One Long and Impressive Filmography Belongs to…a Mansion?

by SweisKloss
May 6, 2021

Dead Ringer (the Bette Davis version). The Fabulous Baker Boys. There Will Be Blood. The Social Network. What do these films have in common? Architecture. Specifically, Greystone Mansion. Celebrity sightings are kind of a given in LA, but one notable Hollywood star should be Greystone Mansion, which has served as the cinematic backdrop and setting for a countless list of films, tv shows, commercials and photoshoots.

Greystone Mansion was built in 1927 as a wedding gift from Edward Laurence Doheny, oil tycoon and biopic inspiration for There Will Be Blood, to his son Edward “Ned” Laurence Doheny, Jr. and Lucy Smith. Designed by architect Gordon B. Kaufmann and built by the P.J. Walker Co., Greystone took three years to complete construction, resulting in over 46,000 livable square feet in the Tudor Revival mansion. The 18.3-acre site also had stables and kennels, tennis courts, gatehouse, a greenhouse, pool and pavilion, expansive gardens, a lake, and its own fire station.

The abundance of stone and Welsh slate roofing gives the mansion its grey appearance. Although the exterior is grand, the opulence lies inside with craftsmanship seen in the hand-carved oak banisters, balustrades, and rafters. Each of the seven chimneys were designed by a different artist. Inlaid marble covers many of the floors. And all the rooms with southern exposure have a panoramic view of the Los Angeles Basin to the coastal front.

It is no surprise that the Doheny Greystone Mansion would be recognized and registered as a historic landmark. Purchased by the City of Beverly Hills in 1965, it is also no surprise that because of its historic and architectural beauty, the property would gain momentum as the “it” film location. Much of the architectural features of the mansion have been preserved. But the Brunswick bowling alley in the home was restored so it could be used for the filming of There Will Be Blood. You all remember the bowling alley scene…

We love how design and architecture have such a presence in so many ways, and Greystone Mansion is loved by many. Starting May 5th, the grounds will reopen on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Reservations are required. For more info, click here.