Writer and script-physician Akiva Goldsman is having a tough time selling an idyllic property in Beverly Hills; the best screenplay Oscar-winner has reduced the price, hoping for a remedy and a contract. Initially listed at $12.5 million, Goldsman revised the price to $11 million. That’s still far and away from the $7 million he paid for the home in the spring of 2007.
The interior of the Tuscan-style villa suggests a whirlwind tour of Southern Californian design and upscale film-industry fashion sensibilities through the decades; its construction dates to 1951, the exterior is engineered for charm, and the interior is packed with flourishes from the golden age and more than one surprise.
The bell tower—during Goldsman’s tenure purposed as a creative sanctuary—is one interesting design element, a brick and dark wood alcove that marks the highest point of the structure and is accessible via a spiral staircase.
The rustic interior employs terra-cotta tile, stone, wrought iron, and raw wood for the aesthetic; open-trussed ceilings help give the house its dreamy atmosphere of far-flung Hollywood of the 1940’s. There is a feeling of authenticity throughout that is sustained fairly well, although a couple of over-the-top chandeliers almost break the spell. The 4,300 square-foot residence offers six unique fireplaces, five bedrooms, and six bathrooms.
The grounds are green, with romantic landscaping, favoring the ideal of exploration and discovery. A terrace and pool are both well executed, but it’s the 3.5 acres of land that may be the siren call to a buyer—that and the significant price reduction.
Goldsman acquired the estate in 2007 from Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis for a little over $7 million; Kiedis, in turn, purchased it in 2004 through his Happy House Trust, paying a little over $4.6 million.
Goldsman scripted 2002’s ‘A Beautiful Mind’ to Oscar-winning acclaim; he also wrote Peter Berg’s 2013 war film ‘Lone Survivor.’ This year, theaters will see five projects Goldsman was involved with, including the anticipated ‘The Dark Tower,’ which he co-wrote and co-produced.
