In 2016, a couple paid $1.05 million for a 1923 Hollywood villa built by Rudolph Valentino for Pola Negri; after restoring its historic details, they have sold it for $2.5 million

Pic credit: Plus real estate

The old Hollywood home at 6823 Iris Circle in Los Angeles has sold for $2.5 million, fetching $205,000 above its asking price, according to Mansion Global. The price is a strong result for a 1923 Spanish Revival house that its owners restored after buying it for $1.05 million in 2016. The hillside home in Whitley Heights is believed to have been commissioned by Rudolph Valentino for his paramour, stage and screen actress Pola Negri, according to local lore cited by Robb Report.The sellers listed the house in early July for $2.295 million. Two weeks later, a buyer had the property under contract, and the sale closed in July. Greg Shenon of Equity Union represented the buyers.

The sellers bought the house for $1.05 million

James Roncal and Stuart Marks bought the house in 2016. They paid $1.05 million for the property, according to PropertyShark records. “We fell in love with the grounds, the style of the house and the neighbourhood, and we knew we could do a very cool resto-reno to bring our own style to the house while respecting its history and tradition,” the sellers previously told the outlet.After buying the historic house, they decided to renovate it. They wanted to preserve some of its historic elements while incorporating modern features to suit their tastes. They redesigned the kitchen with a mid-century feel. They also updated both bathrooms and two of the three fireplaces, leaving the third untouched. The primary bedroom still has its original Batchelder tiles, an Arts and Crafts feature prized by collectors. The 2,500-square-foot property also includes a two-bedroom main house. A casita dating from 1930 sits on the grounds, with its own bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen and patio.

A love affair

The Killian house was built in 1923 by Arthur S. Barnes, according to the listing by Plus Real Estate. The American architect worked in Los Angeles from around 1918 to 1928 and designed homes in Spanish, Italian and Mediterranean styles. The Killian house is often linked to Rudolph Valentino and Pola Negri. Local lore suggests that Valentino had it built for Negri, his lover, who was one of the biggest silent film stars of her day. Negri’s name appeared in gossip columns for years, mostly because of her romances with Charlie Chaplin and Valentino. After Valentino died in 1926, Negri made headlines at his funeral. She fainted more than once and left a flower arrangement by his casket that read ‘Pola’. However, there is no documented evidence linking Valentino to the house or suggesting that he commissioned it.

Inside the home

The 1920s house retains its original character while making room for modern comforts. It has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, according to the listing. The primary bedroom has its own wood-burning fireplace, a bathroom with a calm, spa-like feel, and a large picture window that frames the greenery. A second bedroom opens onto the garden, and a full guest bathroom is on the main floor.The living room has arched windows, a wood-burning fireplace and French doors that open onto the garden. Upstairs, an office and viewing tower lead to a deck with views of the hills and the Hollywood Sign. Original hardwood floors, detailed ironwork, casement windows and Batchelder tiles feature throughout the house. The restored details sit alongside modern updates. The kitchen features custom walnut cabinets, black quartz worktops, and Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. The nearby dining room looks out over the treetops.

A famous neighbourhood

The Spanish Revival home stands in Los Angeles’s Whitley Heights neighbourhood. The area was developed early in the 20th century by H.J. Whitley, who wanted a hillside village with a Mediterranean feel. Charlie Chaplin, Bette Davis and Gloria Swanson all lived there at one point, making it one of the first celebrity neighbourhoods in the city.Today, it is one of the most architecturally intact historic districts in Los Angeles, protected by its National Register listing and a city preservation overlay. That protection is a major reason buyers pay a premium here. The property cannot simply be demolished and replaced with a new building.Todd Bachenheimer of Modern California House, who co-listed the home with Matt Schwartz of Plus Real Estate, said buyers keep coming back to authenticity and timeless design. “This meticulously restored Spanish Revival home perfectly captures a sense of romance and classic Hollywood glamour,” the listing says. The sale suggests that buyers agree.Although the listing agents did not disclose any information about the buyer, they confirmed that the new owner appreciates the house’s details. “My clients were immediately drawn to the home’s exceptional restoration, architectural integrity, and the rarity of finding a property that so successfully blends historic character with modern liveability,” Shenon said.