Presented by Alexandra Pfeifer in our Pacific Palisades office, 8850 Evanview Drive overlooks Sunset Boulevard and consists of five bedrooms plus an office, 7.5 bathrooms, and a pool/guesthouse.

A star-studded history

Built in 1941, this hillside home was once owned by actress/singer Judy Garland, her husband Vincente Minnelli, and their daughter Liza Minnelli (1944-48) and was later sold to Sammy Davis Jr. (1955). Now, the property is on the market in Los Angeles for $6,129,000.

The main house was designed by “architect to the stars” John Woolf and features many of Woolf’s deco details, including the original and beautifully detailed railings that are commonly found in his homes. When Davis purchased the property he expanded it to its current size, even designing the urban backyard oasis, including the pool and pool house.

The home itself is an homage to past residents; throughout the residence, traces of the famous inhabitants have been preserved and put on display so that their presence can be felt throughout. The current owner, founder an CEO of We Are HAH women’s lifetyle apparel, Sharlene Ernster, had the pool house professionally designed to resemble its “’60s vibe” when Davis lived there, guided by photos and building permits.

In addition to the Garland/Minnelli family and Sammy Davis Jr., other notable owners of this home included TV actor/comedian Wally Cox and the roots-rock group The Band who lived and recorded their classic 1969 “brown album” in the pool house.

Luxury features and amenities

A few steps down from the front door, the foyer opens into the great room, a large open space with maple floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. Throughout the home, much of the original ironwork, flooring, and design have been preserved. Also throughout the home, sweeping vistas of surrounding hills and the city below can be seen and enjoyed.

The slightly elevated kitchen is accessible from the dining and living rooms and has been remodeled with a creative oval stone backsplash, countertop stove, and large refrigerator.

An office area between floors transitions to the downstairs space where Garland and Minnelli had their living quarters. Further below is the second living room, which has blackout curtains and a retractable screen that makes it a media room ideal for watching movies.

Liza’s original bedroom can be found next to the downstairs living room and opposite her room are built-in floor-to-ceiling bookcases with a hidden door that leads to the Judy Garland Suite, the home’s original master bedroom.

An old photo of the famous sparkling ruby-red slippers that Judy wore in “The Wizard of Oz” currently hangs on the wall. The dressing area in the suite is completely untouched from when the Minnellis lived there, right down to the original mirrors.

A staircase leads to a floor that was later added on and includes a home gym, spa-like bathroom, and spacious master bedroom with a sitting area and fireplace, enormous attached bathroom with its own fireplace, and a freestanding tub next to a window overlooking the hills.

Outside, the backyard creates an urban oasis. The pool house was meant to be a chic space that Davis designed for recording music and hosting late-night parties away from the main house. Inside, you will find a downstairs bar and lounge and an upstairs bedroom and bathroom.

Lush foliage surrounds the property, with bamboo, banana-leaf trees, fruit trees, and tropical plants, along with the fragrant scent of jasmine.

About listing agent Alexandra Pfiefer

A Los Angeles native and fourth-generation member of a Westside family, Alexandra’s vast knowledge of the city and what it has to offer is unparalleled. Combined with her unwavering performance under pressure, and deep-rooted knowledge of the local real estate market, achieving the desired goals of her clients while maintaining a positive rapport with her colleagues is a top priority.

To learn more about 8850 Evanview Drive, get in touch with Alexandra today.