The Bel Air residence of jewelry designer Jenna Grosfeld and her husband, real estate developer Jason Grosfeld, is a testament to their dedication to preservation and their appreciation for storied objects. This 13,000-square-foot Tudor Revival, once home to Hollywood legends like Dean Martin and Nicolas Cage, has been meticulously transformed through a three-year renovation. The couple’s vision was to create a living space that harmonizes historical integrity with modern functionality, showcasing their extensive collection of art, antiques, and collectible design pieces in a dynamic and livable environment. Their approach highlights a confident blend of eras, informed by personal instinct and daily use, making the home a reflection of their shared passion for design and restoration.
Before establishing her jewelry brand, Jenna Blake, in 2005, Grosfeld honed her skills in interior design in New York. Her journey from vintage jewelry enthusiast to a renowned designer underscores her ability to integrate diverse artistic principles into her work. Her husband, Jason Grosfeld, as the founder and chairman of Irongate, is a distinguished figure in real estate development, with notable projects including the Four Seasons Los Cabos and the upcoming Amanvari in Costa Palmas. Their individual expertise in interiors and architecture, respectively, forms a synergistic partnership that allows them to collaborate effectively on complex restoration projects, bringing their distinct yet complementary design philosophies to life.
Despite their initial preference for Californian Mediterranean or Spanish architectural styles, the Grosfelds found themselves drawn to the English Tudor residence. They recognized its potential as a "jewel box that needed to be restored," envisioning a complete overhaul that would honor its original 1940 Gerard Colcord design while eliminating eccentricities left by previous owners, such as Nicolas Cage’s tarantula room or Dean Martin’s outdoor stage. Their renovation strategy focused on maintaining the home's intrinsic character, layering in elements from various periods to ensure authenticity. This meant a careful balance of preserving existing features and introducing new ones that aligned with the estate's historical roots, rather than imposing a starkly modern aesthetic.
A significant aspect of the renovation involved enhancing natural light within the property. The driveway was reconfigured to expand the backyard, which now features a swimming pool, guesthouse, fitness center, and multiple patios. This strategic redesign maximized sunlight exposure, creating a brighter outdoor living space ideal for relaxation and entertaining, particularly during the late afternoons and sunsets. Inside, the conversion of a former main entrance into an elegant powder room, complete with preserved Gothic archways and mosaic tiling, exemplifies their innovative approach to space utilization. Furthermore, a modest rear-patio door was replaced with a dramatic wood-and-glass entryway, allowing abundant natural light to flood the interior and create a more inviting and less formal atmosphere.
The interior of the home serves as a curated display for the couple’s extensive art and furniture collections, accumulated over 25 years. Jenna Grosfeld's design process often begins with a single "anchor piece" that inspires the aesthetic for an entire room. Their collection, once housed in a chaotic storage space, has been meticulously digitized and archived, reflecting their professional approach to collecting. Among their treasured items are pastel Italian Bitossi ceramics, vibrant French Charles Catteau pieces, and striking teal-green ceramics with silver inlay by Swedish artist Wilhelm Kåge, showcasing their diverse tastes and appreciation for fine craftsmanship. These objects are not merely decorative but are integrated into their daily lives, demonstrating Grosfeld's belief that beautiful items should be lived with and enjoyed.
The morning room, adorned with hand-embroidered Fromental wallpaper featuring lily pads, sets a sophisticated tone with its unique green chinoiserie design and lacquered-celadon-green trim, echoing Grosfeld's jewelry brand. This space seamlessly blends Asian influences with midcentury silhouettes through pieces like Paul Frankl tables and a Biedermeier sofa. The kitchen, with its light-yellow Karl Springer dining table and vintage French bistro chairs, balances grandeur with everyday comfort. Even a formal space like the "Rat Pack Room," named in homage to Dean Martin, is designed for relaxed entertaining, featuring a blue-velvet L-shaped sofa and a sunken bar, perfect for intimate conversations.
Throughout their home, the Grosfelds embrace the natural wear and tear of cherished objects, valuing their history and character over pristine perfection. Jenna Grosfeld emphasizes a functional approach to design, believing that even the most delicate antiques, such as early 1900s Carlo Bugatti parchment chairs, are meant to be used and repaired rather than merely admired from afar. This philosophy underscores their commitment to creating a home that is both stunningly beautiful and comfortably livable, where every piece, regardless of its age or fragility, contributes to a rich tapestry of personal history and enduring style. The house is a testament to their belief that true elegance lies in the harmonious integration of past and present, creating spaces that are both inspiring and deeply personal.