A "Class Act" for 65 years

The Santa Monica estate that the late film star and singer Kathryn Grayson called home for 65 years has come on the market at $8,995,000.

The English Tudor, built in 1926 and designed by Elmer Grey, sits on a double lot of more than an acre with views of the Riviera Country Club golf course. Neighboring homes date mostly from the 1920s and 1930s on the street dotted with Moreton Bay fig trees and vintage street lamps.

Throughout the house are rounded archways, hand-crafted leaded-glass windows, English oak paneling and beamed ceilings. The living room, with floor-to-ceiling stained-glass windows, a minstrels' gallery and a cathedral ceiling, was often a spot for entertaining or singing a duet accompanied on Grayson's grand piano. The 5,381-square-foot residence also has a formal dining room, a library, a breakfast room, a walk-in butler's pantry, 7 1/2 bedrooms and four bathrooms. The grounds include plum, avocado and four varieties of orange trees, an expansive lawn and camellias.

The operatic soprano made a name for herself playing supporting roles in musicals. She went on to star in "Anchors Aweigh" (1945), "The Toast of New Orleans" (1950), "Show Boat" (1951) and "Kiss Me Kate" (1953). Grayson died in February at age 88.