In the heart of Beverly Hills lies a piece of Old Hollywood history that is as glamorous as it is intriguing. Bravo star and real estate mogul Josh Flagg has recently listed a stunning multimillion-dollar estate that once played host to none other than the legendary Gloria Vanderbilt. This sprawling property, now on the market for $16.5 million, is steeped in the kind of Hollywood lore that few homes can claim. Its story is woven with the threads of iconic figures, unparalleled elegance, and a legacy that spans generations.
The estate’s connection to Gloria Vanderbilt dates back to the summer of 1941, when she was just 17 years old. At the time, her mother, the older Gloria Vanderbilt, had leased the home, and it was during this period that young Gloria’s life took a dramatic turn. In her 1985 autobiography, Once Upon a Time, Vanderbilt recounted how this very house was where she first met the infamous Howard Hughes. The encounter, as she described it, was nothing short of transformative. Hughes, who was much older and already a well-known figure in Hollywood, had arranged to meet her mother under the pretense of discussing business. However, his true interest lay in Gloria herself. He asked her mother’s permission for Gloria to take a screen test, and soon after, the two went on a date. This meeting marked the beginning of a relationship that would become one of the most significant of her life.
Gloria Vanderbilt revisited this chapter of her life in her 2016 book, The Rainbow Comes and Goes, which she co-authored with her son, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper. In it, she opens up about her various romances, including high-profile relationships with Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando. Yet, when she appeared on Live with Kelly during the book’s promotional tour, she revealed that Howard Hughes was, in her opinion, “the best.” Her stories paint a vivid picture of a bygone era, one of glamour, intrigue, and the kind of larger-than-life personalities that defined Old Hollywood. Gloria Vanderbilt passed away in 2019 at the age of 95, but the memories she left behind continue to captivate.
The estate’s next chapter began when it was purchased by Noreen Nash, a rising starlet at MGM during the 1940s and ’50s. Nash lived in the home until her death in 2023 at the remarkable age of 99. During her time there, the estate became a hotspot for Hollywood’s elite, with regular visitors including Elvis Presley, Warren Beatty, Bob Evans, Ali MacGraw, and Henry Miller. According to Flagg’s listing, Miller even tied the knot on the property, adding another layer of romance and history to its already storied past. The estate’s guest book reads like a Who’s Who of Hollywood royalty, making it a true treasure trove of Tinseltown memories.
This timeless estate is now on the market for the first time in 72 years, offering a rare opportunity for a buyer to own a piece of Hollywood history. Located in the prestigious neighborhood known as the Flats, the property is a testament to classic elegance and sophistication. Boasting six spacious bedrooms, five bathrooms, a grand library, and a lavish guest house, the estate is designed to impress. Its sprawling grounds feature a massive swimming pool and ample space for entertaining, with the capacity to host up to 400 guests for an elegant party or fundraiser. Additionally, the property includes accommodations for 14 cars, making it a car enthusiast’s dream. Flagg’s listing describes it as a “truly once in a lifetime” home, and it’s easy to see why.
For anyone who has ever been captivated by the magic of Old Hollywood, this estate is a dream come true. Its walls have witnessed the rise and fall of legends, the birth of unforgettable romances, and the kind of glamour that only Hollywood can deliver. Whether you’re a history buff, a film enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, this home offers a chance to step into a world that few get to experience. As Josh Flagg’s listing so aptly puts it, this is not just a home—it’s a piece of history waiting to be claimed.
