1121 Cortez Dr

Creating the Perfect Secluded Sanctuary among Glendale’s most coveted Historic District on Cortez Drive. A Private Gated Compound Unique with breathtaking City-to Mountain Views perched atop a granite knoll. This estate is perfect for Grand Scale Entertaining and Celebrity Style Events. Dramatic pathways connect the entire 27,000+ sq. ft. property with cascading lawns, rose gardens, fruit trees, meditation courtyards, koi pond, ornate fountains, stunning alfresco lounging and dining areas, a deep-water salt pool adjacent to alfresco dining, fireplace & pizza oven along with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and polished concrete BBQ bar. Magical garden walkways adorned with vintage city street lamps and a grand, welcoming staircase leading to a dramatic front entrance of this 4 bedroom 6 bath stunning residence with Spanish Baroque features and accents throughout. Nearly 100 years old, this estate has been superbly transformed into a state-of-the-art luxury living space using only the highest quality building materials and living finishes, keeping with its historical and cultural authenticity while maintaining an incredible intimacy and warmth. Stunning architectural elements and an extraordinary attention to detail makes this estate truly a work of living art and a once in lifetime investment and lifestyle opportunity to the discerning buyer.

Family, Friends, and Guests experience a sense of timeless magic upon entering the soaring and gracious Romanesque rotunda, masterfully designed to bring-in light through stained glass portals, upholstered ceiling to modulate acoustics and an 8-point marble floor compass pointing to all destinations.

Starting with the stunningly beautiful formal sunken living room, aka, “The Great Room”, it is reminiscent of a classical art and music gallery with its high vaulted ceilings, imported teak columns and large plaster cornice, tied together by a gigantic fireplace – an original masterpiece of the home. Tall arched picture windows and French doors frame the impeccable grounds, gardens, mature trees and majestic mountain views, this room competes with the best luxury destinations.

Views and garden vistas continue throughout the main floor hallway from the formal dining room, the chef’s kitchen, the sunken family room and guest bedroom. Ornate ceilings and French doors access the gardens, court yards and pool, ideal for free flowing events. The architectural layout provides a gracious integration and relationship between the interior and exterior. The butler’s pantry is equipped with a built-in Sub-Zero beverage center and refrigerated drawers, crystal clear ice maker, generous cabinet space and leaded-glass hutches, full pantry and utility closets with a service door leading to the outdoor herb gardens. The chef’s kitchen is equipped with full quartz stone counters, antiqued cabinetry, a 48”, Wolfe Range with a 6 burner stovetop, griddle and dual oven, a 48” Professional Subzero refrigerator, a built in microwave drawer, 18” deep stainless farmer’s sink, Wolfe Professional hood and a picture perfect view of the gardens, mature trees and Angeles National Forest and Mountains. As an additional amenity the centerpiece of the kitchen is a stunning walk-in wine cellar with capacity for 2500 bottles, a bright and cheery breakfast nook looking out to beautiful water fountain and gardens where a variety of birds daily bathe and play.

Beyond the kitchen is the sunken family room with an upholstered built-in entertainment center, high wood coffered ceilings, and arched hallway of 8’ high French doors opening onto the pool terrace, gardens and outdoor cooking & dining area. The hallway leads to a large private guest suite (4th bedroom) overlooking the pool, gardens, iron gazebo and mountain vistas.

The lower level of the home was once was a speakeasy with a fully equipped dumb waiter. It now offers the best in indoor gaming and entertainment providing a full spectrum THX Movie theatre with Dolby Surround Sound, billiards, gas fireplace, bar, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and walk-in winter storage closets. This subterranean space is unique to CA and is equipped with full size windows and air wells to provide sunshine and fresh air.

There are 4 Main Bedroom suites, including the guest suite, 3 of them on the top floor “family quarters”. Starting with the magnificent master wing, it boasts three separate luxurious suites starting with its spa-like intimate bathroom with a 100 gallon insulated jet bath tub, steam room/shower, toilet/bidet “water closet”, Bed chamber with vaulted Ceiling, Spanish Chandelier, walk in closets, 17th century Baroque fireplace, Office/Library and 4 balconies with miles of vistas East, West and North. Bedrooms 2 & 3 are both spacious, bright and lovely boasting good closet space, built-ins and generous ¾ baths with city, canyon and mountain vistas.

Additional amenities include a completely built-out multi-purpose 4 car garage with abundant cabinets, custom work bench & tool cabinet, caterer’s kitchen with an additional 48” Wolf Range, 48” Sub-Zero refrigerator, full size Viking beverage center, full service laundry room and storage loft. Specialized Ion water purification system supplies the entire house with two 75-gallon water heaters providing abundant hot water. Beautiful cabinetry, high ceilings and windows makes this a garage lover’s paradise. Garage access is through the rear private service entrance of the property adding an additional layer of privacy and security.