S.208 – Aline Barnsdall “Hollyhock” House,

4808 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

Article: Notes about the Southern California properties

Hollyhock House was designed to anchor of a complex of multiple art-related buildings. The complex is reached via an entrance on Hollywood Boulevard near Vermont Avenue. As you can see from the map below, a road circles the property. That road is designated as “lower” and “upper,” although it is the same road. It reaches its apex at Hollyhock House, and then descends to the lower road at about 2:00 on the map. If you visit, you will have no trouble finding Residence A or Hollyhock. It takes a bit of effort to find the Spring House, though.

The main house (S.208), built in 1917, is open for public tours. A garage sits opposite a large forecourt and covered walkway. This area was converted in 1954 to use as an exhibition area for an international traveling exhibit, Sixty Years of Living Architecture (S.382), but is now a garage and motor court. The “Spring House” (S.209) was built in 1920. It is situated partway up Olive Hill, and its roof can be seen from the wall that surrounds Hollyhock House. “Residence A” (S.210) was also built in 1920, and is on the lower level road the hill. “Residence B” (S.211) was built in 1920 at the base of the hill on Vermont Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard; it has been demolished, and that area is now populated by strip malls.

From this location, you can see (in the distance) the Ennis house (S.217), the Griffith Park Observatory, and the Hollywood sign.

According to the official website, photography is no longer allowed on the public tours. Although closed for long-term renovations, it has reopened to the public in mid-February 2015. You can still view various parts of the exterior without taking the tour. These photos were snapped on January 27, 2015 and in February 2005.