Tattoo artist and makeup mogul Kat Von D has decided to move away from Los Angeles towards a more bucolic way of life in Indiana, citing a desire “to plant roots in a small town where there is nature, where my son can be free to play, and where we can eventually retire one day,” on Instagram. As a result, she’s listed her Victorian mansion for sale, with an asking price of $15million USD. Not too shabby considering she initially purchased the property for $6.5million USD a mere six years ago.
Located in Los Angeles’ Windsor Square neighbourhood, the three-storey Victorian mansion was built by Isaac Newton Van Nuys in 1896 and transported to its current location by Van Nuys’ son, J. Benton. Set on a lot of almost 27,000 square feet, the main house comprises 11 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms, with the property also including a carriage house with two bedrooms and one bathroom.
Since moving into the gated property, Von D undertook several renovations to align the mansion with her signature aesthetic. Working cohesively with the Victorian elements of the design, the interiors take on a gothic vibe, following a similar tone to Von D’s eponymous makeup line. The first floor plays host to a lavish sitting room, replete with Regency-style details like a frescoed ceiling, gold-gilded green walls, an ornate fireplace, and period-style furniture and curtains. A den takes on a cosier tone, with dark walnut wood panelling, a marble fireplace, and red accents. Meanwhile, the library – naturally – features walls lined with books and is dressed in red and green accents which complement their cherry wood surrounds.
A chef-quality kitchen takes form in dark wood and marble and features an old-school range. Those in pursuit of a sneaky tipple will be pleased to know a secret door leads to a hidden bar that features hand-carved walls. On the second floor, five bedrooms display unique characteristics, with the master bedroom decked out in deep red and featuring a statement sculptural fireplace. A particularly striking guest bedroom is adorned with chandeliers and a pink velvet bedspread, which work to complement the scenic wallpaper used.
Not to be outdone by the interiors, the manicured hedges and maroon sculptures outside line a blood-red pool, which work well with the red-brick facade of the mansion. Fit for a modern-day Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights, while Kat Von D’s former home may not be everyone’s cup of tea (or pool of blood), the distinct aesthetic is sure to please many.
Words by Esmé Duggan
