The Fascinating History of Malibu Wines and Beer Garden

1936-1963 – The Stables

This building has had many lives and a long history. Despite its appearance, it was never actually a mission. It was built by a 1930’s American silent film star named Francis Lederer, who was known for appearing in films such as One Rainy Afternoon (1936), Million Dollar Weekend (1948), and for playing count Dracula himself in the 1958 movie, The Return of Dracula. During the 1950s, he even served as honorary mayor of nearby Canoga Park, which included west hills in 1987. With the help of John R. Litke, a builder known for mediterranean and mission revival styles, the building that would eventually become the Malibu Wines & Beer Garden was constructed in 1936 using local stones. The building was initially built to be a barn to house his wife, Marion Irvine’s horse, Gypsy.

1963-1967 – The Art Center

After Lederer no longer needed to stable his and his wife’s horses on the property, sculptor David Brockman gained permission to convert the barn into an art center with his business partner, John Naftzger. In May 1963, the barn became Lederer’s Canoga Mission Community Art Center. This art gallery showcased many art styles and local artists such as abstract modernist Robert Frame, abstract expressionist Fritz Faiss, pottery and ceramics created by Bob Harris and Jim Sullivan, and wood paintings done by Dr. Charles “Chuck” Bowdlear. Art classes were also held here.

1967-2000 – The Gallery

…And becoming a historical monument. In 1967, Lederer’s wife, Marion (Irvine) Lederer, took over operations with family friends Jody Hutchinson and married couple Mary and Obdulio Galeana. They reopened as Canoga Mission Gallery, which was a non-profit art center exhibiting artists’ work from around the world. Art from California and Mexico was showcased most often, as the Galeanas and Marion often traveled to Mexico to collect Mexican folk art. This gallery was an incredible boon to the community and stood for many years, even after being damaged by the 1997 Northridge Earthquake.

Because of its historical and cultural significance, the building became a protected historical landmark and a registered Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument (LAHCM) in 1978. It is designated as LAHCM No. 135.

2000-2015 – Hidden Chateau and Gardens

In 2000, Francis Lederer passed away, and the building changed hands to actor and comedian Jill Milligan. It was named Hidden Chateau and Gardens. It became not only a supposedly haunted gift shop selling antiques, home, and outdoor furnishings, and fine accessories but also a beautiful and beloved wedding and event space. Through Hidden Chateau and Gardens, Milligan began to gain attention and helped to design her retail clients’ homes. They appreciated her eye for unique and attractive décor and color coordination. Unfortunately for her business, however, developers began to eye the nearby properties in 2016. They soon informed her that she would not be able to continue weddings because of the planned construction in the area and the abundance of nearby homes. This effectively shut Hidden Chateau and Gardens down. It was fortunate for the Semlers, though, because they discovered the location one year later.