Villa Carlotta, built in 1926, is located in Franklin Village at the corner of Franklin and Tamarind avenues near the base of Beachwood Canyon. This Spanish colonial building originally belonged to Eleanor Ince, widow of silent-film tycoon Thomas Ince. Its architect, Arthur E. Harvey, also designed the neighboring Chateau Elysee, now Scientology's Celebrity Centre. In 1924, Thomas Ince died a few days after being carried off William Randolph Hearst's yacht, and rumors swirled that Hearst had shot him by accident, a bullet intended for Charlie Chaplin, whom the mogul suspected of having an affair with his mistress, Marion Davies. Hearst allegedly financed the building's construction as a grief payment to Eleanor. In later decades, Villa Carlotta became a favorite haunt for rock bohemians like Jim Morrison.

No two units share the same layout, and almost all original moldings, cabinetry, sinks, doors and windows were preserved — a painstaking process for CGI's Mark Ross, who worked with consultants from the Hollywood Heritage Museum and L.A.'s Office of Historic Resources. "I was expecting to find a skeleton wearing a tuxedo in one of the closets," he jokes. The building has a rooftop deck and a tiled entryway with a grand piano (but no onsite parking). Arguably the best unit is the two-story townhouse once occupied by gossip scribe Louella Parsons, another passenger on Hearst's yacht that fateful night. As a hush payment (again, allegedly), Hearst gave her the apartment, where she cranked out columns that were fetched by a courier via her window.

Architect Arthur Harvey designed a "flamboyant Churrigueresque" building filled with hand-painted and hand-carved details, and outfitted with the most luxurious amenities of the day, including soundproofing and central refrigeration. Over the decades, as Hollywood became dirty and neglected, the paint on the beams at the Villa Carlotta faded and a more lowkey set of artists, musicians, actors, and others moved in, making the place their own, painting and decorating and creating a close-knit community, subletting as they left for film shoots or tours, under what was for years a laissez faire management and with rents kept low by the city's Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

Inspired by its history as a home and haunt for the artistically adventurous, Villa Carlotta is a Hollywood residential hideaway for free spirits drawn to the iconoclastic energy of bohemian Los Angeles. With five-star service, the sophistication of a landmark boutique hotel and the modern conveniences of a well-appointed condominium, Villa Carlotta offers residential hotel living in fully-furnished studios and one- and two-bedroom residences, welcoming stays of 30 days or more. Thoughtfully restored to its legendary stature as L.A.’s cultural hub in the Golden Age of Hollywood, Villa Carlotta features a collection of lounge spaces, cultural events and wellness and lifestyle amenities to impart a relaxed, communal atmosphere.

Villa Carlotta’s residences exude a palpable sense of comfort and charm, born from the building’s storied past. Each comes brimming with designer finishes, fully-equipped kitchens, adjoining Parisian-style dining areas and expansive living spaces. Floor-to-ceiling glass French doors and windows allow for an inrush of natural light while authentic wood flooring and modern fixtures complement the simultaneity of Old Hollywood glamor and contemporary California living. Villa Carlotta’s unique design philosophy presents an uncommon take on Los Angeles luxury with considered spaces to rest, work, create and dream.

Situated in Hollywood’s charming Franklin Village opposite the glorious Normandy-styled Château Élysée, the building and cultural monument is an elegant perch from which to explore one of America’s most famed (and famously populated) neighborhoods. Guests at Villa Carlotta boast unrivaled convenience and proximity to the best of nearby studios, theaters, shopping and dining, all while moments from Silverlake, Koreatown, DTLA and more.

Amenities

The Lobby / The Palm Garden / Cafe 5959 Coffee Bar / The Hideaway Clubhouse / The Pool (future amenity) / 24-Hour Concierge / Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services / Delivery Lockers / Complimentary Bicycles / Bicycle Parking