‘On Golden Pond’ Producer’s Longtime Santa Monica Home Up for Sale
Hitting the market for the first time in 40 years, a historic log cabin-style home in Santa Monica’s Rustic Canyon neighborhood is currently listed for $6,500,000, down $495,000 from the original listing price.
Built in 1924, the four-bedroom residence on Latimer Road seamlessly blends its century-old history with contemporary upgrades. Current owner Bruce Gilbert, the Oscar-winning producer behind On Golden Pond, Coming Home, and 9 to 5, purchased the property in the early 1980s when Rustic Canyon was still known primarily as a quiet retreat for artists and Hollywood insiders.
Rustic Canyon, nestled between Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades, began as a private hideaway for a bohemian group of early filmmakers and creatives known as the Uplifters. During Prohibition, they built lodges and meeting spaces tucked among the redwoods and creek beds. This home is one of the few original structures still standing and retains its log exterior, reportedly sourced from early Hollywood film sets, according to Mansion Global.
Over the years, the area has evolved into a highly sought-after enclave, home to modern-day celebrities such as J.J. Abrams and Ted Danson. Meryl Streep once lived next door, and Gilbert recalled an “open-gate policy” where families freely visited one another’s homes.
Spanning 2,668 square feet, the residence features soaring ceilings, exposed beams, and a dramatic double-sided river rock fireplace connecting the formal living and dining rooms. Natural light streams in through skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows, highlighting the open layout.
The chef’s kitchen boasts a six-burner range, double ovens, a griddle, and a lava rock gas grill, anchored by a spacious island illuminated with custom lighting. The primary suite has been updated with a spa-inspired bathroom that includes a freestanding tub, marble walk-in shower, twin vanities, and multiple skylights.
Two additional bedrooms overlook gardens, with one offering direct access to the backyard through French doors. A library with its own powder room and a private office provides extra flexibility.
Outside, the property’s nearly half-acre grounds are framed by mature redwood, fig, and avocado trees. A pool, grassy lawn, and native landscaping create a tranquil escape directly across from Rustic Canyon Park, which features tennis courts, a community center, and a nursery school.
The listing is held by Rochelle Maize of Next Level Real Estate.
