Lloyd Wright-designed Samuel-Novarro House sells in Hollywood Hills

The Lloyd Wright-designed Samuel-Novarro House in Hollywood Hills has sold for $3.8 million.

The Los Angeles landmark has had several celebrity owners over the years. The dramatic Art Deco-style house is named for “Ben Hur” star Ramon Novarro, who had it built in 1928 for his personal secretary, Louis Samuel.

Samuel originally occupied the house. Before Novarro moved in he rehired Wright to expand the interior space. A pergola, a music room and a bedroom suite were added.

The four-level house was rented in the 1940s by Leonard Bernstein and Jerome Robbins, among others, as they worked on the musical “On the Town.” More recent owners have included actress Diane Keaton, who restored the home and then sold it to Christina Ricci.

Set on a third-acre of hillside, the house still has details that evoke the Mayan style favored by the architect and his father, architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Oxidized copper accents give the home’s exterior its distinctive appearance.

Some 2,700 square feet of living space include four bedrooms and four bathrooms. There are concrete floors, large windows and a living room fireplace.

The grounds include a swimming pool, terraces and gardens.

The property last sold in 2006 for $2,827,500, public records show.

Aaron Kirman of John Aaroe Group and Bryan So of Kyung Seob Realty were the listing agents. Juliette Hohnen of Hilton & Hyland represented the buyer.

Twitter: @LATHotProperty