As the star of I Love Lucy, American actress Lucille Ball is still undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s biggest names. Born in Jamestown, New York, she moved frequently throughout her young childhood, as a result of her father’s job as a Bell Telephone linesman. After deciding to pursue a career in show business, Ball moved to New York City, then eventually across the country to Los Angeles. It was in California that her career really took off—and so did her experience as a homeowner. Though Ball wasn’t one to snatch up real estate like some celebrities today, she did own a few homes throughout her life. Take a peek inside three of them in these vintage photos.
Ball spent the early years of her showbiz career in New York City, before moving to California. After marrying in 1940, Ball and her first husband, Desi Arnaz, bought a ranch in Chatsworth, located in the San Fernando Valley outside of Los Angeles.
The five-acre ranch was well-suited to the animal-loving couple, who had a pack of dogs, cats, chickens, a pig, and a cow named the Duchess of Devonshire.
Ball and Arnaz were particularly fond of cocker spaniels. They had at least two, named Pinto and Taffy.
Ball would decorate the house in her signature style, which she once described as “early Victorian” meets “bastard American.” She brought her love for frilly decor into her later homes, too.
