An illustrious neo-Tudor house in Brooklyn’s Ditmas Park, previously intended for the silent film star Mary Pickford, is now available for purchase at a price of $2.99 million.
This remarkable property, located at 1320 Ditmas Ave., has become a cherished piece of Hollywood history, despite Pickford never having fully occupied it, having only briefly visited.
The listing, managed by Corcoran’s Karen Talbott and Kyle Talbott, showcases a sprawling 5,000-square-foot home that captures the essence of Victorian Flatbush.
This six-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom residence, constructed in 1910 by Vitagraph Film Studios, was commissioned to house Pickford during a time when she was a shining star in Hollywood, known as “America’s Sweetheart.”
According to Karen Talbott, the seller believes that the house was originally built for Pickford as part of a contract negotiation; however, she ultimately opted to relocate to California instead.
Despite her absence, the home is fondly referred to as “Mary Pickford’s house” by locals and film enthusiasts alike.
Mary Pickford, who co-founded United Artists alongside notable figures such as Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith in 1919, was a trailblazer in the industry, reshaping the concept of stardom and artistic control.
Michael Cramer, a film history professor at Sarah Lawrence College, asserts that Pickford is regarded as the first female movie star, achieving a level of fame that was unparalleled in the 1910s.
Although she lived a reclusive life later, residing at her estate Pickfair in California, the Brooklyn residence maintains its own allure.
The house features a grand foyer that opens to a massive living room and an octagonal dining room, both accentuated by working fireplaces.
Sunlight graces the original woodwork, leaded glass built-ins, and elegant hardwood floors throughout the house.
Talbott notes, “This property exudes the grandeur of Hollywood homes, featuring exceptionally high ceilings and basement ceilings, which were designed to accommodate [Fairbanks], who was very tall.”
The craftsmanship showcased in the residence reflects an elegance and sophistication that befits a person of Pickford’s stature.
On the upper level, a cozy landing connects four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and two home offices that offer serene treetop views.
The basement provides an entertainment room complete with a wood-paneled bar, an additional fireplace, a mirrored gym, laundry facilities, wine storage, and a workshop.
Everything about this home was constructed with an eye toward hosting someone quite significant.
Elaina Friedrichsen, Director of Archive & Legacy at the Mary Pickford Foundation, commented, “Without a doubt, Mary Pickford was the most powerful and influential woman ever in Hollywood history.”
Friedrichsen elaborated on Pickford’s pioneering achievements, which include creating her own studio and founding several critical industry organizations.
Despite Pickford’s supposed connection to Vitagraph Studios, Friedrichsen clarifies that she never actually worked for them.
The actress spent formative years with Biograph Studios from 1909 to 1912, followed by brief stints at IMP Studios and Majestic in Chicago.
Eventually, she joined Famous Players, which would later evolve into Paramount Pictures, before establishing United Artists.
Contract discussions with Vitagraph fell through in 1916, prompting her return to Famous Players, as detailed in Richard Alleman’s guide, “New York: The Movie Lover’s Guide.”
Pickford’s legacy as a self-made woman is also significant, as she was the first woman in the United States to earn over a million dollars in a single year, an achievement that highlights her financial acumen as well as her cinematic talent.
By 2017, her earnings had approximately doubled that figure in today’s money.
Cramer notes that she is often referred to as the first millionaire in Hollywood, pointing out that she was likely the first millionaire performer.
Mary Pickford’s ascent from modest beginnings in Toronto to becoming a cinematic icon is striking.
Supporting her family as a child and demonstrating unparalleled talent on stage at an early age, her rise to fame was swift.
By her early teens, she had captured the hearts of audiences, showcasing her charm and versatility on screen.
“The other thing that’s really important is not only is she important as an actress, she is also really important as a producer,” Cramer continued. “Once she becomes famous, she starts production companies to make her own films, which means that she’s in charge of everything: hiring the director, the screenwriter, which films to make.”
United Artists allowed her and other independent producers to gain unprecedented control over their projects, ultimately building her fortune and solidifying her status in Hollywood.
While Mary Pickford represented a wholesome image as “America’s sweetheart,” her story also encompasses a remarkable journey of financial success and artistic independence that resonates in the film industry today.
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