2285 La Granada Drive

The residence at 2285 La Granada Drive, known historically as a cornerstone of the Hollywood Dell, stands as a prime example of the 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival style that came to define the Los Angeles hills. Built in 1923 by Reed & Co. (headed by Howard S. Reed), the home was part of a visionary expansion by the firm, which also developed at least four other properties on the same street and the nearby "Hollywood Electrical Home" at 6533 Cahuenga Terrace.  Below is La Granada Avenue in 1924; 2285 La Granada Drive sits on tract 5493 on lots 15 through 18 which was close to Holly Drive.  Note that La Granada Drive ran from Odin Street to Holly Drive and had a short alley between Odin Street and La Granada Drive.  The street above in the foregroun is San Marco Drive.

Originally designed as an eight-room, two-story residence, the house—often referred to as Casa La Granada—features the classic hallmarks of its era.  The villa is characterized by its dramatic arches, thick plaster walls, and a classic red-tiled roof.  It boasts double-height ceilings in the expansive living room, intricate stained-glass windows flanking the fireplace, and oak wood floors.  Following restorations, it currently spans roughly 4,356 square feet with four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, sitting on a gated, one-third-acre promontory with panoramic canyon views.

The home has been a magnet for entertainment industry figures for over a century. According to author Ronald Genini who wrote "Theda Bara: A Biography of the Silent Screen Vamp, with a Filmography", Bara moved to a Tutor house on West Adams Street "after a short stay at an impressive looking house at 2285 La Granada in Hollywood).  However, this is likely a chronological error as Bara resided at 649 West Adams Street between 1917 and 1919.  The La Granada house was built in 1923.  She may have rented this house sometime in the 1920s before she and her husband, director Charles Brabin built their Beverly Hills home located at 632 Alpine Drive in 1927, where they would remain until Bara's death in 1955.  There was no collaboration that Bara lived here other than Genini's account and if she did, it would have been with her husband sometime between 1924 to 1927.  However, many narratives indicated that they would be living in a Beverly Hills bungalow periodically during this time period due to extensive traveling to New York or overseas.

When 2285 La Granada Drive was listed for sale in 1935; newspaper advertisements mentioned a "world famous movie star" had lived in the house.  Pianist Irwin Caitlin purchased the home and mentioned to the press the house was the former residence of Pola Negri.  Through the years, when the house was been on the market, realtors mention that the house was the former home of Negri or Rudolph Valentino.

According to telephone records, actor Robert Downey Jr. lived in the house during the early 1990s.  The Oscar-winning actor, most famous for his role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin, resided here during a transformative period in his career.  In 2002, actor Gary Oldman rented the house for a year.  The English actor and filmmaker celebrated for his versatility and "chameleon-like" performances, known for roles in The Dark Knight trilogy and his Oscar-winning turn in Darkest Hour.

Between 1993 and 2000, Casa La Granada was owned by John Paul Getty III (grandson of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, famously kidnapped in 1973), his wife Gail Getty (a former Olympic swimmer), and their son Balthazar Getty. Balthazar, a well-known actor (Lord of the Flies, Brothers & Sisters) and musician.  Currently, this property consists of 4,356 square feet, 4 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms on a 14,378 square foot gated lot.  The main living area features a dramatic two-story living room with a fireplace, high ceilings, and original stained-glass windows. A gourmet chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances, a large island, and marble countertops.  A formal dining room with built-ins, a library, and a family room with an entertainment center.  The home has two staircases, a rooftop studio with canyon views, and a downstairs guest suite with its own private entrance.  The grounds feature multiple fountains, fruit trees, a hot tub/spa, and several terraces for outdoor entertaining.