Swept off the market in just three months since it was listed, the 1938 Colonial Revival former home of Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, designed by architect-to-the-stars, Paul Williams, sold for the first time in 64 years for $6.45 million.
When Ronald Reagan got his first starring role at age 27 as Dan Crawford in Brother Rat in 1938, his success not only drew the attention of the film industry but also of his co-star, Jane Wyman.
She was only 21 but after meeting the handsome Reagan, she soon divorced her second husband and married Reagan in 1940. But instead of wedded bliss, almost from the start the relationship started going downhill until she filed for divorce yet again in 1948.
Between each working hard to advance their film careers, the life disruptions of World War II and afterwards the time Reagan spent working against the Hollywood blacklist, the biggest blow was losing their premature baby. Wyman fell into depression, tried to fill the void with work, and neither took the time to work on family, for which Reagan later expressed personal regret. As for Wyman, she expressed the belief that she wasn’t the type for ‘forever after’ and proved her theory by continuing her trail of divorces after ending her marriage to Reagan. Of their two homes together, this Little Holmby property was the grandest and exudes Old Hollywood glamour. It was also used as the home of Joan Crawford in the television series Feud.
At 6,153 square feet, the classic, five-bedroom, six-bath house retains its original architectural layout with large rooms, high ceilings, hardwood floors and hand-crafted millwork. The impressive foyer is in Williams’ signature oval design with sweeping staircase and wrought-iron banister that continues through the second-floor overlook.
The dramatic foyer set the tone of glamour for the rest of the home and the Reagan-Wyman guests invited by the Hollywood power couple to their home.
The vast public spaces, private yard, swimming pool, gazebo, firepit and terraces, both open and covered, make entertaining comfortable and enjoyable. The reception hall includes a sun-room and the spacious family room has both fireplace and a bar. The master suite claims one whole side of the second floor along with three additional en-suite bedrooms.
The elegant home of Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman sold after only three months on the market. Designed by architect Paul Williams, it was the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour.
Selling for $6.45 million, co-listing agents Christophe Choo and Joyce Essex Harvey of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage arranged the sale. Coldwell Banker represented both the seller and the buyer.
Article provided courtesy of TOPTENREALESTATEDEALS
