A Beaux-Arts Masterpiece c. 1927. Popularized by the great classical architects of the time (like Paul Williams and Irving Gill), Mediterranean and Spanish style mansions were all the rage of the rich and famous of the period. Not much is known about the builder, however, it is said, that he hoped that in building this fine mansion others would follow suit. It must have been a little more than disappointing to realize the result. The house, located on Mayberry Street, is set in a neighborhood characterized by modest California bungalows, and yet it makes a statement. It is considered the 'Crown Jewel' of Mayberry Heights.
Set on the eastern reaches of Silver Lake, a visit to the mansion is a step back in time: hand-painted murals and ceilings with allegorical themes, authentic art deco light fixtures and inlaid hardwood floors; coved ceilings with crown moldings; a 1929 Studebaker Touring Car can still be seen parked in the garage.
Michael Togneri an immigrant from the small town of Coreglia Anteiminelli near Lucca, Italy purchased the home in the 1940s. Togneri came to the U.S. during the massive migration brought about the worldwide Great Depression. Arriving at Ellis Island, he moved on to Chicago, but found the weather depressing. Hearing that the Southern California climate would remind him of his home in Italy, he arrived in Los Angeles at the age of 21. He found employment washing window in the high-rises of downtown Los Angeles. The dangerous work fetched him the princely sum of 10 cents per window. Within a few short years the resourceful immigrant had his own business was able to send for his wife, Marina, who had remained behind in Italy, and their first child, Bianca, who was now seven years old.
The purchase of the house on Mayberry Street symbolized Togneri's acheivement in realizing the 'American Dream' of owning his own home, similar to the style he remembered from his youth in Italy, with room to grow grapes and make fine wine. His family grew to include two sons and three daughters. He worked well into his '70s and retired, enjoying cooking, gardening, tending to his fruit and olive trees (some of which still remain on the property). A huge wooden wine vat remains in the underground basement.
The Villa, which has been in the Togneri family for more than 60 years, was listed for sale in November 2008 for $990,900. It has five bedrooms, some with dressing rooms and cedar closets, a formal/parlor living room, formal dining room, breakfast room, a full basement and a level backyard, large enough for a swimming pool or tennis court.
The Villa was dedicated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2010 No. 971), located at 2508 Mayberry Street in the Mayberry Heights neighborhood of Silver Lake.
The mansion was Los Angeles Times "Home of the Week" on January 4, 2009. The photo is of formal dining room, elegantly finished with hand-painted ceiling and wall coverings, custom-made draperies, art deco fixtures and original furnishings. For more details, please visit
www.2508MayberryStreet.com 