This Mediterranean residence is better known as Valentino Villa. It consisted of four lots totaling approximately one acre. A high wall enclosed a front courtyard. On the grounds were an aviary and concrete fish pond. Two levels and a single garage facing Wedgewood. Eight rooms included a dining room, living room, two master bedrooms with two bathrooms, kitchen, butler’s pantry, servant’s room with bath, and laundry room. The home was completed in 1922.

The large living room with black marble floor was a feature of the house. Four steps up to the dining room. During his relationship with Natacha Rambova, he lost many friends and business associates. The couple shared numerous interests like poetry, spiritualism, and youth. Their marriage didn't endure. The end of the marriage was bitter, with Valentino bequeathing Rambova one dollar in his will. Valentino once told gossip columnist Louella Parsons that: "The women I love don't love me. The others don't matter”. 

Winifred Kimball Shaughnessy, from Salt Lake City, was raised in San Francisco and educated in London. When she arrived in Hollywood she changed her name to Natacha Rambova - a costume designer and occasional actress. Her marriage to Valentino lasted two years, 1923 to 1925. Later in life she abandoned design and became a published scholar in Egyptology.

Rudy walked his dogs every night. Sometime he crossed paths with Marion Mack and her husband Lewis Lewyn who lived a stone's throw away on Lloyd Lane. Marion was Buster Keaton's leading lady in "The General".

Rudolph's friend and Whitley Heights neighbor, Gloria Swanson, first told him about the secluded estate. He fell in love with it instantly.

Valentino in his 1923 Voisin, in front of a garage 6737 Whitley Terrace. He kept several luxury vehicles here. It was short walk from his home. Housewives were eager to get a glimpse of "The Four Horsemen" sex symbol. Cars were his passion.

Photo: April 12, 1928. Valentino died suddenly in 1926.

Valentino's affair with Pola Negri was brief. Rudy borrowed money from his lover until his UA contract was signed. He passed away before paying her back and she successfully sued the estate for the note she held.

Rear view of residence with lush vegetation. An aviary with peaked roof is visible on lefthand side of property. Circa 1931.

Not very flattering photo of Villa Valentino taken from the Fairfield Avenue cul-de-sac.

1958

101 southbound Cahuenga offramp. Note the original foundation of 6776 Wedgewood Place. 6737 Whitley Terrace where Valentino kept his automobiles have been replaced with a handsome, Italian style residence built in 1998. Originally, the property of 2020 Grace Avenue - home to another silent movie star Francis X Bushman.