Hart Mansion: Still a Local Treasure

I'm almost ashamed to admit it. After living in the Santa Clarita Valley for a grand total of nearly 20 years, I had never visited the Hart Mansion until now.

How did I miss it? The mansion, located at Hart Park in downtown Newhall, has been open to the public as a museum since Hart bequeathed the house and surrounding ranch to Los Angeles County. His intent was that the house be turned into a museum free of charge to the general public, and that is how it has been run since shortly after his death in 1946. Hart was a silent movie star who appeared in over 80 films until his retirement.  The mansion sits on over 265 acres of property, and offers great views of the entire Santa Clarita Valley from its hilltop location.

Free guided tours are offered of the mansion most Wednesdays through Sundays- visit www.hartmuseum.org for hours and further information.

The Hart Mansion

Side of the house

Formal downstairs dining area

Horseshoes from some of Hart's favorite horses

Not a fireplace, but a plate warmer!

A loving cup, given to Hart from the studios for his film's successes

Downstairs kitchen area- there's another kitchen upstairs!

Staircase for kitchen help between kitchens

In the foyer, looking straight up above the light, the roof almost looks like a wagon wheel

Saddle in the foyer

Grand staircase in the foyer leading up to the second floor

Sitting room downstairs

The main living room, located on the second floor

The holes in the wall are for a projector- Hart would turn the living room into a screening room where he could watch movies with friends and family

Telephone room- the one telephone in the house

Second kitchen, located upstairs and connected to a bedroom

Guest bedroom

...and the accompanying bathroom

Famous picture of Hart in character

Hart's bedroom

The bedroom for...the dogs! They grew so large that they actually needed their own living space. They took over Hart's bedroom, and he moved to the bedroom next door.

The second floor of the house from the backyard area

More pictures of the beautiful exterior of the house

To view the rest of our Distinguished Homes, click here!