A 1920s Los Angeles home shared by actor Peter Porte and his husband, banking executive Jacob Villere, now features a hidden door and an interior inspired by a Disney villain.
From Duplex to Swashbuckling Sanctuary
The couple purchased the property in 2020, finding it divided into a duplex with mismatched renovations from different eras. Porte described it as a patchwork of styles. Despite the disarray, the Spanish-style architecture and panoramic city views made it worth restoring.
The home’s past added to its allure. Previous owners included two other queer couples, and actor Patrick Swayze once rented the space in the 1970s. Villere noted that Swayze had written about it in his memoir.
Their main goal was to return the property to a single-family residence designed for hosting. Porte and Villere regularly hold dinner parties, game nights, and themed gatherings, including an emoji-themed event and one inspired by The White Lotus. Porte admitted they hadn’t yet thrown a pirate-themed party but seemed open to the idea.
A Designer Who Understood the Vision
Their bold aesthetic aligned perfectly with designer Charlie Barstein of Hano. Porte’s request was simple: “Captain Hook’s boudoir.” He envisioned velvet, navy, and lace—far from the neutral interiors Barstein had just completed on a prior project.
Barstein appreciated the opportunity to work with such vivid colors. “I’d just finished a project where everything was white,” he said. “It was refreshing to have clients who trusted me to take risks.”
Villere, raised in New Orleans, immediately adopted the concept. The couple’s love for theatrical design made them stand out. Barstein observed that they were more prepared than most clients, arriving with curated images and a deep knowledge of designers.
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Villere’s art collection, built over 20 years, includes striking contemporary works by Southern artists. The pieces demonstrated their comfort with bold choices. “I walked into their home and saw the art, and I knew they were ready for something different,” Barstein said.
The renovation involved gutting the house to its framework, enabling structural changes. One addition was the secret door Porte now uses to access his office. The bookshelf-mounted entrance opens into a navy-blue workspace, blending seamlessly with the home’s playful yet polished style.
Barstein worked with builder Malkoe Design to incorporate rich paint colors, statement furniture, and textured fabrics. Hexagonal terracotta tiles from Arto now cover the living room floor, while Adam Pogue drapes enhance the city views. The result is a space that balances fantasy and refinement, capturing Porte’s original vision without literal pirate motifs.
“If you’re already renovating down to the studs, why not add a secret door?” Porte asked. “It would feel like a missed chance otherwise.”
Their gatherings have become a highlight for friends, but the home itself may be the true centerpiece. It reflects their personalities—confident, personal, and full of character.
For Villere, the project went beyond design. “It’s about creating a place where people feel free to be themselves,” he said. The couple’s Hollywood Hills estate now stands as a sign to that philosophy.