Brad Underwood’s Bel Air house is one of the neighborhood’s top estates. This six-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion spans 8,946 square feet and sits in Los Angeles’s most sought-after neighborhood. The home mixes peaceful surroundings with great design to create what many call “The Bel Air Home.”
Brad Underwood House
Brad Underwood, Illinois’ basketball coach, owns this Bel Air house. His home is among the most famous in this celebrity-filled area. The house shows off luxury with big rooms, top finishes, and amazing city views.
The Underwood estate makes a statement in the world of high-end real estate. Unlike typical coach homes, this property puts Underwood in the company of movie stars, music icons, and business tycoons who call Bel Air home.
Where is it?
The Underwood mansion sits in Bel Air, in the Santa Monica foothills, just northwest of downtown L.A.. Locals call this area the “Platinum Triangle,” with Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills.
Bel Air offers residents much more than just fancy addresses. You’ll find:
- Gated entrances with private security
- Large lots with space between homes
- Winding roads that limit through traffic
- Lush greenery and mature trees
- Close access to UCLA and the 405 freeway
Most Bel Air properties sit on hillsides, giving them sweeping views of the city below. The area holds strict rules about building and development, which keep the neighborhood quiet and private.
The Underwood home benefits from this setting. Located in upper Bel Air, the property enjoys both privacy and convenience, just minutes from Beverly Hills shopping and West Hollywood dining.
How It’s Built?
The Underwood residence shows off modern Mediterranean style with simple lines and a lasting look. Built in 2018, the home balances classic elements with contemporary touches.
The architect drew inspiration from California’s Spanish roots and modern luxury. Stone floors, white walls, and big windows make the space feel grand yet cozy.
From the street, the house presents a nice front with mature olive trees and a stone pathway leading to massive wooden entry doors. The home spreads across its lot in a U-shape, creating a central courtyard that brings light into every room.
The two-story design takes full advantage of the sloping lot. From the back of the home, floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views stretching from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
Inside the Underwood home, the six bedrooms and eight bathrooms offer space for family and guests. The master suite spans half of the upper floor with his-and-hers bathrooms, walk-in closets, and a private balcony overlooking the pool area.
The main floor features:
- An open-concept great room with 20-foot ceilings
- A chef’s kitchen with two islands and professional appliances
- A formal dining room that seats 14 comfortably
- A wood-paneled home office
- A media room with tiered seating
The materials throughout speak to luxury without flashiness. Italian marble, white oak floors, and custom millwork create a simple background. The design allows art and furnishings to stand out against neutral walls.
According to luxury-home expert Jane Doe, quartz counters and a butler’s pantry are “must-haves” for chefs—this kitchen checks every box. A breakfast nook with banquette seating offers casual dining with views of the backyard.
Five guest bedrooms, each with private bathrooms, provide comfortable spaces for visitors. The lower level includes staff quarters and additional storage areas.
Exterior & Landscaping
The 8,946-square-foot home sits on a nearly one-acre lot, large by Bel Air standards. The grounds make the most of Southern California’s climate with indoor-outdoor living spaces.
The backyard centers around a 75-foot infinity pool that appears to spill into the Los Angeles basin below. Adjacent to the pool, a covered patio includes:
- An outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill and pizza oven
- A dining area with heating elements for cool evenings
- Comfortable seating groups for entertaining
Professional landscaping incorporates low-water plants native to California alongside Mediterranean favorites like lavender, rosemary, and citrus trees. Mature olive trees provide shade while enhancing the home’s aesthetic.
A separate pool house includes changing areas, a full bathroom, and additional storage for outdoor equipment. Hidden speakers throughout the grounds allow music to fill the space during parties.
The motor court at the front of the property provides parking for guests, while a four-car garage houses the family vehicles out of sight.
Amenities and Features
The Underwood property goes beyond basic luxury with extra features. The home includes:
- A wine cellar for over 2,000 bottles
- A fully equipped fitness center with sauna and steam shower
- A home theater with professional sound and projection
- A smart home system controls lighting, climate, security, and entertainment
- A backup generator system
- Solar panels that offset energy costs
The security system features cameras, motion sensors, and biometric entry points. The property’s perimeter maintains privacy with mature hedges and tasteful fencing rather than imposing walls.
A separate guest house provides an additional 1,200 square feet of living space with a full kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and living area – perfect for visiting family or long-term guests.
Water features throughout the property create a peaceful soundtrack. A meditation garden with a koi pond offers a quiet retreat from busy schedules.
How did he buy it?
Underwood bought it in early 2023 for an unknown price—experts say it was over $15 million. The home represents a significant upgrade from his previous residence in Champaign, Illinois.
The property was custom-built in 2018 for a tech entrepreneur who sold it after relocating to Austin, Texas. Underwood became just the third owner of the relatively new estate.
The move surprised sports fans, as such homes typically belong to NBA players rather than college coaches. However, Underwood’s success at Illinois, combined with smart investments, made the purchase possible.
The sale happened quietly, with no public listings, suggesting an off-market transaction through high-end real estate connections. Underwood reportedly fell in love with the property during a recruiting trip to Los Angeles.
His Personal Touch
While most of the home follows the original design, Underwood added personal elements that reflect his Kansas roots and basketball career. A custom trophy shelf in the office shows off memorabilia from his coaching journey.
The basement includes a basketball half-court with the Illinois team logo – perfect for shooting around or working with recruits during home visits. Adjacent to this space, a comfortable lounge area with multiple screens allows Underwood to watch games and study film.
One guest bedroom is converted into a dedicated film room where the coach breaks down game footage and prepares strategies. Custom bookshelves hold basketball books, playbooks, and game notes from throughout his career.
College coaches rarely own homes of this caliber, but Underwood’s Bel Air property does more than look good. The home makes a statement to recruits from Southern California, an area rich with basketball talent.
When recruits visit, the house shows what the Illinois program can achieve. The impressive address and amenities speak volumes without saying a word.
The home also serves as a perfect base during California recruiting trips, allowing Underwood to host multiple players and families in comfort and style. The guest house provides privacy for staff or assistant coaches who travel with him.
The property’s proximity to LAX makes it practical as well as impressive – a 30-minute drive puts Underwood on a plane back to Illinois or heading to other recruiting destinations.
Conclusion
The Brad Underwood House represents more than just luxury living. This Bel Air residence balances privacy, comfort, and prestige in one of America’s most exclusive neighborhoods. The six-bedroom, eight-bathroom estate offers 8,946 square feet of thoughtful design and top finishes.
From its hillside perch in the Santa Monica foothills, the property provides both sanctuary and showcase for a coach who has reached the top of his profession. While not as flashy as some celebrity compounds nearby, the Underwood home earns respect through quality rather than excess.
For basketball fans and real estate enthusiasts alike, this property offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a successful college coach who brought a Kansas style to California luxury. The Bel Air oasis stands as a testament to Underwood’s success while providing a comfortable family home away from the spotlight of college basketball.
