Located in Northridge, Oakridge Estate Park is an historic landmark that has served as a home for several high profile celebrities including Barbara Stanwyck and Jack Oakie. The property is a 9.5 acre property with an English Tudor style house designed in 1937 by Paul R. Williams and is owned by the City of Los Angeles.
Founded by Friends of Oakridge in 2009, our non-profit organization has helped to preserve the history and integrity of this unique landmark. Since its inception we have hosted numerous programming events and docent led tours for thousands of visitors, secured Quimby funds to purchase, restore and improve the Oakie House and grounds preserving it in perpetuity as a community recreational site.
The 6,000 square foot, Irish farmhouse was built in 1937 by Barbara Stanwyck with help from architect Paul R. Williams in a location with stunning views of the San Fernando Valley. The property is now part of the LA City Department of Recreation and Parks and is managed by Friends of Oakridge.
Tours at the property are free and open to the public. The tours last about 75 minutes and are lead by docents who guide you through each room. They include vintage photo displays and tell you about the past residents.
Visitor information is posted outside of the main entrance to Oakridge and at the parking lot. It is important to arrive early in order to have time to park and take the tour before it begins.
You will need to wear low-heeled, comfortable walking shoes because there are unlevel surfaces and no restroom facilities. You will also need to bring a water bottle for your stay.
There are two other rooms in the property that are not included in the tours, a small office and a basement. The office has a large desk and chair set that was used as an office for the Oakies and a small kitchen.
The office is a good example of the original design of the house. It is also a great place to look out over the surrounding area and get an idea of the size of the property.
Other features in the property are a large recreation room and a custom-built bar. This is where the Oakies entertained friends and family for all-night card games and movie screenings. The floor in this room is well-used and looks worn due to frequent use by the Oakies.
Originally, the estate was called “Marwyck Ranch.” It was conceived as a 130 acre Thoroughbred horse breeding and training facility by Hollywood stars Barbara Stanwyck and Marion Marx and her agent Zeppo Marx.
This property is located in Northridge and has easy access to Wilshire / Western (LACMTA) train station. The nearest airport is Hollywood Burbank Airport, which is a 25 minute drive away.
The cost of living in Northridge is relatively affordable compared to many other areas of the country. The average cost of assisted living is $3,659 per month, while the costs for nursing homes range from $5,911 to $11,269. If you are looking for affordable long-term care options, there are many senior housing communities in Northridge that offer a variety of services.
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