Pickfair was more than just a mansion; it was a symbol of Hollywood's golden age. Built in 1919, this iconic estate was the home of silent film stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. Nestled in Beverly Hills, Pickfair became a hub for the elite, hosting legendary parties attended by the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Albert Einstein, and Amelia Earhart. The estate featured 25 rooms, a grand ballroom, and even a private screening room. Over the years, it changed hands, with new owners adding their own touches while preserving its historic charm. Pickfair remains a fascinating piece of Hollywood history, reflecting the glamour and allure of a bygone era.
Key Takeaways:
- Pickfair, a historic estate in Beverly Hills, was once home to Hollywood royalty and a hub for lavish parties during the Golden Age of cinema. Its legacy endures as a symbol of old Hollywood glamour.
- The mansion, built by silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, featured architectural marvels and interesting tidbits, making it a standout property in Beverly Hills. Despite its transformation, Pickfair's influence extends beyond its physical presence.
The Origins of Pickfair
Pickfair, a legendary estate in Beverly Hills, California, has a rich history. It was once the home of Hollywood royalty and a symbol of the Golden Age of cinema.
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Pickfair was built in 1919 by silent film star Douglas Fairbanks and his wife, Mary Pickford. They were among the first celebrities to settle in Beverly Hills.
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The name "Pickfair" is a combination of Mary Pickford's and Douglas Fairbanks' last names.
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Originally, the estate was a hunting lodge. Fairbanks and Pickford transformed it into a 22-room mansion.
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The estate covered 18 acres, featuring lush gardens, a swimming pool, and tennis courts.
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Pickfair was designed by architect Wallace Neff, known for his work on many other celebrity homes.
Hollywood's Golden Age and Pickfair
During Hollywood's Golden Age, Pickfair became a hub for the elite. It hosted numerous parties and gatherings, making it a central part of the film industry's social scene.
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Pickfair was often referred to as "Hollywood's first mansion."
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The estate was known for its lavish parties, attended by the biggest stars of the time, including Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, and Rudolph Valentino.
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Pickfair's guest list also included political figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Albert Einstein.
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The mansion had a secret passageway that allowed guests to move discreetly between rooms.
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Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks were known for their hospitality, often hosting charity events at Pickfair.
Architectural Marvels and Features
Pickfair was not just a home; it was an architectural marvel. Its design and features were ahead of its time, making it a standout property in Beverly Hills.
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The mansion featured a grand staircase, which became one of its most iconic elements.
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Pickfair had a private screening room, one of the first in Hollywood homes.
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The estate included a library with over 2,000 books, reflecting Pickford's love for literature.
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Pickfair's dining room could seat up to 40 guests, perfect for the grand parties held there.
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The mansion's swimming pool was one of the first in Beverly Hills, setting a trend for luxury homes.
The Decline and Transformation
After the deaths of Fairbanks and Pickford, Pickfair underwent several changes. Its decline and transformation reflect the changing times and tastes in Hollywood.
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Douglas Fairbanks passed away in 1939, and Mary Pickford lived in Pickfair until her death in 1979.
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After Pickford's death, the estate was sold to Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss.
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Buss sold Pickfair to actress Pia Zadora and her husband Meshulam Riklis in 1988.
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Zadora and Riklis controversially demolished most of the original mansion, citing termite damage.
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The new mansion built on the site retained only a few elements of the original Pickfair.
Pickfair's Legacy
Despite the changes, Pickfair's legacy endures. It remains a symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age and the glamour associated with that era.
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Pickfair is often mentioned in books and documentaries about Hollywood history.
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The estate's name has become synonymous with old Hollywood glamour.
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Pickfair's story reflects the rise and fall of Hollywood's first power couple, Pickford and Fairbanks.
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The estate's transformation has sparked debates about preserving Hollywood's architectural heritage.
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Pickfair's legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and historians alike.
Interesting Tidbits
Beyond its historical significance, Pickfair has many interesting tidbits that add to its allure.
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Mary Pickford was known to keep a pet monkey at Pickfair.
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The estate had a room dedicated to Pickford's doll collection.
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Pickfair's gardens were designed to resemble an English countryside.
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The mansion's kitchen was equipped with state-of-the-art appliances for its time.
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Pickfair had a wine cellar stocked with rare and expensive wines.
Pickfair in Popular Culture
Pickfair's influence extends beyond its physical presence. It has made appearances in various forms of popular culture.
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Pickfair was featured in several films and TV shows, often as a symbol of Hollywood luxury.
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The estate has been referenced in songs and literature, highlighting its cultural impact.
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Pickfair's story has been the subject of numerous documentaries and biographies.
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The mansion's iconic status has inspired other celebrity homes in Beverly Hills.
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Pickfair remains a popular topic among Hollywood historians and enthusiasts.
Pickfair's Enduring Legacy
Pickfair remains a symbol of Hollywood's golden age. From its grand architecture to the star-studded parties, it captured the essence of early 20th-century glamour. Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, the power couple behind this iconic estate, left an indelible mark on film history. Their home wasn't just a mansion; it was a cultural hub where legends were born and stories were shared. Even after its demolition, the legacy of Pickfair lives on through countless anecdotes and photographs. It reminds us of a time when Hollywood was still finding its feet, and stars were larger than life. Pickfair's story is a testament to the magic of old Hollywood, a place where dreams were made and legends lived. Whether you're a history buff or a film enthusiast, Pickfair's legacy offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.
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