Hollywood Hills Luxury Renovation – Novogratz Castle

Project Summary

When Bob and Cortney Novogratz, the well-known New York design team, decided to move to Los Angeles, they wanted a signature home that reflected their unique design aesthetic.

Their new home needed to accommodate the needs of their active and energetic children while affording everyone privacy and opportunities to mingle and entertain.

Having worked with Imbuia on an upscale retail space in the LA area that appeared on an HGTV show, they knew what “Built by Imbuia” meant for their home—unwavering attention to detail and flawless execution of every design element.

Project
Features

Project Gallery

This bathroom has a free-standing tub, a glass shower area, and dark finishes behind the sinks. — Luxury touches in this bathroom include a freestanding tub and a separate glass shower area.

n example of the raised, vaulted ceilings used in various places throughout the home. — Vaulted ceilings, bright furnishings, and broad expanses of glass create a spacious, airy feel.

Built-in wine rack over the wet bar in the theater area. — Built-ins amplify the utility of the wet bar located adjacent to the theater area.

Complex black and white geometric wall tiles are used in this bathroom. — These custom tiles add a dramatic touch to this bathroom.

The dining area is three steps above the adjacent living space. — Raised areas between the dining and living areas add considerable interest to this Hollywood Hills luxury renovation.

A bedroom with an elegant ceiling light fixture, a bed with an emerald green headboard, and lots of natural light. — This bedroom typifies the eclectic yet luxurious design of this Hollywood Hills luxury renovation.

The modern kitchen features white natural stone counters and a mix of white and dark wood custom cabinetry. — This elegant kitchen features the finest natural finishes, appliances, and premium custom cabinetry.

People seated at the farmhouse-style dining table have a great outside view. — This dining area connects seamlessly to an outdoor balcony area.

A closer look at the three hanging light fixtures in the master bedroom. — Natural light and these three custom pendant light fixtures illuminate the master bedroom.

A cozy seating area just inside glass doors features a cafe-style table and many colorful framed prints on the wall. — Unexpected nooks like this seating area abound.

Turquoise blue MGB Convertible parked in front of the Novogratz Castle front entrance. — The impressive front entrance welcomes visitors in true “castle” style.

A modern, free-standing oval bathtub sits under a window in this elegant bathroom. — This modern bathroom combines a unique oval tub, natural light, and elegant finishes.

The master bedroom with a four-poster bed and a cluster of three unique hanging light fixtures. — The master bedroom stands apart with an elegant bed, lots of natural light, and a cluster of three unique ceiling light fixtures.

A long farmhouse-style dining table in front of spacious French doors opens to the outside. — This dining area exemplifies the home's use of natural light and open spaces.

The main living area has large sliding glass doors to the outside, a working fireplace, and open sightlines to other areas of the home. — Living spaces enjoy an open feel and plenty of natural light.

The bedroom has a large Levi’s Jeans advertisement as a wall hanging. — This bedroom enjoys ample natural light.

A large wall sculpture saying "Hollywood" highlights the second-floor landing, which features engineered German flooring and ornate iron railings. — Ornate railings, engineered German flooring and a large Hollywood wall sculpture set this landing apart.

The kids’ play area has a comfortable yellow sofa with several brightly patterned pillows and lots of natural light. — The kids’ play area features bright-colored fabric and a large wall hanging.

Lush, flowering potted vines climb the metal latticework at the Novogratz Castle entrance. — Beautiful flowering vines in artistic planters frame the Novogratz Castle entryway.

The main living area has large sliding glass doors to the outside, hardwood floors, and a working fireplace. — This living area enjoys an open feel and plenty of natural light.

The custom cabinetry and shelving in the den are made from light wood and have no visible hardware. — Custom cabinetry and shelving provide a perfect display area for the homeowners.

You reach this living area from a dining area by walking down three steps. — The living and dining areas are open but stylishly separated by three steps.

A long, rustic farmhouse-style table provides ample seating and enjoys expansive outside views. — Expansive use of glass, open sightlines, and bright finishes make a perfect setting for this rustic, farmhouse-style dining area.

White marble countertops, white subway tile backsplashes, and white custom cabinetry in the kitchen are accented by the gold, black, and stainless steel of the range and exhaust hood. — The kitchen subtly blends light materials and dark appliances.

The kitchen features a large island with a white marble top and grey base and two integrated sinks with gold-tone faucets. — Sleek lines, subtle colors, and strategic use of accents combine to make a luxurious and efficient kitchen.

A dark blue wall filled with colorful pictures is a backdrop to a modern circular cafe table with four wicker and steel chairs. — Dramatic use of rich colors and wall hangings add interest in unexpected places.

The outdoor hardscape area features a tall, monolithic great structure with an integrated firepit visible from two sides. — A monolithic grey pillar houses the outdoor firepit in a unique touch.

The hardscape backyard includes a permanent grilling and food preparation area with a pizza oven and sink. — This outdoor cooking area is a delight for lovers of grilled food and pizza.

