H
ollywood’s most storied homes are plentiful, yet none rival the newly listed Villa Dorada in the Outpost Estates. The 1929 Spanish Revival mansion, once the residence of Bela Lugosi’s famed Dracula role, reappears on the market after a 50‑year absence, priced at $7.5 million.
Built for Minneapolis physician Frederick A. Dunsmoor and finished in 1930, the estate quickly became known as Lugosi’s “daytime coffin” when he rented it during the height of his 1931 film fame. The property later passed to Oscar‑winning songwriter Jimmy Van Heusen in 1953, who reportedly entertained Frank Sinatra and Sammy Cahn on its grounds. In 1946, Elizabeth Stack, daughter of “Unsolved Mysteries” host Robert Stack, owned the home for seven years before it changed hands again. The current owner acquired Villa Dorada in 1972.
Set on a 13,185‑square‑foot lot in a cul‑de‑sac of the Outpost Estates—a Hollywood Hills enclave famed for its carob‑lined streets and celebrity residents such as Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Orlando Bloom, and Winona Ryder—the mansion offers panoramic views from the Hollywood sign to the Pacific Ocean. The neighborhood’s early 1920s development buried all utilities underground, preserving unobstructed vistas and ensuring privacy, a feature highlighted by Compass agent Tom Davila.
The three‑story, 7,400‑square‑foot home emphasizes security and seclusion. Large windows frame the glittering skyline, while multiple terraces on every level provide seamless indoor‑outdoor living. Inside, four spacious en‑suite bedrooms and staff quarters with private rooms and a living area accommodate both family and guests. Original hardwood floors, a rare wood‑paneled elevator, hand‑carved doors, vintage tile, Art Deco doorknobs, and period chandeliers preserve the 1920s charm. A step‑down parlor with a built‑in bar, a grand ballroom anchored by an oversized fireplace, and a guest bath enhance entertaining spaces.
Agent John Zaffarano notes that the current owner commissioned a comprehensive history of the property, uncovering original permits that awarded it “Special” status for plumbing and electrical fixtures and an “Extra Special” designation for overall construction—testimony to its exceptional craftsmanship. Kennon Earl, a third listing agent, praises the estate as one of the finest Spanish Revival examples, with pristine magnesite floors and authentic details intact.
Villa Dorada’s allure lies in its blend of cinematic legacy, architectural artistry, and unrivaled privacy. The estate’s proximity to film studios and downtown Los Angeles, coupled with zoning that prohibits tour buses, makes it a quiet hideaway for Hollywood’s elite. The property’s storied past, from Lugosi’s haunting residency to Van Heusen’s Sinatra soirées, offers buyers a tangible link to Old Hollywood.
For those seeking a living piece of cinema history, Villa Dorada presents a rare opportunity. Whether hosting soirées in the ballroom, enjoying city‑to‑ocean views from a terrace, or strolling the tree‑lined streets of Outpost Estates, residents can experience the magic of Hollywood’s golden age every day. In a city where history and modern luxury collide, this estate stands as a timeless testament to both, offering a once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance for discerning collectors of Hollywood treasures.
