This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Taylor Swift Wants Her Beverly Hills Estate To Be Designated A Historic Landmark
Taylor Swift owns one of Beverly Hills' most storied estates, and now she wants it to get landmark designation.
On Wednesday, the Samuel Goldwyn estate—which she purchased in 2015 for $25 million, cash—will be considered by the Beverly Hills Cultural Heritage Commission for inclusion on the Beverly Hills Register of Historic Properties.
For anyone even casually familiar with Hollywood history, the name Sam Goldwyn is instantly recognizable as the "G" in MGM. The 11,000 square foot estate, located on the 1200 block of Laurel Lane, was designed by Douglas Honnold and built in 1934 for the film producer. Variety noted that Goldwyn "regularly entertained a slew of Golden Age stars at the estate including Cole Porter, Frank Capra, Clark Gable, Bette Davis and Charlie Chaplin."
As for why Taylor is putting the home up for preservation, who knows. The notoriously tight-lipped pop star doesn't even acknowledge that she owns the property. Reports filed by the Cultural Heritage Commission simply mention "the property owner." We've reached out to Swift but have yet to hear back:
@taylorswift13 reaching out for comment as to why you want to designate your mansion as a historical landmark! email tips@laist.com
— LAist (@LAist) January 10, 2017
Swift is worth an estimated $250 million and has a property portfolio that includes a few homes in Nashville, Rhode Island, New York, and another Beverly Hills home.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
