In its day, it was a picture of modernity and opulence. The exclusive home was originally built in 1925. An extensive remodeling project was underway by 1944, headed by John Elgin Woolf, who was known as the “architect to the stars.” Vincente Minnelli purchased it in 1951 while it was being renovated. The project was completed in 1954.
Woolf is renowned for the Hollywood Regency style, which fashioned glamorous architecture and living spaces by pulling together threads of Greek Revival, 19th-century French and Modernist, into what would later be recognized as postmodern. The classy abode featured a motor court and a luxurious modern pool.
Lee died three years later, just weeks after her 100th birthday. The owners, who sank about $3.5 million into the towering 5,800-square-foot, six-bedroom, six-bath home, could finally take possession.
It was expected that the property, set on an acre of exclusive land, very near the iconic Sunset Boulevard and its exclusive cross street, Rodeo Drive, would be renovated immediately.
Mysteriously, the magnificent estate holding an intriguing Hollywood tale was left to decay. No one ever moved in and no one restored it to its former glory.
The mansion at 812 North Crescent Drive just sat there, declining, for years on end, untenanted but for rats and squatters.
Vincente and his second wife, Georgette Magnani, took up residence upon completion. With little Liza living there half of the year, he spared no expense.
Vincente absolutely adored his daughter. The child-sized dollhouse in the backyard was not only constructed just for her, it was commissioned by stage and film artist Tony Duquette.
Inside the playhouse, a magical wardrobe awaited.
He commissioned MGM costume designers directly to custom make replica dress-up gowns, just Liza’s size, fashioned after leading women’s costumes in famous movies like 'Gone With the Wind' and 'The King and I'.