Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles County & Catalina Island, California, USA (30 Minutes to Burbank Airport, 45 Minutes to Lax)
Accommodations: Home, 4 Bedrooms + Den, 6 Baths (Sleeps 8-9)
Enjoy an Old Hollywood fantasy getaway in this beautifully restored mansion and updated neo-Mayan masterpiece. Designed by Lloyd Wright, son of America’s greatest architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, this 1926 home is a magical oasis in the heart of modern-day Hollywood. Conveniently located next to the best of Los Angeles shopping, nightlife, and dining. Once inside this unique 6,000 square foot house you feel as if you are in another world entirely. All rooms face the interior courtyard which shelters a secluded Jacuzzi and pool amidst an immaculate succulent garden with flowering vines. The courtyard doors slide into the walls to create a stunning indoor/outdoor feel, while the addition of water and fire features give unity and completion to Wright’s elemental vision.
Renovated in the year 2000 by designer/owner Xorin Balbes, a sleek, modern edge was brought to the Old Hollywood glamour of the Sowden House. The renovation also brought it a feature in Architectural Digest, and a new era of public visibility as the location for countless celebrity fundraisers, film shoots, TV shows and commercials. Today, the master bathroom provides luxury comfort with its own private spa-soak in a freestanding tub, a shower in a glass encased steam room, and a meditation area by a beautiful koi pond. The home also features a reading room with a huge salt water aquarium, a home theater system with surround sound, a gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, 2 fireplaces, 2 outdoor fire pits, 2 exotic modern flaming torches, and a dramatic city view.
A collection of new antique artifacts were added to the home as well, including an enormous Indonesian Buddha that looks out from atop the master bedroom, an antique Chinese dowry chest, Japanese tansus converted to bathroom cabinets, and a 400 year-old Quan Yin statue. All of these new design elements harmonize with the rustic details around the door frames and the Mayan-influenced stone work. Other amenities include a washer/dryer, garage parking and wireless internet. The 4 bedrooms with 6 bathrooms can accommodate up to 8 people.
HISTORY OF THE SOWDEN HOUSE
A Legend that Still Lives
In 1926, Lloyd Wright, son of America’s greatest architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, built the Sowden House for friend and photographer John Sowden. The home utilized Wright’s philosophies as a landscape architect to emphasize the elements of nature by a floor plan where all rooms opened to a central courtyard. Hand cast, sand-colored concrete blocks emblazoned with images of harvest, water, clouds, and sun were stacked together in such a way that the house became an homage to the pyramids of ancient Mayan civilization, while the pillared courtyard with multiple entries made clear architectural reference to such Yucatec Mayan temples as Sayil and Uxmal.
In his book, “The Visionary State”, author Erik Davis speaks of the Wright family’s “Mesoamerican palaces” that were built in a number of Southern California locations. He goes on to say that “the home that Lloyd Wright built on Franklin Avenue ... is easily the wildest of the lot, an Expressionist temple whose primeval exotica makes the visionary aspirations of the Southland’s neo-Mayan architecture clear."
The Sowden House, in its modern incarnation, has served as the set for countless films, TV shows, and commercials. Among these are Martin Scorcese’s “Aviator” about the high drama life of Howard Hughes, various episodes of “America’s Next Top Model”, and an American Express commercial featuring Ellen DeGeneres in deep meditation.
All told, the Sowden House is a magnificent tribute to the interplay of shadow and light, much as are the ancient Mayan temples that inspired it. Steeped in Hollywood history, it continues to reveal new facets of its relationship to drama and stardom, while at the same time taking on new life as a center for creativity and healing. In restoring the Sowden, Xorin Balbes has honored Lloyd Wright’s intention to merge architecture and landscape by making this home a living temple environment where sacred space is evident at every turn.
GUEST COMMENTS:
"What can I possibly say about this house that you are so willing to share. We would never have had an experience like that if it wasn’t for your willingness to share such an amazing monument. Staying in the house is truly an experience that changes your life. We came to Los Angeles to shop and sight see, and instead we found ourselves just wanting to stay in and hang in your beautiful home." - Jason and Betsy Sanderson, New York
"Exquisite beauty is all I can say." - Steve Marks, San Francisco
"Who ever knew that such beauty could exist? The house is so comfortable and relaxing … so looking forward to our next trip to Los Angeles."
- Dan Morrison, London, England
"It is like a fantasy – yet it is real! Thanks for sharing! We'll be back!" - Betsy Johnson, New York
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Garage: two car garage
- Off Street Parking: plenty of off street parking
- Gas Fireplace (2)
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed (3)
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (5)
- DVD (5)
- VCR (5)
- CD Player (5)
- Stereo System
- Jetted Tub in Bath
- Private Hot Tub
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill: gas grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- Communications
- Telephone (6)
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed: smoking is only allowed outside
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$2400/night (10% discount for rentals of 5 nights or more).
*Please note - our listed rates are for standard overnight use only.
Rates for parties and special events are determined on a case by case basis
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Property Photos
- interior courtyard view to bedroom - Los Angeles Vacation Home Restored Mansion - Courtyard with Private Jacuzzi and Pool
- interior courtyard view to living room - Los Angeles Vacation Home Restored Mansion - Courtyard with Private Jacuzzi and Pool
- interior courtyard view with fire pit and pool - Los Angeles Vacation Home Restored Mansion - Courtyard with Private Jacuzzi and Pool
- entrance to house
- living room
- master bedroom
- master bedroom side view
- master bathroom with soaking tub
- master bathroom with view to meditation area
- koi pond and meditation area
- reading room with salt water aquarium
- fireplace in den
- dining room
- gourmet kitchen
- gourmet kitchen
- bedroom
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #234567
There have been 4044 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - October 07, 2009
