John Huston’s Former Estate With Disney-Style Railroad Lists for $20 Million
You don’t see a place like this come up every day. Tucked away in Tarzana, a quiet neighborhood often overshadowed by flashier parts of L.A., sits a 4.5-acre ranch once owned by legendary filmmaker John Huston. Now? It’s on the market for a cool $20 million—and trust me, that’s not just for the land or the square footage.
This isn’t just another celebrity estate with a pool and a tennis court. It has a fully functional miniature railroad snaking through the property—yes, an actual rideable train setup that dates back to the 1950s. The kind of detail that turns heads, not just from luxury buyers but from collectors, train lovers, and even Disney fans.
What really pulls you in, though, isn’t the glitz. It’s the mix of Hollywood history, oddball charm, and quiet legacy. This isn’t a flashy showpiece—it’s a rare storybook property with character that feels lived-in, not just staged for glossy photos.
A Director, a Dream, and a 1940s Legacy
Let’s rewind to the 1940s. John Huston—director of The Maltese Falcon and The African Queen—had just cemented his place in Hollywood. Instead of settling in Beverly Hills or Malibu like most of his peers, he bought land in what was then a rural patch of Tarzana.
He didn’t just build a house. He built a personal retreat. Big trees, open skies, and space to breathe—something he couldn’t get on a film set. It was the kind of ranch where scenes were blocked out on horseback and big studio calls were probably ignored on purpose.
He lived here for about a decade. And even after he left, the ranch kept his fingerprints. The bones of the house—the stone walls, wood beams, wide-open layouts—they still feel like Huston: understated but bold.
A Backyard Railroad With Disney Ties
Now here’s where it gets surreal—in the best way. Sometime in the 1950s, after Huston had moved on, the next owner, engineer Gordon MacLean, added something nobody expected: a fully rideable, miniature train system.
We’re talking 2,000 feet of track, a tunnel, multiple trestles, warning signals, and a working depot. Not toy stuff—this is live steam and electric trains that can actually carry people around the property.
According to Mansion Global, Walt Disney himself consulted on the track layout. It makes sense—Disney was obsessed with model railroading and even had a miniature railroad in his own yard in Holmby Hills.
If you know anything about railfans or the Live Steam community, you’ll understand how rare this is. This isn’t decor—it’s history running on rails.
And if you’re into bold $20M statements with a different kind of luxury, Lynda Carter’s Surf Club condo in Miami is another story worth seeing.
From Abandoned Tracks to Full Restoration
Like most things built with love, the railroad didn’t stay pristine forever. For a while, the track went silent. Trains rusted. The depot faded. You can almost picture weeds growing between the rails.
Then came a comeback. Around 2021, Gordon MacLean’s son, Hawley, brought in a crew from the Santa Clarita Live Steamers to revive everything. They didn’t just patch it up—they restored it with care.
Now it’s fully operational again. That means the crossing signs work, the track is clean, the depot looks sharp, and the whole system runs like it used to. It’s not a theme park ride—it’s a working piece of Americana brought back to life.
This part matters because it shows care. Whoever owns this property next won’t be inheriting a fixer-upper—they’ll be taking the reins of a working passion project.
What You’re Really Buying—Inside the Estate
Okay, let’s zoom out from the train for a second. The property itself is no slouch. According to Robb Report, the main house clocks in at over 12,000 square feet. That’s five bedrooms, massive common spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that pull in natural light.
There’s also a party barn (yes, an actual barn for entertaining), a lagoon-style pool, a tennis court, seven ponds, hiking paths, a dog run, and even a tree swing. If it sounds like summer camp for grownups, that’s because it kind of is.
What I like most is the architecture. It’s not trying too hard. You’ll see vaulted wood ceilings, rough stonework at the entry, wide-plank oak floors, and fireplaces that actually get used.
Everything here is rooted in purpose. It’s luxury, sure—but not sterile, glass-box-on-a-hill luxury. It feels like a home that’s been lived in. And loved.
Compared to more traditional A-list homes—like the $11M estate Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner just sold—this ranch leans more into legacy and originality than polish.
Why the $20 Million Price Tag Actually Makes Sense?
Twenty million is no small number—even in L.A. But let’s be real: this isn’t your average spec home.
You’re not just paying for acreage or amenities. You’re buying into something irreplaceable: a rare combo of celebrity history, one-of-a-kind railroad craftsmanship, and a lifestyle that blends privacy, creativity, and quirk.
There’s also long-term value here. If you’re a collector, this property ticks every emotional box. If you’re an investor, you could film here, host exclusive events, or license the railroad as an attraction.
And if you’re someone who just wants a hideout with personality? This place doesn’t whisper—it tells stories.
What would you do with a private railroad in your backyard—ride it every morning or keep it as a collector’s gem? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear how this place hits you.
The Nostalgia Factor—More Than Just Real Estate
Honestly, what makes this place unforgettable isn’t just the celebrity past or the square footage. It’s the feeling it gives off.
When I first saw the photos of that miniature train weaving through the trees, I didn’t think “status symbol.” I thought of childhood. Of theme parks. Of a quieter, more playful version of California.
The track isn’t some gimmick. It’s a living link to a time when people built things for joy—not just resale value. And yes, that includes Walt Disney, who reportedly helped guide the layout here, just like he did with his own backyard train in Holmby Hills.
If you’re someone who values creativity, legacy, and a bit of magic in your home—this place will hit you right in the gut.
Little gems like this often spark bigger conversations among collectors and design lovers—I’ve seen some great takes lately in a WhatsApp group I follow that shares iconic, under-the-radar properties and updates. It’s a fun spot to watch stories like this unfold.
A Lifestyle, Not Just a Property
You don’t buy something like this because you need a house. You buy it because you want a certain way of living.
Imagine hosting a birthday where your guests ride a steam train around the backyard. Or having your kids or grandkids wave from the depot while you fire up the engine. That’s not fantasy—it’s built into the backyard.
There’s room here for film shoots, collector events, even low-key concerts or retreats. The party barn? That’s a legit venue. The train? A feature no other estate in Los Angeles offers at this level.
Plus, if you’re a brand-builder or content creator, this estate is basically a story factory. Every corner is a photo, a memory, a moment that no one else can replicate.
Not every high-end L.A. property has a train in the backyard—but they do come with surprises. Ellen DeGeneres recently re-listed her stunning mansion with a surprising price cut.
Why This Listing Is Turning Heads Right Now?
Here’s what’s wild: this kind of property doesn’t come around often, and when it does, it usually gets scooped up quietly.
But this one? It’s public. It’s polished. And it’s getting attention from every kind of buyer—real estate junkies, Disney collectors, film historians, and people just looking for something that feels different.
It’s rare to find a house that offers both emotional value and long-term investment appeal. This one does.
The market may be cooling in some pockets, but listings like this create their own rules. If you get it, you get it. And that’s what makes it dangerous to wait.
Final Thoughts
If you’re even a little curious, book the tour. Photos don’t do justice to what this place actually feels like when you’re standing in it—hearing the trees, walking the tracks, and seeing how it all flows together.
The listing is with Paul Czako and David Kramer—top-tier names in L.A. real estate—and they’re already seeing serious interest.
Estates like this? They don’t sit around. One real buyer, and it’s off the market. So whether you’re dreaming, collecting, or just want to ride that train while you still can—this might be your moment.
Curious about more homes with serious personality? Explore more celebrity real estate stories on our site—each one comes with its own twist.
Disclaimer: Property details, historical references, and pricing are based on publicly available listings and media reports at the time of writing. Please verify all information with the official listing agents. No financial or real estate advice is being provided.
