1000 North Roxbury Drive: A Beverly Hills Legend And Hollywood's Golden Era Home
The Grandeur of 1000 North Roxbury Drive
The residence at 1000 N Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, is a substantial single-family home boasting impressive dimensions and luxurious amenities, truly befitting its prestigious location. Spanning a generous 7,499 square feet, this sprawling estate offers ample space, meticulously designed for both grand entertaining and comfortable living. The interior layout is equally opulent, featuring six spacious bedrooms and an even more remarkable eight bathrooms, ensuring privacy and convenience for residents and guests alike. Key specifications of this magnificent property include:- **Property Type:** Single-family home
- **Size:** 7,499 Square Feet
- **Bedrooms:** 6
- **Bathrooms:** 8
- **Year Built:** 1936
- **Last Sold:** 2010
- **Current Status:** Not for sale
A Star-Studded Past: The Ball-Arnaz Era
The true heart of 1000 North Roxbury Drive's legendary status lies in its most famous residents: the incomparable Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. This magnificent mansion served as the primary residence for the beloved "I Love Lucy" star, Lucille Ball, from 1954 until her passing in 1989. For decades, it was not just a house but a private sanctuary where one of television's most powerful and influential couples lived, worked, and raised their family. Imagine the laughter that echoed through its halls, the creative discussions that shaped an entertainment empire, and the quiet moments shared away from the glare of the public eye. Lucille Ball, an actress, comedienne, and pioneering TV producer, purchased this two-story colonial house, transforming it into a home that would witness pivotal moments in her personal life and groundbreaking career. Her residency, spanning over three decades, firmly cemented 1000 N. Roxbury as a pivotal address in Hollywood history, synonymous with an era of unparalleled comedic genius and television innovation. The property became a silent witness to the evolution of television itself, as Ball and Arnaz's Desilu Productions broke new ground in the industry. It was here that Lucille Ball, after her divorce from Desi Arnaz, continued to thrive, becoming a powerful studio executive and an enduring icon. The sheer length of her occupancy further solidifies the property's deep connection to her legacy, making it an irreplaceable piece of her story and a testament to her remarkable life.The Neighborhood of Legends
Beyond the iconic residents of 1000 North Roxbury Drive, the street itself holds a unique place in Hollywood lore, largely due to the constellation of stars who chose it as their home. The data reveals that legendary actor Jimmy Stewart lived right next door to the South, at 918 N. Roxbury. This proximity meant that two of Hollywood's most enduring figures were literal neighbors, perhaps sharing fences, morning greetings, or even borrowing a cup of sugar. Adding to this incredible roster, Jack Benny, another titan of comedy and entertainment, also resided next door. This concentration of talent wasn't accidental; it created a vibrant, albeit exclusive, community. With the likes of the Ira Gershwins and Oscar Levants also contributing to the street's prestige, Roxbury Drive truly became "the starriest street in Beverly Hills." What's remarkable is how, despite the immense fame of its residents, it managed to maintain the essence of "a true American neighborhood." This blend of unparalleled celebrity and a sense of community made Roxbury Drive a unique microcosm of the American dream, where the most famous faces in the world could, for a time, simply be neighbors. The stories of casual encounters and shared moments among these legends undoubtedly added to the mystique and allure of this particular stretch of Beverly Hills, making it a truly unique historical locale.Architectural Splendor and Evolution
The architectural description of 1000 North Roxbury Drive presents an interesting blend of styles, reflecting perhaps its original design, subsequent renovations, or varying interpretations over time. The property is described as a "beautiful, gray & white, modern colonial home, with large, rounded hedges out front," an aesthetic that speaks to timeless sophistication and classic American grandeur. Indeed, Lucille Ball herself purchased it as a "two-story colonial house," suggesting its foundational style. This colonial influence typically implies a symmetrical facade, often with a central entrance and evenly spaced windows, exuding a sense of order and tradition. However, another description paints a picture of a "huge and luxurious Spanish-style property with two storys that offer an impressive array of living, accommodation, and entertaining spaces." This potential stylistic evolution or dual interpretation adds another layer to the home's character. A Spanish-style property would typically feature elements like stucco exteriors, red tile roofs, arched doorways, and perhaps courtyards, offering a distinctly different aesthetic. It's possible that over its nearly 90-year history, the house underwent significant renovations that incorporated Spanish architectural elements, or perhaps the description refers to interior design choices or a specific wing of the expansive property. Regardless of the precise stylistic classification, the house undeniably stands as a grand estate. Its two stories contribute to its imposing presence, while the "impressive array of living, accommodation, and entertaining spaces" speaks to its capacity to host lavish gatherings and provide a comfortable, expansive environment for its occupants. The large, rounded hedges out front mentioned in one description also hint at a meticulously maintained landscape, adding to the property's curb appeal and sense of grandeur, creating an immediate impression of elegance and privacy.More Than Just a House: A Piece of History
1000 North Roxbury Drive transcends the definition of a mere residential property; it is a tangible piece of American cultural history. Its connection to Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz alone elevates it to iconic status, representing the golden age of television and the enduring legacy of one of entertainment's most beloved power couples. The fact that it served as Lucille Ball's home for 35 years means it absorbed decades of personal and professional triumphs, challenges, and everyday life of a woman who broke barriers in a male-dominated industry. It's a place where the private life of a public figure unfolded, adding an intangible layer of historical value. Beyond the immediate celebrity, the house is a symbol of the unique community that flourished on Roxbury Drive, where legends like Jimmy Stewart and Jack Benny were just next door. This concentration of creative genius fostered an environment unlike any other, making the street a true epicenter of Hollywood's elite. While the property is currently not for sale, its historical significance means that details such as its sales history, tax history, home value estimates, and even overhead views are subjects of public interest and readily available for research, reflecting its status as a landmark. It's a property that offers more than just square footage and amenities; it offers a direct link to a glamorous past, a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped American entertainment, and a continuous source of fascination for fans and historians alike. It's a testament to how certain addresses become intertwined with the narratives of fame and fortune, preserving stories for generations to come, making 1000 North Roxbury Drive a living museum of Hollywood's golden age. In summary, 1000 North Roxbury Drive stands as a monumental landmark in Beverly Hills, deeply embedded in the annals of Hollywood history. This impressive 7,499 square feet, 6-bedroom, 8-bathroom single-family home, built in 1936 and last sold in 2010, is much more than its architectural specifications. It is primarily celebrated as the long-time residence of the legendary Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, a home that witnessed decades of their lives and careers. Its location on Roxbury Drive, a street famously populated by other luminaries like Jimmy Stewart and Jack Benny, solidified its status as part of "the starriest street in Beverly Hills," a unique blend of celebrity and neighborhood charm. Variously described as a modern colonial and a luxurious Spanish-style property, its grandeur and historical significance remain undisputed, continuing to fascinate those drawn to the allure of Hollywood's golden era.
1000 N Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | realtor.com®
1000 N Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | Homes.com
Roxbury Drive home to be razed - Beverly Press & Park Labrea
