When we think of Hollywood homes, we usually envision sprawling mansions, high-tech amenities, and luxurious interiors. However, Los Angeles is also known for its flamboyant and often over-the-top lifestyles. Celebrities have a knack for living lavishly, from fancy cars to extravagant vacations. However, most of the time, their sense of style and architectural taste can raise eyebrows, especially in home design. Here is a selection of some of our favorite architectural head-scratchers:
The Mushroom House
Just outside of LA, go visit the Mushroom House. Located in the hills of Studio City, this location looks like a giant mushroom that sprouted from the ground. Designed by architect Harry Gesner in the 1960s, it has since become a landmark in the area. The design of the house is so unusual that it has been featured in several movies and TV shows.
The Flintstone House: A Stone Age Home in a Modern World
The Flintstone House, located outside of LA in Hillsborough, California, is a prehistoric-inspired home that has been the subject of controversy since it was first built in 1976. Designed by architect William Nicholson, the house features rounded walls, a sloping roof, and a vibrant orange and purple color scheme. The home’s interior is just as unconventional, with a stone fireplace and a rock-themed bathroom.
Despite its unique design, the Flintstone House has been criticized in recent years. The current owner of the house, Florence Fang, has faced legal action from the city of Hillsborough for making unapproved modifications to the property, including adding a herd of dinosaur sculptures and a significant sign reading “Yabba Dabba Doo!” to the front yard.
The Beverly Hillbillies Mansion: A Hollywood Classic
Perhaps one of the most recognizable Hollywood homes is the Beverly Hillbillies Mansion, featured in the hit TV series The Beverly Hillbillies. Located in Bel Air, California, the mansion was designed in the 1920s by architect Sumner Spaulding and features 21,000 square feet of living space, including 18 bedrooms and 25 bathrooms.
While the mansion’s exterior is grand and elegant, the interior is a different story. The home’s decor features a mix of vintage and kitschy furnishings, including a stuffed bear, a suit of armor, and a replica of the Clampett family’s jalopy. Despite its over-the-top design, the Beverly Hillbillies Mansion has become a beloved piece of Hollywood history and is still admired by fans of the show today.
The Guitar House
The Guitar House, located in Woodland Hills, California, is a perfect example of how one can take their love for music to another level. The house has a design that is inspired by the musical instrument and is painted in bright colors that are sure to catch your attention. But, unfortunately, the house was built in 1990 and has been a pretty blatant eyesore ever since.
While the owner of the house might love music, it’s hard to imagine anyone else taking this house seriously, or the HOA being very happy about the design.
The Batman House
Located in Beverly Hills, this house is a perfect example of how one can take their love for a fictional character to another level. This house looks like it was lifted straight out of a comic book. With black walls and a design that resembles a bat, this location looks identical to the bachelor pad Bruce Wayne occupied in Gotham City.
The Spaceship House
Designed by architect John Lautner in 1960, this house looks like it was plucked straight out of a science fiction movie. The house is perched atop a 30-foot concrete pedestal and has a shape that resembles a UFO. The house was built for a client who wanted a unique home that would provide 360-degree views of Los Angeles. Safe to say he got what he asked for.
The structure is perched on a tall concrete column and has a circular floor plan with walls made of glass. The design of the house was so innovative that it won several awards and has since been featured in several movies and TV shows.
The “Hobbit” House
The Hobbit House, located in Culver City, California, was built by a former Disney artist, who was inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings book series. Although Disney never got the rights to Middle-Earth, this location is the closest anyone can get to visiting Tolkien’s universe.
The house looks like it was taken straight out of the Shire, with a design that is reminiscent of the hobbit holes in the books and movies. The layout features a curved roof, a round door, and a spiral staircase.
Ellen DeGeneres: A Love for Odd-Shaped Furniture
Ellen DeGeneres is known for her quirky personality; her home reflects that. But, unfortunately, odd-shape furniture clutters the interior within her house, looking like it belongs in a funhouse rather than a home. One of the most notable examples of this is the giant mushroom-shaped chairs in her living room. While certainly eye-catching, they certainly don’t look very comfortable to sit in.
The Upside Down House
The Upside Down House is located in the heart of Hollywood and looks like it’s been flipped on its head. Artist Michael Jantzen designed the house and is a perfect example of the absurdity of Hollywood design. The house features a roof that’s actually the floor and walls that are perpendicular to the ground.
The Witch’s House Of Beverly Hills.
Also Known As Spadena House, this unique Beverly Hills home is a delightful architectural oddity. Built-in 1921, the house was initially a movie set for silent films. However, it was later moved to its current location and turned into a residential home. Its pointed, sagging roof, crooked windows, and whimsical, storybook-like details perfectly encapsulate the image of a witch’s dwelling. Its distinctive design has made it a local landmark and a favorite amongst architecture enthusiasts.
If you’re interested in learning more about mansions in the Los Angeles, California area, this video gives a good look into the homes of several of classic Hollywood stars:
