Joan Crawford house in Brentwood, Los Angeles, was a stunning reflection of the Hollywood icon’s glamorous lifestyle and enduring legacy. This beautiful mansion, nestled in one of LA’s most exclusive neighborhoods, was Crawford’s beloved home for nearly 50 years. It’s where she raised her children, entertained fellow stars, and lived out her later years in style. But what made this house so special?
And how did it compare to the homes of other celebrities of her era?
Let’s dive into the fascinating story of Joan Crawford’s longtime house and discover what made it such a remarkable piece of Hollywood history. We’ll explore its luxurious features, famous visitors, and the personal touches that made it uniquely Crawford’s. Plus, we’ll take a look at how this iconic residence fits into Crawford’s overall real estate portfolio and net worth.
Who is Joan Crawford?
Joan Crawford was one of the most famous actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age, known for her striking looks, fierce determination, and dramatic performances. Born Lucille Fay LeSueur in 1904, she rose from humble beginnings to become one of the biggest stars of the 20th century. Crawford’s career spanned over four decades, earning her an Academy Award and cementing her place in film history.
But Crawford wasn’t just about the movies. She lived a life of luxury befitting her star status. At the height of her fame, Crawford’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, which would be equivalent to about $10 million today. She owned several homes throughout her life, but her Brentwood mansion was her most cherished. Crawford didn’t own yachts or private islands, but she did have a taste for fine cars and was often seen driving luxury vehicles around Hollywood.
While Crawford didn’t own private jets (they weren’t common for personal use in her era), she traveled in style, often by first-class train or luxury ocean liners. Her lifestyle was all about glamour and sophistication, reflected in her homes, her wardrobe, and her public persona.
Joan Crawford at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lucille Fay LeSueur |
| Professional Name | Joan Crawford |
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1904 |
| Place of Birth | San Antonio, Texas |
| Date of Death | May 10, 1977 |
| Place of Death | New York City, New York |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1925-1970 |
| Notable Films | “Mildred Pierce”, “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”, “Grand Hotel” |
| Awards | Academy Award for Best Actress (1946) |
| Spouses | Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Franchot Tone, Phillip Terry, Alfred Steele |
| Children | Christina Crawford, Christopher Crawford, Cathy Crawford, Cynthia Crawford |
| Net Worth at Death | $2 million (approximately $10 million in 2024) |
| Notable Assets | Brentwood mansion, luxury cars, jewelry collection |
Where Does Joan Crawford Live?
Joan Crawford passed away in 1977, but her longtime residence in Brentwood, Los Angeles, remains a point of interest for fans and Hollywood history buffs. The house, located at 426 North Bristol Avenue, sits in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Brentwood is known for its lush, tree-lined streets and sprawling estates. It’s a quiet, upscale area that has long been favored by celebrities and high-profile individuals seeking privacy and luxury. The neighborhood is close to the Pacific Ocean and offers stunning views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Crawford’s house was situated in a particularly desirable part of Brentwood, surrounded by other luxurious homes and well-manicured landscapes. The area is known for its excellent schools, high-end shopping, and proximity to popular Los Angeles attractions like the Getty Center and Santa Monica Beach.
While the exact location is private property, you can get a sense of the neighborhood by exploring nearby areas on Google Maps:
Joan Crawford House
Joan Crawford’s longtime house in Brentwood was a stunning example of 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The actress purchased the property in 1928 and lived there until 1955, making it her home for nearly three decades during the height of her Hollywood career.
The house was a spacious and elegant mansion, perfectly suited to Crawford’s status as one of Hollywood’s leading ladies. It featured white stucco walls, a red-tiled roof, and beautiful arched windows and doorways typical of the Spanish Colonial style. The property sat on a large lot, providing plenty of privacy and space for entertaining.
Crawford’s house became famous not just for its beauty, but for the star-studded parties and gatherings she hosted there. It was a place where Hollywood royalty mingled, deals were made, and legends were born. The house reflected Crawford’s personality – glamorous, dramatic, and always ready for the spotlight.
Features of Joan Crawford House
House Design
Joan Crawford’s Brentwood mansion was a masterpiece of 1920s architecture, blending luxury with the warm, inviting feel of a Spanish hacienda. The house sprawled over 5,000 square feet, with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and spacious living areas.
The exterior was classic Spanish Colonial Revival, with its white stucco walls providing a striking contrast to the red-tiled roof. Wrought iron details, including balconies and window grilles, added to the authentic Spanish feel.
Area
The house sat on a generous lot of about an acre, providing ample space for outdoor entertaining and landscaping. This large property size was typical for the upscale Brentwood area and allowed for privacy from neighbors and paparazzi.
Architectural Design
Inside, the house featured high, beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, and large fireplaces. The living spaces were designed for both comfort and entertaining, with a formal living room, dining room, and more casual family areas.
Large windows and French doors allowed plenty of California sunshine to flood the interiors, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The house also featured multiple outdoor spaces, including patios and balconies, perfect for enjoying the mild Los Angeles climate.
