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Monday, October 4, 2010

HISTORIC MAGNOLIA HOUSE IN SHERMAN OAKS

2010   THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

One of the most beautiful treasures of the San Fernando Valley is the historic Magnolia House in Sherman Oaks. Designated Los Angeles Cultural Monument number 293, the grand old house was built during the "roaring 20s" and reflects the passion for Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of the time.  Thanks to the vision of Valley realtor Jerry Berns, the Magnolia House was rescued and restored to some of its original beauty during the 1970s.  

Drawing of the Magnolia House - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Jerry Berns 2010.  (click on image to enlarge).  A detailed history of the Magnolia House, with photographs of its restoration was donated this month to The Museum's archives by Jerry Berns.

Please respect that the home, while a cultural monument, is a private residence and viewable only from the street.  13242 Magnolia Boulevard, Sherman Oaks.

8 comments:

Wendi Jewell said...

This is the home I grew up in. I am Wendi, Jerry Bern's daughter. We had the most wonderful life in this home. Our house was always full whether it be friends or Realtors that worked for Jerry Bern's & Associates and of course our family and animals. The restoration took a year. Down to the smallest details were chosen by my Mom TJ and Dad. It was so beautiful. My parents would let me come in at night with the artist who did all the paintings on walls , ceiling, etc... I was incredibly inspiring. Jerry Berns (my dad,) I think of you daily and miss you!!!

Wendi Jewell said...

This is the home I grew up in. I am Wendi, Jerry Bern's daughter. We had the most wonderful life in this home. Our house was always full whether it be friends or Realtors that worked for Jerry Bern's & Associates and of course our family and animals. The restoration took a year. Down to the smallest details were chosen by my Mom TJ and Dad. It was so beautiful. My parents would let me come in at night with the artist who did all the paintings on walls , ceiling, etc... I was incredibly inspiring. Jerry Berns (my dad,) I think of you daily and miss you!!!

Robin said...

Hi!
I grew up down the street from you! I can't remember what year our home was built. We were at 12954 Magnolia Blvd. We were told that May West had lived in the home at one time.
Robin

Wendi Jewell said...

Hi Robin,
That unfortunately was a rumer. May West did not live in the Magnolia. Although the history of owners prior my family purchasing this home and restoring it were quite unusual:)
Wendi

Nikita said...

HI Robin - can you share more about the history prior to your family purchasing the home?

Robin said...

Hi Nikita,
I think that it was built in the 20’s or 30’s but I am checking with my sister to see if she knows. My sister recently sent me a copy of a drawing of the front of the house. It is a colonial style. And we were told that May West had either built it or lived in it.

Why do you ask?

Nikita said...

@Robin - I think I mistakenly directed that question to you when i should have asked @Wendy Jewell - based on her comment to you ---
"That unfortunately was a rumer. May West did not live in the Magnolia. Although the history of owners prior my family purchasing this home and restoring it were quite unusual:)
Wendi"

Wendi Jewell said...

My Mom knows it better than me. I will ask her to email me more details, I will then post it. I can tell you, when my Mom and Dad (Jerry and Teri AKA TJ Berns) purchased the Magnolia, the house was in very poor condition. It truly looked and felt like a haunted mansion. There were even rats everywhere. They had to have the house tented to fumigate, firstly. Then proceeded to restore. I can tell you all the hardware, window closures, doors, etc were all found down in Mexico, along with the furniture. Most of the original murals that were painted on the walls and ceilings were revived by a local artist. Mom and Dad had some amazing parties which would include some very famous people. Mom's philanthropy was the Ronald McDonald house. We would have their Christmas parties at the house, in the backyard primarily every year.