Harlow's holmby hills hideaway lists for $16.8 million
The palatial Los Angeles estate once Home to Jean Harlow, Hollywood’s original blonde bombshell, has emerged for sale, carrying a hefty $16.8 million price tag. More than just a residence, the property whispers tales of a bygone era, a fleeting moment of extravagance for a star who burned brightly and faded too soon.
A whirlwind build for a rising star
Commissioned in 1932, the Colonial Revival mansion, famously nicknamed “the Whitest House in the World,” was a gift to Harlow from the studio, constructed in a remarkably swift ten weeks by architect C.B. Clyne. Harlow herself resided within these walls until her untimely death at the age of 26, a tragic end that only adds to the property’s mystique.
Now listed by David Kramer at Compass, the estate sits nestled within the prestigious Holmby Hills neighborhood, shielded by a gated entrance and mature magnolia trees that have witnessed nearly a century of Los Angeles history. The 7,367-square-foot manor boasts four bedrooms and seven bathrooms, a scale reflecting the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by the Golden Age’s brightest stars.
Glimpses of a decadent past
While subsequent owners have expanded the dwelling over the years, the core of the Home retains its 1930s charm. Boiserie paneling, marble fireplaces, and intricate crown moldings transport visitors to a time of unparalleled glamour. A library, complete with built-in arched bookcases and a cleverly concealed Prohibition-era bar, offers a tangible link to a more discreet, yet equally vibrant, past. It’s a space that hints at clandestine gatherings and whispered secrets.
The stories surrounding Harlow’s time at the estate are legendary – including her daily nude swims in the pool, a detail recounted in the biography Jean Harlow: Tarnished Angel. The expansive 1.32-acre grounds are a testament to her desire for privacy and indulgence, featuring a spa, a full-size tennis court, a koi pond with a cascading waterfall, and a two-story pool house complete with a balcony and French doors. A glass conservatory seamlessly connects the interior to the gardens, showcasing two greenhouses and a temperature-controlled wine cellar.
A family legacy continues
The current sellers, the three adult children of Herman and Marsha Jacobs, acquired the property in 1979 for approximately $1.1 million. After their mother passed away in 2011, followed by their father last year, they made the poignant decision to relinquish the iconic house. “It didn’t make sense for any of us to keep it,” Jason Jacobs explained to the Wall Street Journal, a sentiment that speaks to the weight of history and the responsibility of stewardship. Remarkably, the Jacobses preserved many of Harlow’s original features, reflecting a deep respect for the Home’s legacy. Lisa Boren, their daughter, noted, “It was perfect for entertaining and big parties.”
A final, perhaps ironic detail: Harlow's initials are subtly incorporated into the ironwork balcony—a design that mirrors the initials of Herman Jacobs, but reversed. As Boren wryly observed, her father often quipped, “Do you see? This house was made for us.” The echo of Harlow’s glamour lingers, a silent testament to the enduring power of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the homes that once sheltered its stars.