The 90210 zip code is one of the most famous postal codes for a reason. Even before the hit TV show, the city of Beverly Hills has long been known for its luxurious homes and lifestyle.
With the community’s great location in Los Angeles, balmy weather, undiminished prestige, and a colorful history that’s closely intertwined with Hollywood and upscale LA, luxury homes in Beverly Hills have always been excellent investments. These properties have retained and even increased their value over the years, thanks in large part to the community’s allure and high profile.
One of the most distinctive features of luxury homes for sale in Beverly Hills is their architecture. No two homes in the city are alike, and each property boasts architectural features that are uniquely its own.
We explore the different architectural styles that you can expect to find in the city and how they contribute to Beverly Hills’ reputation for glamor and style.
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A brief history of Beverly Hills
To better understand the variety of architectural styles in Beverly Hills, it’s best to start at the earliest days of its development. You may be surprised to know that this tony city has humble beginnings.
In 1900, oilman and real estate developer Burton Green and several partners bought what was then known as the Hammel and Denker Ranch from Henry Hammel and Andrew H. Denker. After failing to find a substantial amount of oil on the property, Green and his partners subdivided the land and began to sell lots. Green and his wife named the subdivision Beverly Hills after Beverly Farms in Beverly, Massachusetts, and the hills that surrounded the area.
The first major building in this location was the storied Beverly Hills Hotel. In 1919, actors Douglas Fairbank and Mary Pickford moved to Beverly Hills. They were soon followed by luminaries such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Clara Bow, and Rudolph Valentino, who all built stylish mansions.
In the 1940s, development in Beverly Hills accelerated, as globally famous retailers flocked to Rodeo Drive. Two decades later, Beverly Hills became famous for its luxury shopping and dining, as well as for the many opulent homes that were built in this city.
Now a city of Los Angeles County, California, Beverly Hills has a total land area of 5.71 square miles. It is a suburb of Los Angeles, lying northwest of this city and southwest of the Hollywood Hills, with a population of 31,896 as of the latest Census figures.
CLASSIC ARCHITECTURAL STYLES OF BEVERLY HILLS HOMES
Designed by the top architects in the country, the luxury homes in Beverly Hills reflect the changing architectural trends of various eras since the city’s birth in the early 1900s. Beverly Hills architecture is also influenced by the area’s sunny climate as well as residents’ need for utmost privacy.
These are the architectural styles you can find in the city today:
Spanish Colonial Revival
The Spanish Colonial Revival is a sought-after architectural style in Beverly Hills and it isn’t hard to see why. It brings a sense of history and a soulful vibe while also being perfect for the California climate. These types of homes are known for their red clay roof tiles, arched windows and doorways, and stucco walls that enclose a central courtyard.
Spanish Colonial Revival houses are also known for their ornate balconies and patios, elegant wrought-iron accents, and elaborate tiles. Homeowners looking for an air of gravitas and timelessness will be delighted by this architectural style. Inside, expect heavy beams, chunky plaster, and dark wood.
Spanish Colonial Revival homes are an excellent choice for Beverly Hills, as these houses’ large windows and outdoor spaces allow plenty of natural light and let you enjoy a seamless combination of indoor and outdoor living. A shady garden with a lot of palm trees set off houses in this style perfectly. From the front, the solid facade provides plenty of privacy and security, but the inner courtyard or garden offers a sense of airiness.
Although still a desired style of architecture, many have been and continue to be updated as real estate has become more expensive and owners require more space, storage and modern
Mediterranean
If you’re looking for an architectural style that captures the California vibe, a Mediterranean home might be right up your alley. Although this style was most popular in the 1930s and ‘30s, it still has many devotees today. They are known for their elegance and comfort, as well as their large yards and ornamental ponds and fountains.
Combining Spanish, Italian, and French influences, Mediterranean houses are famous for their terra-cotta roof tiles, large windows, and stucco walls painted in earthy colors. They’re similar in many ways to Spanish Colonial Revival homes, but boast more ornate facades and more intricate architectural details. Expect carved stone accents in addition to the ornate tiles and wrought-iron railings. These homes also have landscaped gardens and interior courtyards.
Mediterranean homes are warm and inviting, yet cool to live in, as their flat roofs reflect the blistering summer heat. Other features of Mediterranean houses include shady terraces, decorative arches, and porches that hang over heavy wooden front doors.
