Beverly Hills Historical Homes
A favorite attraction of the city are the historical Beverly Hills homes and mansions that were built in the early 1900's during Hollywood's golden era. There are three historical homes that stand above the rest: the Greystone Mansion, the Virginia Robinson Gardens, and Greenacres.
The Greystone Mansion is a Tudor-Style home built in 1928 by oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny, whom presented it as a gift to his son Edward 'Ned' Doheny, Jr. The estate was purchased in 1965 by the City of Beverly Hills, and was turned into a city park in 1971. The property is a popular shooting location for film makers, and over 50 movies have been shot on its grounds.
The Virginia Robinson Gardens was owned by department store entrepreneurs Harry and Virginia Robinson, who built the main house in 1911 in a Mediterranean Classic Revival style. This Beverly Hills property main feature are its surrounding gardens, which range from Italian Renaissance style to tropical palms, edible herbs, and bucolic rose fields.
Greenacres was originally the state of silent film star Harold Lloyd, whom purchased the property in the late 1920's. After Lloyd's death the state was divided into multiple lots, but the mansion still remains and became part of the National Register of Historic places in 1984.
A special mention must be appointed to "Pickfair". Although this home does not exist anymore (it was demolished back in 1990), during its day this English Manor style mansion was the pinnacle of the most fantastic and famous homes in the world. The state was acquired in 1919 by silent film actors Douglas Fairbanks and wife Mary Pickford. In the 1920's it became the focal point for Hollywood personalities gatherings and social activities. The house was eventually sold in 1988 to actress Pia Zadora, who had it demolished two years later, marking the end of one of the most historical Beverly Hills homes.