1930s Mediterranean by Arthur Kelly asking $7M in Laughlin Park

The property sits atop the highest point in the gated enclave.
Photos by Charmaine David, courtesy of Richard Stanley/Coldwell Banker

Up for sale for the first time since 1970 is Los Feliz’s Sparks-McLaren Residence. Located in the gated enclave of Laughlin Park, the stately Mediterranean Revival was designed in 1930 by Arthur R. Kelly, architect of the Harvard-Westlake School, the Wilshire Country Club, and the humble abode known as the Playboy Mansion. The home was built for mining investor Alexander McLaren, his wife, Esther, and Esther’s sister, Edith Sparks.

Sited on a cul-de-sac at the highest point in the celebrity-heavy development, the prize property enjoys wrap-around city, hillside, and Griffith Park views. Measuring 4,412 square feet, it contains three levels. On the entry level, you’ll find the living room, formal dining room, family room, and kitchen; upstairs are four bedroom suites, and on the lower floor, guest quarters, a wine room with bar, and laundry room.

Notable interior features include beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, Palladian windows, French doors, multiple fireplaces, built-ins, and lovely Art Deco tile. Outside, there’s a sizable swimming pool, a tree-shaded patio, and a three-car garage.

The .32-acre property is listed with Richard Stanley of Coldwell Banker at an asking price of $7 million. Open houses are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, and 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The home has three fireplaces.
The formal dining room is lined with French doors.
The kitchen has been outfitted with professional-grade appliances.
The upper level has four en suite bedrooms.
Features include original tile and built-in vanities.
The mahogany-paneled library opens to a covered balcony deck.
Exterior features include several balconies, a tree-shaded patio, and heated swimming pool.

Comments

Interesting. I have never heard of Laughlin Park.

I like the house quite a bit. The location appears private and quiet. For $7 million, I would expect nicer grounds.

Or just some grounds.

Is the pool really in the FRONT yard?

Yes please.

I love this home. Beautiful.

But I would change the flooring though. I don’t like hardwood floors. I would add burgundy carpets all through the house except for the kitchen and the bathrooms.

And cover those beautiful floors? To each his own, at least the floors would be protected under all that wall to wall

The house is gorgeous, but as others have mentioned for 7 million I would really think it would have some yard around it

Is that a street right around the pool area? Bizarre, but the house is gorgeous.

The whole neighborhood is gated at Franklin. When I used to walk by it every day going to high school (1960s) it was not gated.

Gee, 1960s, huh? I wonder what brought that on? My guess is that the deeds were restricted prior and when they changed the law a lot of communities decided just to wall themselves in

If you have a teenage son who likes to burn doughnuts with his car this would be the ideal yard.

Oh, dear… is Junior at it again?

The kitchen is atrocious. Who would did the remodel must have been color blind. Those modern looking blue cabinets are completely out of place in a sea of wood and green stone.

OK, ignoring the 7M ask and the very limited lot (yeah, yeah, and those blue cabinets), this is a very charming house. Finishes are understated, rooms are comfortable as well as comforting, and complement both today’s contemporary needs/expectations while respecting its 1930s heritage. Nice touch.

well, the library and one bathroom are legit.

Quite nice interiors, excepting the awkwardly conceived kitchen . The grounds could use more privacy. This does not really look like $7Million.

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