PHOTO: Marilyn Monroe. ELLE DECOR
Another somber day for enthusiasts of historical architecture and the golden age of Hollywood. As first reported by the New York Post, the house situated at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in Los Angeles‘ Brentwood neighborhood, a 1920s Spanish hacienda-style dwelling, faces the prospect of demolition under its new owner.
Despite its modest size and unassuming appearance, the 2,600-square-foot bungalow gained worldwide recognition in 1962 as the location of Marilyn Monroe‘s tragic passing. Enclosed by walls and gates, the property holds the distinction of being the sole residence ever owned by the legendary actress. Over the past six decades, this half-acre estate has evolved into one of the city’s most celebrated local landmarks. Blogger Lindsay Blake previously penned a comprehensive article filled with intriguing details about the property, such as Monroe’s placement of a plaque above the front door bearing the Latin inscription “Cursom Perificio,” which translates to “My Journey Ends Here.” While the home’s exterior architecture has remained remarkably faithful to its appearance in 1962, significant changes have been made to the interiors. Notably, the kitchen and bathrooms have been updated, and the once-detached guest casita has been integrated into the main house. Nonetheless, numerous original features, including casement windows, terracotta tile floors, and wood-beamed ceilings, nostalgically harken back to the Golden Age.
The half-acre property sits just a quick jog south of Sunset Boulevard. Mercer Vine
The backyard features a brick patio that leads to a notably large swimming pool. Beyond the pool, a grassy lawn is surrounded by mature trees, towering hedges, and a citrus orchard. The front of the house is adorned with lush bougainvillea cascading across its façade, and there’s even a two-car garage. Tear-downs have become increasingly common in the vicinity of Monroe’s former home due to soaring property values and record-breaking sales, tempting developers to construct ever larger and more opulent residences. The fact that this particular property has remained intact speaks to the enduring appeal of the hacienda and, of course, Monroe’s iconic legacy.
In 2014, hedge fund manager Dan Lukas and his wife Anne Jarmain purchased the Monroe estate for $7.3 million and called it home for several years. However, half a year ago, the couple acquired a larger residence in the same neighborhood for $13 million. Last month, Lukas and Jarmain discreetly sold the Monroe house to an unidentified buyer, who promptly paid nearly $8.4 million for the property in cash and swiftly applied for a demolition permit. While the L.A. Department of Building and Safety has recently approved a “plan check” for the proposed work, an official permit has not yet been issued.
If recent precedents are any indication, it appears probable that the Monroe hacienda will soon join a growing list of historical real estate gems lost to the passage of time.
SOURCE: ROBB REPORT
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