In the backyard of all the pomposity and extravaganza of Beverly Hills sits the historic Greystone Mansion and Gardens. Once a property of an influential family, it’s one of LA’s most beautiful parks, favorite filming locations, and wedding venues.
Last updated: April 24, 2024
Visit the Historic Property
Beverly Hills lives its best life thanks to its celebrity status, expensive boutiques on Rodeo Drive, and the iconic red carpet entrance at the Beverly Hills Hotel. City’s glamour and worldwide fame entice millions of people from all corners and countries. Yet blinded by this splendor, many visitors hardly ever get a chance to explore lesser-known sites such as the Greystone Mansion and Gardens.
I myself wasn’t in a rush to visit the historic gardens and take a look at the imposing building. For almost a year, other destinations along the Southern California coast kept me busy when we didn’t travel far. Then one day our travel plans finally included the Greystone Mansion with a casual suggestion from Roshan.
I had Sequoia National Park on my mind for that family weekend trip, but reluctantly agreed to stay in Los Angeles and drag myself to one of its posh neighborhoods. Little did I know that that short excursion to the Greystone Mansion and Gardens would completely change my view of the City of Beverly Hills.
About the Greystone Mansion and Gardens
The history of the Greystone Mansion and Gardens, also known as the Doheny Estate, is as intriguing as the property itself. It involves one of the most respected families of that time, money, and murder.
In 1926 American oil tycoon, Edward Laurence Doheny Sr., gifted his only son, Edward “Ned” Laurence Doheny, Jr., with a large plot of land. Apart from the favorable location, the property boasted beautiful city views. It was a perfect place to build a house for Ned and his family. Construction of the mansion started in 1927. And although the family moved in a year later, it took another two year to complete the grand work.
Over $3 million went into the construction of the famous estate, almost double of the value of the property. The mansion was called Greystone due to its grey appearance and the generous use of stones during the construction.
Ned, however, never saw the final result. Just five months after residing in the Greystone Mansion, he died in an apparent murder-suicide with his longtime friend and secretary, Hugh Plunkett. Ned’s wife Lucy remarried and lived in the mansion until 1955. Ten year later, the City of Beverly Hills acquired the property. In 1971, it dedicated the Greystone Mansion and Gardens as a public park.
Visit Fairytale Gardens of the Greystone Mansion
The estate has always been the heart of the property. Its spacious rooms, designed and decorated with utmost devotion and in style that lasts, still hold a special place in the city’s life as one of the most beautiful historic venues in the Los Angeles area. Yet the gardens of the Greystone Mansion inevitably attract and inspire to explore the property beyond its famous structure.
The stunning grounds in the center of a busy city are embellished with stylish fountains and small pools where fish and turtles breed and make their homes. Since the Doheny Estate rarely gets a large influx of visitors, tranquility and serenity reign in the gardens. Only the sweeping city views from the hill where the Greystone Mansion is perched bring you back to reality.
How to Visit the Greystone Gardens
Address: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The Greystone Gardens are open to the public daily, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the exception of holidays, special events, and filming dates. There is no fee for parking or park admission. Commercial photography and videography without permit are strictly prohibited.
How to Visit the Greystone Mansion
The Greystone Mansion is open only for special events, filming projects, and guided tours. If you are not a part of either of these three, you may not have a chance to step inside the iconic structure.
Nevertheless, many people around the world can claim that they virtually visited the famous Greystone Mansion. This became possible thanks to the efforts of perspicacious Hollywood. The Greystone Mansion and Gardens have been featured in many Hollywood classics and blockbusters, including Spider-Man, The Holiday, and Austin Powers.
Things to Know before Visit the Historic Site
Here is a quick summary of things you need to know before visiting the Greystone Mansion and Gardens.
- The park is open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time)
- The park is open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daylight Savings Time)
- Admission and parking are free
- Public restrooms are available
- Smoking, picnics, and animals are not allowed
- Photography only with permit
