1926 Mayview Drive

This architectural home in desirable Franklin Hills features 3,468 sq. ft. of dreamy light and space. A standout presence, streetside, 1926 Mayview Drive fiercely guards the peaceful creative setting that emerges through the gates.

Franklin Hills rise east of Los Feliz Village flats, and south of Los Feliz Boulevard. Winding streets slow the pace up on tranquil hillsides. Homes ranging from Spanish bungalow, to those designed by preeminent 20th century architects, boast panoramic views of everything from DTLA to the Pacific. Hyperion Avenue demarcates its eastern edge with many of the neighborhood’s essentials–Trader Joe’s, restaurants, and watering holes–situated along its stretch.

1926 Mayview offers a big bonus for work-at-home creative professionals: a multi-room–office/media room/studio/bar and lounge for entertaining.

Built in 1989, the three-story contemporary modern layout takes full advantage of the views from every angle. A quintessential open floorplan, with sightlines that lead the eye into multiple living spaces and wide entrances that follow sunny passageways, this is a home that evokes limitless possibilities.

It was the light and airiness that immediately attracted 1926 Mayview’s longtime owner, Paula Gallitano, who not only felt immediately at home, but was inspired to create a working studio on the lower floor.

“From the street front you can’t tell what’s happening in this house. There is an atrium at the top and everywhere is full of light. I knew that it was the house I wanted.” –Paula Gallitano

The main entrance opens to the common rooms on the second floor.

There you’ll find a cook’s kitchen that leads to outdoor dining and entertaining.

From the main floor, one has the choice to progress to the living spaces and bedrooms on the upper floor, or to the former recording studio downstairs.

Gallitano, a Jazz pianist, songwriter, and music producer, who has worked on multiple award winning projects, took one look at the gym and office on the lower floor and saw the full potential to convert it into a music studio.

Sound insulation was installed in the walls and between the first and bottom floor. Double-paned windows were installed–great for sound isolation as well as energy conservation. Another energy saving feature: a separate air conditioning system allows you to cool the studio space independently from the rest of the house.

A Chickering Grand piano had its place in the studio.

Many great works have been recorded at 1926 Mayview.

Functioning as a separate unit, the lower floor is a modern, functional, and fully adaptable media space that is great for entertaining.

To give some perspective, pioneers of Los Angeles’ entertainment industry trace back to Franklin Hills.

The KCET Studios, established in 1912 and located on Sunset Boulevard, is the longest continuously-producing studio in Hollywood.

The Prospect Studios originally opened shop in 1915 as The Vitagraph Studio. The original silent film plant included two daylight film stages, support buildings and many exterior film sets. It’s tucked away so neatly into the neighborhood that many people don’t even know it’s there, but several television productions including General Hospital, Grey’s Anatomy, and other classics including The Lawrence Welk Show, Barney Miller, and Welcome Back Kotter were produced at Prospect Studios.

By 1925, Walt Disney built a studio at the northeast corner of Griffith Park Boulevard and Hyperion Ave.  Early classics, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, were produced here. Today, a Gelson’s market stands in the place of the former Disney studio with no trace of the former landmark.

Point of entry into the hills via Franklin Street, the iconic Shakespeare Bridge was built in 1926. East of the bridge begins the Franklin Hills Public Stairway system, a series of 14 stairways dating back to the 1920’s. They were originally built to provide hillside owners with access to trolley lines below. Today, these stairways are an intense workout–the longest in stairway of Franklin Hills is 167 steps.

Nightside, Franklin Hills is walking distance to Los Feliz Village where one can choose to see and be seen at Little Dom’s—Emma Watson and Kirsten Dunst go there—or get their show tunes on at Rockwell Table and Stage.

Bordering their Silver Lake counterparts to the east, Franklin Hills residents share LA neighborhood staples, Trader Joe’s, Pinkberry, and a smattering of this town’s quirkiest eateries along Hyperion Blvd. By dusk, locals get comfy at Hyperion Public or Barbella’s Happy hour–without ever feeling not cool enough to be there–before grazing at Barbrix, or shabby-romantic Speranza. Intimate Lyric Theatre offers everything from “full on laser-light-show dance parties to stand up comedy with Damon Waynes (Jr and Sr!) to musical acts ranging from up and coming bands to legends like Allen Toussaint.”

On the quieter side, locals pledge loyalty to their fave sushi, burgers, and cafés. Tomato Pie is LA’s East Coast transplant favorite—try the Joe P., Syracuse-Style Hot Wing, and the Greek. Or, from the owners of Tomato Pie, Mixto’s is forward-thinking Mexican style tacos, burritos, and salads but served up grass-fed, free-range, or vegan-friendly–easy curbside pick up and a short hop home.

1926 Mayview’s cozy upper floor layout features three bedrooms, two baths.

Expansive views and balcony for a private respite are enjoyed in the loft bedroom. According to Gallitano, there are six Juliet balconies on the property for quiet retreat and inspiration.

Shared full bath.

No luxury was spared in the the Master Suite design: the Master bedroom features a fireplace, and a private balcony with Western exposure.

Master’s closet is a huge walk-in wardrobe with built-ins.

A spa style master bathroom with cedar wood dry sauna and Jacuzzi, of course.

1926 Mayview embraces peace within, and extending to the out of doors.

The elements surround you on the multiple sunlight dappled decks.

Yes, there is a pond amid the treetops.

And outdoor dining. The grounds even have a gardening terrace to connect one to the earth. Above all, 1926 Mayview offers harmony here in the Franklin Hills. It’s no wonder that creative professionals seeking the benefits of a quiet, family neighborhood have carved their niche in this artistic enclave.