Getty-esque Estate Hits the Market for $12.5 Million

When designing his Bel Air estate, David Tate didn’t have to look far for inspiration — The Getty museum, located just across the 405, proved to be something of an architectural muse for the television commercial producer.

“Richard Meier is someone whose work I admire and respect,” says Tate, who completed the 10,000-square-foot home located on the 3.2 acre property late last year. “The Getty did give me inspiration, but mostly the design grew out of what I thought this property and location could provide.”

And as for that abundance of travertine stone used throughout? “The stone was from the same quarry as the Getty travertine. They’re selling it at the museum in tiny blocks – instead, I got a houseful,” says Tate.

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The gated home, which overlooks 350 acres of untouched land in Hoag Canyon, features a 34-foot-high central gallery with skyline, a wine room, amphitheater, swimming pool, reflecting ponds, separate lawn areas and an entertaining loggia with a fireplace. “This is an immense stone construction nestled into the land so it doesn’t stick out,” says Tate. “You don’t become aware of it until you progress your way through the house.”

“The volumes of this house are staggeringly impressive, and yet David’s design is both sophisticated and elegant,” says Bill Rose, president and founder at The Agency and listing agent for the property, along with Blair Chang, also of The Agency.