It is unique in its scale: affordable and built for a middle-class family, but with all of the care and craftsmanship of the great Tudor Revival estates of Southern California.

This Tudor Revival cottage was designed and built in 1936 by contractor Jack Frith for Sherman W. Ford, a retired real estate accountant.

The house was sold a decade later and passed through a series of owners until being purchased by Richard “Dick” L. and Geraldine F. Alexander on September 26, 1974, who resided in the home throughout his illustrious career.

Alexander frequently held meetings at the house with actors, directors and other production principals such as Clint Eastwood while working on their films.

Known for its use of half-timbered walls, steep roof lines and leaded glass windows,[2] the style became easily recognizable and soon had versions appearing in other countries, such as France and the German states.

Although Tudor revival homes incurred greater expense to manufacture, they were popular and built in all sizes, including sprawling mansions and small cottages.

While the majority of Tudor Revival homes are located in the Northern United States since their facade is ideal for colder climates, the style did become popular in certain parts of Southern California, including such neighborhoods as Hancock Park and Windsor Square in the Wilshire District of Los Angeles.

[4] Flush with new wealth, movie moguls and stars sought luxurious living quarters befitting their new status, engendering an abundance of unique architectural revival styles in Los Angeles.

In 1909, following the death of his father, Frith emigrated to the United States, arriving in Philadelphia on June 27, 1910, his mother joining him later that same year.

[9] Both homes show Frith's Tudor design elements, particularly his attention to detail and craftsmanship usually reserved for larger estates.

According to family lore,[citation needed] Frith also performed remodeling work and custom craftsmanship jobs in the homes of Hollywood stars such as Joe E. Brown, Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart and Maureen O’Sullivan, building a chapel for the actress and a custom desk for her husband, director John Farrow.

Frith died in Los Angeles on November, 30, 1962, at 78, and is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.