The Barron Hilton Estate In Los Angeles Sells For $61.5 Million

Here’s one for the history books.

The longtime home of Barron Hilton, a Bel-Air trophy estate where the business magnate lived for decades, has sold for $61.5 million, making it one of the most expensive pieces of real estate to trade hands in California in 2021.

The Georgian Traditional-style residence, resting on a prime, 2.5-acre section of Bel-Air had been on the market since late 2020 for $75 million.

The 15,000-square-foot showplace was designed and built in the 1930s by Paul R. Williams, the famous period revival architect whose clients included Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Desi Arnaz. Williams designed the estate for Jay Paley, a businessman and film producer from the famous Paley family, who founded the national television network CBS. Since the 1960s, the property was owned by the Hilton family.

The sprawling two-story residence was designed for entertaining and features grand public spaces decked out in moldings, beautifully preserved paneled walls, antique chandeliers and multiple fireplaces. A grand foyer, formal dining room, commercial kitchen, billiards room, den, and circular breakfast nook are among the living spaces. There are 13 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms in all.

The Bel-Air home sits on 2.5 acres of manicured grounds.

Grounds dotted with specimen trees and gardens feature towering columns that line a wide patio. The patios lead to a sprawling lawn that opens to gardens, fountains and reflecting pools. Across the yard is a Moderne-inspired swimming pool. The pool features an alluring mosaic tile installation on the floor that depicts the 12 signs of the Zodiac.

Two motor courts, a guesthouse and a sunken tennis court complete the prized real estate offering.

The sale comes at a time when Los Angeles County’s median home price continues to rise. In September, the median price rose 12% to hit an all-time high of $795,000. Low inventory continues to drive up demand for properties, with the luxury market seeing intense competition for homes of substance, according to top real estate agents.

Hilton, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 91, was the chairman, president, and CEO of Hilton Worldwide, a hospitality company with over 6,000 hotels. In addition to his work in hospitality, the businessman was a sports pioneer, helping establish the American Football League and becoming the founding owner of the Los Angeles Chargers franchise.

Hilton’s son and grandson, Rick Hilton and Barron N. Hilton, respectively, of Beverly Hills-based Hilton & Hyland, were the listing agents. Linda May, also with Hilton & Hyland, represented the buyer.

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