Architectural Masterpiece Commands Howard Hughes' Historic Hollywood Hills Promontory

Conceived by Scott Mitchell Studio and executed by JRC Group over an extraordinary ten-year construction period, this monumental villa represents a singular achievement in contemporary residential architecture. The home's foundation tells a story of uncompromising engineering excellence—over 100 caissons extend 100 feet into the hillside bedrock, supporting three-foot-thick poured-in-place board-formed concrete walls that create the structure's distinctive horizontal wood-grain texture.

The architectural philosophy centers on the marriage of organic materials and light, with each space carefully orchestrated to capture the dramatic topography and sweeping vistas. The terraced design follows the natural contours of the hillside, creating a series of outdoor rooms that flow seamlessly from interior volumes. Wire-brushed narrow Itauba decking extends living spaces onto expansive terraces, while the infinity pool and spa appear to merge with the distant horizon.

Craftsmanship details reveal themselves throughout the residence, from the multi-million-dollar Jada steel door and window systems to the custom millwork that defines each space. The grand staircase, carved from the same board-formed concrete as the walls, ascends past a large-scale vertical water feature toward the principal entry, where native plantings and integrated fire elements frame the approach.

The interior architecture emphasizes horizontal planes and unobstructed sightlines, with floor-to-ceiling glass systems that dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. The primary suite occupies its own wing, featuring separate dressing rooms, dual bathrooms with marble soaking tubs positioned before panoramic windows, and a private study secured by discreet pocket doors. Below, the recreational level houses a state-of-the-art screening room, billiards lounge, and bar, organized around a gracious foyer that can transform the motor court into a conditioned ballroom.

The construction cost of $3,500 per square foot reflects the extraordinary attention to detail and premium materials throughout. New building codes implemented since its completion ensure that a residence of this scale and ambition could never again be constructed in the Hollywood Hills, making this architectural achievement truly irreplaceable. Every element, from the wire-brushed decking to the custom audio-visual systems, contributes to a holistic vision of modern luxury that respects both the dramatic landscape and the legacy of its historic setting.

Positioned at the epicenter of Hollywood's most prestigious district, this extraordinary estate occupies the same promontory that once belonged to aviation pioneer and Hollywood legend Howard Hughes. The property's elevated position offers an unparalleled vantage point over Los Angeles, with sweeping views that encompass the downtown skyline, the sprawling basin, and the Pacific coastline beyond.

The Hollywood Hills have long represented the pinnacle of Los Angeles luxury living, attracting entertainment industry luminaries, artists, and visionaries drawn to the area's unique combination of privacy and proximity to the city's cultural heart. This particular stretch of the hills benefits from its strategic location between some of Los Angeles' most iconic destinations—the legendary Chateau Marmont and Tower Bar lie within walking distance, while the historic Hollywood Bowl creates a cultural anchor for the neighborhood.

Runyon Canyon, one of Los Angeles' most beloved hiking destinations, borders the property directly, providing private access to miles of trails that wind through the Santa Monica Mountains. This connection to protected open space ensures perpetual privacy and an unobstructed backdrop of native chaparral and oak woodlands. The property's position on state-adjacent land guarantees that no future development can compromise the sweeping vistas or intimate connection to the natural landscape.

The broader Hollywood Hills community represents a unique enclave where mid-century architectural masterpieces by Richard Neutra and John Lautner coexist with contemporary statements by today's leading architects. The area's winding canyon roads and dramatic topography have attracted creative visionaries for nearly a century, establishing a legacy of architectural innovation and artistic expression.

Daily life in this rarified setting balances urban sophistication with natural tranquility. The Sunset Strip's world-class dining and entertainment venues are minutes away, while Beverly Hills' luxury shopping districts remain easily accessible. The proximity to major studios and production facilities has made the Hollywood Hills a natural choice for entertainment industry professionals, creating a community of creative and business leaders.

Los Angeles' year-round Mediterranean climate enhances the outdoor living experience, with the elevated position providing cooling breezes and clear air above the city basin. The dramatic interplay of city lights below and star-filled skies above creates an ever-changing panorama that captures the essential magic of Los Angeles living. This is more than a residence—it's a front-row seat to one of the world's great cities, set within a landscape that has inspired generations of dreamers and innovators.