Beverly Hills is not the place you'd expect to find a residence known as "The Witch's House," but that's exactly what you'll find on the corner of Walden and Carmelita. This storybook architecture classic began life in Culver City in 1921 where it was used as a film set and offices for Irvin Willat Productions. Art Director Harry Oliver was the designer of the Witch's house; if you want to see more of his work, check out the Tam O'Shanter restaurant on Los Feliz Boulevard.
The studio didn't survive, but fortunately, the house did. It was moved to its present site where gawkers can stop and admire. Here's how the house looked in 1954:
This is one of the classier looking tourist vehicles that makes regular stops; let's not forget this is Beverly Hills.
The exterior looks very well tended:
Current owner Michael Libow has put a lot of TLC into it, and also shows that he "gets it."
Love the details:
If you're thinking about visiting the Witch's House on Halloween, get ready to stand in line; you'll be joining about 4,000 other folks.
And yes…this is the house Cher walks by when she is pining for her stepbrother in the movie "Clueless." You can see it at :46.
Are you wanting more? Of course you are; you're only human. Mosey on over to my main website and hang out for a few.
I never heard of this house before. That is so cool. From your photos, it's definitely evident that the current owner "gets it".
ReplyDeleteI've develop a checklist of new places to see in the L.A. area since reading your blog. It's something to look forward to from my side trips during my next trip to Disneyland. Thanks, Dave.
This is exactly what keeps me coming back every day. Never heard of it before, but glad I did now. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLots of kids went there trick or treating when I was growing up - I preferred hanging in the Holmby Hills area - We had friends there and it was a real thrill if we got to go to Walt's house. There was often some sort of wild adventure you had to walk though to get your candy.
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