Tour Inside The “Cheaper By The Dozen” 13 Bedroom 1890’s Mansion! Amazing Interior!
Standing tall in Los Angeles’ elegant Windsor Square neighborhood, the legendary Isaac Newton Van Nuys Mansion is a breathtaking example of Gilded Age architecture and artistry. With its sprawling 12,565 square feet of living space, this three-story Victorian residence captures both the romance of the 1890s and the sophistication of modern luxury. Meticulously restored and reimagined, the estate—often compared to the grand homes featured in Cheaper By The Dozen—represents the pinnacle of historic preservation and timeless design.
A Legacy of Vision and Craftsmanship
The mansion’s story begins in the late 19th century, when Isaac Newton Van Nuys, one of Los Angeles’ most influential early developers, commissioned its construction. Originally built in the 1890s, the home stood as a testament to his success and refined taste. In 1915, his son, J. Benton Van Nuys, had the entire structure moved to its present site in Windsor Square—a remarkable feat of engineering for its time.
Today, the home stands as a living monument to both the city’s past and the artistry of the Victorian era. Every inch of the mansion has been carefully restored, with no expense spared in preserving its architectural integrity while introducing 21st-century comfort and technology.
Grandeur Beyond Measure
Set on nearly 27,000 square feet of manicured grounds, this gated estate feels like a private sanctuary in the heart of Los Angeles. The main residence offers an astounding 11 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms, while a two-bedroom, one-bathroom carriage house sits gracefully atop a large garage, complete with an exterior turntable—a rare and whimsical feature that nods to early automotive innovation.
Stepping inside, guests are immediately welcomed into a grand salon, the centerpiece of the home’s traditional floor plan. High ceilings, carved wood columns, and intricate plaster details create an atmosphere of restrained opulence. The salon flows effortlessly into the library and formal living room, spaces that glow with the warmth of original woodwork and the gentle crackle of one of the home’s seven fireplaces.
A Dining Room That Defines Elegance
The formal dining room is a true showpiece. Lined with linen-fold paneling—a rare and luxurious decorative wood technique—it is illuminated by leaded, stained-glass windows that scatter jewel-toned light across the walls. From formal gatherings to family meals, this room perfectly balances history and hospitality.
Adjacent lies the chef-quality kitchen, which has been fully modernized without compromising the home’s period charm. State-of-the-art appliances are seamlessly integrated with custom cabinetry, marble surfaces, and vintage-inspired fixtures. Every design choice reflects a commitment to both authenticity and functionality.
Hidden Treasures and Modern Indulgences
One of the home’s most delightful surprises is the hidden bar, concealed behind hand-carved wooden panels. This intimate retreat, with its secret door leading to the pool, spa, and manicured gardens, embodies the playful sophistication of early Hollywood glamour.
Beyond the main living spaces, the second floor features five spacious bedrooms, including multiple suites and an exquisitely designed primary suite with a large walk-in closet. Each room offers distinct architectural details—arched windows, decorative fireplaces, and vintage light fixtures that have been lovingly restored.
The Theater Above — A Touch of Theatrical Magic
The top floor presents a world of its own: an expansive space that doubles as a theater and entertainment lounge. Here, a full bar and kitchenette complement the open layout, while an original stage complete with footlights adds a whimsical touch straight out of the Victorian playhouse tradition. A dramatic turret side room enhances the sense of fantasy, offering a perfect nook for reading, reflection, or musical performance.
This floor also includes three additional bedrooms and two bathrooms, ideal for guests or private creative spaces. The fusion of architecture and imagination gives this level a personality all its own—half home, half historic theater.
Every Detail Considered
Behind the period charm lies a foundation of modern engineering. The estate’s systems have been thoroughly updated or replaced, including a multi-zone HVAC system that was installed with painstaking care to preserve the intricate plaster ceilings and carved wood trim. Every update, from wiring to insulation, was executed with the same level of precision that defines the home’s visible craftsmanship.
A Living Work of Art
Outside, the manicured gardens and resort-style pool extend the home’s spirit of beauty and leisure. Mature trees, sculpted hedges, and shaded sitting areas create a serene escape that feels miles from the city’s bustle. The property’s scale and privacy make it ideal for both grand entertaining and quiet family life.
The Van Nuys Mansion is not just a restored Victorian—it is a celebration of Los Angeles’ early architectural heritage and the enduring appeal of craftsmanship. With its perfect balance of old-world charm and modern refinement, it stands among the most extraordinary historic estates in California.
In every stained-glass reflection, every carved panel, and every gently flickering fireplace, the story of this 1890s mansion lives on—a story of vision, preservation, and timeless grandeur that continues to captivate all who walk through its doors.
