THE WINDSOR-ESTATE

The Windsor-Estate was originally commissioned in 1918 and first owned by James P. Martin, the President of the Windsor Square Development Company, who developed the neighborhood. Mr. Martin sold the home in 1922 for $110,000 to a local businessman who owned Boos Brothers Cafeterias.

The architect of the home was Frank L. Meline, of the Frank Meline Company. Frank Meline also designed the Fox Theatre amongst other prominent buildings and homes, including many in Windsor Square and Beverly Hills. The home was built in an Italianate/ Mediterranean Revival style and now occupies one and one-half lots. The half lot immediately to the north was originally a shared garden owned by the adjacent neighbors. This property was eventually sold and a more modern home built several decades ago.

The street facing facades and interior “formal rooms” are virtually identical to when the home was constructed, based upon early photographs and drawings. The walls and foundation are well over a foot thick, solid, and made of tile and stucco. The roof is made of Spanish tile. Most of the windows are still the original hand blown glass.

Famous Metropolitan Opera baritone, Lawrence Tibbit once lived in the home, he and his wife sharing it with his in-laws, the E. L. Marstons. Mr. Marston was a prominent investment banker. In 1938, the E.L. Marston sold the home to John Barrymore and his wife, the actress Dolores Costello. Dolores Costello, known as the Goddess of the Silent Screen, continued to live in the home with the couple’s two children after their divorce. She later remarried Dr. John Vruwink. Odell McConnell, a prominent attorney, socialite, philanthropist and life-long bachelor, bought the home in 1950 from Ms. Costello after Dr. Vruwink’s death and occupied it until his own death in 1993. Mr. McConnell paid less than $50,000 for the house, and immediately spent another $50,000 on renovations as the house was fairly run down. Ms. Costello evidently took all but one of the original chandeliers from the home.

The current owner, bought the house in 2005 and undertook extensive renovations to restore the home to its original condition.