Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood house, a remarkable Spanish-style home built in 1929, offers a unique glimpse into Hollywood history.
This property holds special significance as it was the only house Monroe ever owned, having purchased it just six months before her untimely death in 1962 at the age of 36.
Features and Design
The one-story main house spans 2,097 square feet and includes two bedrooms.
It boasts timeless characteristics such as tiled floors, arched entryways, and pitched ceilings adorned with exposed wood beams.
Additionally, the kitchen has been tastefully updated, seamlessly integrating modern conveniences while preserving the historical charm of the home.
Monroe herself influenced much of the property’s design, adding personal touches such as an herb garden and authentic Mexican furniture, art, and tapestries, which she sourced during a trip to Mexico in early 1962.
Beyond the main house, the property includes a guest house, a pool, and lush grounds adorned with citrus trees.
These elements combine to form a private sanctuary, embodying Monroe’s aspiration for a serene and secure home environment.
Emotional Significance
Monroe was deeply invested in making this house a true sanctuary.
Her efforts in decorating and personalizing the home were part of her quest for stability and peace, following her psychiatrist’s advice to establish roots.
Despite living in various parts of Los Angeles, including Hollywood, Van Nuys, Lankershim, and Catalina, the Brentwood house was special to Monroe as it was the only property she ever purchased.
Reports on the purchase price vary, with figures ranging from $75,000 to $90,000, indicating its significant value at the time.
Tragic Demise and Preservation Efforts
On August 4, 1962, Monroe was found dead in her bedroom at the Brentwood home due to an overdose of barbiturates.
Her untimely passing occurred just six months after she had purchased the property, which was the first house she had ever owned independently.
Despite the house’s historical and cultural significance, Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank, the new owners, bought the property in 2023 for $8.35 million with intentions to demolish it and expand their adjacent property.
However, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted 12-0 to designate the house as a historic cultural monument, subjecting it to a stringent review process if demolition is proposed in the future.
The decision to save Monroe’s Brentwood home from demolition was also supported by the City Council’s land use management subcommittee and the Cultural Heritage Commission.
Councilwoman Traci Park emphasized the importance of preserving this iconic property, stating that it should have been done 60 years ago, as there is no other person or place in Los Angeles as iconic as Marilyn Monroe and her Brentwood home.
Historical Photos of the Home
When Marilyn Monroe purchased the Brentwood property, it was a charming 1920s Spanish hacienda-style home that exuded Old Hollywood glamour.
The kitchen when Marilyn Monroe resided there in 1962, showcasing its original layout, appliances, and decor from that era.
After Marilyn Monroe’s personal belongings and furnishings were removed following her untimely passing in 1962, the house was left in a state of emptiness, devoid of the vibrant energy and iconic style that had once filled its rooms.
Marilyn Monroe, the legendary Hollywood icon, posed for her final photoshoot at her beloved Spanish-style hacienda in Brentwood, Los Angeles, just weeks before her tragic death.
The living room boasts original 1920s Spanish-inspired furnishings, plush textiles, and elegant decor.
The entryway’s terracotta tiles, with their warm hues and intricate patterns, set the tone for the home’s architectural elegance.
This living room was photographed in 2010 from nearly the same angle as a picture taken in 1962, offering a compelling comparison of its evolution over time.
Another living area offers a contemporary view of its design and layout.
The study or office area provides direct access to the patio for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Marilyn Monroe’s bedroom at the time of her tragic death in 1962 offered a glimpse into the intimate and glamorous setting where she spent her final moments.
The kitchen featured sleek, modern appliances and cabinetry with a minimalist design that complemented the home’s vintage aesthetic.
Marilyn Monroe’s bedroom was a lavish, glamorous space with a large, plush bed surrounded by modern furniture and futuristic lighting fixtures.
The bathroom was a spacious, luxurious retreat with high-end fixtures and finishes that exuded Hollywood-inspired opulence.
Recent Photos of the Home
Lush greenery and mature trees offer ample shade, contributing to the overall tranquil ambiance of this luxurious Brentwood property.
The gated entrance, surrounded by vibrant foliage and citrus trees, provides an intimate and secluded welcome to the historic estate.
A charming courtyard features rustic brick pathways and colorful potted plants, adding to the home’s timeless Spanish-style allure.
The sparkling pool, set amidst lush landscaping, invites relaxation and outdoor enjoyment, epitomizing the property’s luxurious yet intimate appeal.
Inside, the living room boasts exposed wood beams and a tiled fireplace, offering a cozy yet elegant space for relaxation.
The detailed fireplace showcases intricate tile work, preserving the home’s authentic character and warmth.
An arched entryway frames a sunlit window, enhancing the airy and inviting atmosphere of the interior.
The modernized kitchen, with its wooden beams and updated appliances, blends contemporary convenience with historical charm.
A bright room with a skylight and exposed beams offers a versatile space, perfect for a home office or studio.
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