Powerful D.C. lobbyist linked to $7.7M purchase of Rustic Canyon lodge

Haldeman Road home, Heather Podesta (Partners Trust/Getty Images)
Haldeman Road home, Heather Podesta (Partners Trust/Getty Images)

Washington “it girl,” lobbyist Heather Podesta, bought the Rustic Canyon hangout of Clark Gable and Walt Disney for $7.7 million.

The 6,195-square-foot property on Haldeman Road is part of the iconic Uplifters Ranch neighborhood, a former 121-acre male-only retreat developed by Harry Haldeman, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The six-bedroom, five-bathroom home was listed for $7.9 million and features a great room with a grand fireplace.

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

Seller Larry Butler, who runs an investment firm, purchased it from actress Daryl Hannah in 1999 for $1.5 million, The Real Deal previously reported. Butler made extensive renovations to the property in 2012, doubling its size while also preserving historical elements such as the original furniture and an eight-panel oil mural.

Hugh Evans of Partners Trust had the listing. Elisabeth Halsted of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California represented the buyer.

Podesta is known for her work with Democratic candidates, including Hillary Clinton. Her firm Invariant, formerly Heather Podesta + Partners, netted more than $9.8 million in lobbying fees last year, according to The Hill. Clients include Cigna Corp., Fitbit, Red Bull, Home Depot, Herbalife, Prudential Financial and the National Cannabis Industry Association. [LAT]Subrina Hudson