The Buddy Hackett House sits at 718 Walden Drive in Beverly Hills, California. This Spanish Colonial Revival residence was built in 1929 and spans nearly 20,000 square feet of prime real estate in the prestigious Beverly Hills Flats. The property sold for $15.5 million in March 2025 after being listed at $16.995 million, making it one of the neighborhood’s most talked-about transactions. The home features 6,549 square feet of living space with six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, along with a detached guest house and resort-style outdoor amenities.
Buddy Hackett House Location & Property Overview
Where exactly is the Buddy Hackett house located?
The estate sits at 718 Walden Drive in Beverly Hills 90210, in an area known as the Beverly Hills Flats. This celebrity home occupies a tree-lined street that has housed numerous Hollywood stars over the decades.
The Beverly Hills Flats neighborhood has been home to Jimmy Stewart, Diane Keaton, and Simon Cowell. This exclusive residential enclave sits just minutes from Rodeo Drive and offers both privacy and proximity to Los Angeles’ entertainment districts. The Beverly Hills Flats dates back to the early 20th century and was one of the first areas to be developed in the city, with many original homes constructed in the 1920s and 1930s. The property includes a 19,126 square foot lot, giving residents substantial outdoor space rarely found in this densely populated area. The location sits just steps from Rodeo Drive, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and El Rodeo Elementary, providing easy access to world-class dining and the cultural attractions that make Beverly Hills desirable.
Ownership Timeline & Key Moments
How long did Buddy Hackett own this house?
Before Hackett settled into his longtime home across from the Los Angeles Country Club, the legendary comedian lived at this Beverly Hills estate just a few doors down the street. The exact dates of his ownership at 718 Walden Drive remain unclear in public records, but this performer’s dwelling served as one of his residences before he moved to his more famous home where he lived until his death in 2003.
After Hackett passed away in 2003, his Beverly Hills mansion remained in his family until 2021 when it was sold by his widow. However, this refers to his main residence, not the Walden Drive property. The 718 Walden Drive home sold for $9.5 million in November 2022, then underwent extensive renovations before being relisted and sold again for $15.5 million on March 7, 2025. This quick turnaround demonstrates how luxury property values can increase significantly after proper restoration work. The real-estate transaction reflects the growing demand for fully renovated historic homes in premium neighborhoods.
Architectural & Interior Features
What makes this Spanish-style mansion unique?
Originally built in 1929, this modern Spanish masterpiece seamlessly combines historic charm with contemporary luxury. Many homes in the Flats were designed by renowned architects, showcasing Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, Tudor Revival, and Mid-Century Modern styles. The exterior showcases classic Mediterranean Revival design elements that have defined Beverly Hills architecture for nearly a century.
The dramatic entrance welcomes visitors with soaring vaulted ceilings, a sweeping staircase, and impressive wood beams. These original features create an immediate sense of grandeur while maintaining the home’s authentic character. The expansive living room features a wood-beamed ceiling, fireplace, and iron French doors that open to an enchanting atrium with a serene fountain. This indoor-outdoor flow represents California living at its finest, allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces while connecting residents to the landscaped grounds. The living room captivates with its striking fireplace and iron French doors that lead to a serene patio with a tranquil fountain.
The formal dining room pairs with a gourmet kitchen equipped with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, island, and massive walk-in pantry. These spaces were designed for both everyday family meals and large-scale entertaining. The game room includes a custom wet bar, dual TVs, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar, providing multiple gathering spots throughout the single-family dwelling. The master bedroom offers two walk-in closets, along with spa-like bathroom amenities that meet modern luxury standards.
Preservation of Original Features
The current owners completely took the property down to the studs during a top-to-bottom renovation. Despite this extensive work, they preserved key heritage features that give the home its distinctive character. Original truss ceilings remain visible in the grand two-story entryway, showcasing the craftsmanship of 1920s construction methods. The wood-beamed ceilings throughout the main living areas were carefully restored rather than replaced, maintaining the authentic Spanish aesthetic that makes this historic house special. The so-called Golden Age of Southern California architecture lasted between 1920 until 1940, when well-trained craftsmen, top-quality building materials, and big-spending clientele were in alignment.
