What makes a house more than just a building? In the case of 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in Brentwood, Los Angeles, it’s the legendary resident who once called it home. This 2,600-square-foot, Hacienda-style property was the only house ever owned by Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe. Purchased in 1962 for $75,000 (equivalent to about $730,000 today), it served as Monroe’s haven for just six months before her untimely death.
Today, this seemingly simple house stands at the center of a heated battle to preserve Los Angeles’ cultural heritage. Despite its brief connection to Monroe, the Brentwood Marilyn Monroe house has become a symbol of the star’s enduring legacy and a focal point for historic preservation efforts. The L.A. City Council’s recent vote to designate it as a historic cultural monument underscores its significance, particularly as one of the few historic sites linked to women’s history in the city.
However, the current owners’ plans to demolish the property have sparked controversy, pitting preservationists and Monroe’s fans against those who prioritize property rights and development. As this debate unfolds, one question looms large: What will become of Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood house, and what does its fate mean for the preservation of Hollywood’s golden age?
Location and Description
In the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, a beautiful Spanish Colonial-style home sits at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive. This single-story hacienda, dating back to the 1920s, boasts a modest 2,600 square feet of living space. While its size may be small, the historical importance and connection to Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe make this property truly extraordinary.
Address and Architecture
The property at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive is a classic example of Spanish Colonial architecture. Since Marilyn Monroe’s brief residency in 1962, this 2,600-square-foot bungalow has maintained its original charm and character. The home features:
- A single-story layout typical of hacienda-style homes
- Warm terracotta tile floors throughout
- Rustic wood-beamed ceilings
- Quaint casement windows that allow ample natural light to flood the interior
These architectural elements not only showcase the timeless appeal of Spanish Colonial design but also provide a glimpse into the home as Monroe would have experienced it. The preservation of these features has been crucial in maintaining the property’s historical significance and connection to the Hollywood icon.
Property Features
The Brentwood Marilyn Monroe house sits on a picturesque half-acre estate, offering a peaceful and private setting that exemplifies the allure of California living. This iconic property boasts several key features that enhance its charm and historical significance:
- A welcoming brick patio that leads to a spacious swimming pool, perfect for soaking up the California sun
- Lush, well-manicured lawns that surround the home
- Mature trees and carefully trimmed hedges that provide privacy and shade
- A charming citrus orchard that adds to the property’s beauty and Mediterranean feel
- Vibrant bougainvillea lining the entrance, creating a stunning first impression
- A convenient two-car garage, a modern amenity that complements the home’s historical character
The combination of these features creates an oasis-like atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the private world Marilyn Monroe sought to create for herself. The property’s layout and landscaping not only showcase the beauty of Southern California living but also provide insight into the star’s desire for a serene and secluded home environment.
Marilyn Monroe’s Ownership
The Brentwood home is a key part of Hollywood’s history. It was the only house Marilyn Monroe ever owned. In 1962, she bought it for $75,000, which is about $775,000 today. This house was a big deal for her, being her first and only home bought on her own.
Purchase and Brief Residency
Monroe didn’t get to enjoy the home for long. She died there six months after buying it. Her death at 36 was from an apparent overdose. This made the house a lasting link to her life.
Significance to Monroe’s Life
Even though she was there for a short time, the home showed a rare stable period in her life. The Spanish-style house with its private pool was her escape from fame. It still has many original features that show her style and taste.
The Brentwood home is a lasting tribute to Marilyn Monroe. It shows a private side of her life often hidden from the public. Being her only owned home, it’s a key part of Hollywood’s history, linked to her legend.
Ownership History and Recent Developments
After Marilyn Monroe’s death, her Brentwood bungalow changed hands many times. It’s a 2,600-square-foot house on an acre in Los Angeles. Over the last 60 years, it has had 14 owners.
Despite many owners, the house has seen many updates. There have been over a dozen renovation permits issued.
Key Ownership Changes
In 2014, Dan Lukas and his wife Anne Jarmain bought the Monroe estate for $7.3 million. They lived there for a few years. Then, they bought a bigger house next door for $8.2 million.
Last month, they sold the Monroe house to an unknown buyer for almost $8.4 million. It was sold in cash.
Current Owners and Controversy
Brinah Milstein and her husband, Roy Bank, now own the property. They bought it last year for $8.35 million. They wanted to grow their estate.
Soon after, they applied for a demolition permit. The LA Department of Building and Safety approved it for a “plan check”. But, no official permit has been given yet.
This has caused a stir among those who want to save Marilyn Monroe’s only home she owned by herself.
