WHEREVER visits the Pacific Palisades paradise.
Once owned by Hollywood’s highest-paid actor of the 1930s, Will Rogers, this Pacific Palisades estate is a rare gem. Set on a spacious lot with park-like grounds, it offers ample room for horses and a serene escape from the bustle of city life.
Rogers began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to film, amassing a remarkable legacy with 50 silent films, 21 “talkies,” and over 4,000 syndicated newspaper columns. As a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, he was celebrated for his folksy humour, deftly satirising gangsters, politicians and social issues without alienating his audience. His famous saying, “I never met a man I didn’t like,” epitomises his approachable charm. In 1926, he was humorously made mayor of Beverly Hills, further lampooning the concept of “do-nothing politicians.” He even mounted a satirical presidential campaign in 1928. A passionate equestrian and aviation enthusiast, Rogers played a significant role in popularising commercial air travel. Tragically, he died in 1935 when his plane crashed in Alaska.
The equestrian estate built for this Golden Age star is close to the beach that bears his name. The stunning compound encompasses 3.3 acres and features five separate structures: the main house, a staff house, a pool house, stables converted into a gym and a brand-new guest house. No wonder Michelle Pfeiffer, one of the highest-paid actresses of the 1990s and a fellow Hollywood Walk of Fame honoree, also loved the estate.
Michelle Pfeiffer, known for her versatility and compelling performances across genres, was born on April 29, 1958, in Santa Ana, California. She rose to fame in the 1980s with films like “Scarface,” “The Fabulous Baker Boys”, and “Dangerous Liaisons”, earning multiple Academy Award nominations. Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Catwoman in “Batman Returns” solidified her status as a Hollywood icon. In addition to her acting accolades, she has received Golden Globe Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beyond acting, Pfeiffer is also a producer and philanthropist, actively supporting various charitable causes.
The historic main house now boasts a generous 6,250-square-foot layout with high ceilings and rustic wood beams. Bright white walls contrast beautifully with dark hardwood floors, while expansive glass walls offer stunning views of the gardens and abundant natural light. The rustic country kitchen flows into a romantic dining room and an enchanting two-level library, while the expansive primary suite features a spa-inspired en-suite bath and its own private patio.
“The stunning compound encompasses 3.3 acres and features five separate structures.”
But the main house is just the beginning. The staff house is a one-bedroom, one-bath brick unit spanning 446 square feet. The two-story guest house offers a spacious 1,200 square feet of new construction, and the pool house exceeds 1,000 square feet, complete with a bathroom and spa. The free-standing gym adds over 800 square feet of space for fitness enthusiasts.
Outside, meandering paths wind through enchanting gardens, providing a tranquil atmosphere just moments away from everything the city has to offer. A full-size pool and several covered patios make this compound an ideal summer sanctuary.
Pacific Palisades is an exclusive, upscale neighbourhood in LA’s Westside, featuring a pristine stretch of surf beach and rolling hills. Known for its close-knit, small-town feel, it remains largely untouched by tourists and has become a refuge for celebrities. Notable residents include Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg and Matt Damon.
