Rupert Murdoch’s Nephew Is Selling a Cliff May-Designed Equestrian Spread for $21 Million
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After nearly 14 years of ownership, Los Angeles-based businessman David Calvert-Jones has decided to part ways with his longtime residence in the horse-friendly Sullivan Canyon community, on the border of Brentwood and Pacific Palisades. The Australian-born nephew of billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch together with his wife Karina are asking a speck under $21.5 million for their revamped spread, which the couple acquired for just over $4 million.
Before that, the home was owned for almost five decades by Hollywood actress and activist Maxine Cooper, who is best known for her role as private detective Mike Hammer’s secretary Velda in the 1955 film noir classic Kiss Me Deadly, as well as appearances in the TV shows Dragnet, Perry Mason and The Twilight Zone. She and her Oscar-nominated producer and screenwriter husband Sy Gomberg purchased the place for a mere $122,500 back in the mid-’60s.
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Originally built and designed in the early ’40s by noted architect Cliff May, the equestrian property underwent an extensive renovation and expansion during the Calvert-Joneses tenure, and includes a five-bedroom, five-bath house featuring a little more than 6,200 square feet of split-level living space adorned throughout with a mix of stone and rustic hardwood floors, vaulted wood-beam ceilings, ample built-ins, and steel-framed windows and doors framing picturesque views of the garden-laced grounds.
Hidden away on a leafy cul-de-sac parcel spanning nearly two-thirds of an acre, within the Riviera Ranch enclave that May developed, the creamy stucco, stone and terra-cotta-roof structure is known as “Paradise Found,” and secluded behind walls and a gated driveway lined with mature olive trees. Once inside via an attractive hand-carved wood door, a fireside living room doubles as a screening room and a formal dining room rests beyond a decoratively trimmed entrance with pocketing wood doors.
A glass-lined breakfast room topped by an antler chandelier connects to the gourmet kitchen, which is outfitted with an expansive eat-in island, a pantry and high-end stainless appliances, and other highlights include a family room and private office space. There’s also an inviting primary bedroom suite sporting a sitting area nestled beside a cozy fireplace, two sets of French doors leading outside, a walk-in closet, and spa-like bath equipped with dual vanities, a built-in soaking tub and separate shower.
In addition to a large detached guesthouse and horse stable, the exterior amenities also consist of a central courtyard hosting a lengthy swimming pool flanked by an open-air cabana warmed by a fireplace, several al fresco lounging and entertaining spots, and a spacious motorcourt flanked by an attached three-car garage.
The listing is shared by Drew Fenton and Bjorn Farrugia of Carolwood Estates, and Jade Mills of Coldwell Banker Realty.
Click here for more photos of the “Paradise Found” house.
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