The 8,231-square-foot property, valued at $250,000 in 1961, was a modern glass and steel home built after his previous residence, Villa Valentino, was taken for the Hollywood Freeway. The estate featured a statue called Aspiration, relocated from the Villa, and hosted family gatherings with relatives like his niece Annette Williams Corbett and siblings Eva and Mabel Williams. After Williams’ death, the property was sold to film director Roman Polanski, then to Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, who remodeled it. It sold for $19.5 million in 2005. The current home, rebuilt in 2002, is a 10,000-square-foot Wallace Neff-style estate with 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and views from downtown Los Angeles to the ocean.
The estate at 900 Airole Way in Bel Air, California, associated with Maybelline founder Tom Lyle Williams, has a rich history and notable features. Below is a detailed look at the property during Williams' ownership and its evolution:
During Tom Lyle Williams' Ownership (1950–1976)
- Acquisition and Context: Tom Lyle Williams purchased the property in 1950 after his previous home, Villa Valentino, was acquired by the state for the Hollywood Freeway. The new estate was a modern architectural departure, featuring a glass and steel design, which was innovative for the time.
- Size and Value: In 1961, the home was recorded as an 8,231-square-foot residence valued at $250,000, reflecting its status as a luxury property in one of Los Angeles' most exclusive neighborhoods.
- Key Features:
- Statue of Aspiration: A prominent statue, originally from Villa Valentino, was relocated to the Airole Way estate. It became a centerpiece of the property, symbolizing Williams’ personal and professional ambitions.
- Gardens and Views: The estate boasted expansive grounds with meticulously maintained gardens, offering sweeping views from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, a hallmark of prime Bel Air real estate.
- Interior: While specific interior details from Williams’ era are sparse, the glass and steel design suggests an open, light-filled space with modern furnishings, likely tailored to entertain family and industry guests.
- Role in Family Life: The home served as a gathering place for the Williams family. Tom Lyle hosted relatives, including his niece Annette Williams Corbett, sister-in-law Eva Williams, and sister Mabel Williams. Family events, such as holiday gatherings, were held here, cementing its role as a personal and social hub.
- Cultural Significance: As the residence of Maybelline’s founder, the home was a backdrop to Williams’ later years, during which he oversaw the growth of his cosmetics empire before selling Maybelline to Plough Inc. in 1967.
Post-Williams Era
- Subsequent Owners:
- After Tom Lyle Williams’ death in 1976, the estate was sold to film director Roman Polanski.
- It later passed to Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, who undertook significant renovations, altering the original glass and steel structure.
- Modern Transformation:
- The original home was demolished, and in 2002, a new 10,000-square-foot residence was built on the site, designed in the style of renowned architect Wallace Neff.
- The current estate features:
- 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, blending classic elegance with modern amenities.
- Luxury amenities: A pool, spa, and outdoor entertaining areas with panoramic views from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean.
- Architectural details: High ceilings, grand living spaces, and meticulous craftsmanship, typical of Neff-inspired designs.
- The property sold for $19.5 million in 2005, reflecting its prime location and upgraded features. Recent estimates suggest its value has appreciated significantly, aligning with Bel Air’s high-end real estate market.
Historical and Cultural Notes
- Bel Air Prestige: The 900 Airole Way address places the estate in one of Los Angeles’ most coveted enclaves, known for its privacy, exclusivity, and proximity to Hollywood’s elite. Neighbors historically included celebrities and industry titans.
- Maybelline Legacy: The home’s connection to Tom Lyle Williams ties it to the Maybelline story, which began with his creation of mascara in 1915. The estate reflects his success and influence in the cosmetics industry.
- X Post Insights: Recent posts on X mention the property in the context of Sharrie Williams’ book, The Maybelline Story, noting its significance as Tom Lyle’s residence and its later ownership by Polanski and Buckingham. These posts highlight the estate’s enduring place in Maybelline’s narrative.
Limitations
- Specific architectural plans or detailed interior descriptions from Williams’ era are not widely documented in public records or recent sources. Most information focuses on the estate’s size, value, and role in family life.
- The current home, rebuilt in 2002, bears little resemblance to the original structure, making it challenging to reconstruct exact details of the 1950s–1970s design.
