If walls could talk, the house at 9361 Farralone Avenue in Chatsworth, California, would have plenty to say. As the long-term home of Frank Sinatra during his Rat Pack years, the property has hosted its fair share of Hollywood A-listers.
The key details
Known simply as Farralone, the estate was built in the early 1950s by socialite Dora Hutchinson, heir to the Chase Manhattan Bank fortune. She wanted a home that would be modern, dramatic and ideal for entertaining her celebrity friends, so she enlisted architect William Pereira to work his magic.
Pereira was one of the most famous architects of the era, but he had also been a film set designer, director and producer, and won an Oscar for his special effects photography work on Cecil B DeMille's Reap the Wild Wind in 1942. So he was well placed to create the dramatic abode that Hutchinson had in mind. Once she was settled in, she would famously set off fireworks to let her neighbours know that happy hour had begun.
When Hutchinson eventually moved back home to New York City, she rented Farralone to Frank Sinatra, who stayed there for 10 years. He, in turn, used to sublet the guesthouse to a certain Ms Marilyn Monroe, who is said to have conducted her clandestine affair with John F Kennedy on those very grounds.
Farralone has since been the site of numerous films and television shows, including Swordfish, Dreamgirls, Transformers, Bewitched, Mad Men and Californication, and has featured in music videos by Mariah Carey, Usher and Rihanna – presenting a significant potential revenue stream for its new owners.
What's the story?
Sitting on a hill at the end of a one-kilometre driveway, the secluded, gated property is currently on the market with Sotheby’s International Realty for $21.5 million. It has been completely restored and features a 6,661-square-foot, four-bedroom, six-bathroom main house that is flooded with natural light, thanks to the fact that 60 per cent of its walls are made from 5-metre-tall panes of glass. This also affords dramatic views of the 536-hectare Chatsworth Nature Preserve and its adjacent mountain range.
A 50-metre swimming pool is complemented by a 186-square-metre pergola lounge area, a separate gym, massage room and recording studio, as well as a vineyard and helipad, while the famous guest house also has its own pool and garden.
What the brokers say…
"This iconic property in LA’s Byrdview Estate was designed by renowned architect William Pereira AIA. As one of only four homes designed by the famous architect, this home reflects impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail," says the listing by Sotheby's International Realty.
FA CUP FINAL
Manchester City 6
(D Silva 26', Sterling 38', 81', 87', De Bruyne 61', Jesus 68')
Watford 0
Man of the match: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
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No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
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Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
