Wattles Mansion
Hollywood Wedding Location1824 North Curson Avenue
Hollywood, CA
Phone: 818/996-2911, silverspns@aol.com
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Description
The history of Wattles Mansion would make a great movie: picture a bright beginning, gradual decline and joyful rebirth. The only original Los Angeles estate from the turn of the century that hasn’t been subdivided or demolished, it still occupies 49 acres at the base of the Hollywood Hills, a proud survivor of a more genteel age.
In the early 1900s, affluent folk from the East and Midwest flocked to sunny Southern California, built grand homes they occupied only in winter, and established a flourishing resort community long before Hollywood came into being. Omaha banker Gurdon W. Wattles was one of the many who fell in love with Los Angeles. He commissioned Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey, two preeminent local architects, to design his classic 1907 Mission Revival home. A garden enthusiast, Wattles was deliriously happy with L.A.‘s balmy climate, because it enabled him to have a garden that bloomed year-round. He regularly changed the landscaping of his entire estate; some vintage postcrds show a Spanish garden with cypress trees lining the terraces, others depict an abundance of tropical vegetation.
Over the next few decades the estate fell into disrepair and was sold to the City of Los Angeles. It wasn’t until 1983 that the preservationist group Hollywood Heritage, Inc. began restoring the mansion and grounds. They removed several feet of mud from the garden, replanted the landscaping, and repainted and refinished the interior woodwork. Through their efforts, the Wattles Mansion has been returned to its former splendor, making it a most desirable spot.
Today, the mansion provides a glamorous Fitzgeraldian backdrop for all kinds of special events. The foyer’s black-and-white-checkerboard marble floor has its original sheen, and hardwood moldings gleam like new. The mansion’s rooms are intimate rather than opulent, with thick white stucco walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and hardwood floors softened by Oriental carpets. Through the living room’s large picture windows you’ll see a terracotta tile terrace and a wide, sloping lawn. In the library the intricately carved walnut bookcases and hand-painted ceiling create a clubby atmosphere, perfect for a cocktail bar. The most popular location for wedding ceremonies is outside, on the brick landings of a wide stairway. Landscaped terraces on each side step up to a Spanish balustraded patio that overlooks three acres of formal gardens filled with lofty palms, orange trees, birds of paradise and jasmine. We think Gurdon Wattles would be pleased with the way his estate looks today, and thankful that the story of his Mansion ultimately has a happy ending.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 200 Max. Seated Outdoors: 400 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 200 Max. Seated Outdoors: 400 Max. Standing Indoors: 300 Max. Standing Outdoors: 400 |
Max. Seated: 0 |
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Fees & Deposits
33% of the total fee (including site rental, cleaning and security deposit) is required to hold your date and is paid when the contract is submitted. The site rental fees are as follows: $4,000 for up to 100 guests, $5,000 for up to 200, $6,000 for up to 300, $7,000 for up to 400, $8,000 for up to 500 and $9,000 for up to 600 guests. The event balance is payable 90 days prior to the event.
The cleaning fee is 15% of the site rental fee. The refundable security deposit ranges $1,000–2000 depending on guest count. There is a $25/hour charge for a Hollywood Heritage representative to be on site during the setup, the event itself and the cleanup.
Catering is provided by Silver Spoons Catering, Inc.; luncheons range $18–24/person, dinners $28-32/person; alcohol, tax and service charges are additional.
Availability
Year-round, daily including holidays, 9am–10pm. There’s an additional fee to extend hours until midnight; pre-approval is required.
Services/AmenitiesCatering: provided by Silver Spoons CateringKitchen Facilities: n/a Tables & Chairs: through caterer Linens, Silver, etc.: through caterer Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: CBA Bride's & Groom's Dressing Area: CBA Meeting Equipment: n/a Parking: valet required, extra fee Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: no phone available Outdoor Night Lighting: yes Outdoor Cooking Facilities: CBA Cleanup: CBA View: formal gardens, Hollywood hills Other: event planning |
RestrictionsAlcohol: provided or BYOSmoking: outdoors only Music: amplified OK indoors only Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: certificate required Other: no rice or birdseed; no wax candles |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
818/996-2911, silverspns@aol.com
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