The property was purchased in a matter of minutes over FaceTime, yet the careful restoration process unfolded over many years. Even before stepping foot in their Spanish Colonial Revival–style residence in Los Angeles’s Hancock Park, its new owners–or “stewards,” as they prefer to call themselves–knew that preserving the 1928 home’s historical integrity was paramount. To make it their own, the wife, a former beauty executive, and her husband, a film and television producer, enlisted local designer Barry Fox to help them inhabit the mindset of its original inhabitants.
A Vision of Historical Preservation and Modern Interpretation
The acquisition of this significant Hancock Park estate marked the beginning of a multi-year journey for its new stewards, who approached the project with a profound respect for its architectural heritage. The Spanish Colonial Revival style, popular in Southern California during the early 20th century, evokes a romantic connection to Spain’s colonial past, characterized by features such as red-tiled roofs, stucco exteriors, arched windows, and ornate detailing. The 1928 residence, designed by the esteemed James Dolena—an architect also celebrated for his work on the Walt Disney Estate—represented a prime example of this architectural movement, boasting a protected edifice and a lush courtyard.
The decision to purchase the property remotely, via FaceTime, underscores a modern approach to real estate transactions, highlighting the trust placed in the visual information and the reputation of the property. However, this swift acquisition was juxtaposed with an equally deliberate and extended restoration process, emphasizing that the charm of a quick purchase did not translate into a rushed approach to preservation. The owners’ self-designation as “stewards” signals a deep commitment to safeguarding the home’s historical essence for future generations, viewing themselves not as mere owners but as caretakers of its legacy.
Collaboration with Designer Barry Fox: Inhabiting the Past, Embracing the Present
The core of the renovation philosophy revolved around understanding and embodying the spirit of the home’s original inhabitants. To achieve this, the couple engaged designer Barry Fox, known for his ability to blend historical context with contemporary living. Fox, who has a long-standing relationship with the clients, having met them over a decade prior through a mutual acquaintance, was instrumental in translating their vision into tangible design choices. His approach, as described by the wife, was to create a “counter-trend in a positive way,” eschewing conventional design norms in favor of a curated and unique aesthetic.
The husband, a seasoned collector of art and antiques, brought a discerning eye to the project, emphasizing the need for both aesthetic refinement and practical livability. His appreciation for Fox’s and his wife’s ability to “manufacture new intense aesthetics within the context of a room” speaks to the collaborative nature of the design process. The goal was not to replicate the past but to create a space that felt both historically resonant and comfortably functional for a modern family.
Structural Integrity and Expanded Living Spaces
The architectural framework of the residence was entrusted to Sonny Ward, principal of June Street Architecture. Ward’s firm is recognized for its sensitive approach to historic properties, focusing on thoughtful engineering to support preservation. The project involved significant structural updates, including the discreet expansion of living spaces. A notable addition was the subterranean, three-tier screening room, a modern amenity seamlessly integrated without compromising the integrity of the original structure.
Ward emphasized that the firm’s approach was guided by a sense of responsibility: “We didn’t see it as our right, frankly, to dramatically alter the home.” This philosophy extended to preserving the protected edifice, the meticulously maintained courtyard, and the distinctive, unusually deep circular swimming pool, all of which are hallmarks of the property’s historical charm and architectural significance. The successful integration of modern infrastructure within a historic shell demonstrates the evolving capabilities of architectural restoration and renovation, allowing for enhanced functionality without sacrificing historical character.
A Synthesis of Art, Antiques, and Contemporary Design
The interiors of the Hancock Park residence are a testament to a sophisticated and eclectic design vision, where contemporary art dialogues with blue-chip antiques. The entry hall sets a tone of curated grandeur, featuring an 18th-century Russian mahogany table atop a valuable Kashan Mohtasham rug. The space is further enriched by a sculptural vase from Built By Gattas, vintage parchment stools reminiscent of Jean-Michel Frank’s designs, and a Brian Belott work from Morán Morán Gallery. A striking “Pepsi” painting by Mary Louise Schrodt adds an unexpected pop of pop art. Overhead, a plaster-and-bronze pendant from The Lamp Workshop provides ambient lighting.
The original flooring in the entry hall, a point of initial discussion, was ultimately retained at the wife’s insistence. Fox lauded its “patina to it that you’re not going to get no matter how much money you spend trying to.” This decision highlights the owners’ appreciation for the authentic wear and history embedded in original materials. The hall is further adorned with Louis XV gilt-bronze sconces and a Patrice Dangel patinated-bronze torchière, casting a warm glow over a Gaetano Pesce “Nobody’s Perfect” chair, symbolizing the intentional juxtaposition of historical elegance and avant-garde design.
The Kitchen: A Futuristic Envelope
The kitchen, clad in Calacatta marble and reflective brass, embodies the owners’ guiding philosophy of modern interpretation within a historical context. The wife describes the space as “ultramodern,” reflecting the 1920s desire for cutting-edge design. While seemingly at odds with a preservation-minded renovation, this “laboratory-like” space perfectly captures the homeowners’ aim to create a “futuristic envelope” that pushes boundaries while respecting the home’s architectural lineage. The integration of high-end appliances from Miele and Sub-Zero, concealed behind reflective brass panels, further enhances this sleek, modern aesthetic. Pendants from Noguchi Akari and Lumfardo illuminate the space, complemented by plumbing fixtures from Waterworks.
