Bucket List: Paley Residence

This imposing two-story brick mansion in Beverly Hills, California was designed for American businessman Jacob "Jay" Paley and his wife in 1934 by architect Paul R. Williams.  It combines a modern style with Georgian Colonial elements, particularly the interior as envisioned by Harriet Shellenberger, one of the most sought-after designers of the time.

The 20-room home cost approximately $100,000 at the time of construction.  The living space is over 15,000 square feet (1394 square meters) and it sits on a 2.55 acre (1 hectare) lot that contains manicured gardens along with an elaborate pool house and swimming pool, the bottom of which bears a custom-designed mosaic sunburst.  The house's principal attraction was the master bedroom, which rises the full two stories and has its own conic roof supported by columns.

Sadly, after Jay Paley's death in 1960, most of the Shellenberger interiors were removed and sold at auction.  The house has been used frequently as the exterior for many films and TV shows, but is best known as "The Belvedere", the family home in the Dynasty spin-off The Colbys.

House history and photo gallery: www.paulrwilliamsproject.org/gallery/1930s-houses