The historic home of Isaac Newton Van Nuys is on the market for the first time since 1998. Per the listing, the house was constructed by Van Nuys in the 1890s, then "moved to its current location by his son J. Benton Van Nuys in 1915." Given the 12,500 square-foot size of the eleven bedroom Victorian, this must have been no small task. Currently, the mansion sits on a 27,000 square-foot lot in grand old Windsor Square. Features include some very elegant hand carved wooden walls (including a secret door), an impressive master staircase, and a two bedroom carriage house on the property. There's also a good-sized pool, ballroom, and just about everything else necessary to feel like an old Los Angeles tycoon.
Van Nuys was a rancher and businessman who at one time owned most of the southern portion of the San Fernando Valley. In 1909, he sold it to a group of speculators led by LA Times publisher Harrison Gray Otis. In 1913, water from the Owens Valley began flowing into Los Angeles, and these investors made millions developing housing in the newly lush environment. These events were later dramatized in the movie Chinatown.
Steve Martin fans might also be excited to know that this impressive residence was also prominently featured in the 2003 film Cheaper by the Dozen. The asking price is $8.195 million.
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