Clark Gable Estates in Encino are developed around the property of Gone With the Wind star Clark Gable’s 20-acre ranch, which he bought in 1940 with his wife Carole Lombard. The house originally belonged to noted director Raoul Walsh, and the star couple enjoyed a country lifestyle amid orange groves, stables, and a barn. They had a pigsty on their property, but no pigs. In one of the great tragedies of World War II Hollywood, the couple had only lived there for two years when Carole Lombard died in a plane crash while returning from selling war bonds. After his beloved wife’s death, Clark Gable enlisted in and served in the Air Force, not returning to his ranch until 1944. He continued to live in the ranch throughout succeeding marriages until he died in 1960. In 1973, Gable’s widow Kay sold the property which was developed into Clark Gable Estates. The original ranch house remains at 4543 Tara Drive and is reportedly owned by Michael Milken.
Clark Gable Estates are located South of Ventura Blvd. in Encino on Ashley Oaks, Tara Drive, and Petit Ave. The homes are primarily built in Tudor style and may include tennis courts, pools, spas, oversized garages, and other amenities. Although many homes are renovated and upgraded, the majority were built between 1973 and 1977. Clark Gable Estates is also within the Lanai Elementary school district, which is one of the most coveted in Encino.
The majority of homes in Clark Gable Estates have five and six bedrooms and average approximately 5,000 to 5,500 square feet. Each Clark Gable Estate home has a .5 acre lot subdivided from the actor’s original 20-acre ranch. Some refer to Clark Gable Estates as “Brentwood North” and homes are located in a gracious greenbelt environment. You may find many upgrades in Clark Gable Estates homes, but the elegance, refinement, and star power of the neighborhood’s namesake continues to influence the community today. Homes in the area do not frequently come on the market and are in high demand. In Clark Gable Estates, you are within easy access to dining and shopping on Ventura Blvd. and in a protected enclave of cul-de-sac streets.
Parks
- Los Encinos State Historic Park
- Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area
- Lake Balboa Park
- Encino Park
Schools
- Lanai Road Elementary School
- Gaspar De Portola Middle School
- Birmingham Community Charter High School