About

“Talmadge house”

Potential City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.—LFIA potential landmarks list.

Replica of 17th century Florentine villa of the Duke of Alba. Many film stars including silent screen actresses Madge Bellamy and Norma Talmadge & L.A. business pioneers lived here. (Source: D. Kanner, 1989).

Built by S. Charles Lee, architect for Mr. and Mrs. Philip Hunt. (Source: The Show Started on the Sidewalk,”

Lee’s oral history completed under the auspices of the Oral History Program, UCLA, 1987, p. 30.).

“Developed by the Bank of Italy in 1927 after acquiring 16.82 acres of former tract 6189 from John H. Fisher.”

Owners included: Frances Hunt Inc., 1927; Bellamy Corp., 1929; Frances Hunt Inc., 1931; Philip Hunt, 1936; Frances Hunt Inc., 1944; Sold for taxes, 06/30/47. (Source: Los Angeles County Tax Assessor’s Archive, Book 222, 1917-1924).

Listed at $3,000,000 in June, 2002. Sold to LA developer designer Xorin Balbes. (Source: LA Times, 6/23/02, K15).

Listed at $3,600,000 in May, 2002. (Source: real estate brochure).

Also home to actor Ralph Bellamy (1940s), musician Jimi Hendrix (1960s), industrialist Howard Hughes (1930s), and Actor/Composer Rod McKuen (1970s). (Source: www.movielanddirectory.com)

1940 Census:
4320 1/2 Cedarhurst Circle (Rents for $15): 1) James D. Derling, head of household; white married male 35 years of age; born in England; gardener, private house; earns $1,200. 2) Hazel S. Derling, wife; white married female 51 years of age; born in Michigan; not working. (ED 60-79; Page 13B; Lines 70-71).