Top Property: History comes alive at this Redondo Beach palace

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. - Arguably one of the South Bay’s most historically significant homes is 124 Via Monte d’Oro in Redondo Beach.

Built in 1928, this Mediterranean-inspired home was built by Clifford Reid in the Hollywood Riviera neighborhood. It is one of the first residences to be built in this coastline neighborhood that Reid is also responsible for developing.

“You literally feel like you’re being culturally enriched just by being in the home,” said Aaron Klapper, Broker with Strand Hill Properties, Christie’s International Real Estate.

Klapper says most everything inside this almost 7,000 sq. ft. home with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms is just as it was nearly a century ago. Klapper says Reid brought artisans from all over the world to the property to intricately hand paint the ceilings, imported floors from Italy, even hand mold the roof tiles.

The Bacarrat Crystal chandelier that hangs in the grand foyer and the front yard custom fountain imported from Florence Italy date back to the 18th century.  

Over the years, the home has been preciously preserved, most recently by the seller, Danny Gerardi, who spent two years and millions of dollars restoring the interior. Beyond upgrading the electrical, plumbing and heating systems, Gerardi has all the original furniture professionally reupholstered and cleaned.

In fact, the original rug that adorns the expansive formal living room was just appraised at $300,000.

Gerardi added modern touches, too. For instance, the kitchen and bathrooms are new. 

Part of this home’s history does include quite the kismet fact: Gerardi grew up down the street from this historic address and as young boy was enamored by its architectural intrigue. He says decades ago, on his 10th birthday, he finally worked up the courage to knock on the front door. His mission was simple; tell the homeowner how much he loved her home.

As fate would have it, Gerardi would grow up to become a world-class horse trainer which, in 2016, afforded him the ability to purchase the home for himself.

Now that he has masterfully restored 124 Via Monte d’Oro to its original mint condition, Gerardi wants someone else to be able to enjoy all of its character and history.

Asking price for Gerardi’s dream home: $11,995,000.