When you think about Hollywood luxury and the golden age of television, one name stands out above all others – Aaron Spelling. This legendary producer didn’t just create some of television’s most beloved shows; he also built one of the most spectacular homes ever seen in Los Angeles. The Aaron Spelling house in Holmby Hills has become a symbol of ultimate success in the entertainment industry.
What makes this particular estate so special? After all, Los Angeles has no shortage of impressive homes. However, the Aaron Spelling house, in Holmby Hills, represents something unique in Hollywood history. It tells the story of a man who rose from humble beginnings to become television’s most successful producer, creating shows that defined generations of viewers.
History of the Aaron Spelling House in Holmby Hills
The Birth of a Mega-Mansion
The story of this iconic estate begins in 1988 when Aaron Spelling decided to create his dream home. He purchased the former Bing Crosby estate, a property with Hollywood history already ingrained in its foundations. But Spelling had bigger plans – much bigger.
Working with architect James Langenheim, Spelling completely demolished the existing structure. What rose in its place was something Los Angeles had never seen before. Construction took nearly three years, with crews working around the clock to bring Spelling’s vision to life. The project reportedly cost $12 million to build—a staggering sum in 1991, when it was completed.
A Timeline of Grandeur
The mansion’s history reads like a Hollywood script itself. From 1991 to 2006, the Spelling family called this estate home. During these years, the Aaron Spelling house in Holmby Hills became synonymous with success in the entertainment industry. It hosted countless celebrity gatherings, charity events, and family celebrations that became the stuff of legend.
After Aaron’s passing in 2006, his widow, Candy Spelling, remained in the home for several more years. She lovingly maintained the property, preserving its grandeur while making subtle updates to keep it current. The estate hit the market in 2008 with an asking price of $150 million, making headlines worldwide as the most expensive residential listing in the United States at that time.
The Petra Ecclestone Era
In 2011, the mansion found its new owner in Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Formula One billionaire Bernie Ecclestone. At just 22 years old, she purchased the estate for $85 million in what was then the highest price ever paid for a residential property in Los Angeles County.
Ecclestone brought fresh energy to the property. She invested millions in renovations, updating systems and refreshing interiors while respecting the home’s original character. Her changes included modernising the technology throughout the house and reimagining specific spaces to accommodate contemporary living.
Recent Developments
The mansion changed hands again in 2019 when an anonymous buyer purchased it for $119.75 million, setting a new record for California residential sales at the time. This sale proved that the Aaron Spelling house in Holmby Hills remains one of the most desirable properties in the world, with its value continuing to increase over time.
Architectural and Interior Design Highlights
A Palace Fit for Television Royalty
When you first approach the Aaron Spelling house in Holmby Hills, the sheer scale takes your breath away. We’re talking about a residence that spans 56,500 square feet of living space on 4.7 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds. To put that in perspective, the White House is only 55,000 square feet!
The architectural style blends French chateau influences with modern California luxury. The limestone exterior lends the mansion a timeless elegance, while the slate roof complements its European manor house aesthetic. Every detail was carefully considered to create an impression of established wealth and refined taste.
The Grand Entrance Experience
Walking through the main entrance, you’re immediately struck by the double-height entry hall. The space features hand-painted murals, crystal chandeliers that could grace a palace, and a sweeping staircase that seems designed for making dramatic entrances. The flooring combines marble and hardwood in intricate patterns that showcase master craftsmanship.
The foyer alone is larger than most people’s entire homes. It sets the tone for what’s to come – room after room of unparalleled luxury and attention to detail that borders on the obsessive.
Entertainment Spaces Beyond Imagination
The mansion boasts not one, but multiple living rooms, each designed for a different occasion. There’s the formal living room with its silk wall coverings and museum-quality art. Then there’s the family room, surprisingly cosy despite its grand proportions, where the Spellings would gather for movie nights.
Speaking of movies, the home theatre rivals commercial cinemas. With stadium seating for 20, a professional projection system, and acoustics designed by Hollywood’s top sound engineers, it’s where Spelling would preview his shows before they aired. The walls are adorned with burgundy velvet, and each seat is more comfortable than that of a first-class airline seat.
Unique Rooms That Define Luxury
What really sets the Aaron Spelling house in Holmby Hills apart are its specialised rooms. There’s a humidity-controlled silver storage room, because when you have that much silver, it needs its own space. The gift-wrapping room comes complete with every ribbon, paper, and bow imaginable – Candy Spelling was famous for her elaborate gift presentations.
The bowling alley isn’t just functional; it’s a work of art with custom lane designs and an adjoining lounge area. The wine cellar can store 10,000 bottles in optimal conditions, accompanied by a tasting room that wouldn’t be out of place in Napa Valley.
Perhaps most impressive is the main suite, which occupies an entire wing. We’re talking about 7,000 square feet dedicated to the primary bedroom, his-and-hers bathrooms, multiple walk-in closets, and a private living room. Candy Spelling’s closet alone was featured in numerous magazines as one of the world’s most spectacular dressing rooms.
Gardens and Outdoor Splendour
The exterior spaces are equally magnificent. The property features multiple gardens, each with its own theme and purpose. There’s the formal French garden with its geometric patterns and sculptured hedges. The rose garden blooms with hundreds of varieties, creating a sensory experience of vibrant colours and fragrances.
