‘Frankenstein’ Director James Whale’s Former Home in Los Feliz Listed for $7.24M (Exclusive)

Villa Collina, a Mediterranean Revival masterpiece nestled in the hills of Los Feliz in the shadow of Griffith Observatory, has a historic Hollywood pedigree stretching back almost a century. Designed by architect Henry Harwood Hewitt in 1927, the four-bedroom, four-bath estate was built for Olympian Clement E. Smoot, who was part of the 1904 gold medal-winning golfing team. A later resident was Artur Rodzinski, famed Polish conductor of the LA Philharmonic.

But Villa Collina became famous as the home of legendary English director James Whale in the 1930s. Whale reportedly lived at the Villa with his longtime partner David Lewis, despite rampant homophobia in Hollywood. According to Behind the Screen: How Gays and Lesbians Shaped Hollywood, when agent Phil Berg asked Whale if he “had” to live with Lewis, Whale replied: “I don’t have to. I want to.”

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One of the most prolific directors of the decade, Whale — portrayed by Ian McKellen in the 1998 feature Gods and Monsters — directed horror classics including Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, Bride of Frankenstein and appropriately, The Old Dark House. He also directed classics including Showboat and The Man in the Iron Mask. “A director must be pretty bad if he can’t get a thrill out of war, murder, robbery,” he once said.

The extensively refurbished home features handmade tiles, a chef’s kitchen with glass Sub Zero refrigerator, a half-acre of gardens with a Roman pool and gazebo, a private tower room and a newly redesigned hotel-style guest apartment that doubles as a spa with a marble steam shower.

Previously sold in 2021 for $5.62 million, the house has been co-listed by Nourmand & Associates agent Konstantine Valissarakos and Richard Yohon at Sotheby’s. For $7.24 million, a buyer can become the owner of a true Hollywood classic. But knowing Villa Collina’s history, they might have to share it with a ghost or two.

Valissarkos tells THR that the street where the house is located “is home to many extravagant and unique character homes in Los Feliz, which is famed for its great architecture and warm, global appeal.” He adds that, “Villa Collina is the embodiment of refinement and taste. Privacy, character and tasteful luxury blend with jaw dropping views of Los Angeles and Griffith Park, making this oasis of unique luxury a rare jewel in Los Feliz. This is one of the best, most thoughtful and delightful villas in Los Feliz, one of my personal favorites I’m so proud to represent.”

Scroll on for more pictures of the former home of director James Whale in Los Feliz.

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