A 1920s Los Angeles estate with its own secret room is up for grabs

In Los Angeles, it’s fairly rare to find a nearly century-old abode that still retains most of its original details – especially like this one with a secret room created for surreptitious drinking during an era when alcohol was prohibited!

Built in the late 1920s and last sold to prominent judge Maria Stratton nearly three decades ago for $500,000, this Spanish-style gem has just gone up for sale in Los Feliz, asking for just under $4.2 million.

According to Realtor.com, which first reported on the property, the entrance door in the home’s basement opens onto shelves, which can be pushed open to reveal an area under the stairs where the owners used to hide alcohol. “There is also a small trip switch inside that was used to alert people on the bedroom floor and to turn on the lights if someone was near alcohol,” says listing agent Laura Thomas Mullen of Sotheby’s International Realty.

Although the room is currently stocked with cleaning supplies and a safe, it has a lot of potential. “It could be so amazing,” she says. “You can make something cool out of it.”

Tucked away on a three-acre hilltop lot secured by a gated driveway that empties into an attached two-car garage, located near Griffith Park, the four-bedroom, five-bathroom home is set in nearly 5,000 square feet of well-maintained grounds. and a restored living space featuring original hardwood and terracotta tile floors, wood-beamed ceilings, Venetian plaster walls, period light fixtures, arched doorways, colorful tile work and a trio of Batchelder fireplaces.

A hand-carved wood front door decorated with striking ClayCal tiles leads to an entry foyer showcasing stained-glass windows, alcoves for displaying artwork, and a stunning wrought-iron and magnesite staircase. From there, steps descend to a spacious living room by the fireplace lit by an adjoining sunroom and wood-paneled doors that extend to a balcony with stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

A formal dining room can be found en route to the gourmet kitchen, which is decked out with wood cabinetry, stainless appliances, a center island, walk-in pantry, and an accompanying breakfast nook; Elsewhere on the main floor is a family room with vaulted wood beam ceilings and access to another balcony, plus office space with built-in bookcase, laundry room, and guest bathroom.

Upstairs, three en-suite bedrooms include a master hideaway with fireplace, private balcony, walk-in dressing room and bathtub complete with double sinks, deep soaking bathtub and separate shower. An additional guest bedroom is located downstairs along with the hidden room, complete with fireplace, bathtub and private entrance.

Entirely surrounded by lush landscaped grounds, which abound with mature oak trees, rose bushes and fruit trees, it hosts plenty of ideal spots for relaxation and outdoor recreation.

Click here for more photos of 3700 Lowry Road.