Clybourn Manor

Roy Disney's Toluca Lake Residence Reimagined as a Modern Storybook Retreat

Roy Disney, a visionary and co-founder of The Walt Disney Company, left behind a legacy that captivated audiences worldwide. His Toluca Lake residence on Clybourn Avenue was a place rich in history that provided a unique canvas for a transformative redesign. By blending modern design elements with a nod to Disney's magical storytelling, this reimagined space pays homage to a visionary who forever changed the entertainment industry.

Preserving Legacy with Contemporary Elegance

The original home was a single-story, with a massive original brick fireplace, and charming nooks, says architect Kurt Krueger, the principal of Los Angeles-based Krueger Architects. Speaking of his clients Stephen & Sarah Whitney, he noted that "retaining the essence of Roy Disney's original vision was paramount to reimagining their home." While modernizing the space, keen attention was paid to retaining elements that spoke to the original design, such as distinctive architectural features or vintage fixtures. This fusion of the old and the new has created a seamless transition from the past to the present. The Whitneys, both entertainment executives, wanted to live close to their offices, and live in a walkable community. Toluca Lake offered the perfect solution, and finding Roy's home provided another sweet footnote, as Sarah works for the Walt Disney Company.

Enchanting Entryway

The journey begins at the entrance, where guests are welcomed by a fragrant path of gardenias and lavender, in a landscape designed by local firm Benincasa Collective. This tapestry, inspired by Disney's legendary stories, sets the tone for the magical experience that lies within by offering fragrant California-native floral vignettes, seating areas, a courtyard, and a fountain.

Dramatic Design

Krueger worked with the Whitneys on adding a second story and opening the downstairs living areas. Roy Jr.'s original bedroom, home to many an Uncle Walt bedtime story, has now become an elegant, brooding and beautifully paneled office for Stephen. Dramatic features incorporated by Krueger into the design included floor-to-ceiling all-clad doors, a 20-foot skylight, fabricated iron features, and custom millwork. Local firm AJS Construction supervised the build.

Inspired Interiors

The interior spaces were designed to reflect the timeless elements found in the early 40's and were brought to life by homeowner, Sarah Whitney, through her design firm Neighborhood Design Company. Custom tiles for floors, backsplashes, bathrooms, and walk-in-pantry were sourced by Whitney, along with the hardware and fixtures that while modern in manufacture, bespeak a time of gentleness and elegance.

Versatile Entertainment Spaces

The redesign emphasizes creating versatile entertainment spaces to accommodate gatherings large and small. From a cozy screening room featuring state-of-the-art technology to a spacious patio perfect for al fresco dining, as well as a cozy firepit area, every area was designed with both functionality and the joy of entertainment in mind. Sculpted trees, vibrant flora, edible landscapes, and layering of fragrance offer subtle nods to iconic Disney imagery that create an immersive outdoor experience, inviting guests to explore and unwind in a truly magical setting.

The reimagining of Roy Disney's Toluca Lake residence as a modern storybook retreat is a tribute to a visionary who forever changed the landscape of storytelling and entertainment. By blending the magic of Disney with contemporary design and innovative technology, this transformed space will serve as a testament to Roy Disney's enduring legacy, providing a haven of creativity and enchantment for generations to come.