The swimming pool isn’t just a pool – it’s an aquatic complex with a spa, multiple fountains, and a pool house that could serve as a luxury home on its own. The tennis court meets professional standards, while the motor court can accommodate 100 vehicles for significant events.
The Glamour and Celebrity Appeal of the House
Hollywood’s Ultimate Party Venue
During the Spelling era, the Aaron Spelling house in Holmby Hills became the place to be invited to in Hollywood. The estate hosted parties that became legendary in entertainment circles. Picture this: Prince performing in the living room for a select group of 50 guests, or Elton John playing the grand piano while Hollywood’s elite mingled over champagne.
These weren’t just parties – they were carefully orchestrated events that reinforced Spelling’s position at the top of the television hierarchy. Guest lists read like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Tom Cruise gracing the estate’s halls.
Charity Galas That Made Headlines
The Spellings were known for their philanthropic efforts, and the mansion served as the backdrop for numerous charity events. These galas raised millions for causes ranging from children’s hospitals to AIDS research. Candy Spelling would transform the estate into different themes – one year it might be a Venetian carnival, the next a winter wonderland.
What made these events special wasn’t just the star power or the money raised; it was the impact they had on the community. It was how the house itself became part of the experience. Guests would wander through room after room, each more spectacular than the last, creating an atmosphere of wonder and generosity that encouraged substantial donations.
Television and Pop Culture Connections
The mansion appeared in several of Spelling’s productions, though usually just the exterior or selected rooms. It became a symbol of success in shows like “Beverly Hills, 90210,” where characters would reference the kind of wealth that could afford such a home.
The house also inspired countless fictional mansions in television and film. Production designers would study photos of the Spelling Manor when creating homes for wealthy characters. In many ways, the Aaron Spelling house in Holmby Hills set the standard for how extreme wealth is portrayed in entertainment.
A Symbol of the Hollywood Dream
For aspiring actors and producers arriving in Los Angeles, driving past the Spelling estate became almost a pilgrimage. It represented the ultimate achievement – proof that television could create wealth on par with movie studios or tech companies. The mansion wasn’t just Spelling’s home; it was a monument to the power of television in American culture.
The Holmby Hills Neighbourhood
An Enclave of Extreme Wealth
To understand the significance of the Aaron Spelling house in Holmby Hills, you need to appreciate its neighbourhood. Holmby Hills forms part of Los Angeles’s “Platinum Triangle,” along with Beverly Hills and Bel Air. This isn’t just an affluent area; it’s one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the entire United States.
The area was developed in the early 20th century by Arthur Letts Sr., who envisioned a community of grand estates on large lots. Unlike the more densely packed mansions of Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills offers space and privacy that attracts the ultra-wealthy who value discretion.
Why Celebrities Choose Holmby Hills
What draws entertainment industry titans to this particular neighbourhood? First, there’s the location – centrally positioned between Beverly Hills and Westwood, with easy access to studios and entertainment venues. But it’s more than just convenience.
Holmby Hills offers something increasingly rare in Los Angeles: true privacy. The large lots, mature trees, and winding streets create natural barriers between properties, creating a sense of privacy and serenity. You won’t find tour buses here or paparazzi lurking on corners. The neighbourhood association strictly controls access, making it a sanctuary for those living in the public eye.
The Neighbour Factor
The Aaron Spelling house in Holmby Hills sits among equally impressive estates. Over the years, neighbours have included Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion, Walt Disney’s former estate, and homes belonging to various entertainment and business moguls. This concentration of wealth and influence creates a unique community where extreme luxury is the norm, not the exception.
Modern Status and Recent Sales of the Aaron Spelling House
A New Chapter Begins
Since Aaron Spelling’s passing, the mansion has undergone several transformations while maintaining its essential character. The 2019 sale for $119.75 million marked a new era for the property. The buyer, whose identity is protected by the LLC and privacy agreements, has continued the tradition of maintaining this architectural masterpiece.
Recent updates have focused on modernising systems while preserving historical elements. The smart home technology now integrated throughout allows control of lighting, climate, security, and entertainment systems from anywhere in the world. Yet these modern conveniences are hidden behind the classic facades that make the house special.
Market Impact and Valuation
Real estate experts consider the Aaron Spelling house in Holmby Hills House a market maker – its sales help establish values for other ultra-luxury properties. When it sold in 2019, it influenced pricing for estates across Los Angeles, proving that there’s still strong demand for properties at the absolute top of the market.
The mansion’s value has increased dramatically since its original construction cost of $12 million. Even accounting for inflation, this represents extraordinary appreciation, driven by the property’s unique characteristics and cultural significance.
Current Use and Preservation
While the current owners maintain their privacy regarding the estate’s use, aerial photos and planning permits suggest that the property remains a private residence rather than being converted for commercial use. This is significant because many large estates have been subdivided or repurposed as event venues.
The commitment to maintaining the Aaron Spelling house in Holmby Hills as a single-family residence preserves its legacy. Updates have been respectful of the original design, focusing on mechanical systems, technology, and restoration rather than radical changes.
Future Prospects
Real estate professionals estimate the mansion’s current value at well over $150 million, making it one of the most valuable residential properties in America. Its combination of size, location, historical significance, and architectural merit ensures it will remain a trophy property for generations to come.
Where Does Aaron Spelling Currently Live?
Aaron Spelling, the television producer, is deceased (he passed away in 2006). Therefore, he does not currently live anywhere.
