Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

Liv Ballard and her dog Gracie.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

Architects Tichenor & Thorp built the teahouse in the courtyard.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

A custom daybed in the living room with Robert Kime floor cushions.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

A german Rococo mirror hangs above a 19th-century Indian bench.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

The wine cellar's intimate tasting room.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

In the living room, Ballard mixes disparate exotic elements like an upholstered ottoman, an Indian bench, French Gothic chairs, Mexican tile and a Chinoiserie pattern on a chair.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

A French Gothic table next to a Mexican tile bench.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

In the master bedroom, linens are from Ya Living.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

A sapphire encrusted globe pendant from Ballard's collection.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

The butler's pantry.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

The Gryphons are by Seldon Price.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

Gracie between the home's massive wooden gates.

Photo Credit: Coral Von Zumwalt

Editors' Notes

The pool and fountain are original to the property.

Jewelry designer Liv Ballard is a woman of considerable charms. And even though the fiftysomething Mississippi native and mother of two left her home state decades ago, she is still every bit the Southern belle, entertaining guests at her “Hispano-Moorish” home, she says, “whenever possible.” Known as the “Chimorro House” by Tichenor & Thorp, the home was originally built during Prohibition by noted architect Roy Sheldon Price. Price also designed the L.A. landmark building (formerly owned by Charlie Chaplin) that housed the restaurant Campanile on La Brea Avenue. Sixteen years on, Ballard’s property continues to evolve. Throughout her travels, she has acquired an impressive art collection and an assortment of old Damascus bone inlay pieces. Slowly, she has added textiles as well, including floor cushions in Robert Kime fabric. Antique Indian saris on the walls were gifts from the late jewelry designer Devon Page McCleary. As Ballard layers colorful and disparate exotic elements, the house absorbs them. “I keep adding color and texture,” she says, “and the house just seems to keep asking for more.”

Favorite patterns in the house?

“All of the tile, the Mexican tile which you’ll see on each of the stairs, and the French encaustic tile in the breakfast nook, is original,” says Ballard. “If you look closely you’ll see that no two patterns on the Mexican tile are alike.”

If these walls could talk…

“All I know is that [the house] was built for a single woman, Mrs. Chimorro, which was highly unusual at the time—and was clearly used as a speakeasy,” says Ballard.

What are some benefits of the intricacies of the space?

“My boys loved growing up here so much. There was always a fun place to hide,” she says. “And they’re both still in school, so they’re still living here with me. I guess they just aren’t ready to leave.”

By Christine Lennon