A timeless gated estate designed by acclaimed architect Gerard Colcord just hit the market for $7.495 million, offering the kind of old-school Bel Air appeal that still makes people move like it’s 1998 and the zip code is a personality trait.
The property at 253 Ashdale Place is listed with Juliette Hohnen of Douglas Elliman, and it checks boxes that buyers don’t always get in one sleek package: a full-size tennis court, a pool and spa, expansive views, and a property layout with multiple living spaces that feel like they were designed for real life — not just staging.
Hohnen also didn’t mince words about what makes the pocket special. “The property is located in what I call a ‘buy and die’ area of Bel Air. That means once you buy, you stay until you die,” she said.
And honestly? The house fully supports the claim.
The base: an estate owned by Gerard Colcord, listed at $7.495 million
The home spans approximately 5,616 square feet and sits on a generous 25,969 square foot lot, tucked behind gates in one of Bel Air’s most coveted enclaves.
It has six bedrooms and 5.5 bathroomsalong with multiple indoor and outdoor spaces that give the property the feeling of unfolding in layers: terraces, patios, balconies and recreational areas spread throughout the grounds.
A celebrity-era architect with a famous fan club
Gerard Colcord is not just ‘an architect’. He’s one of those names that rings a bell for anyone who follows classic California estates, especially those built in the Bel Air/Hollywood Hills style of the golden era.
Hohnen called Colcord a “famous architect” and noted that the owners of his homes have included household names.
“He’s a Colcord, an architect who was considered a famous architect in the 1940s and 1960s. People who have owned his designed houses include Harrison Ford, Reese Witherspoon and Beck.”
That kind of architectural history is important in Bel Air. In a neighborhood where there are new buildings everywhere, an authentic architectural name still carries weight.
Behind gates, surrounded by greenery, built for privacy
This is one of those properties where the privacy is obvious as soon as you see it.
It is set behind gates, bordered by mature landscaping and privacy hedges, with the plot size providing real breathing space, especially by LA standards. The setting feels tucked away and established, as if the house has been there long enough to earn its rest.
The kind of Bel Air property that is now almost extinct
One of the biggest storylines here is simply how long the owners held on to it.
‘These people have owned it for fifty years’ Hohnen said.
These are not just trivial matters. In Bel Air, long-term ownership generally means the things buyers want most: a livable layout, a property that will continue to function beautifully over time, and the kind of location that continues to feel good even as the city changes.
The Arrival: A classic, gated estate approach
The listing positions this as a true ‘arrival home’: secluded, gated and built with that formal estate rhythm where the property reveals itself gradually rather than immediately.
This is not a modern glass box where everything can be seen from the street. It’s classic Bel Air: controlled access, intentional privacy and curb appeal, rooted in timeless architecture.
Four fireplaces and the kind of warmth that modern homes forget
Contemporary structures can sometimes give the feeling that they were designed for a photo shoot and not for a life. This house goes in the opposite direction.
The home features four fireplaces, which help anchor the expansive living areas with warmth and that classic old LA vibe, especially when paired with the home’s vaulted ceilings and millwork.
It is the type of house that still understands the appeal of cozy corners.
Custom millwork and vaulted ceilings that add instant character
One of the most obvious benefits of a Colcord-designed home is character. No false character. No ‘we added beams last year’ character. Real architectural charm inside.
This home features custom millwork and vaulted ceilings, along with traditional design elements that make the interior feel collected and finished, even before the furnishings.
Multiple living areas (because Bel Air homes should actually live well)
The layout has several separate living areas, which sounds simple until you visit enough houses in LA that essentially offer you one giant room and call it luxury.
Here the property includes:
- A formal living room
- A den with wet bar
- A sun-drenched family room
That mix is important for everyday life. It also makes entertaining easier because the house can accommodate different moods at once: quiet conversation in one room, energy for a movie night in another, cocktails at the bar without taking over the kitchen.
Den with wet bar = the social headquarters of the house
The wet bar detail is something small that becomes big once people pass by.
