Romantic 1920s Spanish Revival asking $1.6M in Whitley Heights

Developed in the 1920s by real estate magnate H.J. Whitley, the hillside enclave of Whitley Heights was the neighborhood of choice for showbiz folks in Tinseltown’s early days, attracting such silver screen icons as Rudolph Valentino, Jean Harlow, Harold Lloyd, William Powell, and Carole Lombard to its picturesque streets.

Just a few doors away from the Mediterranean villa Powell and Lombard once shared, you’ll find this lovely 1924 Spanish Revival, formerly the home of actor and director Carl M. Leviness.

His name might not ring a bell, but chances are you’ve seen Leviness onscreen multiple times without realizing it. As his lengthy IMDB page illustrates, Leviness managed to build quite an impressive career on being a background player, popping up as a “townsman” or “ship passenger” or “wedding guest” in over 100 films, including Some Like it Hot, North by Northwest, and A Star is Born.

Per its listing, the three-story property contains a main residence with three bedrooms and two and a half baths; a permitted studio with bath; and a one-bedroom, one-bath bonus space with separate entrance, which, the copy suggests, can be used “for privileged guests, office/recording/gym or income.”

Along with an updated kitchen and baths, the home features hardwood floors, wrought iron accents, Juliet balconies, French doors and windows, and carved archways. It’s also been submitted for Mills Act approval, which could provide significant property tax savings if granted. Asking price for the 2,954-square-foot residence is $1.569 million, and open house will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday.

• 6820 Iris Circle [Official site]

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