Westwood was carved from the old Wolfskill Farm, a 3,000-plus-acre tract that was purchased in 1919 by wealthy retailer Arthur Letts. Letts’ son-in-law, Harold Janss, was vice president of Janss Investment Co., which developed the area and started advertising new homes in 1922.
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The location combines access to UCLA with a range of housing, from 1930s estate-sized mansions and modern penthouses to simple single apartments. Bordered by Beverly Hills to the east, Brentwood to the west and Century City to the south, Westwood is convenient to employment, shopping and night life.
The UCLA campus, which opened its doors in 1929, is a feast for the eyes and the intellect. World renowned, with about 3,000 faculty members, the university offers about 180 majors to more than 37,000 students. Classic Mediterranean architecture is set among 419 acres of stunning gardens and vast lawns.
Hot spots
South of campus is Westwood Village, with classic Spanish Modern architecture. Landmarks such as Fox Theatre, built in 1931, remain today as a showcase of Hollywood’s heyday.
Within the Village are 10 movie theaters, the Armand Hammer Museum and Geffen Playhouse. Casual cuisine choices span the globe from Middle Eastern kebabs to New York pizza. Pricier options include Palomino Euro Bistro and, for French fare, Moustache Café.
Beyond the Village, the “Wilshire corridor” is lined with stunning high-rise condominiums and apartments, many surrounded by ribbons of flowers and landscaping. With views from the Pacific Ocean to downtown, and valet service around the clock, the units are some of the most posh and expensive in the country.
