A landmark 1913 Craftsman estate on North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, once home to Joseph Kennedy, offered fully furnished for lease at $40,000 per month.
Most people know Rodeo Drive for its luxury boutiques, polished storefronts, and famous shoppers.
Fewer people know that just a short drive north of the shopping district, the same street turns into a quiet, tree-lined residential road with some of the most prestigious homes in Southern California.
At 801 North Rodeo Drive sits a property that stands out even among its famous neighbors. It is a Craftsman estate built in 1913, older than much of Beverly Hills itself. It was once home to Joseph Kennedy during his years in Hollywood. And it has remained in the same family since 1941.
The residence offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and about 4,441 square feet of living space on a lush lot of more than 27,000 square feet.
It is not for sale. It is offered for lease, fully furnished and ready to move in, at $40,000 per month.
Let’s take a closer look at the history, the home, and what it would be like to live on one of the most famous streets in the world.
Property Overview
- Address: 801 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
- Listing type: For lease, fully furnished
- Rent: $40,000 per month
- Year built: 1913
- Style: Two-story Craftsman
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3.5
- Living space: Approximately 4,441 square feet
- Lot size: Approximately 27,050 square feet, corner lot
- Pool: Gated saltwater pool
- Historic status: Beverly Hills city-designated landmark
- Neighborhood: The Flats, Beverly Hills
- Included: Furnishings, linens, kitchenware, and essentials
- Utilities: Paid by tenant
- Setting: Shared property, homeowner lives on-site
A House Older Than Most of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills was incorporated as a city in 1914. This home was built in 1913.
That means the house was standing before Beverly Hills officially became a city. It has watched the community grow from open land and early estates into one of the most recognized addresses on earth.
Very few homes in the area can claim that kind of history. Many early houses were torn down over the decades to make way for larger modern mansions.
This one survived. Today, it is recognized as a city-designated landmark, a status that honors its architectural and historical importance.
The Joseph Kennedy Connection
The listing notes that the home was once occupied by Joseph Kennedy during his time in Hollywood.
Joseph P. Kennedy, the father of President John F. Kennedy, was a businessman and investor. In the 1920s, he became involved in the film industry, acquiring a film studio and playing a role in Hollywood’s business side during the transition from silent films to sound.
Living in Beverly Hills during that period placed him close to the studios, stars, and deal makers who were shaping the entertainment industry.
For anyone who loves history, it is remarkable to think of walking the same halls and sitting in the same rooms as one of the most influential figures of twentieth-century America.
In the Same Family Since 1941
Another rare detail is the home’s ownership history.
The property has been in the same family since 1941. In a city where luxury homes often change hands frequently, more than eight decades of continuous family ownership is extraordinary.
The family also has its own Hollywood story. Material published by the owners describes a guest apartment on the estate as a long-time writer’s retreat, where the owner’s father, screenwriter Edwin Blum, worked on the film Stalag 17.
That creative legacy fits perfectly with the listing’s invitation to writers, artists, and creatives looking for inspiration.
Craftsman Architecture
The Craftsman style was one of the most popular home designs in America in the early twentieth century.
It grew out of the Arts and Crafts movement, which celebrated handmade quality, natural materials, and honest construction. Craftsman homes often feature exposed wood beams, detailed moldings, built-in cabinetry, wide porches, and warm wood interiors.
In Southern California, the style became especially beloved. Architects adapted it to the region’s mild climate with large windows, open living spaces, and a strong connection to gardens.
This house reflects that tradition beautifully. Earlier descriptions note original wood flooring, beams, moldings, and paneling throughout.
Original Wood Details
Original woodwork is one of the greatest treasures a historic home can have.
In this residence, hardwood floors run throughout. Wood beams, moldings, and paneling add richness and texture to the rooms.
These features cannot be easily recreated. The wood, craftsmanship, and patina that come with more than a century of care give the interior a warmth that newer homes rarely match.
For a tenant, it means living surrounded by genuine history, not a reproduction of it.
Natural Light
The home is filled with natural light.
An abundance of windows brightens the interior, and the bedrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook lush gardens and mature landscaping.
Craftsman homes in California were often designed to capture light and air, and this one continues that tradition.
