Author: Michael Darling
It is a truth universally acknowledged that mixing an abundance of wealth with an absence of taste shall lead to a fascinating and horribly tacky cocktail. Take Paris Hilton, for instance. The average Angeleno sees examples of this phenomenon on regular basis when driving around the more well-to-do neighborhoods of Los Angeles. This is a town where the fine art of the kitsch lawn decoration has been taken to a higher level. Whether it’s faux-Grecian columns at the front door or a menagerie of animal statues on the front lawn, there is most likely a house in the City of Angels that has it.
Most notable amongst these is Youngwood Court, also known as the House of David. According to local rumor, this house in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles was once the home of Nat King Cole. Since then, not-as-well-known musician and producer Norwood Young has moved into the house, giving it quite the makeover. The house gains its name and notoriety from the eighteen reproductions of Michelangelo’s David that Young erected along the driveway in 1996. The Davids line the house’s driveway and face the street, making for many a nice photo opportunity. It is quite possibly the nation’s largest display of nude statuary in a residential area.
The Davids are the main attraction of the house, but there are many other things to love about the House of David. The Davids stand guard around a singular miniature Venus de Milo. The house’s roof is decorated with Greco-Roman busts and bronzed lion heads. The cars of Youngwood Court are also well known for their bright burnt orange color scheme. Additionally, the wrought iron front gate is emblazoned with the words Youngwood Court and several fleur-de-lis. All in all, the estate is a uniquely L.A. environment.
Although the house is already a site to behold, Young also dresses it up for Christmastime. Traditionally, Young puts small Santa hats on the heads of the Davids. Artificial snow is typically a part of the display, along with New Years decorations. Recently, Young has added a sleigh riding African American Santa and Mrs. Claus.
So, what do the neighbors think of the house? According to a 1997 Los Angeles Times article, Young’s neighbors were not keen on his decorative choices. As for Young, the Times quotes him as saying “I don’t give a —- what my neighbors say.”
Where is it?: 304 S. Muirfield Road, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Remember, though it is an L.A. tourist attraction, it is still a private residence, so be respectful of Mr. Young, his house and the neighborhood should you go and visit. If one chooses to make a pilgrimage to the House of David, a nice lunch and time to make sense of what you have just seen can be found on nearby Larchmont Boulevard or at the Farmer’s Market.
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