Judy Garland’s celebrity home in Bel-Air, which she bought the same year she signed up to star in The Wizard of Oz, is up for sale for $11.5 million.
The Hollywood icon, born in 1922, began in show business as a child performer alongside her sisters in The Gumm Sisters.
She signed with MGM at only 16, before becoming one of the greatest talents in Tinsel Town. The celebrity went on to star in Meet Me In St Louis, The Wizard of Oz, and Easter Parade.
Born as Frances Ethel Gumm, she received Oscar nominations for work in A Star Is Born and Judgement at Nuremberg.
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Judy acted next to other big names in the industry, such as Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Micky Rooney.
She took home various accolades and was recognized for her singing talent as well as her work on the silver screen, receiving a Grammy Award.
Judy was the youngest recipient of the Cecil B DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in the film industry.
However, she faced battles away from the spotlight through alcohol and drug use, and mental health.
The star passed away at age 47 in London from an accidental drug overdose.
Judy had three children, Liza Minnelli, Lorna, and Joey Luft. Liza was born in 1946 with her second husband and director Vincente Minnelli. She went on to have Lorna and Joey with her third husband Sid Luft, born in 1952 and 1955 respectively.
Her children have said they lived a “happy” childhood, against claims their mother’s drug use affected them growing up.
Liza has said: “One of the biggest misconceptions about my mama is that she didn’t provide me with a happy childhood.
“There were highs and lows for sure, but I can say I was very happy. If people choose to believe that or not, it’s up to them, but I know I was happy.”
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Daughter Lorna also echoed this statement: “I’ve always said this … we’ve all had tragedies in life, but we’re not tragic. And she had tragedies, but she was not tragic, and she didn’t pass it on to us.
“Our mom had such an extraordinary sense of humor, and that was her survival guide. That is what I can tell you has been my lifeline is to find the funny—just find the funny. And we do, we just find the funny because I think that is the way that we were raised and brought up and we watched a woman who found the funny.”
Now, Judy Garland’s Bel-Aire home is on the market, built by architect Wallace Neff who had a long list of celebrity clients. He also designed homes for Charlie Chaplin, Fredric March, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks.
The actress lived in the $11.5 million home for several years with her mother and sisters. We can now look inside the property thanks to TopTenRealEstateDeals.
Tucked behind tall hedges on more than two acres of landscaped gardens, it’s situated in one of Bel-Aire’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
Constructed in the 1930s, the two-story white home and grounds feature a circular gated driveway and timeless design.
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It has five en-suite bedrooms and six-and-a-half baths across 5,513 square feet.
The house has been updated but still retains Old Hollywood features from the 1930s, such as the curved staircase and iron railing from the entry foyer to the second floor.
The large living room is ideal for entertaining, as well as the sunroom and chef’s kitchen making it easy to cater to guests.
It features several fireplaces, dark hardwood floors, and a large bay window, with a touch of Art Deco ambiance.
It has ample room for any collector, with dual walk-in closets and a dressing room. There’s also a dining room for those special parties and an office.
The tree-framed entrance, rolling grass hills in the backyard, and large brick-lined patio are perfect for anyone who loves to spend as much time outdoors as inside.
There’s an extravagant in-ground pool, offering peace and tranquility against the backdrop of rolling hills, hedges, and topiaries.
A writer’s cottage is a hidden gem in the backyard, which was built when the home was first constructed and still stands. With built-in cabinets, a fireplace, and the design, it’s great for anyone working from home or needing a studio. It could also be converted into a lush guest home.
The home is listed with Josh Flagg from Compass.
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