Prepared by Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society and originally published in the “The Historical Observer” Fall 1982
The present Colonial residence of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hutchison was built in 1926 for Henry McKee of Barker Brothers. The 12-room house, built on a half-acre parcel, was designed by architect McNeal Swasey.
The Hutchisons purchased it in 1981 from Jane and Pat Collee, who, as the third owners extensively remodeled its interior and exterior. Previous owners were Vivien and Donald Lagerlof.
The two-story stucco house features an arched entryway with a broken pediment. A pineapple above the door is a symbol of hospitality. The Greek key molding around the roof edge is a touch used by many architects, especially Paul Williams whose homes were highlighted on the 1977 home tour. A marble slab above each of the six first floor windows originally held arched awnings.
The original floor plan remains functional to this day allowing for the smooth flow of residents and guests alike. Extensive use of windows lends an open, airy feeling to the rooms.
The residence contains the original chandeliers. There are five fireplaces, with one in the master suite. A secret panel under the foyer stairs reveals a hidden powder room.
Mr. Hutchison is the president of David Murdock Development Company and the Hutchisons received many pieces from the former home of Mr. and Mrs. Murdock who purchased the Conrad Hilton Estate in Bel-Air.
Edited and transcribed by Bret Parsons, February 2022.
If you would like to tour historic homes, mark your calendar for Saturday, November 5th, 2022 from 11:00 to 3:00 p.m. for the Windsor Square~Hancock Park Historical Society’s home tour. This year’s tour features a selection of century-old houses on Rimpau Boulevard, one of Hancock Park’s premier streets. Three of the homes were designed by renowned architect Gordon Kaufmann.
The tour is an opportunity to view a selection of homes opened by generous homeowners to support the historic research of the society and local beautification projects. Click here to learn more about the tour.
Editor’s Note: Through a partnership with the Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society, The Buzz is pleased to share profiles of historic homes in our neighborhood. Our thanks to the Society for sharing its research on these wonderful homes
