Marilyn Monroe's only individually owned home, a Brentwood hacienda, has become the center of a heated legal dispute. After new owners bought it for $8.35 million with plans to demolish it, the city designated it a historical monument, leading to a lawsuit over property rights and preservation.
Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood home, purchased in 1962 and her only property, is now embroiled in a significant legal and preservation battle. The Hollywood icon, seeking independence, bought the hacienda-style bungalow months before her death at 36, with cultural historians considering it a symbol of her trailblazing spirit. In 2023, Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank bought the house for $8.35 million with intentions to demolish it and expand their adjacent estate, viewing it as a derelict property. However, a public campaign led to its designation as a "cultural-historical monument" in 2024, halting demolition. The owners are now suing the city, alleging infringement of constitutional property rights and demanding compensation for their "worthless" investment. While a federal judge dismissed initial claims, the legal fight continues. The situation is unusual as buyers typically know about historic status beforehand. The city faces a dilemma: the house has been neglected since 2019, and owners are unwilling to maintain a property they didn't want. Preservationists fear "demolition through neglect," as the house deteriorates with a damaged roof, non-functional systems, and possible mold. The city's ability to enforce repairs is limited, and there's no public access, raising questions about the designation's practical benefit given security concerns from trespassers. The city lacks funds to purchase historic homes, and no private entity has come forward. The future of Monroe's iconic last home remains uncertain amidst this complex legal and preservation quandary.
