Iconic ‘Dracula’ Actor’s Storied Hollywood Estate Is Listed for First Time in a Half-Century With Asking Price of $7.5 Million

Hollywood is home to many properties with awe-inspiring A-list connections. However, few can compare with the truly incomparable mansion that has just hit the market in the Outpost Estates, nearly 100 years after it served as the dwelling of the industry's original Count Dracula.

Listed for the first time in more than a half-century, with an asking price of $7.5 million, Villa Dorada is a 1929 Spanish Revival estate that was once rented by legendary actor Bela Lugosi, who was best known for his iconic portrayal of the villainous vampire in the 1931 classic "Dracula."

Since his residence in the extraordinary estate, the property has passed through the hands of many other Hollywood bigwigs—from Oscar-winning songwriter and Frank Sinatra collaborator Jimmy Van Heusen to heiress Elizabeth Stack, daughter of "Unsolved Mysteries" host Robert Stack.

Lugosi, a legendary horror actor who died in 1956, resided there in the early 1930s, when he rented the property from the owner, Elizabeth D. Clark, just as his career took off.

Its walls have been privy to all manner of Old Hollywood glamour, yet they have also been meticulously preserved throughout its near-100-year history.

Set on a 13,185-square-foot lot along a flat cul-de-sac in the Outpost Estates, one of the Hollywood Hills’ most coveted communities, the home offers sweeping views of Los Angeles, from the Hollywood sign to the Pacific Ocean.

Over the years, the neighborhood has been home to the likes of Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Orlando Bloom, and Winona Ryder, among others.

But far from being splashy or over-the-top, the Outpost Estates is one of the most peaceful and scenic areas in Los Angeles, according to Compass listing agent Tom Davila.

“I’ve been a resident of Outpost Estates for 30 years and have always loved the leafy canopy of carob trees that line Outpost Drive," he adds.

“The neighborhood was one of the few developments in the late 1920s to bury all utilities underground, preserving the views without telephone poles or wires. With its celebrity residents, close proximity to film studios and downtown Los Angeles, and zoning that prohibits tour buses, Outpost Estates continues to offer both privacy and charm.”

Peace and privacy are at the very core of the Outpost Estates ethos—and nowhere is that better represented than within the gates of Villa Dorada.

The three-level, 7,400-square-foot residence is designed to maximize that feeling of security, while also taking full advantage of its incredible location, with large windows that frame the city’s glittering skyline.

Inside are four spacious en suite bedrooms, plus staff quarters with private bedrooms and a living room.

While the size and views impress, it’s the historic details that make this home truly special. Each owner has carefully preserved its 1920s charm, from the rare wood-paneled elevator and original intercom system to hand-carved wooden doors, vintage tile work, art deco doorknobs, and period chandeliers.

Through these incredible details, the current homeowner commissioned a history of the home, which has helped to build out the story and strength of this estate, a key part of the sale for agent John Zaffarano. 

“I find it fascinating the homeowner commissioned a thorough history of the home, uncovering original permits that awarded it the highest Builder Assessor ratings of the era—‘Special’ for its plumbing and electrical fixtures and the rare ‘Extra Special’ designation for overall construction, affirming its exceptional craftsmanship," he explains.

That craftsmanship sings in the home’s entertaining spaces. The estate features a step-down parlor with a built-in bar and guest bath, plus a grand ballroom on the lower level anchored by an oversized fireplace and opening directly to the backyard.

Multiple terraces on every floor invite seamless indoor-outdoor living and views across the city.

“This home is a rare jewel, one of the finest examples of the Spanish Revival period, still preserving its original integrity and thoughtful flow. Pristine magnesite floors and authentic details remain intact, honoring the home’s heritage,” notes the third agent on the listing, Kennon Earl.

Villa Dorada’s prestigious location in the Outpost Estates, combined with its rich architectural heritage, has long made it a magnet for Hollywood’s elite. The private enclave, zoned to prohibit tour buses, has served as a quiet hideaway for stars since the 1920s.

Originally commissioned by Minneapolis physician Frederick A. Dunsmoor, Villa Dorada was completed in 1930 and soon leased to Lugosi during the height of his "Dracula" fame, earning its reputation as the actor’s “daytime coffin.”

In 1946, Elizabeth Stack purchased the property, where she lived for seven years, before the dwelling was passed to Van Heusen in 1953, four years before he would win the second of his four Academy Awards.

As rumor has it, Van Heusen—who was best known for writing Sinatra's hits "Come Fly With Me," "Love and Marriage," and "High Hopes"—regularly hosted Sinatra in the property, with some suggesting that the dwelling may have served as a "bachelor pad" for the duo, along with their other longtime writing partner, Sammy Cahn.

Van Heusen sold the property in 1957, and it changed hands several more times before its current owner purchased it in 1972.

To this day, Villa Dorada remains surrounded by stars, including Pitt, who recently purchased a Spanish-style home nearby for roughly $12 million from Dave Keuning, lead guitarist for The Killers.

For buyers, Villa Dorada represents a chance to own a living piece of Hollywood history. With its blend of cinematic legacy, architectural artistry, and unmatched privacy, the estate offers a rare opportunity to step into a lifestyle once reserved for screen legends.

Whether entertaining in the grand ballroom, taking in city-to-ocean views from one of the terraces, or simply walking the elegant, tree-lined streets of Outpost Estates, residents can experience the magic of Old Hollywood every day.

In a city where history and modern luxury often collide, Villa Dorada stands as a timeless testament to both, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the discerning collector of Hollywood treasures.