Marylin Monroe is a pop culture icon, a sex symbol, and one of the most photographed people of the 20th century. In the list of the greatest female screen legends from the Golden Age of Hollywood, The American Film Institute ranked her sixth. In 1962, the actress purchased a home at 12305 5th Helena Drive in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. It was the 43rd home where she lived, and it has become her final residence.
The Spanish-style one-story hacienda in Brentwood occupies 2,900 square feet (269 square meters). Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, this L-shaped house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Marilyn Monroe occupied a bedroom with a fireplace and large windows overlooking the garden. She was found dead there on August 5, 1962, after a barbiturate overdose. The circumstances of her death are still considered unclear and mysterious.
The backyard of the house, which was built in 1929, has a bean-shaped pool. On over half an acre of land, there's also a citrus grove and a guest house. The property was purchased by Monroe for $77,500. In 2017, it was sold for $7.25 million.
Practical info
When can visitors go to Marilyn Monroe's house?
Unfortunately, Marilyn Monroe's former residence is a private property and not available to the public. Although the current owner has maintained the property's facade and landscaping, it is not open for tours or visits. While fans can view the exterior of the house from certain angles on the street, they are not allowed on the property itself. Show more
What motivated Marilyn to buy the house?
Marilyn Monroe bought the house at 12305 5th Helena Drive in Brentwood in 1962, just a few months before her tragic demise. She initially planned to purchase the house with her good friend and acting coach Paula Strasberg, but later decided to buy it alone. It was her 43rd residence and would become her last. The purchase was driven by her love of the area and desire to have a refuge from the Hollywood scene. Show more
What are the physical attributes of the house and surroundings?
Marilyn Monroe's house is a one-story Spanish-style hacienda that takes up more than half an acre of land and is nearly 3000 square feet in size. The L-shaped structure has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a backyard, complete with a bean-shaped swimming pool and citrus grove. The site is carefully maintained as a private residence that retains much of its original charm in a cul-de-sac, adding to its mystique. Show more
Where is the guest house located on the property?
Marilyn Monroe's guest house is found behind the main house and next to the citrus grove. The guest house has its own entrance and driveway and is separate from the main house. It has a kitchen, bathroom, and private living accommodation, making it ideal for hosting guests. The presence of a guest house was common in California's single-family homes in the early 1900s, providing a flexible space for visitors. Show more
What is the difference between the original purchase and current value of the house?
Marilyn Monroe bought the property in 1962 for $77,500. However, it was resold for an astonishing amount of $7.25 million in 2017, reflecting the vibrant real estate market in L.A. and the residence's unique history and character. The house has been carefully preserved and updated, adding to its appeal and, therefore, value. The house's high value contributes significantly to the attraction and fascination of Marilyn Monroe's former home. Show more