Morning sunlight across wood floors, afternoon light filtering through trees, and garden views from nearly every room create a calm and uplifting atmosphere.
The Living Room
The spacious living room is designed for both relaxing and entertaining.
Earlier descriptions highlight grand, open-flowing living and dining rooms. That kind of layout makes it easy to host gatherings, whether that means a quiet dinner with friends or a larger evening event.
With original wood details and large windows, the living room feels elegant without being formal or stiff.
The Dining Room
The dining room connects naturally to the living space.
In a home of this era, the dining room was often one of the most carefully detailed rooms, a place where families and guests gathered for important meals.
Today, it offers a beautiful setting for dinners, celebrations, or even a creative workspace with plenty of table room.
The Den and Library
Earlier listing descriptions mention a beautifully paneled den and a separate study or library on the main floor.
These rooms are perfect for a writer, a researcher, or an executive who needs a quiet place to work. Paneled rooms have a timeless, enclosed feel that makes them ideal for reading, thinking, and focusing.
For a family, they can also serve as cozy retreats for movie nights or quiet afternoons.
The Bedrooms
The home offers four bedrooms, all located upstairs according to earlier descriptions.
Having all bedrooms on the second floor creates a clear separation between private and social spaces. Guests can gather downstairs while bedrooms stay peaceful.
Each bedroom enjoys views of the gardens, and the floor-to-ceiling windows bring the greenery right into the room.
The Primary Suite
The primary suite is described as generous, with its own fireplace and a separate office or study.
A bedroom fireplace is a special feature, adding warmth and romance on cooler California evenings.
The attached study makes the suite especially useful for professionals who want a private workspace close to their bedroom.
Earlier descriptions note that the primary bath has been updated in a way that respects the home’s original character.
The Bathrooms
The home includes 3.5 bathrooms.
That gives each part of the household comfortable access, and the half bath is convenient for guests on the main level.
Historic homes sometimes have limited bathrooms, so this arrangement is a practical advantage for families or groups sharing the house.
Fully Furnished and Turnkey
One of the most appealing parts of this listing is that it is offered fully furnished.
The lease includes all linens, kitchenware, and household essentials. A tenant can arrive with suitcases and settle in immediately.
For international visitors, traveling executives, or anyone relocating temporarily, that is a huge convenience. There is no need to rent furniture, buy dishes, or set up a household from scratch.
The Grounds
The property sits on an expansive lot of approximately 27,050 square feet.
That is a large amount of land for the Beverly Hills Flats, where many lots are much smaller. Earlier descriptions call the grounds park-like and describe the property as a lush corner lot.
Mature trees, established gardens, and green space create a secluded feeling. It is easy to forget you are in the middle of one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the country.
Material published by the owners mentions eucalyptus trees and a field of lavender visible from the property, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
The Pool
The estate includes a gated pool, described in owner materials as a saltwater pool.
Saltwater pools are often preferred for their softer feel on the skin compared with traditional chlorine pools.
On warm Southern California afternoons, a swim surrounded by gardens is one of the great pleasures of living here.
Tenants should confirm pool hours and any shared-use arrangements, since the property is a shared setting.
A Shared Property Setting
It is important to understand one key detail. The homeowner lives on-site.
The listing states that the tenant must acknowledge a shared property setting. That means the estate is not entirely private to the renter.
For some tenants, this is not a concern at all, especially if the grounds are large and the living spaces are separate. For others, it may affect whether the home fits their needs.
Anyone interested should ask exactly which spaces are private, which are shared, and how the owner’s presence is managed day to day.
Location: The Beverly Hills Flats
The home is located in the area known as the Beverly Hills Flats.
The Flats is one of the most desirable residential neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Its wide, tree-lined streets, grand homes, and central location make it a favorite among entertainment figures, business leaders, and families.
Owner materials note that the famous Beverly Hills Hotel is only a few hundred feet away.
The shops and restaurants of downtown Beverly Hills, including the famous retail section of Rodeo Drive, are close by.
West Hollywood, Westwood, and Santa Monica are all within easy reach, as are UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Who This Home Is For
The listing names several ideal tenants: international visitors, creatives, writers, artists, and executives.
