We all dream of being rich and famous for many reasons. One of them? Living in massive homes where the ceilings are so high, your whispers might just echo (well… maybe not that much). But for those of us without that luxury, this Beverly Hills mansion somehow feels like our own, thanks to the magic of cinema, and what’s bets is that you can visit it for free.
Greystone Mansion is arguably one of the most iconic spots in the city, almost as recognizable as the Hollywood Sign or the Walk of Fame. Why? Because it’s been a favorite filming location for Hollywood’s biggest productions, featured in everything from Spider-Man and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle to The Social Network, The Big Lebowski, Death Becomes Her, Eraserhead, and many more.
But behind all the fame, the walls of this place hold a story that also feels straight out of a movie… It all began in 1928, when the mansion was gifted by oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son, Edward “Ned” Doheny Jr., and his family.
But just six months after Ned and his family moved in, tragedy struck: Ned was found dead in a guest bedroom alongside his secretary, Hugh Plunkett, in what was ruled a murder-suicide. What really happened that night, though, is still up for debate…
After Ned’s death, his widow stayed in the mansion until 1955 before selling it to developer Paul Trousdale, who created the surrounding Trousdale Estates and passed the mansion on to industrialist Henry Crown. Crown rented it out to film studios, but eventually planned to tear it down and divide the land. Plans that the city of Beverly Hills put a stop to by purchasing the estate in 1965.
The mansion officially became a public park in 1971 and was later added to the National Register of Historic Places. From 1965 to 1982, the city leased it to the American Film Institute for just $1 a year in hopes of preserving it. Built in a Tudor Revival style, Greystone Mansion boasts 55 rooms, spans 46,000 square feet, and originally cost over $4 million, close to $60 million in today’s money.
Nowadays, it serves as a filming location for movies and TV shows, and it’s also a stunning venue for large corporate events and even weddings. But the best part? The mansion’s gardens and park are open to the public every day, free of charge. It’s the perfect place to stroll around and feel like a true celebrity.
📍 Location: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
🎟️ Admission info: Free park access, daily from 10AM to 5PM.