Janes House

Since 1903, this stately Queen Anne/Dutch Colonial Revival house has been a Hollywood icon. It was a residence until 1911, when it was converted into a family-run school, "The Misses Janes School of Hollywood," where film industry VIPs would bring their children. Under the tutelage of Mary Ruth Janes and her three daughters, the boys and girls of Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Cecil B. DeMille, and other luminaries would pursue their education here from kindergarten through eighth grade.

In later years, the little two-story Victorian cottage, with its shingled gables and fanciful turrets, was something of a party venue for Hollywood celebrities, and for a while it was the location of a Southern-style restaurant called Memphis. More recently, however, it was been converted into a gourmet restaurant, combining a relaxed, chic ambience with New American Cuisine. Featuring a cocktail lounge and the capacity to host custom banquets, it became known once again as something of a "party house."

Janes House is located in Janes Square, just a few blocks east of the Chinese Theatre. The address is 6541 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028-6256. There is a strict guest list, so guests must be sure to call ahead for reservations. Some outdoor seating is available, and smoking is allowed on the patio only.