2049 Stanley Hills Place

Leaving Hollywood is a little more special by way of the twists and turns of Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The at-times cathartic drive (best caught during off hours) promises glimpses of bohemian bungalows to soaring modern architecture, on the steady climb to charmsville. Graded in 1907 at a cost of $10,000 Laurel Canyon Blvd ran up the canyon over the ridge of the Santa Monica Mountains and down into the San Fernando Valley. The route has always split left at what is now Lookout Out Mountain Avenue, which features the natural scenic enclave of interconnecting lanes where 2049 Stanley Hills Place is nestled. Offered for lease: MLS ID: 16-123928

Now a perfect escape from metropolitan West LA, back in the early 1900’s it took a grand destination with sweeping views to attract visitors and potential buyers.

View showing the road leading up to the Lookout Mountain Inn which was built by Charles Mann to promote his Laurel Canyon properties. Courtesy waterandpower.org

In 1908, the Lookout Mountain Park Land and Water Company purchased 280 acres just west of Laurel Canyon, subdividing most of the land into bungalow lots with panoramic views. In an elaborate public relations move to bring in prospective buyers, the developers built the Lookout Mountain Inn with twenty four rooms, a bandstand and pavillion with an unobstructed 270 degree view of Los Angeles. It wasn’t very long before the Lookout Mountain Inn, whose specialty was chicken dinners, became a popular area destination and was even featured in silent films of the era. Stars gravitated to the inn as well, enjoying its somewhat private and secluded location as a perfect place to meet for Sunday breakfasts before riding horseback in the hills.

Los Angeles Sunday Herald, October 2, 1910

The article that ran in the Los Angeles Sunday Herald dated October 2, 1910 describes the drive to Lookout Mountain from Los Angeles:

“A general favorite for the autoist because of the continuous perfect road from Broadway, passing through the third street tunnel to Figueroa… thence on Sunset Boulevard to Laurel Canyon, with asphalt pavement all the way passing some of the most beautiful homes in Southern California.”

Los Angeles Herald, May 30, 1910

At the same time Lookout Mountain was built, several lots were graded and sold to buyers who built bungalows and cottages, primarily for use during weekend and summer vacations. In 1912, as a stimulus to Bungalow Land, Mr. Charles Mann, real estate operator, and Mr. Richard Shoemaker, engineer, established a trackless trolley service between the Sunset Boulevard terminus of the Pacific Electric trolley line at Laurel Avenue, and the tavern at the junction of Laurel Canyon Road and Lookout Mountain Road.

Trackless Trolley ca. 1912 – A trackless trolley, “The First in America,” traveling to and from “Bungalow Land” in Laurel Canyon, Hollywood. Fare was 10 cents. Courtesy: waterandpower.org

The trolley was actually a large automobile (1912 Oldsmobiles) converted to run on an electric engine connected to overhead wires, which frequently dislodged. It had an approximate 10-passenger capacity. After about 5 years of traveling up and down the treacherous narrow road, the poor old trolley buses fell apart. Courtesy: waterandpower.org

ca. 1916 Courtesy: waterandpower.org

Once at the top, visitors to the Lookout Mountain Inn could enjoy a broad view of the farmlands and oil fields stretching out to the ocean. Tragically, Lookout Mountain Inn would stand less than a decade.

On October 26, l9l8, disaster struck the Lookout Mountain and Laurel Canyon area when a fire, fanned by strong winds, burned about two hundred acres and totally destroyed the Lookout Mountain Inn. The inn was never rebuilt but the graded lots and land went on to brisk sales without the landmark hotel.

Lookout Mountain Inn was still a fond memory when 2049 Stanley Hill Place was built in 1932. The Tudor-style revival takes full advantage of the gentle up-sloping lot for its tranquil gardens and quiet respite.

The peaceful cul de sac is parallel to rough trails, outstanding canyon views, and incomparable privacy.

Richly hued hardwood floors warm the aesthetic of this vintage home. The stain glass windows and tiled hearth are reminiscent of simpler days.

The cove-ceilinged living room is awash with light by day…

… with the promise of cozy fireside evenings.

Leaded glass windows seen throughout 2049 Stanley Hills Place are a delightful backdrop to the professional baker and chef kitchen.

Convenient and open, it’s perfect for coffee and croissants in the morning and gourmet central by evening.

Two bedrooms with custom-fitted shelving and storage.

Both the master bath with skylight, and one half bathroom are thoughtfully-appointed.

Out back enjoying the garden spaces with views, it’s easy to imagine the allure of Lookout Mountain. Edward G. Robinson, Cary Grant, Errol Flynn, Ida Lupino, Harry Houdini, Jill Esmond and Laurence Olivier, Joan Blondell, and Burl Ives were some of the early residents of the storied Laurel Canyon, long before it incubated the flowery Rock and Roll music scene of the 1960s and 1970s. Read more about Laurel Canyon on our 8917 Appian Way Post.