Throughout history the standards of luxury have continuously evolved, yet the 20th century redefined the concept perhaps more than any other period. Today, we’re taking a look at a few of our favorite luxury homes from this era, all of which hold a special place in history. Each of these residences illustrate the elevated living standards of the 20th century with a timeless sense of splendor that cannot be manufactured. Following are the homes of William Randolph Hearst, Howard Hughes and Stanley Marcus.

In 1935 Stanley Marcus, longtime president of luxury retailer Neiman Marcus, commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design a home near the company’s headquarters in Texas. After rejecting Wright’s vision Marcus turned to local architect Roscoe DeWitt, who ultimately designed one of the most iconic homes in all of Dallas. Designated a Dallas Landmark in 2010, the home has hosted hundreds of dignitaries, including President Lyndon B. Johnson, Princess Grace of Monaco, James Dean and Yves St. Laurent. In 2011 it was carefully updated to today’s standards, but still boasts such original details as the leather flooring in the estate home’s famous library. A stunning work of contemporary architecture, the Stanley Marcus residence has maintained a timeless elegance that is unrivaled 75 years after its completion in 1938.

In 1935 Stanley Marcus, longtime president of luxury retailer Neiman Marcus, commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design a home near the company’s headquarters in Texas. After rejecting Wright’s vision Marcus turned to local architect Roscoe DeWitt, who ultimately designed one of the most iconic homes in all of Dallas. Designated a Dallas Landmark in 2010, the home has hosted hundreds of dignitaries, including President Lyndon B. Johnson, Princess Grace of Monaco, James Dean and Yves St. Laurent. In 2011 it was carefully updated to today’s standards, but still boasts such original details as the leather flooring in the estate home’s famous library. A stunning work of contemporary architecture, the Stanley Marcus residence has maintained a timeless elegance that is unrivaled 75 years after its completion in 1938.

Finally, our last house is the legendary Beverly House in Beverly Hills, CA. Perhaps you saw it during the notorious horse head seen in The Godfather? But long before that, the one-of-a-kind estate was home to media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. In 1946 Hearst moved to the Beverly House from San Simeon (bringing some of the finishes with him) where he would live the remainder of his life. The home, which has hosted countless icons such as John and Jacqueline Kennedy, contains every imaginable amenity from an art-deco night club wine cellar to full spa facilities with a gym and massage room. Today, the home remains one of the most luxurious and historically significant private residences in the world.

Source: Luxury Portfolio