Marilyn Monroe’s houses – tour the impressive property portfolio

From West Hollywood to New York City – this is a glimpse into the iconic stars' homes 60 years after her death

Three of marilyn Monroes homes - Granville towers, her solo home, and her marriage home
(Image credit: TopTenRealEstateDeals)

As 2022 marks the 60-year anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's passing, we have taken a look at some of the impressive homes the iconic star owned in her tragically short life. 

Having moved frequently between foster homes as a child, it is unsurprising that Marilyn, whose real name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, continued the trend of frequently changing homes into her adult life. With some of her properties amongst the world's best homes, it is natural to wonder what this remarkably private star wanted from her homes.

Although Marilyn lived in numerous properties such as the famous Owlwood Estate these are four of the most important locations in her life.   

Marilyn Monroe’s houses – four properties from the iconic stars' life  

Having owned properties across the most glamorous parts of the US, these properties offer just a glimpse into her captivating taste. 

1. Granville towers

Marilyn Monroe’s house - Rear exterior of a luxury apartment building, with Pergoda, green grass and trees

(Image credit: TopTenRealEstateDeals / The Luxury Level)

Granville towers offer some of the most glamorous apartments in West Hollywood, with the building remaining inspired by old Hollywood glamor with a homage to Art Deco decor. The apartments remain popular with celebrity residents and has hosted some of the world's biggest names ever since its opening in 1930.  

Marilyn Monroe’s house - Panoramic windows with a view of downtown LA, a white chaise

(Image credit: TopTenRealEstateDeals / The Luxury Level)

After her first divorce, Marilyn rented the penthouse at Grenville Towers as a newly single woman making her own way once again. 

Designed by architect Leland A. Bryant in a French Normandy style, the penthouse offers 2,032 square feet across two floors, floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping, panoramic views of downtown L.A., and gorgeous architectural elements. Although it has been frequently updated since Marilyn owned the property, it was recently on the market for $2.49 million.

2. Bing Crosby's mid-century retreat

Marilyn Monroe’s house - Exterior of a single floored sprawling home with a large pool

(Image credit: TopTenRealEstateDeals / Douglas Elliman)

One of Marilyn’s most infamous scandals was her alleged affair with president JFK. The relationship reportedly blossomed on the grounds of close friend Bing Crosby’s mid-century home in Thunderbird heights. The 1.36-acre property was a favorite of the late president, who had his own private quarters in the home where Marilyn reportedly frequented.  

Marilyn Monroe’s house -View of a pool over an outdoor eating area with bistro-style table and eight chairs

(Image credit: TopTenRealEstateDeals / Douglas Elliman)

Listed for nearly $5 million earlier this year, the property boasts an oversized swimming pool, a sprawling open floor plan, and breathtaking views of the Joshua Tree’s mountains and the famous Coachella Valley.  

3. Marilyn's marriage house

Marilyn Monroe’s house - Exterior of a french country ranch home with a grey exterior, viewed over a large outdoor pool

(Image credit: TopTenRealEstateDeals / Houlihan Lawrence)

Marilyn’s final marriage was to playwright Arthur Miller, and their whirlwind romance was backdropped by a charming lakehouse in New York. 

The couple married at the property which sits across from the 16th hole of the Waccabuc Country Club golf course. Wrought iron, French doors, arched doorways, and European fireplaces impart an old-world fairy tale allure to the 4,291-square-foot, six-bedroom mansion.

The house was not a permanent fixture in Marilyn’s life, however, as, after their marriage, the pair gradually grew apart. Marilyn and Arthur split their time between a Manhattan penthouse and a Connecticut estate for the five tumultuous years of their marriage. The French country home was listed in 2017 for $1.65 million and offers gorgeous french country decor ideas for your own home. 

4. A home of her own

Marilyn Monroe’s house - The exterior of a med-style home, with white walls and red tile roof

(Image credit: TopTenRealEstateDeals / Lisa Optican)

Again living solo, Marilyn purchased her final property. The charming Mediterranean-style home is nestled in LA’s Brentwood neighborhood set the actress back $75,000 and was built in 1929.  

Marilyn Monroe’s house - A large curvy pool with red brick surround, shaded by trees

(Image credit: TopTenRealEstateDeals / Lisa Optican)

The 2,097-square-foot home is surrounded by nature and was the first home she bought for herself. The property boasts a shaded private pool that offers perfect inspiration for your pool shade ideas, four bedrooms with impressive exposed wood beams, and a Mexican-tiled fireplace. Most recently listed for $6.9 million, the house, unfortunately, has a sad history. 

Marilyn Monroe’s house - A white kitchen with brown countertops and red tile floor

(Image credit: TopTenRealEstateDeals / Lisa Optican)

The property became infamous after the star was found dead at just 36 in 1962 after struggling with a number of mental health conditions. She had lived at the property – the first one she had bought independently- for only four months.

Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters by Marilyn Monroe available at Amazon
Get a glimpse into...

Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters by Marilyn Monroe <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107655&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FFragments-Poems-Intimate-Notes-Letters%2Fdp%2F0374533784%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fcrid%3D2JY6ON3OXYD78%26keywords%3Dmarilyn%2Bmonroe%2Bbook%26qid%3D1660222175%26sprefix%3Dmarilyn%2Bmonroe%2Bbook%252Caps%252C146%26sr%3D8-1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">available at Amazon

Fragments is an unforgettable book that will redefine one of the greatest icons of the twentieth century and that, sixty years after her death, will definitively reveal Marilyn Monroe's humanity.

How did Marilyn Monroe get famous?

Marilyn Monroe became famous after a successful modeling career in the late 1940s. Her popularity and ability to boost morale throughout the war period led to a promising acting career. 

It wasn't until 1953 that Marilyn became a rising star, taking Hollywood by storm with her iconic looks and bubbly personality. She ultimately started in a total of 23 movies including 'Niagara', and the movie musical 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', which grossed more than $200 million. Her fame surpassed that of any other entertainer of the time and won critical acclaim for many of her roles. 

Source: TopTenRealEstateDeals.

Chiana Dickson
Writer

Chiana has been at Homes & Gardens for a year, having started her journey in interior journalism as part of the graduate program. She spends most of her time producing content for the Solved section of the website, helping readers get the most out of their homes through clever decluttering, cleaning, and tidying tips – many of which she tests and reviews herself in her home in Lancaster to ensure they will consistently deliver for her readers and dabbles in the latest design trends. She also has a first-class degree in Literature from Lancaster University.