Location: West Hollywood, Los Angeles County & Catalina Island, California, USA (Located Few Minutes Walk to Chaplin Studios, Goldwyn Studios)
Accommodations: 1 Bedroom + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
Keywords: Village Complex
Normandie Towers: For information on how to become a resident click More. Apartments available now-or more information call us or E-Mail.
Legendary Normandie Towers, a Hollywood Landmark
History of Normandie Towers
Constructed in 1924 by Charlie Chaplin* to house actors, staff and crew.
I purchased the village in 1969 from Effie Davis; According to Mrs. Davis her sister Blanche was given the property in the early 1950’s by Mr. Chaplin when he moved to Switzerland. All the information I have comes from Mrs. Davis.* I found her to be very honest and was allowed to purchase the property only if I maintained it and its history. Records listing the who’s who of Hollywood were also turned over to me including who stayed where in the building complex. According to Effie, Mr. Chaplin built it using his studio stage crew! Of course in the 1920’s in Los Angeles there was no need for permits, licensed contractors, etc. There were 22 full price offers on the property (all cash). The Davis’s handed each party (buyers) a questionnaire asking things like “what is your intention with the property.” Also a list of silent screen stars was furnished us asking us to tell something about this or that actor/actress. Amongst the list were Fatty Arbuckle, Theda Bara, Clara Bow, Buster Keaton, Edna Purchase (I did not know of her), Douglas Fairbanks, Lillian Gish, Norma Shearer, G M Anderson (Bronco Billy), Pola Negri, Jean Harlow* Adolf Menjou, John Rand, Wallace Beery, Rudolf Valentino (I have an eviction letter addressed to Mr. Valentino evicting him due to loud noises; (he beat his ladies with a whip), Evelyn Brent, Mary White, etc.
Of all the 22 want-to-be buyers I was the only one that spent two hours talking about most of these fabulous actors. The Davis’s were stunned but coming from a celebrity (music) family I was brought up with Hollywood stars old and new. Nearly everyone else wanted to tear down the buildings (there are five separate structures totaling 25 apartments.) I have just restored the property at a cost to me of $500,000 including the replacement of all water lines hot & cold, sewer lines, updated electric and a complete do over of the exterior as it was in 1923! I believe Mr. Chaplin had a relationship with Blanche according to Effie but she did not disclose exactly what it was. Lastly my manager recently found a secret stair leading to an attic in the cottage Jean Harlow lived in with her mom and stepfather. He found matches from the 1920’s along with sulfur, also from that period. Sulfur was used to burn off warts then (ouch) and Jean Harlow suffered from that affliction!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Monument View
- Other Amenities
- This is a 1920's official Hollywood landmark property with lush gardens and a Who's Who of Hollywood legends that have lived there.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Not Suitable for Children
- Smoking Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Hiking
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
This listing is for one unit #10
$4500/month fully furnished (minimum stay is 1 month)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
-
Credit Cards Accepted:
-
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1969
Michael DuBasso/owner is a person interested in the preservation of all historical properties throughout the Los Angeles area.
Why the Owner Chose West Hollywood
Please review the description and please view the URL link that depicts just some of the famous Hollywood stars who visited or lived here.
The Unique Benefits of this
To walk the same lush grounds and reside in Jean Harlowes home and also where a young Marilyn Monroe stayed.
Property Photos
-
- CENTER COURTYARD - West Hollywood Landmark Complex: Normandie Towers
-
- ENTRANCE TO FANTASYLAND - West Hollywood Landmark Complex: Normandie Towers
-
- TIFFANY GLASS WINDOWS - West Hollywood Landmark Complex: Normandie Towers
-
- A VIEW OF THE HISTORIC JEAN HARLOWE APT. #10
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #237255
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Monday, January 09, 2012
