Latest news with #GussmanCzakoEstates
Miami Herald
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Walt Disney helped build a mini railroad that comes with this CA house for sale
A charming estate with major Hollywood ties has landed on the market in Tarzana, California. The property spans 17,181 square feet and has multiple structures, including a 12,170-square-foot primary home. While the residence is jaw-dropping, its connection with two of the most famous names to come out of the Golden Era of Tinseltown is one of its main appeals. Walt Disney and Academy Award-winning director John Huston are both linked to the property. The home was designed for Huston, who directed such films as 'The African Queen,' 'Key Largo,' 'Annie' and 'The Maltese Falcon,' but when it exchanged hands, it got even more magical. 'The estate at 4535 Vanalden Ave. was designed as a grand ranch that was even once visited by friend Frank Lloyd Wright. After Huston's ownership, the property was acquired in 1959 by Gordon and Holly McClean, who became stewards of its unique character for over 20 years,' a news release about the estate says. 'They were close friends of Walt Disney who helped build the miniature railroad complete with a 240-foot tunnel, elevated trestles, landscaped tracks, a working station with turntable, and dual tracks that can run steam, electric, and propane-powered engines.' The house became a hot spot for train enthusiasts and people who just wanted to take a ride on the famous mini-train. Other features of the home, per the listing and release, include: Barn with one bedroom and two bathroomsGuest cottageTrain stationStorage rooms 'Additional highlights include a pool that goes beneath the home, seven ponds, a tennis court, dog run, garden, children's play area, and a reimagined barn for entertaining complete with original reclaimed wood under the bar,' the release says. The listing is held by David Kramer with Compass and Paul Czako with Gussman Czako Estates. Tarzana is about a 20-mile drive northwest from Los Angeles.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
John Huston's Former L.A. Ranch Has a Miniature Disney Railroad, and It Just Listed for $20 Million
All aboard: A one-of-a-kind ranch in Tarzana, California, with its own fully operational miniature train, has just popped up for sale. The charming abode, which is on the market for $20 million with David Kramer of Compass and Paul Czako of Gussman Czako Estates, was originally built in 1941 for Academy Award-winning actor-director John Huston. The late Hollywood legend, famous for The Maltese Falcon, The African Queen, and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, lived at the private estate back when the San Fernando Valley still had a Wild West vibe. He welcomed many big-name 'cowboys' into his digs, including famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. More from Robb Report A 2,000-Acre Montana Ranch With 20 Private Ski Runs Lists for $24 Million Bill Koch's World-Class Wine Collection Just Sold for a Record $28.8 Million at Auction Inside a Luxe New Resort and Spa That Just Opened on the Greek Island of Crete RELATED: Late TV Legend Bob Newhart's Longtime L.A. Home Is Up for Grabs at $10.5 Million The 4.44-acre estate offers more than just an A-list pedigree, though. In 1959, the gated compound was snapped up by Gordon and Holly MacLean, friends of Disney and die-hard train collectors, who added one truly unique feature. With Disney's input, the MacLeans built the Tunnel, Cut & Trestle Railroad: a 7.5-inch gauge track that allows a tiny train to wind through the grounds. The circuit includes bridges, turntables, road signs, and a 240-foot tunnel that is long enough to make you briefly forget you're in Los Angeles. The dual-track system is no toy—it's engineered to run steam, electric, and propane-powered engines, giving the new owner plenty of options for trains. Over the years, the railroad has become a neighborhood legend, hosting community rides and drawing in fellow rail buffs from the L.A. Live Steamers Museum in Griffith Park. Each owner has kept the tradition alive—and yes, a mini-train is included in the sale. RELATED: Former Celtics Co-Owner Jim Pallotta Lists His Sprawling Massachusetts Estate for $38 Million The rest of the estate is just as over-the-top. There's a 12,170-square-foot, three-story main house with six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and nine fireplaces. A stone-lined pool flows partially under the house. A reimagined red barn—once a utilitarian structure, now an entertaining lodge—adds another 2,775 square feet, plus a kitchen, bar, bedroom, and loft. Toss in an 807-square-foot guest cottage, a nearly 2,000-square-foot train depot, and a storage wing, because why not? All up, eight bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and 11 fireplaces are spread across more than 17,000 square feet of living space. Outside, the grounds feel like a private park, with koi ponds, stone paths, rolling lawns, a tennis court, a dog run, and a children's play area. You could hike up the hills, host a wedding, or fire up the steam engine for a spin around the trestle—whatever takes your fancy. The Tarzana compound is equal parts film set, fantasy camp, and legacy property, making it a great addition to any of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article.