Georgian
Lovers of symmetrical design, grand entryways, and evenly spaced windows will be delighted by Georgian houses. Many elegant homes in Beverly Hills were built in the Georgian style, as evidenced by their balustrades, columned porticos, and cornices.
The Georgian architectural style is classically elegant and emphasizes balance and proportion. Inside, you’ll find formal dining rooms, ample living areas, and even a grand staircase. The opulence and sophistication of this style can also be found in the use of high-quality materials, such as marble, stone, and hardwood. You will also delight in period details like paneling and sumptuous molding.
Traditional
A traditional home will never go out of style. While it does not have a standard floor plan, many houses in this style come with traditional multi room layouts complemented by a pool and a large backyard. However, contemporary traditional styles may also adopt open floor layouts.
The Traditional style can be an umbrella term for a number of architectural styles that originated in Europe, such as French Normandy, English Cottage, and Tudor. Think quaint country home, but on a more elegant scale.
Traditional architecture can also incorporate details from other architectural styles like American Colonial and Craftsman. Many Traditional houses are one to two stories high and have low or steep pitched roofs, often with a gable or a large chimney. Expect simple facades with this architectural style.
Traditional houses used to be the leading residential architectural style in the US until they were supplanted by Ranch-style homes in the ’50s.
Tudor
The Tudor architectural style is also popular in Beverly Hills, mainly due to its grand, Old World feel. Many Tudor-style homes have pitched gable roofs and chimneys and facades made of stucco or brick. Think whimsical English country manor.
Tudor homes come with intricate brickwork and Medieval era inspired features such as exposed wooden beams, high bay windows, and even turrets and towers. They’re often complemented with exquisite English gardens or spacious patios and outdoor living areas.
French
Another classic architectural style, the French home also has many fans, so don’t be surprised to see this style in many luxury homes in Beverly Hills. The French style has been in vogue since the late 1800s, when the first homes that showcased this style were built on Rue de la Paix in Paris.
This style first became popular in the US between 1915 and 1945, after American soldiers built houses they’d seen in France during World War I and II. Like the Traditional architectural style, the French architectural style can be used as an umbrella term for a number of sub styles like Chateauesque, Norman Cottage, and French Eclectic.
Chateauesque homes were inspired by French medieval castles, so they have a grand and formal look. Expect round towers or square turrets that have pyramidal or conical roofs. Other details include decorative doors and arched or porthole windows. The inside of a Chateauesque home is just as stunning as its interior. Many French homes feature jaw-dropping grand staircases and high ceilings.
If you’re looking for a more rustic European look, the Normandy Cottage architectural style might be more to your taste. These homes are inspired by the houses in the Normandy region, which have narrow eaves, side-facing gables, and roofs with steep hips. Quirky details include dormer windows surrounded by stonework, louvered shutters, and airy wrought-iron ornamentation.
When you combine other architectural styles with the French style, the result is French eclectic. Confident homeowners deftly blend some elements of French provincial houses like brick chimneys into homes that also borrow from other styles such as Cottage or Craftsman.
Craftsman
The Craftsman architectural style is one that is beloved by many people. It’s easy to see why. Craftsman-style homes are known for their simplicity. They often feature large windows and wide porches with square columns, low-pitched gabled roofs with overhanging eaves, asymmetrical gables, and square columns on the front porch which give them an overall elegant look. These houses are often finished in brick or have shingle siding.
Many Craftsman houses are only a single floor, with a relatively large floor plan. The houses make extensive use of natural materials like stone and wood, and put an emphasis on excellent craftsmanship. Expect elegant exposed wooden structural elements as well.
Contemporary Craftsman houses retain the large porches and overhanging eaves, while using more modern materials and adding additional floors.
Cape Cod
Cape Cod is another quintessential American style that you’ll find in some luxury homes in Beverly Hills. Originating from the 18th-century British Georgian style, the Cape Cod style began in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in the early 1900s and has exerted a wide influence over American architecture ever since.
These traditional-style homes are perfect for families and offer a sense of security with their large lots and private yards. The Cape Cod style is iconic and instantly recognizable.
Because Cape Cod can be cold and wet during winter, a Cape Cod-style house has low ceilings and eaves and a large central chimney made out of bricks. Many Cape Cod-style houses are one and a half stories, and have siding and window shutters made of clapboard and cedar. The side shingles are often left unpainted in order to acquire a lovely weathered look.