The Dining Room: A Blend of Royal Heritage and Mid-Century Modernism
The dining room serves as a remarkable convergence of historical periods and artistic movements. A large Sol LeWitt watercolor commands attention on walls wrapped in a Clarence House fabric. Complementing this contemporary art are George III painted dining chairs, sourced from Queen Victoria’s personal collection, which the husband acquired at a Christie’s auction. These antique pieces gather around a 1970s Milo Baughman burlwood dining table, a mid-century modern icon. The juxtaposition of these elements—royal heritage meeting mid-century design—speaks to the owners’ bold curatorial choices.
Fox’s role in sourcing these significant pieces, including the chairs from Queen Victoria’s collection, highlights his expertise and extensive network within the art and antique markets. The wife’s assessment of Fox as a “real workhorse” with an “incredible Rolodex” and a knack for blending old-school processes with a non-flashy demeanor underscores his value as a designer who prioritizes substance and unique aesthetic outcomes.
The Living Room: A Dialogue of Eras
The sunset-hued living room is a prime example of the “right mix of weirdness” that the couple sought. A tan-leather-wrapped Mario Bellini sofa, a celebrated piece of 1970s Italian design, shares the space with 18th-century pier tables. Above these historical pieces hangs a geometric Day-Glo canvas by Peter Halley, a prominent figure in the Neo-Expressionist movement. This deliberate collision of design eras and artistic styles, as the wife admits, “none of it makes sense on paper,” yet it achieves a striking and harmonious visual narrative.
The design philosophy consciously moved away from the ubiquitous “floppy” cream-colored sofas often found in comfortable California living spaces. Instead, the emphasis was on creating distinct zones of use. “I think that a formal house, with a really strict organizing principle around how rooms are used, actually makes it more comfortable,” the wife explains. This approach allowed for a clear delineation between the relaxed family spaces and the more traditional public rooms, as well as the primary suite.
The Library: A Sanctuary of Art and Design
The library, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Incardine, is a sophisticated retreat that showcases a curated collection of art and furniture. Central to the room is a circa-1960s Atelier Braun-Fortuna desk from Belgium, positioned before a pair of Josef Hoffmann leather Kubus chairs. These iconic pieces are complemented by a Philippe Hiquily side table crafted from gilt resin and petrified wood. Illuminating the space are Robert Kime bookcase lights, adding a warm ambiance after dark. The French doors are dressed in Bruschwig & Fils curtains, providing a classic touch, while a custom leather-and-parchment sconce by Fox adds a bespoke element. The foreground features a chair and stool by David Wiseman, further enhancing the room’s artistic and design-forward character. The custom wool carpet from La Manufacture Cogolin anchors the space, adding a layer of texture and warmth.
The Powder Room: A Whimsical Touch
Perhaps one of the most unique and personal touches in the residence is found in the downstairs powder room. A custom bronze faucet, painstakingly designed and cast over two years by P.E. Guerin, is an exact likeness of the family’s beloved cat, Buns, affectionately known as Bunny Mellon. This extraordinary detail, described by Fox as a “big undertaking,” reflects the homeowners’ desire to infuse their home with personal narratives and a touch of delightful eccentricity. The Calacatta Monet countertop from Tristone and Tile provides a luxurious base, while a CB2 mirror hangs above the sink, framed by Pierre Frey wallpaper. The cafe curtain fabric, a block print sourced by Fox during a trip to India, adds a global flair.
The Primary Bedroom: Restraint and Refinement
The primary bedroom is designed as a sanctuary of quiet restraint. Walls and drapery are enveloped in a rosy Namay Samay fabric, creating a soothing and enveloping atmosphere. A Birch Lane bed, adorned with a throw from Nickey Kehoe, rests on a Stark carpet. Vintage shagreen side tables flank the bed, supporting 1940s lamps by Bertil Brisborg sourced from Lief. A Josef Frank floor lamp from the same era also contributes to the room’s ambiance. A vintage Philip Arctander Clam chair from JF Chen sits beside a Charlotte Perriand stool from Cassina, offering comfortable seating options. The room also features works by Veronica Gelbaum, SoiL Thornton, and Magnus Peterson Horner above the bed, adding artistic depth.
The Gym: A Harmonious Blend of Function and Form
The gym area showcases a harmonious blend of function and form, with glass lanterns from Rose Uniacke casting a warm glow throughout the pine-clad workout space. The floor, a striking cement-tile design from Sabine Hill, provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing foundation. At one end, a 19th-century English leather armchair, a piece from the husband’s childhood bedroom in New York City, adds a touch of personal history and comfort. Architect Sonny Ward’s observations on the home’s architectural vocabulary—its restrained massing, textured stucco walls, arched openings, courtyard organization, and integration with the landscape—underscore the property’s significance within the historical context of Hancock Park.
Conclusion: A Legacy Preserved and Reimagined
The restoration of this 1928 Spanish Colonial Revival residence in Hancock Park is a masterclass in balancing historical preservation with contemporary living. The owners, who embrace the role of "stewards," along with designer Barry Fox and architect Sonny Ward, have successfully created a home that honors its past while embracing the future. The careful selection of art, antiques, and modern furnishings, combined with thoughtful structural enhancements, has resulted in a residence that is both a historical artifact and a vibrant, functional family home. The project stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-preserved architecture and the power of collaborative design to reimagine and revitalize iconic properties for a new era.
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