Inside the Glamorous Beverly Hills Home of Renée Taylor and Joseph Bologna: A Hollywood Legacy
A Unique Hollywood Heritage
Long before the celebrity real estate trend took off, actors Renée Taylor and Joseph Bologna were busy creating a distinctive chapter in Hollywood's history at their Beverly Hills home. Acquired in 1975, this 1926 Tudor Revival residence became a canvas for the couple's artistic vision over the span of more than forty years.
In 1999, they completed a significant renovation that lasted two years and cost around $1 million, resulting in a uniquely tailored estate. Collaborating with designer Terry Landeck, they reimagined the interior, merging rooms to form expansive living areas, including a grand bathroom and bedroom suite. The renovation was characterized by its eclectic design, influenced by the couple's favorite cinematic and historical icons.
Theatrical Design Legacy
A Legacy of Theatrical Design
The interior of the home showcased Taylor's love for the glamour of Hollywood's golden age and European elegance. One standout feature was a bathroom inspired by the late actress Greer Garson's own. Other areas of the house reflected the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles and London's Savoy Hotel, complete with chandeliers, mirrors, and luxurious fabrics embellished with pearls and crystals. This design approach made the residence feel more like an artfully curated stage than a typical home.
Gardens and Gatherings
The exterior was just as impressive, with the couple commissioning seven unique gardens by the late 1990s. These included Zen and fairy-themed gardens, as well as landscapes inspired by French and Italian designs. Over time, the gardens evolved to feature exotic bamboo collections and a custom pizza garden, which became a highlight during their annual Academy Awards celebrations.
From Family Home to Real Estate Landmark
From Family Home to Real Estate Milestone
Although the property was often linked to actress Shirley Temple, it was later clarified that her mother-in-law actually resided there, while Temple and her first husband, John Agar, were frequent visitors. Following Joseph Bologna's passing in 2017, the estate was listed for sale in 2018 at $8.6 million and ultimately sold for $7.425 million.
At the time of the sale, the home had grown to about 4,600 square feet, featuring four bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and a wood-paneled office. This residence stood as a testament to the couple's lasting partnership, which included collaborative works on stage and screen, such as their Oscar-nominated screenplay for the 1970 film Lovers and Other Strangers. The estate remains a remarkable example of how Taylor and Bologna blended their creative talents with their personal lives, leaving behind a home as unforgettable as their performances.