Barely a month after it popped up for sale with a $20 million ask, a 106-year-old Windsor Square residence known as “Villa Vendôme” has officially sold to KKR private equity partner John Park for the discounted but still pricey sum of $16 million.
As first reported by The Real Deal, the swift all-cash transaction was finalized just days before L.A.’s controversial new mansion tax went into effect, narrowly saving the seller from owing nearly $900,000 in additional taxes.
That lucky seller was Tyrone McKillen, co-founder and principal of Plus Development Group, and his cousin Kane Olszowski, who bought the Italianate property in November 2021 for $7.5 million and then undertook an extensive remodel and expansion, which included adding a new sunroom, and converting an attic space into a wood-paneled lounge with a reading nook and bath. They also added a walnut and onyx bar to a “hidden” speakeasy and installed a 75-foot pool.
Originally crafted way back in 1917 by noted Los Angeles architect and developer architect Frank Meline — and owned by the same family for over five decades before selling to McKillen and Olszowski — the home has appeared in several movies and TV shows through the years, including “Bugsy,” “House Bunny” and “Scandal.”
Tucked away behind a gated driveway, the creamy stucco and green terracotta-roof structure rests on nearly three-quarter acres laced with mature trees. Inside, seven bedrooms and nine baths are spread across 11,000 square feet of Jake Arnold-designed living space on four levels boasting high ceilings and bespoke finishes throughout.
Especially standing out is a limestone-clad foyer displaying a newly reworked spiral staircase, which flows to a formal fireside living room sporting French doors on one side and wood-paneled office with French doors opening to a private garden on the other. Additional highlights include a library lined with bleached mahogany bookcases and formal dining room that connects to the sunroom via a two-way fireplace, plus a gourmet kitchen outfitted with an eat-in island, a high-end LaCanche range, breakfast nook and separate prep kitchen.
Five ensuite bedrooms can be found upstairs, including a sumptuous master retreat decked out with a fireplace, private patio, walk-in closet, and luxe bath equipped with dual vanities, a soaking tub and shower. The lower level holds a movie theater and speakeasy; and outdoors, the manicured grounds host a pool and spa, lanai and fire-pit. There’s also a detached gym and two-car garage topped by a guest apartment.
The listing was held by Tyrone McKillen of Official, and Brent Watson and Marco Salari of Coldwell Banker Realty; Benjamin Illulian of KW Advisors repped the buyer.
