Curious about Mulholland Drive celebrity homes? I’ve researched this famous street extensively, and I’ll show you exactly which stars live there. This winding road through the Hollywood Hills has attracted famous residents since the 1920s.
In this guide, you’ll learn which celebrities own properties on Mulholland Drive. I’ll cover historic homes like Marilyn Monroe’s final residence and the Playboy Mansion. You’ll also find current celebrity owners, architectural styles, and tips for visiting respectfully.
I’ve verified information through property records and trusted sources. Let’s look at what makes Mulholland Drive celebrity homes so special and how you can see them yourself.
History and Allure of Mulholland Drive
Workers completed Mulholland Drive in the 1920s as a scenic route through the Santa Monica Mountains. Engineers named it after William Mulholland, chief engineer of the Los Angeles aqueduct. Hollywood stars loved it immediately because they could build large homes away from the public eye.
The street appeals to celebrities for clear reasons. The winding road makes it hard for fans to access. Large properties provide natural barriers. On clear days, you can see from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean.
Properties sit on large lots with gates and security systems. The area feels more like a private retreat than an urban neighborhood. This combination of spectacular views and complete seclusion makes it perfect for famous residents. It attracted Hollywood’s golden age stars and still draws A-list celebrities today.
Famous Celebrity Homes on Mulholland Drive
Several iconic celebrity homes line Mulholland Drive, from Marilyn Monroe’s final residence to the legendary Playboy Mansion.
Marilyn Monroe’s Final Residence
Marilyn Monroe bought her home at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in 1962. This was her first and only house she owned alone. Sadly, she died there just months after moving in.
The Spanish Colonial house has 2,624 square feet. It includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property features a pool and sits behind tall hedges.
This home holds significant Hollywood history. Fans still visit the neighborhood to pay respects. The current owners maintain the property’s original character.
The Playboy Mansion
The Playboy Mansion sits at 10236 Charing Cross Road, near Mulholland Drive. Builders completed this Gothic Tudor-style home in 1927. The property covers five acres.
Hugh Hefner bought the mansion in 1971 for just over one million dollars. He lived there until his death in 2017. The home became famous for its lavish parties and celebrity guests.
Daren Metropoulos bought the property in 2016 for 100 million dollars. He lives next door and plans to connect the two estates. The mansion represents a unique piece of Hollywood culture.
Other Notable Celebrity Homes
Keanu Reeves owns a modernist residence in the Hollywood Hills area. His home values privacy above all else. The architecture features clean lines and large windows.
Katy Perry purchased a Mediterranean-style villa in the area. Her property includes multiple buildings and lush gardens. The compound offers complete seclusion from the street.
Johnny Depp owned several homes on Sweetzer Avenue. These properties formed a private compound. He sold them after his divorce, but they remain celebrity landmarks.
Walt Disney’s Carolwood Estate sat nearby in Holmby Hills. He built a miniature railroad in his backyard. This hobby later inspired Disneyland’s design. The home isn’t technically on Mulholland but influenced the area’s prestige.
Architectural Highlights of Mulholland Drive Homes
Mulholland Drive showcases diverse architectural styles, from Spanish Colonial Revival to Mid-Century Modern, each designed for privacy.
Iconic Styles and Designs:
Three main styles dominate Mulholland Drive homes. Spanish Colonial Revival features white stucco walls and red tile roofs from the 1920s and 1930s. Mid-Century Modern homes from the 1950s and 1960s use glass, steel, and geometric shapes. Modernist architecture appears in newer builds with unusual shapes and innovative materials.
Two famous examples stand out. The Chemosphere looks like a UFO on a pole. John Lautner designed it in 1960 on a steep hillside. The Storer House is a Frank Lloyd Wright design from 1923 using concrete textile blocks.
What Makes These Homes Unique:
Privacy comes first for celebrity owners. Tall hedges, gates, and long driveways keep visitors away. Architects pushed boundaries with unusual designs that take advantage of hillside locations.
