The iconic mid-century modern estate, known as Farralone, sold for $5 million on Tuesday, marking a new chapter for one of Hollywood’s most filmed homes. The deal included a nine-acre parcel featuring a guesthouse long rumored to have been the secret hideaway for Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy’s alleged affair.
Designed by famed architect William Pereira—whose work includes the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco and Los Angeles International Airport—the L-shaped estate was built between 1949 and 1951 for a Chase Bank heiress. The property, perched atop a hill, offers sweeping views of a nature preserve, best enjoyed from its 50-foot pool and pergola lounge.
Sinatra rented the main house in the 1960s, turning it into a glamorous playground for Hollywood’s elite. The estate spans 6,661 square feet, featuring four bedrooms, six bathrooms, soaring 16-foot ceilings, moveable glass walls, and zebra cork flooring—cutting-edge design elements for its time.
The additional nine-acre parcel, which the buyers scooped up for an extra $3 million, includes a small home and pool where Monroe and JFK reportedly met in secret.
Beyond its legendary past, Farralone remains a hot commodity in Hollywood. Its dramatic modernist architecture and panoramic valley views have made it a go-to location for film, TV, and music video shoots. The estate has appeared in Mad Men, Californication, Dreamgirls, and Transformers, and even served as the backdrop for Miley Cyrus’ Flowers music video. Most recently, it was draped in red for an Hermès launch event.
With more than 500 productions under its belt, the property reportedly generates up to $1.2 million annually in rental revenue.
As for its future? The additional land holds potential for major development, with zoning that allows for 10 additional homes, equestrian facilities, or even a vineyard.
The sale marks a significant price drop from the property’s original $21.5 million listing in 2021. After struggling with rental losses due to the pandemic and the Hollywood writers’ strike, the previous owners faced foreclosure. In early 2024, Farralone was snapped up for just $2.1 million by Rock Asset Management Trust before being resold for its final $5 million price tag.
While the Hollywood elite may have moved on, Farralone remains a symbol of a bygone era—one where Sinatra’s parties echoed through the hills, and Monroe’s secrets may still linger in the air.
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