It’s one of those “Bel Air adults” features: a space that supports hosting without turning the entire house into one big party zone. The den becomes a natural anchor point, especially when combined with access to the outside.
Chef’s kitchen with Calacatta marble countertops
The heart of the home is a true chef’s kitchen with Calacatta marble worktops and high-quality appliances, meaning it has both the look and functionality.
And unlike some trophy kitchens that are clearly designed to remain spotless, this one sounds built for actual use, especially considering the extra prep space.
Butler’s pantry/utility room for behind-the-scenes hosting
A great detail on offer: there is a separate utility room/utility room for the butler.
That automatically puts this home in a different category for entertaining, as it ensures that clutter, preparation, catering trays and chaos stay out of sight while the main kitchen remains calm and ready for guests.
It’s one of those ultra-practical luxury upgrades that doesn’t scream for attention, but that trophy buyers will definitely notice.
The primary suite is all about views (and the Getty at night)
The primary suite is positioned as one of the home’s key “wow” features and Hohnen specifically mentioned the view experience.
“The primary… has a fantastic view of the ocean [and] has a view of the Getty that looks beautiful at night.”
That’s such a Bel Air phrase. Ocean views and a nighttime Getty view are exactly the kind of flex that make people stop mid-tour and stare out the window for five minutes.
A large walk-in closet and a built-in corner by the window
This detail is truly charming and fits in well with the classic character of the house.
Hohnen highlighted the closet layout and an extra room attached to it:
“It has a huge walk-in closet and a private closet room with a beautiful built-in window seat.”
That sounds like the kind of space that becomes an instant favorite; quiet, tucked away, filled with natural light. Not everything has to be a gym or a theater. Sometimes the luxury of Bel Air is a private window seat with a book and a view.
Spa-like primary bath with soaking tub and Calacatta shower
The primary bath is described as spa-like, with a soaking tub and Calacatta marble shower.
It fits the overall feel of the house: classic, lofty and serene rather than ostentatious.
The tennis court: full size, at estate level, without compromises
This is the heading function.
The estate includes a full-size tennis court, plus a basketball hoop, instantly turning the property into a proper recreational complex rather than ‘a nice house with a backyard’.
In Bel Air, tennis courts are a status marker, but also a land marker. They indicate a serious lot size and a serious lifestyle.
A pool and spa setup with bluestone decking
In addition to the tennis court, the offer includes a resort-style pool environment with:
- Swimming pool and spa
- Decking boards in blue stone
- Retractable awnings
Bluestone always looks expensive (because it is), but it’s also an excellent functional choice: timeless, structured, and built for bare feet in a way that shiny stone just isn’t.
Retractable awnings = quiet luxury, LA edition
This feature deserves its own moment, because it’s exactly something that people overlook until they own it.
Retractable awnings make outdoor living really comfortable, especially in LA, where outdoor dining is basically possible all year round, but the sun can be brutal. It’s not dramatic, but it’s smart.
A “park-like” plot designed for both recreation and tranquility
The listing describes the site as park-like and is tracked based on lot size and amenities.
This isn’t just a tennis court and swimming pool wedged onto a property. It is a complete estate with:
- several outdoor zones
- mature landscaping
- privacy cover
- space to wander around
In a neighborhood where so many houses go vertical, this one preserves the land as part of the lifestyle.
Smart upgrades: generator, central vacuum cleaner, AV wiring
The listing also notes meaningful updates, including a new generator, central vacuum system and integrated audio-visual wiring. These aren’t the sexy listing details, but they are the details that make all the difference once someone moves in.
A perfect family home in Bel Air
While some ultra-luxury homes in LA may hold up if they’re too expensive or too personalized, this one presents itself as classic, functional, and family-friendly: three words that still matter even at $7.5 million.
Hohnen put it simply: “I think well priced and well presented homes are selling. I think this is the perfect family home.”
It’s a valid point. Homes that look nice and feel livable tend to maintain demand, especially in the most established parts of Bel Air, where the buyer pool is often looking for a long-term estate, not a temporary crash pad.
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