A Paul R. Williams-Designed Mediterranean Revival Estate in Los Angeles Lists for $8.5 Million

Diane Keaton featured the legendary home in her 2007 book, California Romantica

April 30, 2025

The front entrance. Photo: Sterling Reed Photography

A circa-1927 Mediterranean Revival estate designed by notable architect Paul R. Williams has hit the market. Listed for $8.5 million, the property was once home to late Hollywood actor Dennis Morgan, and it also makes an appearance in California Romantica, Diane Keaton’s 2007 book about Spanish-style homes in the Golden State.

“Paul R. Williams created an architectural masterpiece with this estate, one that would be almost impossible to replicate today,” listing agent George Penner of Compass tells Galerie. “The achievement is complemented by its gardens, courtyards, and pool, all under the supervision of its current owner.”

The home sits on 1.2 acres. Photo: Sterling Reed Photography

In 1923, Paul R. Williams became the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects, and, in 1957, he became the first Black AIA Fellow. In 2017, Williams was posthumously awarded the AIA Gold Medal. He designed this particular estate at the age of 33; it was one of his first monumental residential commissions.

Sitting on 1.2 acres, the historic estate boasts a charming garden with a circa-1929 faux bois tea house, a three-story observatory, and an Olympic-size pool. This is the first time in decades that the property has been listed for sale.

A restored Della Robbia ceramic mosaic. Photo: Sterling Reed Photography

Located in La Cañada’s sought-after Alta Canyada Estates, this estate was built for just $125,000 in 1927, translating to approximately $2.26 million today.

Within the main residence are 20-foot-high coffered ceilings, black-and-white marble flooring, a grand foyer with bas-relief details, a paneled library, a formal dining room with stained glass elements, stenciled ceilings, arched French doors, a music room, and a cast cement fireplace.

The living area. Photo: Sterling Reed Photography

The guest house boasts a stone fireplace, two bedrooms, and a bar, while the grounds include a cactus garden, century-old Deodar cedars, an heirloom rose garden, lion statues, a grotto, fountains, and a restored Della Robbia ceramic mosaic.

This property is one of the few Paul R. Williams estates from this period that remain intact. It was originally a five-acre retreat for attorney James Degnan; it has since gone through significant subdivision, but retains 1.2 acres of restored original components.

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