Taylor Swift was granted landmark status for a home she owns that’s a piece of Hollywood history: the $25M Beverly Hills mansion she picked up in 2015, which used to be owned by movie mogul Samuel L. Goldwyn. Let’s take a look.
The Goldwyn Estate
Since her request for landmark status was approved in 2017, Taylor Swift has been in the midst of restoring the mansion, which housed two generations of Goldwyns until purchased by Swift in 2015. The 10,982-square-foot Georgian Revival mansion, boasting seven bedrooms and 10 baths, will be restored to its former glory.
Landmark Status
There are pros and cons for Swift now that her home has been deemed a historic landmark; while she’ll enjoy some hefty tax breaks, she’ll also need approval from Beverly Hills City Council if she wants to do any renovations and updates (say, adding a recording studio). “We’ve preserved and maintained a lot of the elements and those that were deteriorating, we’ve replicated,” explained Swift’s architect, Monique Schenk, of plans for the property.
Fab Foyer
Old Hollywwood glamour permeates the home, and is evident in the grand sweeping staircase that dominates the foyer. Swift is the first person to own the home outside of the Goldwyn family, and was once the site of legendary parties attended by some iconic stars.
Restoration
The goal of Swift and her architect is to restore the home to the exact same condition it was in when it was built for Samuel Goldwyn in 1934, to the last detail.
Living Room
Imagine the conversations that took place, the deals that went down, the careers that were made in this living room… and the hit songs that will no doubt be written here in the future, as Swift strums her guitar in front of the wood-burning fireplace.
The ‘G’ in MGM
Sam Goldwyn (who was the “G” in MGM) and his wife were known to throw fabulous dinner parties in this stunning dining room, with a guest list that includes such Hollywood legends as Marlene Dietrich, Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable and It’s a Wonderful Life director Frank Capra.
Screening Room
While the design vibe will hearken back to Old Hollywood, there are some modern amenities discreetly hidden in the mix, including this screening room.
A Home Office
One of the many rooms in the Goldwyn estate, this one hosting a gorgeous antique desk to serve as a home office.
Master Suite
From the original hardwood floors to the triple set of French doors opening to the backyard to the wood-burning fireplace, Swift’s home exudes old-school Hollywood class. She may only be 28, but she knows quality real estate when she sees it!
A Community Gem
After the council’s decision, reports Mansion Global, Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse said, “I think this is a true community gem and really so thrilled that this will be landmarked and preserved.”
Unique Decor
According to records dug up in the landmark designation process, architect Douglas Honnold was hired to build the Georgian Revival house during the 1930s. The assessment also revealed that, due to austerity measures taken during the Great Depression, the Goldwyns brought in set designers from MGM’s studios to help with construction, while furniture used in MGM films eventually found its way into the home.
Outdoor Living
This covered outdoor patio area is tres chic, and the assessment notes that Swift and her architect have been rehabilitating and restoring the exterior, a process that includes restoring wooden decorative elements such as lattice panels and wooden finials.
Pool Cabana
Another part of the renovation includes reconstructing the front of the pool cabana to its original 1934 design.
Garden Glory
Also on the agenda: bringing the gardens in the backyard back to their former glory. “Really when this project’s done… it’s going to be really spectacular,” said Swift’s architect, Monique Schenk.
Anyone for Tennis?
If Swift loves a good game of tennis, she can enjoy playing in this beautiful tennis court that has no doubt been used by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
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