Charming the Multiple Listing Service with a whimsical design and celebrity past is this historic residence in Glendale.

Known as the “Castle House,” the home was built in 1929 for silent film actress Bertha Richter, though she would never reside at the property. The first to inhabit the European-inspired house was actor-screenwriter John Gilbert of “His Hour” and “The Merry Widow” fame, who lived there with his third wife, actress Ina Claire.

Listed for sale at $1.269 million, the home most recently sold in 2011 for $600,000. The turreted domain went for $440,000 in 1999 and a decade earlier it changed hands for $550,000. A classified ad from The Times in 1973 displays the home with an asking price of $500,000.

Two stone lions standing sentry at the foot of the home display prominently atop a knoll of more than half an acre in Glenoaks Canyon. In keeping with the period style, Old World details include ornate fixtures, detailed molding and patterned window treatments.


Paneled ceilings, stone and hardwood flooring run throughout the 4,611 square feet of living space, which counts four bedrooms and four bathrooms. Among features is an updated kitchen and master suite complete with a sitting room, a dressing room and an elaborate bath adorned in marble and Travertine.

Outdoors, an open patio centers on sweeping views of the surrounding vistas. A detached garage also resides on the tiered grounds.

Sue Eller of Dilbeck Real Estate is the listing agent.

Twitter: @NJLeitereg