A Beverly Hills home that has been the lair for the Cowardly Lion and the Prince of Darkness is on the market for $22.8 million, according to a CNBC report. Last sold about 20 years ago for $2.55 million, the listing agents are Stacy Gottula of the Agency and Branden and Rayni Williams of Hilton & Hyland.
The 15,500-square-foot home, located on Heather Road in Beverly Hills, was first listed for $28 million and then went down to $25.5 million, before the current price was set.
The home was designed by Paul R. Williams and built in 1941 for Bert Lahr, the actor who portrayed the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz.” It also was home of Ozzy Osbourne and his clan. A pride of celebrities have called the traditional-style estate home, including Betty Grable, Don Johnson and then-wife Melanie Griffith and Sir Paul McCartney.
The gated driveway is lined with palm trees leading to the home, with features all geared toward entertaining. The home is built around a private tennis court. It makes use of every inch of the space and includes nine bedrooms; a home theater with a walk-in bar; wine cellar; gym; game room; music room; and a vintage two-lane bowling alley.
The property also includes a 3,000-square-foot guest house with two bedrooms and its own two-car garage and separate private drive. A swimming pool and spa offer recreational options on the 1.3-acre estate. Gottula said the house has been a magnet for entertainers over the years.
“It is really an entertainer’s dream. There’s a tennis court, a putting green, an antique bowling alley, billiards, a small beautiful pool, a sport court, and gym. It really has all the features that a sports buff would love in a house.”
The home can be leased for $100,000 a month. Gottula said it is very party friendly.
“The house gets rented at a high rental price to a lot of celebrity clientele and a lot of musicians.”
The property has had a number of renovations over the years. It features interior styling by Ralph Lauren, which hint to a Hamptons theme, featuring classic tones, animal prints and lush textures. The centerpiece of the living room is a chandelier made of blown glass.
Outside fountains, a gazebo and koi pond help to create a park-like setting. Williams pointed out the putting green and scenic strolling paths, which add to the serenity and charm.
“The setting is the most incredible feature. It’s on beautiful land, with mature landscaping trimmed with large palms and a cascade of mountains behind them. It would be like living in a Ralph Lauren commercial.”
