Hollywood hills hideaway: a satanist's sanctuary reveals a surprisingly human past
Tony Cavalero’s LA home – a sprawling Spanish estate in Hollywood Hills – isn’t just a backdrop for HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones; it’s a meticulously curated reflection of a strange and storied history.
A dark room, a devilish appeal
According to his wife, Annie, Tony, who plays the ex-Satanist Keefe Chambers, would be utterly captivated by the home’s famously dark and atmospheric media room. “He’d be so down with the darkness of the theater, he would probably like that the best,” she says. Despite the popcorn machine and twin recliners, the room’s gloom – a feature Annie credits to its history – seems to perfectly align with Keefe’s sensibilities.
From commune to celebrity
The Cavalero-Williams estate, built in 1939 by architect Paul R. Williams, has witnessed a remarkable succession of occupants. It hosted Hollywood royalty like Marlon Brando, Wally Cox, and David Carradine, and even served as the site of a late-60s commune and ashram, frequented by luminaries like Carole King and James Taylor. The couple’s neighbors unearthed these fascinating details, adding layers of intrigue to the property’s already rich narrative.
A '90s rescue
But when the Cavaliers first toured the house in 2016, they were met with a decidedly less glamorous scene. “When we bought it, the interior was very nineties, very neutral,” Annie reveals. The media room was a dated echo of its former self – dark cabinetry, a gargantuan jacuzzi tub dominating the space – a testament to a bygone era. Their vision? To restore the home to its Hollywood Regency grandeur, infused with their own distinct style.
A collaborative creation
Working with designer Amber McDermitt of Spruce Your Space, the couple transformed the property. McDermitt meticulously sketched the theater’s floor plan by hand, capturing Annie’s vision. “Annie’s everywhere in the house,” Tony laughs, pointing to crystal clusters found by his grandfather scattered throughout the rooms and a striking chandelier inherited from his late uncle hanging in the vibrant red hallway. Every element, from the leather La-Z-Boy recliners to the subtle nods to Marlon Brando (a Chase poster adorning the wall), tells a story – a story the Cavaliers are determined to preserve.
Beyond the aesthetics
“Everything has perspective and point of view and history; everything's three-dimensional,” Annie explains, emphasizing her commitment to honoring the home’s past. Even the backyard shed, once a prop on Nickelodeon’s School of Rock, now houses Tony’s prized black desk – a reminder of his own unexpected journey. Despite the opulent history, the couple simply felt “like your grandmother’s house” the moment they stepped through the door – a feeling that hasn’t diminished with the ‘90s décor.
A forever home
And while the pool remains a future project, the Cavaliers’ immediate focus is on solidifying their connection to this extraordinary space. “We want to be here forever,” Annie states firmly, a sentiment echoed in every carefully chosen detail of their uniquely layered and deeply personal home.