In a media climate where the likes of Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton have made millions for being famous, it’s important to pay homage to the original socialite, Zsa Zsa Gabor.
I have always been enchanted by the Gabor sisters, and especially Zsa Zsa. Known for her opulent taste and twitter worthy quips, I have idolized her style and opulent homes. Known for wearing Haute Couture, and residing in the prestigious Bel Air neighborhood, Gabor knew how to live in style!
Born in Budapest, Hungary to Jewish parents Gabor won the title of Ms. Hungary in 1936. Discovered by a talent hunter in 1940, Gabor was persuaded to move to the US in 1941. Her two sisters and parents followed shortly after, in part due to the Nazi occupation of Budapest in 1944.
Her career in the US started with her novella “Every Man for Himself” which was later purchased by a US magazine. She then starred in various feature films, most famously “Moulin Rouge” in 1952 and Orson Wells “Touch of Evil” in 1958.
Zsa Zsa playing Jane Avril in the 1953 film “Moulin Rouge”
Gabor playing a strip club owner in “Touch of Evil” 1958
Gabor continued to take minor roles in Hollywood, but garnered the most fame for her lifestyle, unapologetic personality and marriages to wealthy men.
Gabor reflected jokingly on her many marriages saying;
“I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man, I keep his house”.
Known for her endless pursuit of love, Zsa Zsa was married nine times. But don’t let this number fool you, Zsa Zsa was no gold digger saying.
“I pay all my own bills... I want to choose the man. I do not permit men to choose me... I
have always been the kind of woman who could never be satisfied by money- only
excitement and achievement.”
In this respect, I couldn’t agree more. The Blonde Bonder pays ALL of her own bills, and money alone has never been enough for me!
Much like myself, Gabor was never one to be bullied by the law... She famously slapped a police officer after a traffic stop in 1989 before fleeing the scene. She was later apprehended in her Rolls Royce and charged with driving without a license and having an open container (a flask of Jack Daniels). I believe in supporting our police force, but I can certainly think of an officer who should never had a badge that I would like to slap across the face! Better to slap them with a lawsuit I suppose...
Zsa Zsa’s estate in Bel Air has long been a thing of inspiration for me, so much so that on a trip to LA, I convinced her guard to open the gate! With a shot of adrenaline, I zoomed down the drive! I was able to see her beautiful French Regency Villa, and for a brief second Zsa Zsa peeked out the front door to check out the commotion! I was starstruck, but had to leave immediately!
The home is situated on over an acre and was originally built by Howard Hughes, aviation and film tycoon.
Painted an iconic lemon yellow, the mansion features a unique French style copper roof. Interestingly, Gabor had two toilets nestled in the foliage at the side of her estate... Explicitly for the purpose of “annoying her neighbors”! The rest of the grounds are landscaped in a more traditional LA style.
The property features a lavish pool and 26 rooms that include six bedrooms and seven bathrooms.
Situated on an acre estate, the 9,000 sq ft mansion features vistas of downtown Los Angeles.
Inside, her abode is adorned with crown molding and original plaster work. Internal columns and floor to ceiling windows create a grand feel, and a guilt Steinway paino from Gabor ‘s third husband sits in the main living space.
An original black and white checkered marble floor continues the Hollywood Regency theme that the property is known for.
Gabor’s expansive dining room table has seen the likes of Queen Elizabeth and Frank Sinatra... What an eclectic Guest list! Gabor purchased the estate from Rock Legend Elvis Presley’s in 1974 for the meager sum of $280,000.
Following years of her health problems, Gabors longest and final husband struck a deal with a real estate mogul to sell the property for $12,000,000... Her husband alleged monthly upkeep costs at $35,000 and worked out a deal with the buyer that allowed he and Gabor to remain in the residence until her death. Gabor died at 99 in 2016, and her surviving husband moved from the residence shortly after.
What a glamorous life!
XOXO
-BB