Eventup - Event Venues & Unique Venues in Los Angeles

The Villa Sophia and it's 1/2 acre of garden grounds sit perched upon 15' castle walls high atop a Los Feliz hilltop. Bright, sunny and spacious it overlooks a large emerald tiled pool. Views are south towards the downtown Los Angeles skyline and city lights, east to the mountains and west towards the ocean. The Villa is located on a cul-de-sac. Completely private, secluded and tranquil. Located in the celebrity-filled hills of the exclusive Los Feliz neighborhood.

Built by Clement Smoot in 1927, with a design by celebrated architect Henry Harwood Hewitt, it is a fine example of the Mediterranean Revival style that flourished during the years between the end of WWI and the 1930's. It is the former home of cult film director James Whale, subject of the Academy Award winning film "God's and Monsters" played by Sir Ian McKellan. McKellan was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his performance of the bon vivant James Whale. Lynn Redgrave who played Whales' house maid was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Whale lived at the Villa during the making of his best known films, Frankenstein (1931), The Invisible Man (1933) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935). The property is available for Film and Photo Shoots.

The glamorous spa-like pool house, built in 2005 by owner Constantine Vlahos, has ten foot ceilings, a large stone fireplace, venetian plaster walls, surfaces of stone, tile and marble, hand forged iron sconces and chandeliers and old world custom cabinetry. Floor to ceiling iron doors and windows open out to the pool.

The guest house is available for rent on a nightly basis and has a private entrance through a 500 sq. ft. covered grotto seating area made with ancient reclaimed terra cotta tiles. There is a poolside dining table. Guests have exclusive use of the entire lawn and garden, pool, hot tub and additional 500 sq. ft. of outdoor patios. Enjoy 5000 total square feet of al fresco living area.

HBO television series "Entourage" filmed the final scene of its final episode after 8 seasons at the Villa Sophia. The final scene, which appeared after the credits was staged as an Italian Villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on the Italian Riviera. The scene is important because it is believed to have set the stage for an upcoming major motion picture based on the "Entourage" television series. The episode aired on September 11, 2011.

Victoria's Secret shot their Victoria's Secret Bombshell Summer 2011 ad campaign at the Villa Sophia. See models Candice Swanepoel, Erin Heatherton and Chanel Iman interviewed on the grounds of the Villa Sophia.

Security Deposit

Event Insurance is required by the venue owner.

You must supply your own third-party insurance.
(Our helpful Eventup staff can help you find this.)

Additional Fees:

Cleaning is the responsibility of the renter: $0.00 (Required)

The Villa Sophia is located in a residential neighborhood. Consideration for the neighbors is the number one concern for the Villa Sophia.