California Hobbit House Hits the Market for $1.95 Million
A piece of Hollywood history is now for sale. The legendary Hobbit House, a 10-bedroom, 9-bathroom storybook apartment complex in Culver City, has hit the market for the first time at $1.95 million.
Built in the 1940s by Walt Disney Studios artist Lawrence Joseph, the 10,980-square-foot property includes a fairytale-style main house and four additional structures housing eight rental units.
Property Highlights
Price: $1.95 million
Location: Culver City, California
Size: 10,980 square feet
Bedrooms: 10
Bathrooms: 9
Notable Features: Five storybook-style structures, shingled roofs, nine on-site parking spaces, below-market rental rates
A Historic Landmark
Nicknamed Hobbit House by locals, the multi-unit property has become a landmark in the creative hub of Culver City. Joseph and his wife, Martha, a secretary for film icons like Rock Hudson and Alfred Hitchcock, lived on the property while expanding it from the 1940s to the 1970s.
In 1996, the city of Los Angeles recognized this rare example of storybook architecture as Historic-Cultural Monument No. 624, securing its preservation for future generations.
Stepping Into a Scene From a Fairytale
The exterior grounds feel like a storybook come to life, with a hand-laid brick courtyard, a rustic pond with winding water features, and a collection of vine-covered structures that appear as if they were pulled from a fairytale.
At the front of the property, a meandering brick pathway leads past the pond, where floating stone slabs act as stepping stones across the water, giving the scene an almost enchanted feel.
Rusted chains, old-world lanterns, diamond-paned windows, and hanging fishing nets add an aged, maritime quality to the design, as if the home itself were a relic from a bygone era.
Beyond the front pond, the courtyard expands into an outdoor lounge area, framed by the organic, handcrafted structures that define the property.
Across the way, the main residence, with its rounded thatched roof and exposed stonework, resembles something out of Middle Earth.
Inside The Hobbit House
Stepping inside the five structures of the Culver City Hobbit House is like walking into a handcrafted dreamscape where storybook whimsy meets architectural eccentricity. The interiors are a tapestry of organic curves, built-ins, and elaborate detailing, each space carrying a unique personality.
Bedroom
One space presents an all-wood bedroom with built-in dressers and a lattice-framed window seat, exuding a ship’s cabin feel with its warm, aged patina and intricate ceiling design.
Bathroom
Another structure houses a striking bathroom, enveloped in green mosaic tiles with an undulating vanity and an arched, grotto-like shower. Its whimsical brass fixtures and softly illuminated mirrors add to the enchanting atmosphere.
Workspace
A lighter contrast emerges in a white-paneled workspace, where intricate cabinetry and a grand bay window bring in natural light, creating a more ethereal, airy ambiance.
Bar Room
The bar room in the Culver City Hobbit House feels like a hidden tavern from a storybook, with its hand-hewn wood, curved leather-trimmed bar, and heavy beams overhead.
Diamond-paned windows, built-in shelves, and warm lantern lighting enhance the rustic charm.
Each building, from its doors to its ceilings, is a masterful showcase of craftsmanship, blurring the line between function and fantasy.
Final Thoughts
Over time, modern developments have grown around the property, but the Hobbit House remains a one-of-a-kind residential experience amongst the skyscrapers of LA.
Now on the market for the first time, it offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of architectural whimsy. For its next owner, this isn’t just a home—it’s a chance to preserve a historical landmark and experience a true storybook retreat.
