Oscar-winning cinematographer Janusz Kaminski offered his private Beverly Hills enclave for rent beginning in 2015. Apparently, Megan Ellison took a shine to the property, as ownership of the three-building hideaway recently quietly sold to her for $15.5 million.
The 4,965 square foot main house is impressively but shyly stylized, with glass ceiling panels and glass doors that offer a sense of openness that continually invites throughout the structure. In the sitting room, a kiva fireplace offers a bit of southwestern rustic charm. Tones are understated, but thoughtfully composed combinations.
The main house contains four bedrooms and four baths. The master bedroom features a large planar headboard; the motif is offset and reprised in another larger headboard, giving the impression of vertical layering. The ceiling is vaulted, and the same broad, unadorned window fixtures bring in plenty of light, but do not distract from the view.
The kitchen, lounge area, and sunlit dining area are thoroughly modern, and obviously recently dramatically renovated from the original 1920’s design; the enclosed kitchen is relieved by a dormered ceiling, angles are sharp but softened by the sense of space, and lighting is contemporary. Currents of color on the floor allow the eye to wander. In the living room, walls of glass merge interior and exterior, and French doors open to a terrace. A media room, with vines draping down from the roof, contains sliding glass walls that open to the lawn. The property contains two small guest houses.
It is understandable why Ms. Ellison desired the property. One of the nicest houses we’ve seen in quite a long time, entirely favoring illumination, understatement, and quiet curiosity.
Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski took home Oscars for his work on two of Steven Spielberg’s most acclaimed films: 1993’s ‘Schindler’s List,’ and 1998’s ‘Saving Private Ryan.’ He remains Spielberg’s cinematographer of choice. Talk about a one-line resume.
Megan Ellison is an influential producer. She has produced or executive produced films by Todd Solondz, Joel and Ethan Coen, Richard Linklater, and Paul Thomas Anderson. In 2011 she established Annapurna Pictures, a highly selective production company.
