Fashion Designer's $32 Million Mansion Channels Old Hollywood Glamour

Fashion designer Sue Wong isn't just known for her dazzling creations – she's also the custodian of a piece of Hollywood history. This very piece of history, her sprawling Los Angeles estate known as The Cedars, recently hit the market for $32 million, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

Listing agent Christophe Choo of Coldwell Banker Realty calls the breathtaking palazzo "a rare jewel in Los Angeles."  From its perch in the historic hills of Los Feliz, uninterrupted panoramas stretch out in every direction from city to ocean – creating a magical backdrop for the mansion's fabled Spanish Revival architecture and meticulously restored interiors.

The estate's namesake evokes its storied past, referencing the once-abundant cedar trees that graced the landscape, adding a touch of mystique to its undeniable charm. Conceived in the roaring 1920s by visionary French director Maurice Tourneur and inspired by the Duke of Alba's Spanish villa, The Cedars reflects the opulence of the era. The three-house compound encompasses a staggering 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and nearly 13,000 square feet of living space, all nestled on a ¾-acre expanse across two lots. The Cedars served as a sanctuary for Hollywood royalty and musical icons. Norma Talmadge, Howard Hughes, Marilyn Monroe – these are just a few of the illustrious names who have graced its halls. From the legendary "Purple Haze" composed by Jimi Hendrix within its walls to gatherings of stars like Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones, the estate vibrates with the creative energy of these cultural giants.

When silent movie star Madge Bellamy first saw the estate, she was reportedly too awed to speak. According to Hype Magazine, "upon first entering the house she later stated that her legs literally shook." Decades later, the property would capture the heart of Wong herself. The designer first fell in love with the historic property in 2004, embarking on a painstaking three-year restoration, ensuring no detail – and no expense – was spared in bringing back its former grandeur. Renowned for her glamorous, vintage-inspired gowns adorned with intricate beadwork, appliqué, embroidery, and hand-painting, Wong was naturally drawn to The Cedars and found immediate inspiration in the estate's soaring bas-relief ceilings, gilded columns, period ironwork, and frescoed archways since it mirrored her own design sensibilities. She worked closely with a team of European artisans to oversee the meticulous revival. A global search yielded a treasure trove of antiques that resonate with the estate's architecture, seamlessly blending elements of Baroque, Empire, French Art Deco, Moroccan, and Andalusian design. Her love for ornate details, grand style, and a rich vintage heritage is reflected throughout the residence.

This fabled "Grande Dame" was once reputedly the most opulent home of its day, and Wong's dedication has ensured its legacy lives on. Each of its 26 meticulously designed rooms reflects the elegance and grandeur of its origins. A stunning homage to the glamour and creative spirit of early 20th century Hollywood, The Cedars offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of history and artistry.