House Style
The overall style of the house was a blend of Hollywood glamour and Spanish Colonial charm. Crawford’s personal taste was evident throughout, with luxurious furnishings, dramatic color schemes, and plenty of mirrors (Crawford was known for her love of mirrors).
The house managed to be both a showplace worthy of a movie star and a comfortable family home, reflecting Crawford’s dual roles as a Hollywood icon and mother.
1. Personal House Touches
After purchasing the house, Crawford made several improvements to make it uniquely her own:
- She installed a large swimming pool, which became the centerpiece of many of her famous parties.
- Crawford added a projection room for watching films, a must-have for a Hollywood star.
- She created a luxurious master suite, complete with a custom-designed closet for her extensive wardrobe.
- The kitchen was modernized and expanded to accommodate Crawford’s love of cooking and entertaining.
- She landscaped the grounds extensively, adding lush gardens and private outdoor seating areas.
2. House Amenities
Crawford’s Brentwood mansion was equipped with all the luxuries a Hollywood star could want. Here are some of the key amenities:
Indoor Amenities:
- Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
- Formal living and dining rooms
- Gourmet kitchen
- Home theater/projection room
- Library
- Wine cellar
- Servants’ quarters
Outdoor Amenities:
- Large swimming pool
- Pool House
- Tennis court
- Expansive gardens
- Outdoor entertaining areas
- Multiple patios and balconies
- Garage for multiple cars
3. Neighborhood Area
The Brentwood neighborhood where Crawford’s house was located was (and still is) one of the most exclusive areas in Los Angeles. It’s known for its large lots, privacy, and celebrity residents.
Brentwood offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. It’s close to the beaches of Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades, as well as the hiking trails of the Santa Monica Mountains. The area is also known for its excellent schools, high-end shopping on San Vicente Boulevard, and world-class restaurants.
Many of Crawford’s Hollywood contemporaries also called Brentwood home, making it a hotspot for celebrity sightings and exclusive gatherings. The neighborhood’s combination of luxury, privacy, and proximity to Hollywood made it an ideal location for stars like Crawford.
Market Value
Joan Crawford’s longtime Brentwood house has an interesting history in terms of its market value:
- Build Year: The house was constructed in the mid-1920s, reflecting the popular Spanish Colonial Revival style of the era.
- Purchase Year: Crawford bought the property in 1928, early in her Hollywood career.
- Purchase Value: While the exact purchase price isn’t publicly known, similar homes in the area at that time would have cost around $50,000 to $100,000 (equivalent to about $800,000 to $1.6 million today).
- Sale Year: Crawford sold the house in 1955 when she moved to New York City.
- Sale Value: The sale price in 1955 isn’t publicly available, but given the property’s size, location, and Crawford’s celebrity status, it likely sold for significantly more than she paid for it.
- Current Estimated Value: As of 2024, similar properties in Brentwood can fetch anywhere from $15 million to $30 million or more, depending on exact location, condition, and updates.
It’s important to note that the house has likely undergone significant renovations and changes since Crawford’s time, which would affect its current value. The Brentwood real estate market has also seen substantial appreciation over the decades, making Crawford’s former home a valuable piece of property regardless of its Hollywood history.
Joan Crawford Houses Portfolio
Throughout her life, Joan Crawford owned several properties, reflecting her rise to stardom and changing personal circumstances:
- Childhood Home: Crawford grew up in various places, including Lawton, Oklahoma, and Kansas City, Missouri. These were modest homes, far from the luxury she would later enjoy.
- Hollywood Apartment: When Crawford first arrived in Hollywood in the 1920s, she lived in a small apartment near the MGM studios.
- Brentwood Mansion: This was Crawford’s primary residence from 1928 to 1955. Located at 426 North Bristol Avenue, it was her home during the height of her Hollywood career.
- Bel Air House: In the early 1950s, Crawford briefly owned a house in Bel Air, another exclusive Los Angeles neighborhood.
- New York City Apartment: After selling her Brentwood home in 1955, Crawford moved to a luxurious apartment at 2 East 70th Street in Manhattan. This became her primary residence for the rest of her life.
- Westhampton Beach House: In the 1960s, Crawford owned a beach house in Westhampton, New York, which she used as a summer retreat.
Each of these homes reflected a different phase of Crawford’s life and career, from her humble beginnings to her status as a Hollywood legend and finally as a New York socialite. Her longtime Brentwood house, however, remains the most iconic and closely associated with her Hollywood heyday.
Conclusion
Joan Crawford’s longtime house in Brentwood was more than just a residence; it was a symbol of her success, a backdrop to Hollywood history, and a home where she raised her family. From its Spanish Colonial architecture to its luxurious amenities, the house perfectly encapsulated the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
While Crawford has long since passed, her Brentwood mansion remains a fascinating piece of Hollywood lore. It stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic Hollywood and the larger-than-life personalities that defined an era. For fans of cinema history and real estate enthusiasts alike, Joan Crawford’s longtime house continues to captivate imaginations and inspire dreams of old Hollywood glamour.
