Taylor Swift’s house is not only famous for its current occupant but has a storied past that exudes glamour and sophistication from Hollywood’s Golden Age. If you’re close by, you may even get a glimpse of Taylor Swift, just like we did not too long ago. Want to see even more Hollywood royalty? Hop on the cheapest (and best) Hollywood bus tour with Star Track Tours.
Taylor Swift sighted while on Beverly Hills Tour bus
Nestled behind the famed Beverly Hills Hotel on a secluded cul-de-sac, the Samuel Goldwyn Estate at 1200 Laurel Lane is one of Los Angeles’ most storied private residences. Designed by architects Douglas Honnold and George Vernon Russell and completed in 1934 for film-magnate Samuel Goldwyn and his wife, actress‐turned-producer Frances Howard, the estate is a gracious example of Georgian Revival style adapted for Southern California—white stucco walls, classic proportions, sweeping terraces, and formal interiors built to entertain Hollywood’s elite.
Spanning nearly two acres of terraced grounds, the estate features lush landscaping, a swimming pool with cabana, a tennis court and cabana, and multiple terraces and patios for al-fresco gatherings. Inside, nearly 11,000 square feet of living space includes a grand galleria entrance, formal dining room that once seated 20, a paneled library (also used as a screening room), guest apartment over the garage, and a majestic master suite with veranda overlooking the city.
A Legacy of Hollywood Glamour
Samuel Goldwyn was one of the founding figures of the American film industry and co-founder of MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer). He built this home as a social hub for Hollywood’s “Golden Age” luminaries: Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, Clark Gable, Lucille Ball and others were known to frequent the estate’s formal salons and gardens.
In 2017 the mansion was declared eligible as a historic resource by the City of Beverly Hills and recognized for its architectural significance and association with Goldwyn’s legacy of film production.
Architectural Highlights & Interior Features
- Design style: Georgian Revival with California sensibility—symmetrical façade, white stucco over brick, black trim, modulated wings forming a gentle obtuse angle.
- Public spaces: A lounge with heavy green drapery led to a card room; the library doubled as a screening room, reflecting Goldwyn’s film interests.
- Bedrooms & guest quarters: Four bedrooms on the main floor and a master suite on the second floor; above-garage guest apartment added extra flexibility.
- Capacity for entertaining: The formal dining room accommodated 20 guests; terraces and gardens facilitated large social gatherings—apt for its Hollywood pedigree.
Landscaping & Grounds
The grounds were designed for both privacy and leisurely luxury. A motor court behind gates introduces the residence. Terraced gardens, mature trees, rose garden, winding footpaths and a private tennis court create the sense of a private country estate tucked into Beverly Hills. The pool area features a cabana, set into the hillside such that views dip into the trees and city beyond.
Ownership & Preservation
The Goldwyn family maintained ownership of the property until 2015, when it sold for approximately $25 million. Since then, the home has undergone full restoration and renovation to preserve its historic character while supporting modern luxury living. Its status as a historically significant property has drawn attention from preservationists and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Directions from Sunset Boulevard (from West Hollywood)
If you’re driving from West Hollywood along Sunset Boulevard and heading west toward Beverly Hills to reach 1200 Laurel Lane, here’s a straightforward route:
- Begin on Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood, heading west.
- Continue on Sunset Boulevard passing major intersections such as Doheny, Beverly, and Canon. You’ll see the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel on your right as you approach North Crescent Drive.
- Just past the Beverly Hills Hotel, turn right onto North Crescent Drive—this will take you up toward the residential enclave.
- Follow Crescent Drive a short distance, then turn left onto Laurel Lane.
- Proceed along Laurel Lane to number 1200, which is set back from the cul-de-sac. The property is behind gates—look for a long driveway or motor court behind discreet entrance features.
Please note: this is a private residence. Public access is restricted, and visitors should respect the privacy of the property and its occupants.
Talyor Swift house in Los Angeles map
Why the Property Matters
– The estate captures an era when Hollywood moguls built tailored residences reflecting their status, aesthetic values and social ambitions. Goldwyn’s home is a physical manifestation of the “studio era” of Los Angeles.
– Architecturally, the house stands out as an early work by Honnold & Russell, merging formal revivalism with Californian flexibility.
– The preservation of the residence and its restoration signal respect for heritage even as Beverly Hills evolves in the 21st century.
– Finally, its ongoing story—change of ownership, modern restoration, and recognition as a historic site—makes it both a time-capsule and a living piece of Los Angeles real-estate and culture.
In Summary
1200 Laurel Lane is far more than just a “celebrity mansion”—it’s a landmark of architecture, film-industry history and Los Angeles luxury. From its stately 1934 origins for Samuel Goldwyn, through decades of cinematic and social significance, to its contemporary stewardship and preservation, the estate remains one of the most evocative homes in Beverly Hills. If you ever pass by the area—while keeping to public sidewalks and respecting privacy—this property offers a remarkable window into the traditions and legacies that shaped Hollywood’s golden age and continue to echo in the city’s landscape today.