By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY – Senior Writer

Tucked away in a gated enclave on the outskirts of Crestline is Greystone Manor, a 4,000-square-foot, 21-room mansion, once owned by legendary screen actress Myrna Loy.

The now vacant, five-bedroom, three and a half-bathroom residence, surrounded by a lush pine, cedar and oak forest, was toured on May 3 by a small contingency of local historians representing the Rim of the World Historical Society, which is interested in renting it for occasional special events.

A reading room, with an adjoining office, has well-stocked bookshelves and comfortable furniture.

Caretaker/host Alicia Rush began the tour downstairs in the spacious living room, which features a stone fireplace, comfortable, country furniture, colorful paintings and photos, some of which are signed by Hollywood celebrities from a bygone era. Adjoining rooms include a reading room with well-stocked bookshelves and an office adorned with more framed photos and paintings.

The kitchen, which has been upgraded with modern appliances, has an adjoining breakfast nook.

At the foot of a stairway leading to the second floor is a door-sized mirror, which, if you tug on it, is an actual door leading to another area of the opulent residence. The kitchen has been upgraded with thoroughly modern appliances and features an adjoining dining alcove. To the left of the kitchen there is a screened parlor overlooking a series of terraced patios that wind around the building, with comfortable outdoor furniture. One of the patios has a fully equipped barbecue, while others have beautiful fountains and pools.

A truly unique bathroom features a stone cavern shower.

One of the bathrooms has a unique, two-level, stone cavern shower with a standard shower nozzle on the lower level and a waterfall pouring down from above. In another room is an arcade with the latest in pinball and other gaming apparatuses. There is also a media room featuring a giant flatscreen television, comfortable furniture and a more than adequate selection of DVDs, as well as snacks and beverages.

An arcade room has fun games for youngsters and the young-at-heart.

This full-sized mirror is actually a secret door, one of several that lead to other areas of the manor.

This palatial estate, overlooking a verdant forest, is available to rent for overnight stays, business meetings, weddings and small-group parties. If any of these activities fit your needs, contact Alicia Rush at (909) 278-9333.