had inadvertently thrown out James Dean’s boots from Rebel Without a Cause and Marlon Brando’s leather jacket from the The Wild Ones when they emptied the basement of previous owner Kent Warner (no relation), who was a costumer who knew a legendary Hollywood item when he saw one. Warner was a notorious prop and costume collector who paid cash (and later auctioned at Christies) several of the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

Homes with Hollywood histories are par for the course in this town, but this special unit is truly unlike anything else in the zip code.

Inside, you will find a masterclass in Old Hollywood romance, underpinned by undeniable architectural pedigree.

Soaring, dramatically beamed ceilings draw the eye upward, while rich hardwood floors ground the interiors in warmth and continuity.

Throughout, handcrafted tilework, intricate moldings, and authentic wrought-iron detailing speak to a level of artistry rarely replicated today.

Sunlight filters through classic casement windows, illuminating a living space anchored by a romantic fireplace that feels both intimate and cinematic.

Modern conveniences are seamlessly incorporated, including an in-unit stackable washer and dryer, ensuring ease of living within this exquisite period setting.

The kitchen has been thoughtfully updated to meet contemporary standards without compromising the home’s historic integrity, featuring sleek Bosch appliances integrated with care into the existing aesthetic.

A private balcony with planter boxes and lush treetop views adds to the charm.

The bedroom is absolutely regal with 1920s themed wallpaper, gold accents, great natural light, and tall ceilings.

The bedroom also features built-in bookshelves and ample closet space.

The bathroom showcases original Spanish tilework, a serene soaking tub, and ample storage.

A true rarity within El Cabrillo, the home includes a dedicated parking space in the gated parking area, an amenity as practical as it is coveted.

As part of a designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, the property also benefits from the Mills Act, offering significant property tax savings. This advantageous designation has recently been renewed for the next ten years, enhancing both the financial and cultural value of ownership. A rare and remarkable offering, 1838 Grace Avenue invites its next steward to step into Hollywood history and claim a piece of its enduring glamour.

Interested in purchasing this fantastic home? I would love to get you a private tour of 1838 Grace Avenue in the historic El Cabrillo in Hollywood. Call me today at (323) 697-3040 or email me at jacqueline.tager@sothebyshomes.com.

Jacqueline Tager | DRE# 1476997
jacqueline.tager@sothebyshomes.com | (323) 697-3040
Sotheby’s International Realty – Los Feliz Brokerage
1801 N Hillhurst Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027

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