Modern Upgrades and Their Impact
The renovation brought the property into the 21st century without sacrificing its soul. The chef’s kitchen now features a 12-foot island, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and a 48-inch Wolf range, representing state-of-the-art culinary equipment. These high-end finishes transform the kitchen into a professional-grade workspace while maintaining aesthetic harmony with the home’s traditional design. Modern amenities include all-new systems including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing, as well as state-of-the-art Wi-Fi automation, Nest thermostats, Sonos speakers, and high-definition security cameras. The updated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems ensure modern comfort and efficiency. Smart home technology integrates throughout the residential structure, allowing climate control, lighting, and security management from mobile devices.
Market Context & Value Insights
What factors influenced the sale price?
The property sold for $15.5 million in March 2025, representing a significant increase from its November 2022 sale price of $9.5 million. This $6 million appreciation in roughly two years reflects both the extensive renovation investment and strong demand for turnkey Beverly Hills estate properties.
Breaking down the numbers reveals interesting market dynamics. With 6,549 square feet of living space, the March 2025 sale translates to approximately $2,367 per square foot. This price per square foot sits comfortably within the range for renovated historic homes in the Beverly Hills Flats, where buyers pay premium prices for properties combining vintage charm with modern systems. The property was listed at $16.995 million, meaning it sold for about 91% of asking price after negotiations.
The 19,126 square foot lot provides substantial value in an area where land itself commands premium pricing. Homes in The Flats are almost entirely single-family estates set on generous lots measuring between 10,000 and 30,000 square feet. Properties of this size offer potential for future expansion or reconfiguration, though the current layout maximizes the available space. Zoning regulations in Beverly Hills Flats typically allow for significant development rights, making large lots particularly attractive to buyers considering long-term ownership. The Buddy Hackett connection adds historical interest but likely provides minimal impact on actual market value compared to location, condition, and amenities. The comedian’s former residence carries connotations of Hollywood’s golden era, though the property’s intrinsic qualities drive its worth more than its celebrity provenance.
Outdoor Amenities & Resort-Style Living
What makes the outdoor spaces special?
The grounds feature a 40-foot pool, two patios, and a detached guest house that creates a private retreat within the estate. These luxury amenities transform the backyard into a personal resort that rivals high-end hotels.
The pool house and private tranquil backyard can be viewed from the kitchen, creating visual connections between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Iron French doors reveal a seamless transition to the outdoor oasis, where a grand 40-foot pool and two impeccably appointed patios with a barbecue and outdoor refrigerator await. A flat expanse of lawn alongside the pool will comfortably accommodate a regulation pickleball court, catering to the current sports trend among affluent homeowners. The private courtyard welcomes guests before they enter the main residence, providing a buffer zone that enhances security and creates an impressive arrival experience. The mature landscaping includes specimen trees that provide shade and privacy while maintaining the lush, garden-like atmosphere that defines Beverly Hills Flats properties. The estate also includes a separate pool house and guest house, each with its own bathroom and custom closet, a two-car garage with alley access, and a front motor court providing additional parking.
Why This House Attracts Attention
What draws buyers and enthusiasts to this property?
The Walden Estate generates interest for multiple reasons beyond its celebrity connection. The combination of 1930s architecture with modern systems appeals to buyers who want character without sacrificing comfort. The property seamlessly combines historic charm with contemporary luxury, a balance that requires significant investment and expertise to achieve properly.
The detached guest house offers six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms total, providing flexibility for multi-generational living, staff quarters, or rental income possibilities. This versatility adds functional value that extends beyond the main residence. The location close to Rodeo Drive, shops, restaurants, and entertainment means residents enjoy walkable access to Beverly Hills’ premier attractions while maintaining residential tranquility. The property demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can respect architectural heritage while creating spaces that meet contemporary lifestyle demands. For architects, designers, and developers, this estate serves as a case study in successful historic home modernization. The Hackett property stands as a testament to how period architecture can be adapted for modern living without losing its essential character.
Key Takeaways
Investment Potential: The property’s value increased by $6 million between 2022 and 2025, demonstrating how strategic renovations in prime locations can generate substantial returns even during uncertain real estate markets.
Architectural Preservation Success: The estate proves that historic homes can be gutted and modernized while maintaining their original character through careful preservation of key features like wood beams, vaulted ceilings, and Spanish design elements that define the Twenties-era construction aesthetic.
Celebrity Connection Context: While Buddy Hackett lived at 718 Walden Drive, his primary and most famous residence was actually a different property in Beverly Hills where he lived from 1952 until his death in 2003, hosted legendary comedian lunches, and which his widow sold separately in 2021.
