January 3: California Cribs

California is home to some of the most incredible properties in the world. And we know you like to watch as much as we do, so each week we’re taking a peek inside famous homes and listings in our recurring feature—California Cribs. 

This week, we’re taking a peek into “The Castle,” in Los Feliz.

We love a property that boasts its own name—and “The Castle” is rather fitting for this L.A. home. Sitting on nearly two acres of gardens, celebrated architect A. F. Leicht’s grand art nouveau mansion overlooks panoramic city views from Downtown to the Pacific Ocean. Egyptian-inspired geometric pillars and repeating arched passageways are overlooked by curving gilded ceilings, creating a grand impression for this five bedroom/seven bath home.

A two-story living room and octagonal lounge/study rooms offer endless windows to bring the outside in. A true standout feature of the home is, of course, the stone staircase rising from the entry hall to the observation tower. An expansive roof terrace boasts Griffith Observatory views.

Fittingly, the home includes an historic pedigree of ownership, including Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. According to the Wall Street Journal, Flea bought the house in 1996 for $1.17 million, adding a recording studio in the garage during his stay. 

He then sold the house for $3 million in 1999 to the late John Gilbert Getty, a Getty oil heir. Artist Muna El Fituri, who bought the house in 2014 for $8.3 million from Getty, is now selling the property for $9.885 million.

Meandering pathways guide you to gardens, a basketball court, and an immense second flat lot for infinite potential to create more living space.

California Listings expert Ernie Carswell holds the listing along with Daria Greenbaum of Compass.