There are also modern Cape Cod-style houses that can have gabled dormers and decorative porticos with Greek columns. You won’t find a lot of Cape-Cod style homes in Beverly Hills, so houses that are constructed in this style tend to stand out. They look very traditional and are complemented with large lots and private yards.
Mid-Century Modern
The Beverly Hills neighborhood of Trousdale Estates is known for its high concentration of mid-century modern homes built in the mid-1900s. This architectural style is defined by clean lines, the use of natural materials, and indoor-outdoor living – features that continue to define modern homes today. In fact, mid-century modern is considered the precursor of the Scandinavian style that’s all the rage in many contemporary homes.
Simple and functional, the mid-century modern aesthetic is characterized by flat roofs, large windows, and the liberal use of wood and glass. Houses in this style are also known to combine environmentally friendly materials with modern technology. Inside, expect an open floor plan and a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Some mid-century modern houses are also known for their sculptural forms, and many Beverly Hills homes built in this style by master architects such as A. Quincy Jones, Richard Dorman, Wallace Neff, and Lloyd Wright are now considered masterpieces of the movement.
Contemporary
Minimalists looking for a sleek look, clean lines, and sharp edges will be drawn to contemporary houses. These houses also emphasize the use of natural materials like glass and stone.
Contemporary homes are casual, simple, and functional. Many houses in this style have frames that are irregular in shape. Ornamentation is minimal, and form and space are emphasized. Many contemporary homes have open floor plans and large windows, which result in large living spaces with a lot of natural light and an airy atmosphere.
Contemporary homes also appeal to those interested in sustainable living, as these houses are built from environmentally friendly materials and use innovative modern technology for communication, entertainment, and security. Thanks to these innovations, a lot of contemporary homes have a smaller carbon footprint compared to other architectural styles.
Among the luxury homes in Beverly Hills, contemporary homes are popular with buyers because they often have more space compared to traditional houses. If you’re looking for a minimalist aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with a contemporary home.
Trousdale Estates is known for some of the most expensive contemporary and mid-century homes as they so often have jaw dropping city views.
ARCHITECTURALLY SIGNIFICANT HOMES IN BEVERLY HILLS
Spadena House
You’ll find this spooky yellow house at 516 Walden Drive. Also called The Witch’s House, this house has a fairytale quality and was even the backdrop for a Hansel and Gretel film that was made in the 1920s. Aficionados of the movie “Clueless” will also be familiar with this house. It may look lopsided and grotesque, but combined with its overgrown landscaping, this house is one that you won’t soon forget.
The O’Neill House
Located at 507 North Rodeo Drive, the O’Neill House is made of white and blue cement and accented with loops and swirls. It was inspired by surrealist artist Antoni Gaudi and built by the art dealer Don O’Neill and his wife in the mid1980s. Although O’Neill sadly died before the house was completed, his wife still lives in their whimsical home.
The Sheats-Goldstein House
Drop by 10104 Angelo View Drive to see the Sheats-Goldstein house, which was built by architect John Lautner in the 1960s. This home features lovely glass skylights and a living room that is defined by open space. It has appeared in films like The Big Lebowski and Charlie’s Angels, and in 2014, it was featured on the cover of Vanity Fair along with Jennifer Lawrence. This house is also a popular private party destination for a number of A-list celebrities.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LUXURY HOMES IN BEVERLY HILLS FROM AN EXPERT REALTOR
Looking for your very own home in Beverly Hills? Allow me to guide you to the perfect property.
With over 12 years of experience in global luxury real estate, I have helped clients from all over the world find their very own piece of Beverly Hills luxury real estate. I am Caroline Fleck, a licensed California Realtor, Global Luxury Specialist, and long-time member of Coldwell Banker Realty’s International Premier, which comprises the top 1% of Coldwell Banker agents across the globe. If you want to work with one of Beverly Hills’ top real estate agents, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
With thoughtful guidance, open line of communication, and strategic planning skills, combined with my in-depth knowledge of the Beverly Hills luxury real estate , I will ensure you get the best value for your investment.
Call me at 310.508.5979, send an email, or contact me here! I’d be more than happy to help you explore the luxury homes for sale in Beverly Hills, CA.
