I stumbled across the most elegant and dramatic Victorian house the other day while perusing a celebrity gossip site. The L.A. home belongs to famed tattoo and makeup artist Kat Von D and is currently listed for sale. I decided to do some digging after noticing the home was also the family home in Cheaper by the Dozen. Want to see what changed since the last time it sold? Here’s a look the jaw-dropping transformation…

Located in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, the listing describes the three-story property as a historic home built in the 1890s by Isaac Newton Van Nuys. Van Nuys, surprisingly not the namesake of LA’s Van Nuys neighborhood, was a successful businessman and extensive land owner of the San Fernando Valley.

Sanguine red paint transformed the storybook yellow home’s curb appeal into a dramatic gothic estate. A new hedge maze, reminiscent of those found in England’s Victorian parks, adds a lush and structural element.

Elaborate woodwork is a central theme of Victorian architecture. The wood was stained a darker shade throughout creating a rich and dramatic effect. Plush velvet fabrics provide texture and dimension to the space. A new white marble fireplace with carved figures adds a contrasting pop of white.

The former kitchen was bright and full of natural light. A picture of the original property hung perched above a row of pots and pans, such a thoughtful piece of art to display. The renovations complemented the new overall aesthetic while adding plenty of cabinets and more counterspace. If my eyes aren’t deceiving me, it appears a gorgeous La Cornue copper range from the Chateau collection was selected for the remodel.

The dining room remains relatively unchanged and rightfully so. The leaded stained glass windows, decorative ceiling moldings, and linen-folded wall paneling are stunning features. It appears the dining room table and chairs remained and were simply reupholstered to a crimson shade.

According to the listing, the main house consists of 11 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms. Many of these beautifully appointed rooms are ensuites. In looking at the before and after pictures it is almost hard to believe this is the same house. The vision for these renovations is meticulous and well executed. While the bedrooms are different stylistically they all exude an ornate gothic aura.

In this bedroom the curved wall to ceiling transition is the ideal canvas for a hauntingly beautiful landscape. New wood parquet floors and fireplace complete the look.

Vertical striped wallpaper, dark wood stain, and wood floors anchor the room. The black textiles, wall mounted bed canopy, and tasseled platform elevate the look of this bedroom.

The highly decorated gold metallic ceiling stands out in the renovated bedroom. A modest chandelier hangs from the center medallion. Like other rooms in the house, the junction between the walls and ceiling are curved, creating an illusion of height. This curvature is often referred to as a cove.

After studying several images I am fairly certain these are the same bathrooms. An obvious difference is that the original ensuite entryway is closed off in the renovated version. Black and gold dominate the space in all forms: the claw foot tub, plumbing, light fixtures, paint, textiles, and flooring selection.

Extensive woodwork details were incorporated to create a breathtaking study. The beautifully crafted additions, like the expanded shelving built-ins and ornamentation along the ceiling trim, look original to the Victorian home.

What a showstopper! The original ceiling was kept intact, and what an easy decision that must have been for the designer. The parlor’s painted ceiling mural is unexpected and complements the lavish space. Green-hued paint and window treatments unite the color palette.

An upstairs entertainment room makes this house an even bigger draw for the musically inclined homebuyer. Simple alterations like staining the wood floors and wall paneling a darker tone makes this oversized room cozy and moody.

Extensive hardscape and landscape changes echo the renovations made in the front garden and inside the residence. The boxwood hedges line the new stone walkway and pool surround. Visually the new landscape choices create a lush manicured look against the dramatic red elements and grey stonework. The pool appears to have been moved further away from the house and is now a more classical shape.

To the left we see the carriage house. According to the listing, 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom sit atop the garage. A perfect extension of the main house.

---

For more information and photos on this home check out the most recent listing. All photos are credited to TheMLS.com and can be found here.