Architect Gerard R. Colcord’s Peninsula masterpiece was a surprise find for a family with two children and an extensive art collection
by Stephanie Cartozian
Between 1924 and 1984, “Hansel and Gretel” cottage and sprawling country colonial farmhouse architect Gerard R. Colcord designed hundreds of residential estates for prominent Los Angeles residents, and Hollywood celebrities. One of these was on the wide, oceanside road of Paseo del Mar. The estate was recently put on the market for the first time in 32 years by its current owners, the Uzumcu family.
Colcord’s signature style is evident in the estate’s look of “seductive; storybook adventure,” Beverly Hills real estate broker Ron De Salvo said. Colcord reportedly created more renderings of this home than any of the other 400 homes he designed during his career. Hollywood adopted the home as the prototype for “family living.” The Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, “I Love Lucy,” country home set was a Colcord inspiration. Additionally, the “Leave it to Beaver” and “Father Knows Best” homes were created from the “Colcord model,” according to Bret Parsons, author of “Colcord Home.” Colcord’s contemporaries at the time were Gordon Kaufmann, who was designing Mediterranean Revival style homes and Lloyd Wright, who was designing bold, ultramodern structures. Colcord was sought out for the warmth, intimacy and romance inherent in the elemental design and structural complexity of his homes.
When Meli Uzumcu was searching for the right home to raise her family in, the entire world was her oyster. She had traveled extensively with her then husband, Umran, and had become very acquainted with Europe and the Middle East. She had collected art from all over the world that she hoped would soon find a permanent home. This was at the end of 1992 and early 1993. She searched for eight months throughout the south of France, all parts of Europe, Malibu, and Santa Barbara to San Diego.
“I did not know about PV,” she said. “I had never heard of it,” but I had great confidence in our real estate agent. It was the house we fell in love with first. I became accustomed to the area second. She recalled the kindness of the previous owners, Betty and George Wing. She said George told her that he would do everything he could to see to it that they got the house so she could raise her family there. The Uzumcus were young, in their twenties, with dreams. The French Chateau style of the home was a perfect landing for the treasured antiquities they had collected from all over Europe. They modeled the flooring of the home after Versailles, and hired the firm of Michael D’ Angelo, who is known for creating intricate, hand-cut parquet flooring, with furniture quality finishes. Each room had flooring of distinct character. This created the French feeling that they were striving for. They reveled in the privacy and security of the rugged ocean terrain on one side of the home and the gated driveway and courtyard on the other. Meli said the home was situated 100% on rock, which made her feel secure from earthquakes and landslides.
The home is over 6,800 square feet with 7 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Its French Rococo entrance is framed by neo-classical aedicules. Intricate, double doors invite guests to a refined arrival. A cantilevered staircase with wrought-iron railing adds to the dramatic entry. Crown moldings and a coved living room ceiling emphasize the expansive windows to the Pacific and additional ocean view terraces. The billiards room is a warm sanctuary with rustic log paneling, a nod to relaxed living in contrast to the more formal areas. There are stunning vistas here, on the ocean side of Paseo del Mar that are uncommon on the hill. This home was built in 1970 next to a wide open, natural habitat. It wasn’t long before Hollywood came knocking, and many famous people came to be married here along with movies being filmed here, including “Lethal Weapon” starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.
“Gerard R. Colcord’s meticulous craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the architectural features to the seamless integration with the landscape,” said Dennis Dewalt, Director of Residential Estates of The Beverly Hills Estates, and the listing agent. The combination of this and the accoutrements that Meli and her family contributed from the world marketplace are what make this estate, one-of-a-kind. The dining room chandelier is Baccarat from the town of Baccarat in the Lorraine region of eastern France, Meli said. Pen
