Exploring The Iconic 1000 N Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills: A Glimpse Into Hollywood History
Beverly Hills. The very name conjures images of luxury, glamour, and the golden age of Hollywood. Nestled within its tree-lined streets are countless estates, each with its own story, but few hold as much historical weight and star-studded lore as the magnificent property located at 1000 North Roxbury Drive. This address isn't just a number; it's a living testament to an era when Hollywood legends walked its halls and graced its gardens, making it one of the most iconic homes in Southern California.
For fans of classic television and cinema, 1000 N Roxbury Drive is synonymous with one of the most beloved couples in entertainment history: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Their lives, both on-screen and off, captivated millions, and this grand residence served as their private sanctuary, a place where the laughter and drama of their public personas gave way to the realities of family life. Join us as we delve into the fascinating details of this legendary property, exploring its architectural charm, its famous inhabitants, and its enduring legacy in the heart of Beverly Hills.
The Grand Estate: A Look at the Property Details
Before diving into its illustrious past, let's appreciate the physical grandeur of 1000 N Roxbury Drive. This single-family home is a significant piece of real estate, even by Beverly Hills standards, and its specifications speak to the luxury it has always embodied.
A Glimpse at the Grand Estate
The residence boasts an impressive 7,499 square feet of living space, providing ample room for grand entertaining and comfortable family living. It features a remarkable 6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, a testament to its design for both privacy and hospitality. Built in 1936, the home carries the timeless elegance of pre-war architecture, a period known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Currently, the property at 1000 N Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, is not for sale, a status that often reflects its historical significance and the rarity of such an iconic address coming onto the market. While its last sale date isn't readily available in the provided data, its value and history are well-documented. For those interested in real estate specifics, details such as sales history, tax history, home value estimates, and overhead views are typically tracked under its APN (Assessor's Parcel Number), offering a comprehensive look at its financial and structural evolution over the decades.
Interestingly, public records indicate that the current owner of 1000 N Roxbury Dr is Comerica Bank & Trust Tr, suggesting it might be held in a trust, a common practice for high-value properties, often for privacy or estate planning purposes.
Architectural Charm: A Colonial Gem
The architectural style of the home is described as a two-story colonial house. This style, often characterized by its symmetrical facade, stately columns, and classic proportions, exudes a sense of timeless American grandeur. Colonial homes are known for their inviting presence and functional layouts, making them ideal for both intimate family life and large social gatherings. This particular design would have offered Lucille and Desi a dignified yet comfortable setting for their lives away from the studio lights.
A Star-Studded History: Living on Roxbury Drive
What truly elevates 1000 N Roxbury Drive beyond just a beautiful house is its unparalleled history as a home to some of Hollywood's most enduring stars. This address, and indeed the entire street, became a nexus of celebrity, laughter, and cultural influence during the mid-20th century.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz: The Golden Age Residents
The most famous residents of 1000 N. Roxbury were undoubtedly Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The power couple of "I Love Lucy" fame made this their home from 1954 until Lucille Ball's death in 1989. Lucille Ball, an iconic actress, comedienne, and pioneering TV producer, purchased this two-story colonial house, making it her sanctuary for over three decades. During her tenure, the house witnessed the peak of her career, the evolution of Desilu Productions, and countless moments of personal joy and challenge.
Their life at Roxbury Drive was a fascinating blend of domesticity and celebrity. While they were the king and queen of television, at home, they were simply Lucy and Desi, raising their children and living a life that, despite its extraordinary circumstances, sought a semblance of normalcy within the gilded cage of Hollywood fame. The home would have been a hub for their family, friends, and business associates, filled with the energy of one of the most dynamic duos in entertainment history.
Roxbury Drive: The Starriest Street
It wasn't just Lucille and Desi who made Roxbury Drive famous; the street itself was a veritable constellation of stars. The data reveals that their neighbors were equally legendary, contributing to Roxbury Drive's reputation as "the starriest street in Beverly Hills—and a true American neighborhood."
- Jimmy Stewart, the beloved actor known for his everyman charm, lived right next door to the South at 918 N. Roxbury. Imagine the casual encounters between these titans of the silver screen!
- Jack Benny, the renowned comedian and radio personality, also lived next door, further cementing the street's status as a comedy and entertainment hub.
With other luminaries like the Ira Gershwins (of songwriting fame) and Oscar Levants (pianist, composer, and wit) also residing nearby, Roxbury Drive truly became a unique microcosm of Hollywood's elite. This concentration of talent created a vibrant community, where casual strolls might lead to impromptu conversations with legends, and neighborhood gatherings were likely filled with unparalleled wit and charm. It was a place where the lines between celebrity and neighbor blurred, fostering a sense of genuine community amidst the glitz and glamour.
The Neighborhood's Enduring Appeal
The appeal of 1000 N Roxbury Drive extends beyond its immediate neighbors to the broader Beverly Hills context. Directly across the street from this historic home is the world-renowned Beverly Hills Hotel. Established in 1912, it holds the distinction of being the city's first business and remains an iconic landmark. The hotel's founder, Margaret Anderson, even donated the parkland and fountain across the street, establishing it as the city's first municipal park. This proximity to such a significant historical and social landmark only adds to the allure and prestige of living on North Roxbury Drive.
The home's location within the Westside LA neighborhood means it's part of a highly desirable area, known for its excellent schools, upscale amenities, and convenient access to other parts of Los Angeles. This blend of historical significance, celebrity provenance, and prime location makes 1000 N Roxbury Drive a truly exceptional address.
The Legacy Lives On
More Than Just an Address
Even today, decades after Lucille Ball's passing, 1000 N Roxbury Drive remains a point of fascination for fans and architectural enthusiasts alike. While it's a private residence and not open to the public, its presence continues to evoke the golden era of Hollywood. It serves as a tangible link to the lives of people who shaped American entertainment and culture. The property details, such as its size, number of rooms, and build year, offer a factual foundation, but it's the stories and the spirits of its past inhabitants that truly give it life.
The house stands as a quiet monument to the enduring power of celebrity and the dream factory that is Hollywood. It reminds us that behind the larger-than-life characters on screen were real people, living real lives, in real homes. And for Lucille Ball, this two-story colonial house on Roxbury Drive was home for a significant portion of her life, a place where she could be herself, away from the demanding glare of the spotlight.
In summary, 1000 North Roxbury Drive in Beverly Hills is far more than just a luxurious estate. It is a historic landmark, a beautifully preserved two-story colonial home built in 1936, boasting 6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms across 7,499 square feet. Its most celebrated chapter began in 1954 when it became the cherished residence of television icons Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, a home Lucille would occupy until her death in 1989. Situated on a street legendary for its star-studded residents like Jimmy Stewart and Jack Benny, and directly across from the historic Beverly Hills Hotel, this address encapsulates the very essence of Hollywood's golden age. Though currently not for sale, its rich history, prime location, and association with entertainment royalty ensure its status as an enduring symbol of glamour and an integral part of Beverly Hills' storied past.
1000 N Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | Homes.com
1000 N Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | realtor.com®
1000 N Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 ~ Lucille Ball lived here
