At the southern end of Rossmore Avenue, where it meets Wilshire Boulevard, two large stone towers with Corinthian pilasters stand at the entrance to Fremont Place. This is Los Angeles‘s first gated community. Originally, there were four gates, all designed by architect J. Martyn Haenke. Today, only one gate is active for entry.
Fremont Place was initially planned for 48 homes, but 73 were constructed. One of the historic homes, a Neoclassical design at 62 Fremont Place by architect Clarence J. Smale, has just come on the market for $7.45 million.
The house has a rich history. By the late 1920s, it was owned by Paul “Paddy” Woods, a mining developer whose fortunes declined after the stock market crash. Later, undertaker Joseph O’Connor owned it, and his funeral home served Hollywood stars like Carmen Miranda and Clark Gable.
In the early 1970s, the property was leased to the Committee for the Future, founded by Barbara Marx Hubbard. The house changed owners several times, last selling in 2006 for $3.975 million.
The residence spans over 6,400 square feet and features original elements like dark oak floors and arched windows, combined with modern upgrades like heating, cooling, and luxurious bathrooms. It has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and additional powder rooms.
Key highlights include a spacious living room with a fireplace, a separate dining room, and a comfortable library. The kitchen features a large island and an adjoining breakfast room. The family room also has a fireplace and opens to a sunny terrace with a stone balustrade.
The property includes a covered terrace and an entertainment space with concrete seating. There is space for a swimming pool on the .59-acre lot, although none exists currently.
F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Property Group, Compass, are the listing agents.
For more images of this stunning home, click here.
