The Los Angeles home of the late cult horror/B-movie director Larry Cohen, perhaps best known for the 1974 baby monster hit “It’s Alive,” has been listed with a new spooktacular $10.25 million price tag — quite a bit less than its original sky-high ask of $13.5 million.
The not-so-little 90210 estate is sited on a spacious 1.5-acre lot in the mountains above Beverly Hills, just off heavily-trafficked Coldwater Canyon. Built in 1930, the Spanish hacienda-style mansion measures in at 7,280 square feet with five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, plus a one-bedroom guest apartment with its own kitchenette.
Set behind a pair of wrought iron gates and a notably long driveway, the Cohen hacienda boasts a media history: it was once owned by David Hearst, a son of newspaper titan William Randolph Hearst. The younger Hearst purchased the estate shortly after marrying 17-year-old showgirl Hope Chandler in 1938, and the couple lived there until they sold it in 1953 to controversial directing legend Samuel Fuller for $57,500. Cohen subsequently acquired the place in 1966 — records are hazy on how much he paid, but it appears to have been south of $300,000 — and lived there with his second wife Cynthia Costas until his March 2019 death.
Beyond the mansion’s elaborately carved front door, there’s a gaudily grand foyer, where original terracotta tiles line the floor, a curving magnesite staircase with a wrought iron stringer leads to the upper level, and a unique lantern-style chandelier dangles from the ceiling. Although the house is thematically Spanish-influenced, each room has its own distinct personality and architectural vibe.
One of the two sitting rooms is located through an arched doorway across from the foyer. This first sitting room sports a dramatic coffered ceiling, French windows and oversized fireplace with a majestic carved mantle. A golden Egyptian sarcophagus stands guard in one corner of the room, while the other sitting room is a bit larger and includes picture windows, a beamed ceiling, and similar oversized fireplace — this one with a terracotta hearth.
The main floor also flaunts a regal dining room where there are French windows, eye-catching wood molding and arched doors, and a show-stopping chandelier. No kitchen photographs are provided in the current listing, but there is a small built-in breakfast bar area with retro flowery upholstery. Also on the main floor is a guest suite and separate staff quarters.
Upstairs, the roomy master suite has white walls and ivory carpeting. Beyond French doors, there’s a private balcony with stunning views of the estate’s grounds, which are replete with lush landscaping. The property also boast a sizable swimming pool and plenty of patio space for ardent sunbathers.
The listing is held by Susan Smith of Hilton & Hyland.