Sinatra’s Legendary Farralone Estate Returns to Market as “Byrdview” at $21.5 Million
Source: www.theagencyre.com
Reported By: Matthew Kennedy
Byrdview isn’t just a house. It’s a chapter of Hollywood’s most storied lore—where mid-century glamour meets the mystique of American political scandal, and the legacy of architectural genius finds new life atop a private hilltop in Los Angeles.
Originally known as Farralone, the 4.3-acre estate in the secluded Chatsworth enclave was commissioned in 1949 by Dora Hutchinson, heiress to the Chase Bank fortune. Hutchinson tapped William Pereira—then a rising star in both film and architectural circles—to bring her futuristic vision to life. The result was an expansive 360-degree glass-encased residence that would later serve as a private sanctuary for Frank Sinatra, a rumored tryst hideaway for Marilyn Monroe and JFK, and a preferred filming location for iconic productions from Dreamgirls to Mad Men.
Now reborn as Byrdview, the estate has been carefully restored and modernized, and is listed for $21.5 million with Craig Knizek of The Agency, Beverly Hills.
A Modernist Monument by Pereira
Before Pereira went on to define the West Coast cityscape—his legacy anchored by landmarks like San Francisco’s Transamerica Pyramid, Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art—he was already reshaping the aesthetic of luxury residential design. Farralone was among his earliest and most personal commissions, fusing mid-century minimalism with cinematic grandeur. He later taught at the University of Southern California, where one of his students was none other than Frank Gehry.
The architectural pedigree is clear from the moment you pass through the long gated drive that winds through a 3,000-acre nature preserve. Perched at the apex, Byrdview commands panoramic vistas of the San Fernando Valley, mountains, and the glittering expanse of Los Angeles. The home’s signature walls of glass dissolve the barrier between indoors and out, while the orientation captures sunlight from every direction.
Sinatra’s Decade of Decadence
By the early 1950s, Hutchinson had grown weary of the Hollywood social circuit and returned to New York. Her tenant? Frank Sinatra—who would occupy the estate for nearly a decade, ushering in its most storied era. Under Sinatra’s watch, the home evolved from sophisticated salon to Rat Pack playground. Lucille Ball, Ava Gardner, and political heavyweights alike gathered under its flat roofline. According to legend, the guesthouse with its secluded pool was the setting for the now infamous affair between John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe.
The lore of Byrdview only adds to its intrigue. Beyond being a private escape for the world’s most visible figures, the estate became a magnet for filmmakers, fashion editors, and music producers. It served as a backdrop for Transformers, Bewitched, and Swordfish, and featured prominently in music videos by Mariah Carey, Usher, and Rihanna.
A Sanctuary for the Discerning Collector
The updated residence spans approximately 7,000 square feet with sweeping public rooms designed for both entertaining and repose. A bar lounge, formal dining room, chef’s kitchen with island and breakfast nook, and a den-office make up just part of the living experience. Several fireplaces dot the interiors, while multiple indoor-outdoor entertainment areas ensure continuity with the natural surroundings.
But it’s the privacy—impossible to replicate in today’s Los Angeles real estate market—that gives Byrdview its timeless allure. Hidden from the road and immersed in silence, the property’s positioning offers both sanctuary and spectacle. With expansive grounds and an unobstructed sky, it’s a space for grand events and quiet contemplation alike.
For those seeking a heritage estate imbued with Hollywood mystique and architectural distinction, Byrdview stands alone.
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