The Witch's House
The Spadena House in Hollywood, California
This home was built in 1926
It was built to intentionally look weather beaten and time worn.
A true Storybook Home.
It was designed by an art director and originally built in Culver City, California for use as offices
and dressing rooms for the Willat Movie Studios.
The building was moved to Hollywood in 1934 to be used as a private residence.
It is believed to have greatly influenced the architecture of Disneyland.
The home fell into disrepair until a local realtor who'd been hired to sell it, could not find a buyer.
Everyone interested in the home wanted to demolish it to build a new McMansion.
The realtor knew it would be a tragedy to see a house of historical significance be destroyed.
So he bought it himself and has spent the last 10 years restoring it and creating the
magical landscape that surrounds it.
The landscape includes a bridged moat.
This photo is from 1921 when the home was in Culver City
A fitting start for this Halloween month, I think.
26 comments:
I have lived in Southern CA.all my life and never heard of this home or it's story.I enjoyed this post so much and so happy to find your blog.Happy to be your new follower:)Denise-come visit for a spell
What a neat house and story. It still amazes me that a house can be picked up and moved. So glad to see it restored and so happy it wasn't torn down. That was a smart and inspired real estate agent!
How nice the real estate agent restored it. It looks magical. I especially like the arched door gate.
It looks like a fairytale.
Hi Nita! What a cool house this one is. It reminds me of the houses you love in Carmel but with a spooky flair. Wouldn't it be great to see the interior?
I think this should become a B&B for bloggy friends! Pet friendly, of course :-)
seriosly, this is a way cool house and I'm so glad you shared it!
I was just showing my hubby and he said oh ya he had seen it. He works all over greater L.A. It is fabulous!!
I love these homes. I have a book full of story book type houses built in California in the 1920's. It's great that the realtor didn't let this go to demolition!
Thanks for sharing!
Nancy
Ohhh it's wonderful wonderful. It would have been tragic to tear it down, i'm so glad it has been restored. Thanks for sharing, i'm so glad to know about the house.... what a perfect house for Halloween! I would sooo live there.
Cindy
Thank goodness for that realtor who was able to see a larger picture. It would be such a terrible loss if someone less caring bought the house.
It reminds me of the cottages in Carmel, CA.
I can't believe this house is real. It looks like a movie set. Kind of wonderful, kind of a nightmare.
Nita this home is amazing and I am so glad it was preserved! I adore your header by the way!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
How fun is this. I lived there for years and never heard of it. I would love to see it. Great post. Hugs, marty
So cute. Thanks for sharing it with us.
wow, this house is fabulous, I hope they decorate for Halloween lol. I can see why Disney used this home as inspiration. I would love to live in a home like this, its terrific
hugs JoAnn
What a wonderful piece of history! I love it. I wish we could see inside :)
Oh this is such a fun house. Wish I could walk through it..Thanks for showing it to us who may never get to see such a house..enjoy the last of the weekend..
Love that house, I can't believe people wanted to tear it down. What is wrong with people, bigger isn't always better. Thanks for sharing, Laura Cottage and Broome
Enchanting!
Thankfully the house was bought and restored...what a pity if it had not. Looks like it was done with a lot of "love"!~Hugs, Patti
Perfect for the Halloween season! :D
Thank goodness it wasn't destroyed.
I do wish we could see the inside. I imagine 3 chairs, 3 beds....
When I lived in LA, I used to pass by it from time to time. I loved seeing it!
That is the cutest little house, so glad someone saw fit to save it!
WOW what an incredible story but the most amazing thing is that there is a realtor out there with integrity....we dont have many of those in Australia!!!! Plus I didn't realise you use the term McMansions over there as well... each to their own but I hate them, I much rather a house with character.
What a treat. You know I love this one. Thanks for sharing it.
ohmygosh, this is amazing!
You're right, Nita! A true storybook home! I absolutely adore it! It really looks like the house of Hansel and Gretel! I would love to see this adorable home in person! It seems that its owner michaellibow lives there! He is a very lucky guy! lovely post, Nita! thanks for this sharing!
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