Picture this a sun-drenched Mediterranean village clinging to the Hollywood Hills. This is Whitley Heights a hidden gem a place where history and Hollywood glamour intertwine.
Whitley Heights wasn’t always the exclusive celebrity haven it is today. In 1901 and 1903 Hobart J Whitley purchased the land. He envisioned a stunning hillside community. He hired architect Arthur Barnes. Barnes designed houses in a Mediterranean style perfect for Southern California’s climate.
Five years later a devastating fire swept through the area. It destroyed many trees and shrubs Whitley had planted. Despite this setback Whitley’s vision persevered. By 1918 construction of Whitley Heights began. It became Hollywood’s first celebrity community. Stars like Rudolph Valentino and Charlie Chaplin called it home.
The streets were dedicated to public use in 1920 and 1921. They were improved by the city between 1924 and 1927. Most streets lacked sidewalks. Stairways connected different levels. This encouraged walking.
In the 1980s an attempt was made to close off public streets to outsiders. This effort to create a private enclave was deemed illegal by the courts. The gates were removed.
The construction of the Hollywood Freeway sadly resulted in the destruction of many homes including those of Valentino and Chaplin. A home belonging to Bette Davis was also demolished. Despite these losses Whitley Heights remains a testament to its rich past.
Today Whitley Heights is a National Historic Place. It stands as a beautiful example of Mediterranean Revival Spanish Colonial Revival and American Craftsman architecture. Many of the original homes with their red tile roofs balconies and arched windows and doorways still stand. It remains a sought-after residential area for those who appreciate its unique charm and history. It’s a place where the past and present coexist creating a unique and captivating experience. A true hidden jewel of Los Angeles.