Many homes include theaters, wine cellars, and resort-style pools. Security features like cameras and alarms stay hidden from the street. Native landscaping creates natural barriers while requiring less water. Many properties feel like wilderness retreats, not urban homes.
How to Visit Mulholland Drive Celebrity Homes
Visiting Mulholland Drive requires planning, respect for privacy, and awareness of the best times and transportation options.
Best Times for Viewing
Early morning offers the clearest views and coolest temperatures. The road is less crowded before 9 AM. Late afternoon provides beautiful lighting for photos during golden hour.
Avoid weekends when tourist buses crowd the narrow roads. Weekday mornings give you the most peaceful experience.
Transportation Options
Driving yourself gives you the most flexibility. Park only in designated areas and never block driveways. Guided bus tours provide commentary and handle the tricky roads.
Tours typically last two to three hours and include other celebrity hotspots. Cycling offers a unique view but requires good fitness. Bike early when traffic is light and wear bright colors.
Respecting Privacy and Legal Guidelines
Stay on public property at all times. Never enter private driveways or peek through gates. Trespassing is illegal and security cameras are everywhere.
Don’t use drones for photography as they’re illegal in residential areas. Keep noise levels down and avoid stopping in front of gates or driveways.
Reviews and Experiences of Visitors
Visitors love the panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. The peaceful atmosphere surprises many despite being close to downtown. Luxury gates and modern architecture impress tourists, and some catch glimpses of Rolls-Royces and celebrity lifestyles.
Mulholland Drive differs from Beverly Hills in key ways. Mulholland has winding mountain roads with hillside homes focused on nature and views.
Beverly Hills has flat streets with closer homes focused on shopping and social scenes. Mulholland offers complete seclusion on large lots while Beverly Hills provides a more social atmosphere. Both are expensive, but Mulholland often costs more.
Tips for a Memorable Visit
Planning your visit carefully ensures great photos and experiences while respecting the area’s exclusive nature and residents’ privacy.
- Shoot during golden hour. The best lighting comes just after sunrise or before sunset. Bring a telephoto lens to capture details from the road without trespassing.
- Focus on landscapes and architecture. Wide shots show how homes sit in the hillside with city views in the background. Use your car as a tripod by steadying your camera on the door frame.
- Start at the eastern end near Cahuenga Pass. Plan two to three hours for the full drive with stops. The views build as you move west.
- Visit the Hollywood Sign viewpoint. Stop at the Mulholland overlook to see the sign and downtown Los Angeles together. This is one of the best photo opportunities.
- Add Runyon Canyon to your route. This hiking area sits just below Mulholland and offers trails with more celebrity home views and exercise.
- Bring water and snacks. There are few services along Mulholland Drive. Gas stations and restaurants require leaving the main road.
- Check the weather forecast first. Fog can obscure views completely. Rain makes the winding roads slippery and dangerous.
Conclusion
Mulholland Drive celebrity homes offer a fascinating look at Hollywood history. I’ve visited this area several times, and the combination of natural beauty and luxury never gets old. The winding roads and hidden estates create a world apart from the city below.
Remember to respect residents’ privacy as you visit. Stay on public roads and follow all posted signs. The views and architecture provide plenty to appreciate without intruding.
Plan your trip during clear weather for the best experience. Have you visited Mulholland Drive? Share your favorite spot in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive down Mulholland Drive for free?
Yes, Mulholland Drive is a public road with no tolls or fees. Just follow traffic laws and respect private property.
Which celebrities currently live on Mulholland Drive?
Keanu Reeves and other A-list stars own properties there. Many celebrities buy through trusts to keep ownership private.
Is it safe to visit Mulholland Drive at night?
The road is safe but has sharp curves and poor lighting. Visit during daylight for the best experience.
How long does it take to drive the full length of Mulholland Drive?
The complete drive takes about 45 minutes without stops. Plan two to three hours with photo stops.
What’s the best viewpoint on Mulholland Drive?
The Hollywood Bowl overlook offers panoramic views of downtown, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
