Teva Barnea, known on TikTok as @hollywoodhillscastle, is dedicating his time to renovating a storybook castle in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills, a project he undertook in honor of his mother who passed away from cancer and left him the property. The turreted stone home, situated on Wonderland Avenue in Laurel Canyon, has captured public attention through Barnea's online documentation of the restoration process.
Built in 1931 and inspired by European fairy-tale cottages and Frankenstein's Castle, the residence sits on approximately a quarter acre and features architectural details such as a Moroccan swag chandelier, illuminated brickwork, three fireplaces, and multiple courtyards shaded by mature trees. Previously, the home was marketed for short-term rental at $16,750 per month, described as a retreat for creatives seeking inspiration.
Barnea, 30, has expressed that the home has become a place of remembrance. In his TikTok videos, he shares his journey, stating, "This is my journey to honor my mom through the home she left for me." He has also found solace in observing birds that enter the house, viewing them as signs from loved ones.
The property has a history that includes a significant fire in 2010, which occurred when the home was rented by tattoo artist Kat Von D. Arson investigators attributed the blaze to a candle fire, though the stone construction of the house is credited with preventing its complete destruction. Barnea has stated that his mother, Deborah Dresbach, reached a settlement with Von D following the incident. Von D, however, has publicly countered this account, suggesting the fire was caused by faulty wiring and that no nondisclosure agreement was forced upon the homeowner.
Barnea has indicated openness to using the castle for professional endeavors, such as film shoots and productions, as a way to continue his mother's legacy. His online followers have responded with a mixture of sympathy and admiration, often describing the home with terms like "whimsy" and "magical."