That Paul Williams touch

There’s exclusive, and then there’s Fremont Place. Over the last century, the L.A. neighborhood has been home to King C. Gillette (of razor fame), the Ahmansons, the Chandlers, the Dohenys, the Van Nuys family, Bank of America founder A.P. Giannini and Muhammad Ali. The guard-gated enclave is known for its classic architecture.

No. 68 Fremont Place was the brainchild of then architect-to-the-stars Paul Williams, who designed or contributed to such well-known structures as the Beverly Hills Hotel, Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, the Los Angeles County Courthouse and the Hollywood YMCA. His client list included Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra and Barbara Stanwyck.

In 1923, Missouri native Eline R. Shepherd, who was active in local charitable and musical groups, purchased the lot. Her husband, John, who owned an insurance company in downtown L.A., commissioned Williams to design this Italian Revival estate in the neighborhood, advertised in 1911 as one for “men of means.” The builder was Glenn Oscar Winget.

Among the other owners of this home have been a savings-and-loan executive and a consul general.

About this house: Extensively redesigned in 2007 by Marc Canadell, the estate features a grand two-story, black-and-white marble entry with a signature Paul Williams winding staircase. Perfect for large-scale entertaining, the floor plan includes spacious rooms that flow one into the next. A pergola-covered outdoor dining area seats 20, and another outdoor seating area has a fireplace. The house has a media room with theater seating and a music room.

The master suite has a separate sitting room with a fireplace. And the dual master bathrooms have an infinity spa tub and a steam shower. There are two walk-in closets, too.

Asking price: $8,495,000

Size: The house has seven bedrooms and 8 1/2 bathrooms in about 8,544 square feet. The lot is 21,475 square feet.

Features: The modern kitchen has all Viking appliances, three dishwashers and a center island with seating. The house has formal living and dining rooms; a library; a family room; a maid’s room with a bathroom; upstairs and downstairs laundries; carpeted, marble and maple floors; a cabana and a kidney-shaped pool; a three-car garage; and a parking area for 20 cars.

Where: Fremont Place, Los Angeles

Listing agent: Dominic Middono, Regal Estates & Properties, (213) 880-2901.

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To submit a Home of the Week candidate, send high-resolution color photos with caption and credit information on a CD and a description of the house to Diane Wedner, Real Estate Section, L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A., CA 90012. Questions may be sent to [email protected].