The Most Wonderful Historic Home Tours in Los Angeles

Hollyhock House is one of eight Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2019. Each were collectively recognized as UNESCO’s first modern architecture designation in the United States.

The inscription recognizes the universal value of Frank Lloyd Wright’s works and his influence on contemporary design. Specifically, Hollyhock House is recognized for seamlessly blending a multitude of architectural styles including Mayan Revival, Modern, Art Deco and more.

If you’re yearning for Mayan or Egyptian Temple vibes close to home, Hollyhock House is definitely a spot to add to your list. To see more from my trip, check out my other blog post: 5 Reasons Why You Need To Visit LA’s Hollyhock House.

General Admission: $7*

Neighborhood: Los Feliz

Explore unique Victorian-era architecture in L.A.’s first suburb: Angelino Heights. Originally built for upper-middle-class families in the late 19th-century, Angelino Heights features some of the best remaining examples of Victorian homes in LA. The homes here are so wonderfully unique that many have been used in classic film and television productions over the years. My personal favorites in the neighborhood are the Charmed House and the Michael Jackson “Thriller!” house on Carroll Avenue.

While you can view the exteriors of these homes on a self-guided tour at any time, guests of LA Conservancy’s Walking Tour can also view one private home’s interior, subject to availability.

General Admission: $15*

Neighborhood: Angelino Heights

The Gamble House in Pasadena achieved cinematic fame as the exterior of Doc Brown’s eccentric and iconic Hill Valley lab in Back to the Future. But before it became one of the most recognizable homes in cinematic history, this Charles and Henry Greene-designed architectural gem served as a summer residence for the Gamble family of Procter & Gamble.

With its distinctive wooden detailing and picturesque setting, Its striking Arts and Crafts design provided a harmonious integration of nature and architecture.

To this day, you can tour the Gamble House, reliving the magic of the movie and witnessing early Pasadena history, and visit the gift shop, perusing a wide variety of themed mementos.

General Admission: $15* for a One-Hour Docent Led Tour.

Prices for other tour types vary.

Neighborhood: Pasadena

If you’re a fan of architecture and Beyoncé, one home you won’t want to miss is the Fényes Mansion. Originally built in 1906, Fényes is a Beaux Arts-style historic mansion located in Pasadena, California.

Today, visitors can visit the historic property which is named after Eva Fényes, a modern woman for her time. During her lifetime, Eva owned her own property, managed a successful divorce, profited from real estate holdings and event went on a long tour through Europe, Egypt and the Middle East.

And Eva wasn’t the only woman who left her mark on the property. The mansion also became a significant part of pop culture after Beyoncé filmed her “Formation” music video there. See the rooms that became part of her NOLA-inspired set on a docent-led tour with the Pasadena Museum of History.

General Admission: $17*

Neighborhood: Pasadena

Built in 1899, the Doheny Mansion was once a Romantic Revival style home. Today it is part of Mount Saint Mary’s University and acts as a popular filming location.

You may best recognize it as the Genovian Embassy from The Princess Diaries! I loved seeing all the rooms that Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway filmed here, but was especially impressed with the Doheny Mansion’s Pompeian room. The Pompeian room acted as the location of the film’s Genovian ball and has the most spectacular Tiffany glass dome and Tuscan marble floor!

General Admission: $25*

Neighborhood: University Park

Finally, the Los Angeles historic home that should be at the top of your list to tour is the Greystone Mansion. Nestled high above Beverly Hills, the Greystone offers a glimpse into LA’s opulent past as well as a behind the scenes look into films and shows like Spider-Man, The Big Lebowski and Gilmore Girls. Built in 1928 as a private residence for the Doheny family, this large estate has sprawling gardens, grand staircases, and elegant rooms waiting to be explored.

Today, the mansion’s grounds are open to the public almost daily. Seasonal events and programs are also available for visitors who are keen to explore the inside of the estate. I thoroughly enjoyed the mansion’s Greystone In The Movies program where I not only got to watch The Holiday in their recently restored theatre, but also got to see the room where part of the movie was filmed!

General Admission: Free To Explore The Grounds*, Costs for Seasonal Events and Programs vary.*

Neighborhood: Beverly Hills