Judy Garland’s Former L.A. Home Comes with Hidden Rooms and Hollywood Glamour Stories
With its crisp white facade, partly covered in sprawling ivy, the Art Deco-inspired dwelling at 8850 Evanview Drive is known for having an impressive pedigree of A-list former residents. The hillside home, built in the early 1940s by L.A. architect John Elgin Woolf, first welcomed legendary actor-singer Judy Garland. She resided at the property for four years with her husband, film director Vincente Minnelli, and their soon-to-be-famous daughter, Liza.
The main house includes an impressive portfolio of Hollywood residents. Its current owner, Sharlene Ernster, renovated the home but kept relics from its star-studded past. Here is a look at a living room, which leads to a spacious balcony.
Next on the ownership list was actor-comedian Wally Cox, who sold the abode in 1955 to iconic entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. It was during this time that Davis expanded the property to its present size and also designed the pool house, which is where Canadian-American rock group The Band lived and recorded their classic 1969 "Brown Album."
Slightly elevated, the well-lit, galley-style kitchen is accessible from both the living and dining rooms. The space features a custom-stone backsplash, along with stainless-steel appliances and ample cabinetry.
Spread across nearly 5,000 square feet, the main house features expansive open rooms, seamlessly connected via an open layout. Maple hardwoods line the floor, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of Hollywood and the surrounding hills. A balcony off of the great room and others scattered across the three floors enhance the home's opportunities for entertaining and enjoying the outdoors.
A closer look at the dining area, which also offers direct outdoor-access.
In total, the main residence offers five bedrooms, seven-and-a-half baths, as well as a gym, media room, and office space. The revamped 1,100-square-foot pool house, which also serves as private guest quarters, comes with a fully equipped bar and lounge area, plus another bedroom and two baths. Scroll ahead to see more of property, currently listed for $6,129,000.
A few steps down from the dining area is another sitting are, lined with dark maple hardwoods. Expansive windows and doors usher in natural light throughout.
Offering captivating views, the balcony is an idyllic spot for dining and enjoying the setting sun.
A look at the spacious master bedroom, which was later added along with the upstairs level.
In addition to a sitting area and fireplace, a large bath is also attached to the master bedroom. A freestanding tub sits next to a large window overlooking the hills.
A bright and airy bedroom on the bottom level leads to the garden. The backyard urban oasis was landscaped during Sammy Davis Jr.'s time living at the property.
Also downstairs is Liza Minnelli's original childhood bedroom.
On the opposite wall of Liza's original bedroom are built-in, floor-to-ceiling bookcases, behind which is a hidden door that leads to the Judy Garland suite—the home's original master bedroom. Complete with a walk-in closet, this area also contains Judy's former dressing area, which remains in its original condition from decades of preservation.
Lush foliage surrounds the home, creating a serene and private city escape.
Davis also designed the pool area, including the one-bedroom, two-bath guesthouse. A fire pit has since been added, along with plentiful seating for easy entertaining.
Inside the guesthouse, a large, open layout offers space for hosting guest or gathering poolside. The bedroom is located on the structure's second level.
8850 Evanview Drive is currently listed for $6,129,000 by Alexandra Pfeifer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.
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