Wattles Mansion, Mediterranean Revival mansion in Hollywood, United States

Wattles Mansion is a Mediterranean Revival residence in Hollywood that sits on North Curson Avenue and blends Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean architectural styles throughout its structure. The building displays exposed wooden beams, detailed interior woodwork, and sits within expansive grounds that feature multiple garden designs from different traditions.

Gurdon Wattles, an Omaha banker, commissioned the Mission Revival mansion in 1907 from architects Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey. After a 1909 streetcar strike damaged his standing in Omaha, he spent more time in Los Angeles and moved there permanently in 1920. He died in 1932; his son negotiated the sale to the City of Los Angeles, completed in 1968 for $1,917,000.

The mansion shapes Hollywood's character as an architectural landmark from the early twentieth century, showing how wealthy Americans designed their homes during that era. The handcrafted interior details and careful room arrangement reflect the way residents lived in comfort and style.

The property is managed by the Department of Recreation and Parks and serves as a location for film productions and special events. Visitors should check ahead regarding access, as the grounds may be restricted depending on ongoing productions or scheduled gatherings.

The gardens were laid out by Gurdon Wattles himself, who turned 49 acres of agricultural land into orchards and thematic landscapes based on his trips to Japan and Mexico. The Japanese garden survives only as remains in the canyon, while the walled Spanish and Italian rose gardens still adjoin the mansion.