James Franco’s former home across from Chateau Marmont sells for $4.65 million

James Franco’s former haunt — a 1920s Spanish villa right across the street from Chateau Marmont — has sold for $4.65 million. That’s $1.6 million shy of its original asking price, but $1.35 million more than what Franco sold it for in 2010, records show.

A home this close to the action was bound to have a few famous former owners. In addition to Franco, it also once belonged to filmmaker Francis Lawrence, whose long list of credits includes “I Am Legend� and the “Hunger Games� franchise.

The 97-year-old West Hollywood property has kept up nicely over the years, with modern fixtures mingling with original details such as beamed ceilings, built-ins and a 19th-century marble bathtub. In 5,215 square feet, there are three bedrooms and five bathrooms.

The black-and-white exterior continues inside, where black floors and cabinetry offset crisp white walls in the common spaces. French doors line a living room with wood accents, and other highlights include an office nook, second-story lounge, gym and master suite with a dance pole.

A spacious terrace hangs off the second story, taking in views of the city and the palm-topped turf yard. Down below, there’s a pool, patio and guesthouse — as well as a long-buried entrance to a secret tunnel that ran to a popular 1940s gentlemen’s club called the Player’s Club. The property covers about a quarter of an acre.

A California native, Franco has starred in a host of films over the last two decades including “Spider-Man,� “Pineapple Express,� “Spring Breakers� and “The Disaster Artist.� He received an Academy Award nomination for best lead actor for his role in the 2010 survival drama “127 Hours.�

Three years ago, the 41-year-old sold a Silver Lake duplex for $1.35 million, The Times previously reported.

Mauricio Umansky and Farrah Brittany of the Agency held the listing. Marcie Hartley of Hilton & Hyland represented the buyer.