Los Angeles, California: Charlie Chaplin Cottages

The Charlie Chaplin cottages are currently closed for renovations and are going to become condos. There is a fence around the property, but they are still visible. A workman on site did not know when the work would be completed.

This collection of four quaint little European- style cottages was commissioned in 1922 by silent screen legend Charlie Chaplin. It functioned as living spaces for film luminaries such as Judy Garland, Douglas Fairbanks, Rudolph Valentino, John Barrymore, Charlie Chaplin himself and other actors who filmed at Chaplin's nearby studios on La Brea Avenue.

Built in the Storybook Architectural style (see the Hobbit House and the Witch's house) that had Los Angeles followers such as Walt Disney, entering the courtyard is a magical journey. It now functions as a collection of apartments occupied by musicians and artists. If you are lucky enough to meet one of the current residents, as I did, you may be regaled by fascinating ghost stories or of the crazy parties of the long ago occupants. Otherwise, it is fascinating to look at the cobblestone walkways, crooked roofs, old world shingles and to dream of the history you are breathing in.