looKinG BacK

tImeLess Charm

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La Venta Inn
wriTTen by denise Kano. phoTo courTesy of palos verdes library disTricT, local hisTory collecTion.

of

Charles Lindbergh, Tyrone Power, Cary Grant, Gloria Swanson, Errol Flynn, Betty Grable, Lana Turner, and Bob Hope, visited and dined at the inn, and it soon became the place to see and be seen.

When most of us think of la Venta inn, we probably recall a relatives wedding reception, a company holiday party, or some other festive occasion at the intimate location. however, the inn boasts an impressive and varied history for its 88 years, from serving as a famous black-tie restaurant to a private residence. constructed in 1923 at a cost of $17,000, the la Venta inn, also referred to in some early historical documents as the Wayside inn, was the first permanent building constructed in palos Verdes. Given the name, la Venta, meaning the sale, it was originally built by the managers of the palos Verdes project to entertain potential land buyers. The project, a real estate trust financed by 4,000 investors, sought to develop palos Verdes while at the same time preserving the lands unique beauty. The first large la Venta party was held in 1924 on the three-acre site, when 200 realtors were wined and dined in the beautiful setting. The projects plan was a huge success, and soon homes started appearing on the landscape, all following the Mediterranean architectural example of the inn. The inn was used as a backdrop for several silent movies and in the late 1920s it became known as a black-tie restaurant, and later as a weekend retreat. The wedding of robert cowley and Mildred ashby, both of hermosa Beach, was the first to take place at la Venta inn, held on June 6, 1925. in the 1930s and 40s, notable people of that era, such as charles lindbergh, Tyrone power, cary Grant, Gloria Swanson, errol flynn, Betty Grable, lana Turner, and Bob hope, visited and dined at the inn, and it soon became the place to see and be seen, with relaxing days taking tea in the garden, and evenings spent sipping champagne and enjoying sumptuous dinners near the roaring fireplace.

during the Great depression, all was quiet for several years. frank conroy, a Broadway stage actor, purchased the inn in 1941 and hosted lavish hollywood parties, but with the onset of World War ii, bomb scares and blackouts prevented visitors from attempting the long, winding drive to the inn, and it was all but abandoned. at the end of World War ii, the inn was purchased by the Schnetzler family, and they converted it into their own private residence. They worked on renovations, and lovingly brought the expansive gardens back to life. They were also reportedly always friendly to curious passersby who didnt know the inn was now a private home. dorie Matthews, former owner and daughter of the Schnetzlers, told the daily Breeze that there were occasions when people would just come in the front door, sit down and ask for a menu. The Schnetzlers eventually reopened the inn to the public in 1957, and for ten years, Mrs. Schnetzler assisted with arranging weddings and celebrations on the grounds, acting as innkeeper. over the years there have been instances in which developers made overtures toward this valuable property, but the community consistently rallied to preserve the inn and its history, and it was eventually designated a nationally recognized historical landmark. Since 1992, the new york food company has managed the property, and hosts numerous private party functions every year. The la Venta inn continues to stand majestically overlooking the spectacular South Bay coastline, with Santa Monica in the distance; its stunning view affectionately known as The Queens necklace for its shape, as well as the shimmering nighttime lights. Whatever occasion brings you to la Venta, you always feel as though youre stepping back into time and the charm remains the same.

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the Spectacular, largely unDevelopeD coaStline of the South Bay, circa 1925.

the tower waS Briefly uSeD aS an oBServation poSt During worlD war ii.

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