The home’s in-ground pool is surrounded by grass, giving it a natural feeling. — The lawn surrounds the pool rather than hardscaping for a more natural feel.

This guest room features vaulted ceilings, wicker pendant fixtures, and ample natural light. — A guest bedroom fit for visiting dignitaries.

This guest bedroom evokes the sense of a French chateau with elegant furnishings, a four-poster bed, a working fireplace, and several portraits. — This guest bedroom is reminiscent of a French chateau.

This bathroom features a glass door for the tub/shower and marble walls. — Marble, glass, and dark metal framework give this bath an understated elegance.

This child’s bedroom uses a mix of jewel tones and bright colors to accent the smooth white plaster walls and natural hardwood floors. — This child’s bedroom features a lively and, at the same time, soothing mix of colors and finishes.

This child’s bedroom features plentiful natural light, colorful pictures, and a separate sitting nook. — With plenty of natural light and a separate sitting nook, this is a perfect child’s retreat.

The outdoor entertainment area includes a table and chairs, a BBQ, and an elevated area with couches. — This spacious dining, seating, and BBQ area makes outdoor entertaining easy.

Project Description

When acclaimed New York-based designers Bob and Cortney Novogratz decided to relocate to Los Angeles, they sought a home that reflected their signature style — bold, eclectic, and effortlessly sophisticated. They found their perfect project in an aging 1926 Hollywood Hills castle, a historic residence that had fallen into disrepair.

To bring their Hollywood Hills luxury renovation project to life, they turned to a trusted partner: Imbuia Construction. Having worked together on previous projects, including the Babakul retail store and a featured renovation on HGTV, the Novogratz team knew how important the “Built by Imbuia” moniker is and how they could count on Imbuia to execute their ambitious design with precision and expertise.

Transforming a 1926 Hollywood Hills Castle

The home, affectionately known as “The Castle,” had a rich history but needed extensive structural and cosmetic upgrades to meet modern living standards and building codes. The Novogratz team, working remotely from New York via FaceTime, collaborated closely with Imbuia Construction to ensure every detail aligned with their vision. The result is a breathtaking 7,200-square-foot, four-story residence that seamlessly merges historical charm with contemporary luxury.

Structural Integrity and Modern Enhancements in a Hollywood Hills Luxury Renovation

This Hollywood Hills luxury renovation began with a complete structural retrofit, reinforcing the home’s integrity while allowing for an open, airy interior layout. Key upgrades included:

Complete utility system overhauls – New electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems were installed, integrating smart home technology for efficiency and convenience.
Architectural refinements – Ceilings were raised where possible, including a dramatic cathedral ceiling in the master bedroom, creating a sense of grandeur and space.
Premium finishes – The home’s exterior was refreshed with smooth white plaster and Torrance steel windows, complemented by an energy-efficient roof with custom sheet metal work and spires.

A Home Designed for Living and Entertaining

Every level of the home was reimagined to balance form and function, making it ideal for both family life and entertaining:

Main Floor: The heart of the home includes an open-concept living room, dining area, and gourmet kitchen, along with an en-suite bedroom for the oldest son, a powder room, pool bath, and laundry.
Upper Floor: The master suite, complete with a luxurious bath and walk-in closet, shares the floor with three additional bedrooms, a bath, and closets for the family’s three younger sons.
Girls’ Floor & Home Theater: One floor above the basement is dedicated to the daughters’ bedrooms and a home theater. A hidden mini-bar and cozy sitting area were integrated under the stairs.
Basement & Recreation Spaces: Designed for relaxation and fun, this level includes a dedicated music room, a kids’ hangout area, and easy access to the new outdoor basketball court.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

With stunning hillside views, the home is designed to embrace Southern California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle. New balconies and railings extend from bedrooms and dining areas, creating inviting outdoor retreats. A thoughtfully designed outdoor entertainment space with a fireplace and BBQ connects seamlessly to the kitchen, perfect for hosting gatherings or enjoying quiet family evenings under the stars.

A Signature Novogratz Touch

Beyond the structural enhancements and utility upgrades, Imbuia Construction ensured that every interior detail reflected the Novogratz family’s distinctive design aesthetic. From German-engineered hardwood flooring to custom-built fireplaces finished in smooth plaster, every element was carefully crafted to elevate the home’s character. New cabinetry, countertops, and tile selections throughout the house add a layer of refined elegance, completing the transformation.

Bringing Historic Homes Back to Life

This Hollywood Hills luxury renovation project exemplifies Imbuia Construction’s expertise in executing high-end renovations with precision and artistry. By honoring the property’s historic roots while infusing it with modern functionality, Imbuia helped turn a neglected castle into a one-of-a-kind family home that will stand the test of time.

Let Us Build Your Residential “Castle”

Imbuia Construction specializes in transforming ambitious and visionary projects into reality, just as we did with this Hollywood Hills luxury renovation. Contact us today at 818.783.7808 or through our online form to bring your dream home to life.