Ashley Benson

The Benson Estate: A Mediterranean Evolution

The Structural Challenge When Ashley Benson acquired her 1930s estate—originally designed by Arthur Kelly, the architect behind the Playboy Mansion—it was a labyrinth of "warren-like" rooms and outdated additions. To achieve the "permanent vacation" vibe Benson desired, Nero Smeraldo, working with architect John Farrace and designer Nicole Gordon, executed an uncompromising structural overhaul. The team famously "tore out almost every wall in the house," a radical move that was necessary to create the open, light-filled flow that now defines the property.

Scale and Detail The complexity of the project lay in the simultaneous management of massive structural changes and intimate, hyper-niche details.

• Spatial Reimagining: Smeraldo oversaw the conversion of former staff quarters and a wine cellar into a moody, Hotel Costes-inspired speakeasy, and the transformation of a traditional library into a versatile guest suite.

• The "Nancy Meyers" Kitchen: He managed the technical execution of a spacious, farmhouse-inspired kitchen that balances professional-grade functionality with a soft, cinematic aesthetic.

• Atmospheric Contrast: From the all-black, Parisian-inflected dining room to the lush, Mediterranean backyard reminiscent of a hotel in Barcelona, Smeraldo’s team handled the intricate installation of multiple fireplaces, custom stonework, and specialized cabinetry that anchors each "unique journey" within the home.

International Recognition The Benson remodel has been lauded globally as a triumph of "playful nostalgia" and sophisticated restoration. By respecting the 1930s integrity while introducing bold, contemporary interventions, Smeraldo helped create a sanctuary that has become a recurring reference point in international design circles for how to successfully modernize a historic Los Angeles gem.