Not all celebrity homes are sprawling mega-mansions – sometimes the most impressive properties are the ones that prove less can be more.
Brad Pitt‘s Los Feliz residence, known as “The Steel House,” recently made headlines when burglars targeted the $5.5 million property Wednesday evening. The break-in occurred at 10:30 p.m. when three suspects scaled a fence and broke through a front window. The beautiful home they chose to target is far more than just another celebrity abode.
The distinctive midcentury modern residence that Pitt purchased in April 2023 from oil heiress Aileen Getty represents a major downsizing from his previous estate, trading a sprawling compound for a more compact architectural showcase.
Midcentury Home Design at Its Best
Built in 1960 by well-known architect Neil M. Johnson, “The Steel House” earned its nickname from the striking steel-and-glass exterior that defines its look. The property showcases the famous Case Study program, which influenced mid-century modern design across Southern California, according to The Real Deal.
The L-shaped estate boasts just over 2,000 square feet of living space, featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms. However, its smaller size doesn’t mean it lacks impressive design features. Terrazzo floors, extended eaves, and wooden-beam ceilings showcase the mid-century style throughout the home, while walls of glass in each room provide panoramic views of Los Angeles below.
The home spans 2,092 square feet on a .29-acre lot with three bedrooms and 1.75 bathrooms, according to Robb Report. The L-shaped design wraps around the backyard pool and patio, with glass walls throughout allowing views of these outdoor features from inside the house.
The property underwent a complete makeover by designer Mark Haddawy, who was hired by the previous owner, James Valentine of Maroon 5, after he purchased it in 2007. The renovation yielded a bright, airy space with extensive glass walls and a soft blue color scheme in the kitchen and master bathroom.
Custom details throughout the home include cabinets painted in light blue tones and eye-catching cobalt blue carpeting in all three bedrooms. A vintage white mid-century modern open fireplace serves as the main feature in the living area, while sliding doors seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Steel House’s outdoor areas rival those of many larger estates in terms of quality and functionality. The property wraps around a large swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical plants, creating a private retreat that’s visible from most interior rooms due to the home’s glass-heavy design.
Current features include solar panels, a built-in sauna, and a redwood hot tub that appears crafted from an old barrel, according to Realtor. The backyard garden offers a peaceful setting, complete with a pool, patio, and a cold plunge tub.
Smart Real Estate Move
Pitt’s purchase of The Steel House was part of an interesting real estate swap with Getty, who, at the same time, bought his previous Los Feliz compound for $33 million. The exchange allowed the actor to stay in the neighborhood where he lived for decades while significantly reducing his Los Angeles property size.
His former property was a sprawling two-acre estate with much more space and amenities, including an ice skating rink, skate park, ballroom, home cinema, and multiple swimming pools. The historic compound, originally built by an oil baron in 1910, had served as the family home where Pitt lived with his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, and their six children.
The timing worked out well financially, as the deal closed just four days before Los Angeles implemented its new mansion tax, saving Pitt more than $1.8 million in additional fees, The Real Deal reported.
A terrace offers great views through the tropical landscaping to the city lights below, while the property’s position on a hill in the popular Los Feliz neighborhood gives both privacy and views. The outdoor spaces show how mid-century design principles can create seamless indoor-outdoor living even on a relatively small lot.
While The Steel House serves as one of Pitt’s Los Angeles homes, his main residence is now a $40 million castle-like mansion in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The contrast between the glass-and-steel modern style of his Los Feliz property and the stone castle-like appearance of his Carmel home showcases Pitt’s love for diverse architectural styles.
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