1717 North Ogden Drive: Old Hollywood Mediterranean

Harmony begins at the street level at 1717 North Ogden Drive. Leafy hedges guard this 1921 Mediterranean giving gentle rise into the romantic private garden.

At its entrance, with clay-tiles and gorgeous rustic doors, it’s easy to recall the Golden Age of Hollywood as you cross this threshold.

In fact, actress May Cloy lived here in her later years. She appeared in Peck o’ Pickles (1916), Bluff (1916) and Beloved Rogues (1917), in which she played alongside her husband, former vaudevillian Clarence Kolb.

Kolb was well-known for playing irascible, bombastic–and often crooked–politicians and businessmen. He is best remembered as the fast-talking, corrupt mayor in the classic, His Girl Friday (1940) and Mr. Honeywell, Vern Albright’s boss, in the TV series  My Little Margie (1952).

1717 North Ogden embodies architectural revival style that was the rage in Southern California before WWII. Many of this homes earliest occupants were noted frequently on the society pages of the Los Angeles Times.

With over 2,300 square feet, the home is warm, relaxed, engaging, and quintessentially Spanish/Mediterranean revival, with modern amenities merged with original detail.

The oversized living room features tiger oak floors, flawless cove ceilings, a fireplace, and multi-paned casement windows.

Wide archways reveal the next generously-sized room.

The flexible floor plan has great separation of space with three bedrooms on one level, and a large fourth bedroom and bathroom with its own private entrance on a separate level–perfect for a creative retreat. Perhaps many have been inspired here, including composer and Professor-Emeritus of Music at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, Roger Bourland, who once lived here.

The master suite bath includes a double sink and separate freestanding tub. The home’s two and a half bathrooms have all been recently renovated.

Old-school Mexican saltillo tile in the gourmet kitchen floors a warm contrast to the latest in modern appliances.

The kitchen’s open layout and cook’s island is perfect for informal family gatherings with natural flow into the outdoors.

Hacienda-style comfort and beauty inside and out.

Palms, fruit trees, and lush landscaping extend indoor/outdoor living spaces into a private entertainer’s oasis.

There is a saltwater pool and spa here to encourage you to take in the splendor. 1717 North Ogden showcases the look and feel of California living.

Low hanging vines from the shaded pergola blend architecture into the garden retreat. The built-in banquette anchors the lounging space.

During the day, the Hollywood Hills offer an escape from the rat race under the bright, sunny skies of Southern California. Nearby Runyon Canyon brings you sweeping views from Catalina and the Pacific Ocean, to the rising skyline of Downtown.

By night, 1717 North Ogden is a respite from the chaos of the Sunset Strip and Hollywood Boulevard areas that surround it.

Here, the glow from the stars eases the mind into endless space and utter solitude.