International visitors may appreciate the chance to experience Los Angeles from a historic home rather than a hotel.
Writers and artists may find inspiration in the home’s history, quiet garden views, and paneled study spaces.
Executives working on projects in Los Angeles may value the central location and turnkey setup.
Families relocating temporarily, perhaps during a home renovation or a work assignment, may also find it a comfortable and memorable place to stay.
Living Here Day to Day
Imagine waking in a bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows looking over gardens. Coffee on the terrace. A morning swim. A walk to the Beverly Hills Hotel for lunch.
Afternoons might be spent writing in the paneled study or exploring nearby neighborhoods. Evenings could bring dinner parties in the grand dining room.
It is a lifestyle that combines old Hollywood charm with modern Los Angeles convenience.
Understanding the Rent
At $40,000 per month, this is a luxury rental by any measure.
Context matters, however. The Beverly Hills Flats is one of the most expensive residential areas in the United States. Large furnished homes with pools and gardens in this neighborhood commonly command very high rents, especially for short-term and seasonal leases.
Earlier listing records indicate the home has previously been offered at higher monthly amounts, including $45,000 and $50,000, and has been leased before.
The rent covers the furnished home and grounds. The tenant is responsible for utilities, which should be factored into the total monthly cost.
Lease Terms to Ask About
Before signing a lease on a property like this, it is worth clarifying the details.
- What lease lengths are available: monthly, seasonal, or longer term?
- What is the security deposit?
- Is rent due monthly or in advance for the full term?
- What are typical monthly utility costs?
- Which areas of the estate are private to the tenant?
- Which areas are shared with the homeowner?
- What are the pool hours and rules?
- Is parking included, and how many spaces?
- Are pets allowed?
- Are gardening and pool service included?
- Is housekeeping available or included?
- Are there any restrictions on guests or events?
Renter’s Insurance
Even in a fully furnished home, tenants should consider renter’s insurance.
A renter’s policy typically covers the tenant’s personal belongings and provides liability protection. The owner’s insurance generally covers the building and their own furnishings, not the tenant’s possessions.
Given the historic nature of the home and its valuable furnishings, it is also wise to ask the owner whether the lease includes any requirements for tenant coverage.
Caring for a Historic Home as a Tenant
Living in a landmark comes with a little extra responsibility.
Original wood floors and paneling should be treated with care. Tenants may want to ask about recommended cleaning methods and any rules on furniture placement or wall hangings.
Respecting the home’s history helps ensure it can be enjoyed for many more generations.
Beverly Hills Landmark Status
Beverly Hills maintains a program to recognize and protect homes of historic and architectural significance.
Landmark designation helps preserve important properties from demolition or inappropriate alteration. It is a sign that the community values its heritage.
For a tenant, living in a designated landmark adds a layer of meaning. You are not just renting a house. You are spending time in a piece of the city’s story.
Why Historic Rentals Are Special
Most luxury rentals in Los Angeles are modern homes with glass walls, open kitchens, and minimalist design.
Those homes have their appeal, but a historic Craftsman offers something different. It offers texture, story, and character.
For visitors who want to experience the soul of old Los Angeles, a home like this can be more memorable than any hotel suite or modern villa.
What Makes This Property Special
It is rare to find a home that brings together so many remarkable elements.
A 1913 Craftsman built before Beverly Hills was a city. A connection to Joseph Kennedy and Hollywood’s early business era. A single family’s stewardship since 1941. A place where a classic film script was written. A lush corner lot in the Flats. A pool surrounded by gardens. A location near the Beverly Hills Hotel on one of the most famous streets in the world.
Each detail is impressive on its own. Together, they create something truly unique.
Final Thoughts
801 North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and about 4,441 square feet of historic Craftsman living on a 27,050 square foot lot, fully furnished and available for lease at $40,000 per month.
With original wood details, abundant natural light, garden views, a gated pool, and a remarkable history, it offers a rare way to experience Los Angeles.
For the right tenant, whether a writer seeking inspiration, an executive on assignment, or a family wanting something unforgettable, this landmark home offers history, charm, privacy, and classic California living in one extraordinary address.
Watch Zillow
You can view the full listing on Watch Zillow
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