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California Home with Ties to Deborah Kerr and Audrey Hepburn Sells for $9.4 Million

The gated property had not been on the market for more than 30 years

By Mary Elizabeth Andriotis
Covered outdoor patio with white sofas, colorful cushions, fireplace, hanging lanterns, and lush greenery in the background.
685 Elkins Road. Photo: Simon Berlyn for Sotheby's International Realty

A Brentwood, California home with ties to Scottish actress Deborah Kerr and Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn recently sold for an impressive $9.4 million. The original owners of the home were American producer, director, and screenwriter Edwin Knopf and his wife, cookbook author Mildred Knopf. Edwin’s brother was Alfred A. Knopf, the eponymous founder of the famed publishing house. 

The 6,099-square-foot estate, which had not been on the market for 34 years, boasts five bedrooms and six-and-a-half baths on a 31,163-square-foot lot. Landscape highlights include rose gardens, mature hedging, and meticulous grounds. Throughout the property, timeless design and modern details can be found, all of which adhere to the traditional Georgian architectural style. 

Chic dining room with patterned ceiling, elegant chandelier, checkered floor, and glass table near large windows.
685 Elkins Road. Photo: Simon Berlyn for Sotheby’s International Realty

“Elkins was truly a once-in-a-generation sale given the stewards who preceded our client, who, by the way, enjoyed 34 incredible years there with her late husband,” listing agent Graham Larson, of The Larson Burmester Group of Sotheby’s International Realty—Brentwood Brokerage, tells Galerie. 

Elegant dining room with a large wooden table, white chairs, red floral wallpaper, and large windows letting in natural light.
The dining room. Photo: Simon Berlyn for Sotheby’s International Realty

This charming home, which under Kerr’s ownership was rented to Hepburn, is tucked behind a private gate in one of the most prestigious Brentwood neighborhoods, right next to Brentwood Park. A Southern-style Lanai, or outdoor entertainment space, welcomes people into the home, along with its own fireplace, built-in ceiling heaters, and idyllic views of both the front yard and putting green. 

Elegant two-story house with balcony and lit windows by a swimming pool at sunset, surrounded by trees.
the pool and outdoor entertaining area. Photo: Simon Berlyn for Sotheby’s International Realty

Located near the primary suite, the upper landing, and the front guest suite is a full-length balcony on the home’s front exterior. It overlooks the verdant lawn, making it the perfect spot for breakfast or drinks, and everything in between. The east-facing side of the home features a swimming pool, picturesque landscaping, and tranquility. Below the pool is a tree-lined area with meandering trails—a natural feature rarely seen in Brentwood.

Entrance to a large house surrounded by lush greenery, visible through an open gate with a brick path leading to the porch.
The home is gated. Photo: Simon Berlyn for Sotheby’s International Realty
Covered patio with dining set next to a putting green, surrounded by lush greenery and decorative plants in a backyard setting.
A practice green. Photo: Simon Berlyn for Sotheby’s International Realty
Spacious, modern kitchen and living area with elegant chandelier, wooden flooring, and natural light through large windows.
The kitchen and dining area. Photo: Simon Berlyn for Sotheby’s International Realty
Cozy living room with bookshelves, decorative plates, sofa, coffee table, fireplace, and large windows with greenery outside.
The library. Photo: Simon Berlyn for Sotheby’s International Realty
Spacious walk-in closet with chandelier, mirror doors, shelves with shoes, and an island with drawers.
A walk-in closet. Photo: Simon Berlyn for Sotheby’s International Realty
Luxurious bathroom with freestanding tub, elegant chandelier, large mirror, and natural light from windows.
The primary bath suite. Photo: Simon Berlyn for Sotheby’s International Realty

Jennifer Montague of Sotheby’s International Realty—Beverly Hills Brokerage and The Larson Burmester Group of Sotheby’s International Realty—Brentwood Brokerage handled the listing.