Demolition Plans and Preservation Efforts
The iconic Brentwood home where Marilyn Monroe lived and tragically died has sparked a big debate. Real estate heiress Brinah Milstein and TV producer Roy Bank bought it for $8.35 million. They quickly got a demolition permit from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. They wanted to tear it down and maybe build more.
Proposed Demolition and Expansion
Milstein and Bank said the home, built in 1929, had changed a lot over 60 years. They thought it was no longer the original house. They also said it was a nuisance, drawing too many tourists and fans.
Despite its history, they didn’t think it was a historic monument. They wanted to tear it down and maybe build more.
City Council’s Historic Designation
Historians, locals, and Marilyn Monroe fans fought against demolition. After a year, the Los Angeles City Council voted to save the house as a historic monument. Councilmember Traci Park said it was a chance to fix an oversight from 60 years ago.
This vote was the end of a long fight. It got approvals from the Cultural Heritage Commission and the city council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee. The Los Angeles Conservancy, a group that saves historic places, saw it as a big win.
However, the owners sued to stop the monument’s status. They said it would hurt them a lot if they couldn’t demolish the house. Yet, a judge ruled in favor of the city, saying the owners wouldn’t be too hurt.
Now, Councilmember Park wants to limit tour buses in Brentwood. This is to help with traffic around Monroe’s old house. It’s a way to honor Monroe’s legacy without disturbing the area too much.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Brentwood home of Marilyn Monroe is a key part of Hollywood’s history. It’s where the star’s legend and gossip still live on. Monroe bought the house in 1962 for $77,500, a big deal for a woman at the time. Sadly, she died six months later at 36.
Symbol of Marilyn Monroe’s Life
The house on 5th Helena Drive is a symbol of Marilyn Monroe’s life. It was her escape from the spotlight. The Spanish Colonial-style home had eight rooms and a unique design. It also had a swimming pool on a half-acre estate.
For Monroe, this house was more than a home. It was a sanctuary where she could be herself.
Ongoing Fan Tributes
After her death, the house became a place where fans came to pay tribute. Fans from all over visit, showing their love for Monroe. They see it as a shrine to her lasting impact on popular culture.
The threat of demolition has sparked a debate. Some want to save this piece of Hollywood history. Others support property rights. Fans are fighting to keep the house, showing their love for Monroe and old Hollywood.
Current Status and Future Outlook
The fight over Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood home is ongoing. Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank bought it for $8.35 million. They now face the city in court, saying officials acted unconstitutionally.
They claim the city used secret ways to keep the house as a landmark. They believe it doesn’t qualify as a historic cultural monument.
Legal Battles and Preservation
A judge turned down their request in June. He called their move an “ill-disguised motion to win.” This was to avoid demolishing the home and solving the historic cultural monument issue.
The City Council then delayed their decision. This was to talk more with the city attorney’s office and the owners. Groups like the Los Angeles Conservancy are fighting to save Monroe’s home. They want it to be seen as a historic landmark.
Potential Relocation Plans
One idea is to move the home to a spot where people can easily visit it. This plan tries to please the owners and keep the house’s cultural value. The City Council’s choice could influence how other historic homes in Los Angeles are handled.
This includes homes linked to women’s history. Currently, women’s heritage makes up less than 3% of the city’s historic sites.
Conclusion
The fight over Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood home has ignited a broader debate about preserving Hollywood’s rich heritage in Southern California. This iconic property’s potential demolition highlights the fragility of historical sites and the ongoing conflict between development and preservation in Los Angeles.
The L.A. The City Council’s vote to save the house as a historic cultural monument demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving landmarks. However, legal challenges from the current owners underscore the complex interplay between property rights and historical conservation.
This decision will have far-reaching implications beyond just Marilyn Monroe’s former home. It will set a precedent for how we balance property rights, urban development, and cultural preservation in our cities. Saving the Brentwood Marilyn Monroe house isn’t just about honoring a Hollywood legend; it’s about preserving a tangible link to the golden age of cinema and Los Angeles history.
As we await the final resolution, one thing remains clear: this seemingly simple hacienda-style bungalow represents more than just a building. It’s a crucial piece of our cultural heritage, reminding us of Hollywood’s enduring impact and the importance of preserving our shared history.
What are your thoughts on preserving Hollywood landmarks like Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood house? Do you think historical preservation should take precedence over property rights, or vice versa? Share your opinion in the comments below.
Want to learn more about Hollywood’s architectural heritage and preservation efforts? Explore our other articles on iconic Hollywood homes and the ongoing battle to protect Los Angeles’ historical landmarks.
