Lights flicker. Imagine Bette Davis standing at the front door. This is the C. E. Toberman Estate also known as Villa Las Colinas. It stands as a testament to Hollywood’s golden age.
Charles E. Toberman known as “Mr. Hollywood” built this estate. He developed much of Hollywood. Landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre are his creations. This estate reflects his grand vision.
In 1922 Toberman hired Russell and Alpaugh to design his dream house. Construction finished in 1924. The result was a stunning Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival style mansion. The C. E. Toberman Estate sprawls across two acres. It boasts a 19-room main house. A guest apartment a garage and a natatorium add to its grandeur. The natatorium features a 30 by 50-foot tiled pool with cabanas under skylights. The main house has eight fireplaces. Cut-crystal doorknobs adorn the doors. A butler’s pantry stands ready to serve.
Toberman lived to be 101 years old. He recalled the estate becoming practically a country club. It featured an enclosed swimming pool. Tennis courts and a nine-hole pitch-and-putt golf course offered recreation. Formal gardens completed the scene.
The Toberman family lived here until 1941. The estate sat on one of Hollywood’s most exclusive streets. Neighbors included Errol Flynn Bette Davis and Samuel Goldwyn. Al Jolson Ozzie and Harriet Nelson and Fatty Arbuckle also lived nearby.
The Toberman Estate sold for $1 million in 1980. This was a record price for the Los Colinos section of Hollywood. In 1983 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Beverly Hills attorney Donald L. Hunt purchased and renovated the property.
The C. E. Toberman Estate has served as a filming location. In 1990 it was the primary location for “Where Sleeping Dogs Lie.” It also appeared in HBO’s “Entourage.” Vincent Chase’s home in the first two seasons was filmed here.
In August 2009 a fire broke out in the kitchen. 130 firefighters responded. The flames reached the attic. It took over two hours to extinguish the fire. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries.
Today the estate now named Villa Las Colinas is rented for events. As you stand here remember the stories within these walls. Think of Mr. Hollywood and the stars who graced this estate. The C. E. Toberman Estate stands as a landmark of Hollywood history.