Inside the notorious Hollywood Hills ‘squatter mansion’ hits market for $4.4 million
It’s as good as new.
A Hollywood Hills mansion once covered in garish graffiti has been scrubbed from the inside out, and plonked on the market for $4.4 million.
The 11,152-square-foot estate at 1754 Sunset Plaza Drive became infamous in 2024 for being the site of repeated vandalizations while it was owned by John Powers Middleton, whose father owns the Philadelphia Phillies.
The six-bedroom, twelve-bathroom mansion has sweeping views of Los Angeles, with amenities including an elevator, a ballroom, two gourmet kitchens, and a spa room.
The home’s primary suite comes complete with dual bathrooms and closets, and glass doors that open to one of the home’s two pools.
Photos of the now cleaned property show its ornate exterior, complete with arches and detailed stone fencing.
The vacant property became notorious in the neighborhood when was repeatedly taken over by squatters and taggers who covered the property’s exterior in bright graffiti.
The property earned the ire of neighbors, who branded it a nuisance and an eyesore.
“It’s tragic,” neighbor Alexander Gorbis, who was friends with a previous owner’s son, told KABC in 2024.
“I [virtually] grew up in that house. I saw it when it was very small, and there wasn’t too much to it. I grew up with the son of the previous builder — and to see how it is now is just beyond words.”
In September 2024, the LAPD told Fox News Digital that the Hollywood Hills area responded to 17 calls for service on the 1700 block of Sunset Plaza Drive so far that year.
Just miles away, another vacant property owned by Middleton was also overtaken by squatters and decorated in graffiti.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman blasted Middleton for the conditions of both properties.
“This is a public safety issue with serious consequences for both neighbors and the surrounding community,” Raman said. “Irresponsible property owners must take accountability for their property or face action from the city.”
In September 2024, Middleton released a statement apologizing to the city of Los Angeles for the conditions of his properties, saying he would be compensating community members for any fees incurred by residents because of his homes.
“I would like to apologize to the people of Los Angeles, and especially to my neighbors. What’s happened to the two properties I own is unacceptable, and no matter what caused it, I own the houses,” Middleton, film producer, said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.
“I will also repay any and all taxpayer funds used to gate, fence or board the houses and to pay all tax bills. I want to thank the city of Los Angeles for working with me to rectify this horrible situation.”
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!