Lena Horne’s stunning former home listed in California was an olive mill. Take a look
A dazzling house with a rich history has landed on the real estate market in the community of Montecito, California — dubbed the “celebrity enclave” by Forbes magazine — for $8.5 million.
Built in 1893, the property known as El Molino (meaning The Mill) was originally an olive-crushing mill that produced everything from olive oil to olive-oil candy before it was transformed into a six-bedroom, six-bath home.
“Who wouldn’t want to own a piece of Montecito history?” listing agent Maureen Martinez said to Realtor.com.
Another interesting tidbit about the 5,602-square-foot estate is that it was once owned by actor/singer/civil rights activist Lena Horne, according to a news release. Many celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, live within the hills of the Santa Barbara-area community, Realtor reports.
Both the exterior and the interior of the home offer high-end features including:
“Stunning stone work”
Large windows
Patios
Remodeled kitchen
Butler’s pantry
Third-floor loft
Wet bar
Guest quarters
Another notable aspect about the home is that it is considered “sturdy,” according to Realtor, in a state where earthquakes are extremely common.
“It’s probably got a foot of stonework between you and the outside,” Martinez told Realtor. “It’s built like a fortress.”
According to the Robb Report, Horne, who passed away in 2010, lived in the residence during the 1980s. Horne rose to fame during Hollywood’s Golden Era by starring in films like “Stormy Weather,” “Cabin in the Sky” and “Meet Me in Las Vegas,” Britannica reported. She was also a civil rights activist who “refused to play roles that stereotyped African American women.”
This story was originally published January 12, 2022, 3:37 PM.
