W.C. Fields & Lily Tomlin Lived Here!

W.C. Fields & Lily Tomlin Lived Here!

W.C. Fields & Lily Tomlin Lived Here!

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Historically known as the "W.C. Fields estate," this legendary Mediterranean retreat is located in the lushly landscaped and very private Hollywood enclave of Laughlin Park.

Laughlin Park is a secluded gated community as much favored by early film stars and other movie industry moguls as it is today. Across the street are the lavish estates of Cecil B. DeMille and Charlie Chaplain.

W. C. Fields was the house’s most illustrious tenant, although it had others such as Maurice Chevalier and Lily Tomlin. Prior to the house being built, the land was sold in a fierce auction with William Randolph Hearst losing out to the ultimate buyer.

Long estranged from his wife and son, Fields did not believe in owning real estate but rather chose to rent several houses in the Los Angeles area until he rented this one in 1940. He lived there until his death in 1946. Having come from a poor childhood, he didn’t relate to lush furnishings, so lived in, basically, a bare house with only a pool table, a ping-pong table, and bowling lanes set up in the living room. A legendary party guy, he had three bars in the house - one being portable.

So many tales of his life there will never be forgotten, like his supposed hatred of the teenage film star next door and how he used to hide in the front hedges telling starstruck sightseers to get lost! He was a drinker and had many guests who came to share spirits, such as John Barrymore, director Gregory La Cava, journalist Gene Fowler and Anthony Quinn who was married to De Mille’s daughter at the time. One of the crazier stories of his life at the residence was his relationship with the non-English speaking Japanese gardener who came with the house. Neighbors were puzzled when many times they saw them standing in the yard together carrying on an extended conversation - the gardener in Japanese and he in English.

W. C. Fields died in 1946 from complications of alcoholism on his least favorite holiday, Christmas Day. A known atheist, he still studied the bible. When asked why, he responded, "Been lookin’ for loopholes." While living here he starred in the films The Bank Dick and My Little Chickadee.

Built in 1920, the 7,450 square foot mansion has 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, stained glass, scalloped ceilings, original millwork, imported Spanish Mahogany paneling, four fireplaces and an elegant copper and glass sunroom.

It rests on almost an acre of rolling land with mature landscaping and tucked away private pool. Completely restored and updated with current technology, it’s a house that will make the buyer look forward to entertaining family and friends both in grand style as well as intimate gatherings. It’s a home that combines the regal majesty of old Hollywood with old world craftsmanship and architecture combined with all the upgrades for today’s living. It is truly a rare find indeed.

Live with all the glamour of old Hollywood in the house chosen by movie land’s illuminati. Priced at $7,495,000.

Source: guest.themls.com