A whimsical journey through LA's fairytale architecture.

By Maria Leicy

THE ORIGINS OF LA’S FAIRYTALE ARCHITECTURE 

Los Angeles is a global hub when it comes to enchanting architectural style, with a wide array of design diversity spanning modernist takes to imaginative, fairytale designs. One of the most whimsical styles is Storybook Architecture, also known as Fairytale, a fanciful design movement that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s.

The whimsical architecture of L.A. has a captivating origin story. It blossomed from the desires of World War I soldiers returning home, who longed to recreate the charming European villages they had experienced overseas. This yearning was intertwined with the creativity of Hollywood set design; Oscar-nominated art director Harry Oliver, drawing from his European travels, brought this vision to life in his memorable film backdrops for classics like Ben Hur, 7th Heaven, and Scarface, and his influence can be seen in several local buildings. This imaginative style, shaped by European cottages, castles, and folktales, blends whimsy with craftsmanship, making it a favorite for those seeking homes with character.

WHAT IS FAIRYTALE, AKA STORYBOOK ARCHITECTURE?

After The Great War and at the beginning of Hollywood’s Golden Age in the 1920s, L.A.’s fascination with fairytales and set design took on a European flare with Storybook Architecture. Key features typically may include the following:

• Asymmetrical designs with whimsical rooflines
• Thatched or shingled roofs that appear weathered or imperfect
• Textured walls calling on old-world craftsmanship
• Quirky details such as turrets, arched doors, oversized chimneys, and stained glass

Myriad examples of storybook architecture exist in Los Angeles, evoking imagery of medieval villages and fantasy worlds. Let’s take a look at a few of our most iconic favorites.

SPADENA HOUSE

Nicknamed the Witch's House, the house was built by Harry Oliver in 1921 for Willat Studios, a silent-film movie studio, in Culver City, to serve as its offices and dressing rooms. When the studio closed, the Spadena family moved the home to its current location in Beverly Hills, where it has been since 1934. With its crooked rooflines, lopsided windows, and overgrown garden, the house looks like it was plucked straight from a Grimm Brothers’ tale. If you’re a fan of 1995’s Clueless, the Spadena has a bit role, and the house remains a popular attraction during Halloween, with trick-or-treaters visiting regularly.

SNOW WHITE COTTAGES

Nestled in Los Feliz, these charming cottages were Built in 1931 by Ben Sherwood. This complex of eight cottages were built to house Disney animators. Their steeply pitched roofs, timber beams, and quaint details were said to inspire the design of Snow White’s woodland home in the classic animated film. Some of these ridiculously charming cottages have been owned by the same family for decades and have been renovated over the year, and today some of the cottages serve as rental properties, often inhabited by artists. On a last note, if you’re a David Lynch fan, you may have noticed the cottages’ cameo in 2001’s brilliant Mulholland Drive. 

THE HOBBIT HOUSE 

The Hobbit House in Culver City.

Hidden in Culver City, the Hobbit House, formerly known as the Lawrence and Martha Joseph Residence and Apartments, is a delightful residential complex that exemplifies Fairytale architecture. Formerly inhabited by Hollywood actors like Nick Nolte, Paula Prentis, and Richard Benjamin, The Hobbit House was designed by Disney artist Joseph Lawrence in the 1940s and features round doors, colorful tilework, and a fantastical J.R. Tolkien ambiance. Declared a historic cultural monument by the City of Los Angeles in 1996, ghostly activity on the property has been reported by residents throughout the years.

Live like a Tolkien character in Culver City.

THE TAM O’SHANTER INN

One of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles to remain in the same location and under the same family ownership, and designed again by Harry Oliver, the Tam O’Shanter Inn in Atwater Village is a commercial example of Storybook architecture. Established in 1922, its Tudor-inspired design, complete with whimsical timber framing and crooked chimneys, makes dining there feel like stepping into a medieval feast. Hollywood legends like John Wayne, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks frequented The Tam, which became so popular with Walt Disney and his animators that it earned the nickname "the Disney Studio Commissary." Disney even had a favorite spot, Table 31, now honored with its own signature cocktail.

CHARLIE CHAPLIN STUDIOS

1917 marked Charlie Chaplin's move towards complete creative control. He acquired a five-acre corner at Sunset and La Brea, building the studio where his magic unfolded from 1918 to 1952.The land was not barren—it had a ten-room house and was filled with lemon, orange, and peach trees. Chaplin believed the lemon trees brought him luck. To house actors and filmmakers working on the lot at his nearby studio, Chaplin designed a series of English-style cottages. Now named the Jim Henson Company Lot, their gabled roofs, stone details, and storybook charm have made them a well-loved local Los Angeles landmark.

INCORPORATING STORYBOOK CHARM INTO YOUR SPACE

Love the idea of fairytale whimsy? Here are a few ways to bring this style into your world:

• Textured walls: add plaster finishes or faux stone panels for an old-world feel.
• Quirky details: install arched doorways, whimsical hardware fixtures, or stained-glass accents.
• Landscaping: create a lush, overgrown garden with winding paths and trellises.
• Whimsical accessories: look for vintage or custom pieces like tapestries, fairytale-type mirrors, and softly carved wood furniture.

We think Storybook architecture is a magical part of Los Angeles’ rich architectural scene, capturing the imagination of residents and visitors alike and inspiring us to embrace our own creativity. Whether you’re strolling through Beverly Hills, Los Feliz, or Culver City, L.A.’s iconic landmarks serve as a reminder that design can be both functional, and fantastical.