Ryan Murphy's Richard Neutra’s Brown House is up for $34 Million.
Photo: Matthew Momberger
Ryan Murphy Lists Neutra House in L.A. for $33.9 Million
Built in 1955, this impeccably restored midcentury-modern home in the heart of Bel-Air was also once owned by designer Tom Ford
Ryan Murphy. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Famed architect Richard Neutra is considered one of the most prolific modernists of all time. He worked extensively in Southern California, including Palm Springs and Los Angeles, and designed hundreds of iconic homes, including the Brown House in 1955.
This L.A. landmark embodies the best of Neutra’s cutting-edge architectural elements and has appealed to many high-profile buyers since it was built in the mid-20th century. Notable owners include Tom Ford, who called the property home for nearly two decades, as well as its current seller, American Horror Story and Glee producer, Ryan Murphy. Murphy, who spent the last year remodeling the home, recently put this iconic property on the market for $33.9 million.
Murphy carefully curated a collection of furnishings from other “mid centuries” in history. Photo: Matthew Momberger
Nestled within Bel-Air, one of L.A.’s most exclusive enclaves, the dwelling benefits from a perfect location with 180-degree views of the city and Bel-Air Country Club, yet feels delightfully private from its neighbors. The Brown House spans 3,800 square feet and has five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. There is a palatial, double-wide living room lined with floor-to-ceiling panes of glass and sliding glass doors that open to a covered patio, complete with a fireplace.
During Murphy’s ownership, he didn’t touch the structure or layout, but it underwent a significant remodel—and he is willing to sell the home with all of its contents for a negotiated price. In lieu of filling the home with midcentury-modern-style furniture and objects, Murphy carefully curated a collection of furnishings from other “mid centuries” in history, such as an antique silver collection Murphy acquired years prior. There’s even a built-in settee left by Tom Ford.
The home holds two kitchens. Photo: Matthew Momberger
The residence also has a pair of kitchens, complete with restored original cabinetry; additional seating and living spaces across both floors; a formal dining room overlooking the gardens; elegant bedrooms, including a primary bedroom with lacquered walls; outdoor terraces; and a pool. There are also manicured Romanesque gardens, with a central fountain; towering mature trees; and verdant landscaping surrounding the house to ensure you’re never too far from nature. In fact, a few of the bedrooms feel like you’re living in a treehouse thanks to oversized windows that look directly onto the treetops.
The exterior holds manicured Romanesque gardens with a central fountain. Photo: Matthew Momberger
Constructed with a medley of glass, wood, and concrete, the architectural stunner was restored in the earlier part of the 21st century by Marmol Radziner, when Ford owned the property. It underwent a down-to-the-studs renovation that kept Neutra’s classic midcentury-modern design elements intact while integrating the home with modern amenities. Neutra was best known for his simple geometry and airy layouts using steel and glass. He is also known for pavilion-style homes composed of layered horizontal planes, flat roofs, and incorporating this idea he called “bio-realism,” meaning man and nature are inseparable. As part of the restoration, astroturf was swapped out for a type of gravel Neutra favored, while the garden was reoriented around a fountain.
Neutra was best known for his simple geometry and airy layouts using steel and glass. Photo: Matthew Momberger
The house now features restored original terrazzo flooring, vintage wood paneling, mosaic bathroom tiling, and all-new steel doors and windows, cedar siding and lighting. In addition to structural reinforcement, the restoration also included minor adjustments to the floor plan.
“Selling a Richard Neutra home is not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about representing a piece of architectural history and a legacy of innovation,” says listing agent Aaron Kirman of Christie’s International Real Estate. “Working with Ryan on his Neutra home, the Brown House, has been an incredible opportunity. Ryan’s vision and style have elevated the property to new heights, showcasing the timeless allure of Neutra’s design ethos.”
Dining room. Photo: Matthew Momberger
Hallway. Photo: Matthew Momberger
Kirman is co-listing the home with Tim Wollaston and Riley Schmidt at Riley Real Estate.
Cover: Ryan Murphy's Richard Neutra’s Brown House is up for $34 Million.
Photo: Matthew Momberger
