Moorcrest

Moorcrest is a residence in Beachwood Canyon, Los Angeles County, that combines Moorish, Gothic, and Art Nouveau elements in a single structure. The rooms contain painted murals, colored glass windows, marble trim, and mosaic tiles across roughly 597 square meters (6,432 square feet) of living space.

Marie Russak built the house in 1921 for the Krotona Colony, a theosophical community. Charlie Chaplin moved in during the early twenties and lived here during his first years in Hollywood.

The name reflects the Moorish influences visible in the arched doorways and tile patterns throughout the rooms. The spaces combine spiritual ideas from early theosophists with artistic forms popular among California intellectuals at the time.

The property sits in a quiet part of the canyon and is barely visible from the street. Visitors should note that this is a private residence not open to the public.

A large glass dome forms the heart of the building and brings daylight into the central rooms. The outdoor pool is surrounded by a man-made grotto with stepping-stone paths that connect the water with the garden areas.

Location: Los Angeles County

GPS coordinates: 34.11142,-118.32305

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:46