Worlds Best Homes

Explore Howard Ruby's Italianate villa – one of the great 'true' Bel Air estates, on sale for $45m

This ornate home is packed with treasured art and antiques...

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa
(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

An iconic Italianate villa in Los Angeles owned by housing magnate Howard Ruby and his wife, actress Yvette Mimieux Ruby, has gone on the market for the first time in a generation for $45,000,000.

The villa, called 'Il Sogno' (the dream), is one of the great 'true' Bel Air estates, and dates back to the late 1920s.

See: World's best homes – step inside the globe’s most spectacular houses 

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa

(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

It's a grand, classic villa featuring high-beamed hand-painted ceilings, plaster walls, stone-carved fireplaces, and an array of incredible world-class details. 

It boasts grand rooms with beautiful scale overlooking spectacular views and gardens throughout the estate.

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa

(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa

(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

Designed by Kalef Alaton, who was also the creative behind the interiors of the Hotel Bel Air, it tapped artisans and craftsmen from the Amalfi coast to create an authentic Italian villa.

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa

(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

Situated on an acre of stunning grounds on one of Bel Air’s finest streets, the home features 12,000 square-feet of living space, including a stunning living room with hand-painted beamed ceilings, a ballroom-sized party room and formal dining room.

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa

(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

There's also  a hand-lacquered library, a luxurious master suite with dual baths and walk-in closets, an intimate wine cellar, and a gourmet kitchen with commercial appliances.

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa

(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa

(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

See: Bedroom ideas – designs and inspiration for beautiful bedrooms

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa

(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

The gardens, which include a sparkling tiled swimming pool idea, fountains, enormous lawns, formal gardens, and specimen trees, were designed by David Jones, the personal florist of Nancy Reagan, Jackie Kennedy, and Elizabeth Taylor. 

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa

(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa

(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

The property is listed with the Westside Estate Agency at $45,000,000.

Howard Ruby's Italianate villa

(Image credit: Anthony Barcelo)

Who is Howard Ruby?

Howard Ruby is the founder of Oakwood Worldwide, a provider of serviced apartments, who is said to be worth around $200 million. He currently lives on a yacht in the Marina Del Rey area. His wife Yvette Mimieux Ruby is an actress who was nominated for three Golden Globe awards, including for her work on TV series Dr. Kildare.

Contributing Editor

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.