Traveler: Chris Eiland
Destination: Beverly Hills, California

This past fall, Chris had the opportunity to serve as an instructor during the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art’s Professional Intensive in Los Angeles.  The sessions took place at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Greystone features a storied history and has been used as a set for many popular TV and film productions. Chris shares some moments that caught his eye in and around Greystone Mansion:

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The Mansion

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Completed in 1928 by architect Gordon B. Kaufmann, the architecture combines Italianate classicism, Tudor composition, and Medieval Revival-style details.  The result is eclectic romanticism at its best.

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The Gardens 

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The landscape and garden design accommodate the steep hillside through a series of Mediterranean-inspired site elements.

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A Favorite Detail

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I liked spotting the acorns incorporated between dentils on this fireplace surround.

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The estate now serves a public park owned by the city of Beverly Hills.  It’s worth a visit on any trip to Los Angeles. The grounds are open to the public for self-guided visits. The mansion is only open during special programs, but tours of the mansion and gardens are held the first Saturday of the month from December through April. Until you can visit, you may recognize it in one of these movies!