36 Facts About Marilyn Monroe House

Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood Home: A Glimpse into Her Final Sanctuary

Marilyn Monroe's house in Brentwood, California, is more than just a residence; it's a window into the life of one of Hollywood's most iconic figures. This Spanish hacienda-style home holds many secrets and stories about Monroe's final days.

1. Location and Architecture
   Monroe's house is located at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Built in 1929, this Spanish Colonial Revival-style hacienda features a red-tile roof and adobe walls, embodying classic Californian charm.

2. Purchase and Price
   Monroe bought the house in February 1962 for $77,500. Adjusted for inflation, that's about $642,435 today, reflecting her financial struggles despite her immense fame.

3. Psychiatrist's Suggestion
   Her psychiatrist advised her to "put down some roots" by buying a home. This came after three failed marriages to James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, and Arthur Miller.

4. Home as a Safe Haven
   Monroe described her home as a "cute little Mexican-style house with eight rooms" and a "fortress where I can feel safe from the world." This sense of security was crucial for her.

The Unique Features of Monroe's Home

Monroe's home wasn't just a place to live; it was a carefully curated space that reflected her tastes and needs.

5. Latin Phrase
   The front porch features the Latin phrase "Cursum Perficio," which means "My Journey Ends Here." The origins of this phrase remain a mystery, adding to the home's allure.

6. Unpacking and Unfinished
   When Monroe moved in, the house was still filled with unpacked boxes. She had little time to settle before her untimely death.

7. Mexican Furniture
   Monroe hand-picked authentic Mexican furniture, art, tapestries, and tiles for her home. Some of these items remain, adding cultural significance.

8. Herb Garden
   She planted an herb garden with lemon trees and flowering plants. Many of these plants still thrive on the property.

9. Swimming Pool
   The house features a kidney-shaped swimming pool, which Monroe never used. She preferred spending time in the garden.

10. Bedroom Layout
    Monroe used one bedroom for herself, installed her housekeeper-companion in a second bedroom, and used the third bedroom as a "telephone room."

Historical Significance and Preservation

Monroe's home has become a historical landmark, attracting fans and historians alike.

11. Guest House
    The original guest house has been connected to the main house, and the kitchen has been expanded. Several rooms have been added, increasing the home's square footage.

12. Historical Significance
    The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to preserve the home, recognizing its cultural importance.

13. Current Owners
    Real estate heiress Brinah Milstein and her husband, Roy Bank, a reality TV producer, purchased the home in July 2023 for $8.35 million.

14. Lawsuit and Preservation
    Despite efforts to demolish the house, it has been saved from the wrecking ball. The lawsuit filed by Milstein and Bank claimed "illegal and unconstitutional conduct" by the city, but the landmark designation prevailed.

15. Tourist Attraction
    Monroe's home has become a tourist attraction, much like Elvis Presley's Graceland. Fans flock to see where she lived her final days.

Monroe's Final Days and Legacy

Monroe's last months in this house were filled with both hope and despair, making it a poignant part of her legacy.

16. Demolition Plans
    The homeowners initially planned to expand their adjacent home onto Monroe's property. However, these plans were halted due to the home's landmark status.

17. Physical Changes
    The lawsuit claimed no physical evidence remains that Monroe ever lived there. Fans and historians dispute this, arguing the home retains much of its original charm.

18. Monroe's Last Days
    Monroe lived in the house for just a few months before her death. She was found dead in her bedroom on August 4, 1962, due to an overdose of sleeping pills.

19. Immediate Aftermath
    The day after her death, her estate received multiple offers to purchase the home, leading to a bidding war. The house has been sold several times, with the most recent sale in 2023.

20. Monroe's Love for the Garden
    Monroe loved the garden and often spent calming afternoons there with her poodle. The garden remains a significant part of the home's appeal.

21. Monroe’s Bedroom Layout
    Her bedroom opened right onto the backyard and the kidney-shaped swimming pool, allowing her to enjoy the serene surroundings from the comfort of her home.

22. Monroe’s Final Interview
    In her final interview with LIFE Magazine, Monroe said, “Anybody who likes my house, I am sure I will get along with.” This reflects her affection for the home.

The Cultural Impact of Monroe's Home

Monroe's house is more than just a residence; it's a cultural landmark that continues to captivate fans and historians.

23. Monroe’s Home as an Extension of Herself
    She loved her home so much that it became an extension of herself. She took great care in furnishing and decorating it, making it a true reflection of her personality.

24. Monroe’s Home as a Tourist Attraction
    The house has become a significant tourist attraction. Fans visit to remember her and understand the context of her final days.

25. Monroe’s Home and Its Cultural Significance
    The house is not just real estate; it is a cultural landmark, likened to Graceland for its historical and cultural significance.

26. Monroe’s Home and Its Architectural Features
    The house features a red-tile roof, adobe walls, and a blue-tiled fireplace. The interior design includes thick gates, a curved driveway, and terracotta floors.

27. Monroe’s Home and Its Historical Designation
    The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to add the house to the list of local landmarks, ensuring its preservation.

28. Monroe’s Home and Its Financial Value
    Purchased for $77,500 in 1962, the house sold for $8.35 million in 2023, reflecting its significant historical and cultural value.

29. Monroe’s Home and Its Legal Battles
    The current owners sued the City of Los Angeles to tear down the home. However, the landmark designation has prevailed, ensuring its preservation.

30. Monroe’s Home and Its Emotional Significance
    The house holds emotional significance for fans and historians alike, serving as a reminder of her life, struggles, and tragic end.

31. Monroe’s Home and Its Future
    Despite legal battles, Monroe’s home will remain standing. The city's decision to preserve it ensures this piece of Hollywood history will continue to captivate audiences.

32. Monroe’s Home and Its Impact on Fans
    The house has become a pilgrimage site for fans, a place where people can connect with the actress and remember her life and legacy.

33. Monroe’s Home and Its Architectural Integrity
    Despite changes over the years, the house retains much of its original architectural integrity. The Spanish Colonial Revival style and red-tile roof are still evident.

34. Monroe’s Home and Its Cultural Impact
    The house has had a significant cultural impact, featured in various media outlets and becoming a symbol of Hollywood's golden age.

35. Monroe’s Home and Its Historical Context
    The house is part of the historical context of Hollywood's golden age, reflecting the glamour and struggles of the era in which Monroe lived.

36. Monroe’s Legacy
    Monroe’s legacy extends beyond her films. Her home, with its rich history and cultural significance, continues to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring her memory lives on.

Marilyn Monroe's Lasting Legacy

Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood home isn't just a house; it's a piece of history. This Spanish Colonial Revival hacienda, bought for $77,500 in 1962, became her sanctuary. Despite her fame, Monroe faced financial struggles, making this modest home all the more significant. The house, adorned with authentic Mexican furniture and a serene garden, reflects Monroe's personal taste and desire for a safe haven. Her untimely death in this very home adds a layer of poignancy to its story. Today, the house stands preserved, thanks to its landmark status, ensuring Monroe's legacy endures. Fans and historians alike visit to connect with the actress's life and final days. This home, with its rich history and cultural significance, continues to captivate, reminding us of Monroe's enduring impact on Hollywood and beyond.