TV writer/producer/creator Shonda Rhimes is offering her grand residence, one of the most spectacular properties ever to come to market in Los Angeles’ stately Hancock Park neighborhood. The 3-level residence in this vast estate compound is at 355 South Muirfield Road rests on a sprawling, flat corner lot comprised of two parcels and features a detached guesthouse, pool cabana, and separate hair salon/wellness center.
Ed Solórzano in our Beverly Hills office is listing agent for the 7-bedroom, 12-bathroom home with 8 fireplaces. The residence encompasses 11,749 square feet and is situated on a 49,708-square-foot lot. Asking price is $25,000,000.
Originally designed by famed architect Elmer Grey in 1923, the home was taken down to the studs, then underwent a major renovation and addition, and completed with luxurious interiors by eminent White House designer Michael Smith. The end result is a romantic California classic.
Widely published and prominently featured twice in Architectural Digest, the home has been host to numerous luminaries including a U.S. president, political candidates, first ladies, speakers of the house, and the casts of several celebrated TV series.
The home was showcased on the cover of Architectural Digest in February 2019, accompanied by an article written by Shonda herself detailing the renovation of the property. The library is her favorite room in the house.
The wonderful public rooms, appointed with hardwood floors, intricate crown molding, designer lighting, Venetian plaster, and custom wall and window coverings, create a visually stunning backdrop for both large-scale entertaining and comfortable living.
Enter via the striking foyer, which has a gray-and-white marble floor, skylight, and blown glass chandelier. The living room features a restored tray ceiling, stone carved fireplace, and French doors. Beam ceiling and French doors accent the formal dining room.
The eat-in chef’s kitchen has a massive marble island and state-of-the-art appliances, flanked by a large butler’s pantry, separate catering kitchen, and staff office.
Cozy up in the large family room with fireplace and iron doors, leading to the rear patio and garden. Another fireplace graces the warm, comfortable library.
A remarkable 2-story gallery boasts double-height windows, elaborate wrought-iron doors, a fireplace, and open music mezzanine. The upper level consists of 6 en-suite bedrooms, including a large primary bedroom suite with sitting area, lavish polished opal white stone bath, and walk-in dressing room, occupying the entire south wing of the home.
Dual skylights with custom hand-blown glass lead to the family bedrooms comprising the north wing. The lower level features a handsome media theater with custom wall coverings and stadium seating, snack bar, playroom, and multiple storage rooms, including compartmentalized shelving for fine-art storage.
Modern technological additions include an interior elevator servicing all 3 floors, Savant smarthome system, Lutron lighting, Pentair pool system, solar heating panels, and a systems generator.
Across a rear portico adorned with vintage wrought-iron gates is the detached guesthouse with a private courtyard, plus a separate full-service hair salon and wellness center. The enormous backyard features an extensive stone patio, 2 huge grassy yards, a wisteria-draped loggia, swimming pool, cabana with attached patio and outdoor fireplace, freestanding hot tub, barbecue station, paddle tennis court, herb garden, and a hedged secret garden.
The home is surrounded by amazing, lush landscaping and accented with a smattering of mature trees and manicured vegetation. It is walled and gated for the utmost in privacy. The 3-car garage and security office abut a huge motor court with parking for several vehicles.
Shonda Rhimes is CEO of global media company, Shondaland. An award-winning television producer, writer, and author, Rhimes is best known as the first woman to create three television dramas that have achieved the 100-episode milestone. Those shows include, “Grey’s Anatomy,” the longest-running medical drama in history; its spinoff “Private Practice,” and the groundbreaking series “Scandal” for ABC. She also is executive producer on “How to Get Away With Murder.”
Rhimes shifted the entertainment industry’s business model when she left network television and brokered an unprecedented agreement for Shondaland to produce streaming content exclusively in partnership with Netflix. She is one of the highest-paid creators in television history.
Rhimes is executive producer of “Bridgerton,” Shondaland’s first scripted series with Netflix and the largest series debut in Netflix history.
With a focus on innovation, Rhimes’ company approaches storytelling through brand partnerships, merchandise, and content for film, streaming, audio, digital, and editorial. In her career, Rhimes’ work has been celebrated with numerous awards including induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. She has shifted the entertainment industry’s business model and changed the face of television.
Michael S. Smith is considered one of the most original and respected talents in the design industry today. His work has been featured numerous times in Architectural Digest. With an international profile of residential, hospitality and commercial clients, Smith’s style is a seamless blend of European classicism and American modernism–always fresh, always evolving, always underscored by the belief that everyone should live with things they love.
He possesses a curator’s knowledge of and appreciation for the past, nurtured by studies at the Victoria and Albert Museum and extensive work in the antiques business. In 2010, Michael was appointed by President Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House.
A Pasadena-based architect and artist, Elmer designed many noted landmarks in Southern California, including the Beverly Hills Hotel, Huntington Art Gallery, Pasadena Playhouse, and Wattles Mansion. He is credited with being one of the pioneers in the development of the new American architecture in the early 20th century, with a focus on harmony with nature and eliminating features not belonging to the local climate and conditions.
A top-producing agent and 21-year real estate veteran, Ed specializes in the marketing and sales of residential properties throughout the entire Westside from downtown Los Angeles to Malibu, and in the San Fernando Valley from Toluca Lake to Agoura Hills.
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July 14th, 2021 at 11:00 am