When people think of glamour and landmark Southern California luxury, there’s a good chance the images that come to mind trace back to the Los Angeles neighborhood of Holmby Hills.

Home to some of the most recognized real estate in the world, including the Playboy Mansion and Aaron Spelling’s former residence, Holmby Hills has long attracted global attention. Over the decades, this area has been a retreat for icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Sonny and Cher, Barbra Streisand, Nat King Cole, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and many Hollywood figures who continue to shape the entertainment industry today.

Early Roots and Indigenous History

Before any of these names entered the story, the land belonged to the Tongva-Gabrieliño people, who lived here for more than 8,000 years. With the arrival of European settlers and later Mexican landowners, ownership shifted several times before passing to William Wolfskill, who established a ranch near what is now the Mormon Los Angeles Temple in 1884.

The Visionaries Who Shaped the Neighborhood

English businessman Arthur S. Letts purchased 100 acres from Wolfskill and began forming his vision for an area defined by grand estates and broad, graceful streets. After Letts’s unexpected passing in 1923, progress slowed briefly until his son-in-law, Harold Janss, stepped in to continue the plan. Janss oversaw the creation of a Tudor Revival residence for Letts’s son—a property that would later gain worldwide fame as the Playboy Mansion.

Holmby Hills Through the Decades

Much has changed since those early years, and the neighborhood continues to evolve. Today, Holmby Hills remains one of the most sought-after residential areas in the country, with historic properties sitting alongside technologically advanced homes designed for modern living.

Privacy, generous grounds, and convenient access to Rodeo Drive, Van Nuys Airport, UCLA, and the Los Angeles Country Club continue to define daily life here.

A Lasting Symbol of Prestige

Holmby Hills still represents a rare opportunity: the chance to own a significant part of Los Angeles history while enjoying access to everything that makes the city a global center of culture and influence.

For those considering a home in Holmby Hills, partnering with the right real estate professional is essential. Few agents have shaped the luxury market the way Jade Mills has. Recognized globally for record-setting achievements, longstanding industry relationships, and unmatched discretion, she has guided many of the world’s most notable buyers and sellers through landmark transactions. Her insight into Holmby Hills and the wider Los Angeles luxury market offers clients a level of representation that is difficult to match.