So many more come to mind when I got thinking further. Milo Janus and Abigail Mitchell had fantastic places too! I always thought it was a nice touch when they show Abigail coming down the stairs (to dig again for the keys) from outside so you really know she’s in that mansion. Alex Benedict had a fantastic mansion, not my favourite style, but one of the best at displaying the opulence at hand of some of the killers! Despite the messy appearance, I always loved Karl Lessing’s beach place. Maybe it’s because they were always so good at starting with the sound of the waves when they showed those properties.
I get very excited about all of the properties. My dream is to go to California and do a driving tour of all of these places. So sad when I hear that some are razed (as I’m sure so many are) as I see my dream slipping away before I get a chance to do it.
Yes, the Mitchell house is nice, especially because it appears they filmed much of it on location and not in a studio. I liked the beach house setting for Carl and Nadia Donner, as well, but the interior scenes seem to be quite obviously filmed in a studio, which always bothers me. (In fact, I think the green couch can be seen in another Columbo episode)
Oh interesting catch on the couch double use. For the amount of times I’ve watched every episode I’m surprised I hadn’t noticed that. The sound stage use is never as fun. Always noticed that the stage for Ransom for a Dead Man is the same as the stage used in the Short Fuse house. Even Milo Janus’ den was an obvious stage.
Cries Wolf, of course (personnel included ;)
As mentioned recently, the Google Maps of locations over on Columbophile's site is really top quality stuff: https://columbophile.com/2019/06/02/the-ultimate-columbo-locations-map/
The bid for "Greatest" Mansion in the entire series probably comes down to Arthur Kennicutt's impressive spread (The Beverly House) or Fielding Chases's ostentatious "elevator" ride and extensive property.
I like that Tudor house too in Forgotten Lady. Alex Benedict's Pasadena mansion was something tho wasn't it but I like old school. The ONE house I would love to live in tho would be Dr Mason's in How to Dial a Murder. Love Old Hollywood.