The Beaux Arts mansion, built in 1910, shows off railway magnate Henry Huntington's collection of British and French art, highlighted by Reynolds and Gainsborough portraits of ravishing countesses who look completely out of place in arid Los Angeles. An exhibit of American art features the more indigenous architecture of Greene and Greene, who pioneered the California Bungalow style early this century. But the high point of the visit is a saunter through the 150 acres of gardens that surround the house. The feeling of peaceful well-being that results from a lazy visit is available all year round. The tranquil bay glitters like diamonds.
Music drifts from every corner.
Tours of the Stars' Homes Los Angeles hides its turbulent home life behind high gates and manicured hedges, but the stars are in there someplace and most of us yearn for a glimpse. You may be depressed to think that Pickfair, the mansion built by Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, who almost on their own created the Hollywood mystique, is now owned by Pia Zadora, but it's somehow reassuring to know that Steve Martin now lives across the street from a house once owned by Stan Laurel. Trespass here and find out. Today it belongs to Englebert Humperdinck, who has carefully kept the original color. All Rights Reserved.