Home closest to Los Angeles’ iconic Hollywood sign hits market
A rare home below the Hollywood sign has hit the market for the first time in almost 40 years for USD$2.25 million ($A3.5 million).
Nestled into the hillside of Beachwood Canyon, the A‑frame chalet isn’t just close to the famous sign — it’s the closest residence
“It is extremely limited,” agent Christopher Soffer told the outlet.
“Being the closest house to the Hollywood sign in the world is as limited as it gets.”
“It’s perched up in the trees, almost like a treehouse.
“You have this sense when you’re there that you really feel like you’re entrenched in this lifestyle and this period of time that seems to have faded away with the modern age.”
A rare A‑frame home has hit the market for the first time in almost 40 years for $US2.25 million. Picture: Lawrence Fitz-Simon via NY Post
The 1963 chalet-style property sits at the end of a private road in LA’s Beachwood Canyon and is surrounded by untouched wilderness. Picture: Lawrence Fitz-Simon via NY Post
Built in 1963 and tucked at the end of a private road, the three-bedroom home is a rarity in both style and setting.
Its A‑frame design — uncommon in Los Angeles — is clad in wood inside and out, creating a cabin-in-the-woods ambience in the middle of one of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
“There’s tons and tons of wood,” Mr Soffer said. “You kind of also feel like you’re in a cabin in the woods, which is beautiful because the entire A‑frame is essentially made out of wood.”
The home’s current owners, digital effects pioneer Jeffrey Kleiser and sculptor Diana Walczak, have used the space as both a residence and creative incubator.
Ms Walczak, best known for sculpting the Michael Jackson HIStory statue and designing its digital version for the album cover, and Kleiser, whose credits span “Tron” to “X‑Men,” are consolidating their property portfolio, according to Mr Soffer.
“They’ve absolutely loved living there and they are creatives themselves,” Mr Soffer said.
“They’ve actually recorded in that house, numerous bands over the years.”
Walczak is best known for sculpting Michael Jackson’s HIStory statue, while Kleiser’s visual effects work includes “Tron” and “X‑Men.” Picture: Lawrence Fitz-Simon via NY Post
One of the most famous is The Association, the 1960s band behind hits like “Cherish” and “Windy”.
Their connection to the property earned it a cameo in Linda McCartney’s photography book, “The Sixties”.
The home’s creative legacy doesn’t stop at music, and has quietly played host to artists, sculptors and filmmakers over the decades.
“That place kind of attracts a very interesting crowd and has a very interesting creative energy to it,” Mr Soffer said.
Though it’s tucked into the hills, the property is not without modern acclaim. It has been featured on “Staycation,” the Emmy-winning travel show, and was recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of California’s best Airbnbs.
The owners even produce “Hollywood Honey” on the premises, courtesy of a small hillside apiary tended by a local beekeeper.
The three-bedroom home has played host to numerous artists and musicians. Picture: Lawrence Fitz-Simon via NY Post
The house’s positioning on the ridge yields dual vistas: the Hollywood sign at its back and sweeping views of downtown LA, Griffith Park, and — on clear days — the Pacific Ocean at its front.
“When you are building on a site like that, the Hollywood sign is as direct as it gets,” Mr Soffer said.
“When you’re sitting on either of the rooftop decks, all you can see is the Hollywood sign … and on the front of the house, you have these panoramic views of the city.”
The listing also marks a nod to the roots of the surrounding area.
“Originally, Beachwood Canyon was built by a single guy and he had done it because he wanted to create a neighbourhood that was perfect for Hollywood and studio production,” Mr Soffer said.
“When they first built the Hollywood sign, it was actually almost like an advertisement for the neighbourhood.”
