It was a sunny Saturday morning in Los Angeles, and traffic hummed along the tree-lined streets of Studio City. But on Dilling Street, something extraordinary was happening. A crowd had gathered, phones in hand, eager to glimpse a house that had become more than just a home—it was a cultural touchstone. With its split-level design, mid-century flair, and the iconic orange and green kitchen that many people still associate with their childhoods, the Brady Bunch house was opening its doors for one last look before a high-profile real estate deal would change its fate. For some, this home was more than just a piece of TV history; it symbolized the idealized American family, even if they didn’t live in a perfect world.
Over five decades since The Brady Bunch aired in 1969, the show’s fictional family home continues to capture imaginations, intertwining nostalgia with a complex real estate journey. From its humble beginnings as a nondescript suburban house to its multimillion-dollar renovation and sale, the Brady Bunch house has become a symbol of pop culture and television’s transformative power.
The History of the Brady Bunch House
The house that became the backdrop for The Brady Bunch sits at 11222 Dilling Street, North Hollywood (now Studio City), Los Angeles. Built in 1959, it’s a typical suburban ranch-style house, a far cry from the multi-level structure we saw on TV, where Carol, Mike, and their blended family of six children lived in cheerful chaos. Interestingly, the house was only used for exterior shots. The home’s interiors were filmed on a set in a nearby studio, designed to fit the show’s vision of mid-century modern comfort.
The house remained under the radar for years after the show ended in 1974. It was owned by a private family that avoided capitalizing on fame. It wasn’t until the 2010s, with the rise of social media and renewed interest in retro television, that the house returned to the spotlight. According to Realtor.com, more than 50 million viewers were drawn to various events related to the Brady House between 2018 and 2023′
In 2018, the home was sold for the first time in decades, sparking a fierce bidding war. The asking price? $1.885 million. However, thanks to its cultural significance and a push by celebrities and fans alike, the final sale price skyrocketed to $3.5 million. HGTV, known for its home renovation and reality TV shows, emerged as the buyer, intending to restore the home to its full Brady Bunch glory.
HGT V’s Iconic Renovation
Once HGTV secured the property, they announced a project that captured the hearts of millions: a full-scale renovation designed to make the house look exactly like the interiors portrayed on the show. But there was one challenge—the actual house, with just 2,477 square feet, was much smaller than the sprawling set viewers saw on TV.
Enter HGTV’s construction and design teams. The network brought together famous faces like Jonathan and Drew Scott from Property Brothers to lead the ambitious transformation. The goal was to expand the house, add the floor, and recreate the interiors to the smallest detail. The project, titled A Very Brady Renovation, aired on HGTV in 2019 and showcased the painstaking process of creating the show’s famous living room, the kids’ shared bedroom with its iconic orange and yellow beds, and, of course, Alice’s kitchen, with its signature avocado-green appliances.
According to HGTV’s press release, the renovation team worked with several million dollars worth of materials and labor, and the final house ended up being almost 6,000 square feet, including all the extra additions (source). The meticulously restored home captured the attention of millions of viewers. The premiere episode of A Very Brady Renovation was watched by 8.1 million people, making it one of the highest-rated programs in HGTV’s history (source).
The Sale of the Brady Bunch House
After the success of the renovation show, the question arose—what would happen to the house? HGTV opted to hold onto the property for a few years, allowing fans to look closer. Tours were held, and the home became a pilgrimage site for Brady Bunch enthusiasts. However, by 2023, HGTV decided to put the house back on the market with an asking price of $5.5 million.
Despite its iconic status, the house’s sale in the real estate market proved complex. While the renovations were precise, HGTV focused on transforming the home into a replica of a 1970s TV set, which didn’t necessarily align with modern homebuyer preferences. Ultimately, the property sold for $3.2 million 2023 to a private buyer, significantly lower than its asking price but still reflective of its cultural cachet (source).
Pop Culture Legacy and Influence
Why does a house like the Brady Bunch home continue to fascinate? Part of the reason lies in the show’s cultural legacy. The Brady Bunch aired during a time of significant social change in America. The show depicted a blended family, which was not common in TV programming then. While the show has often been criticized for its overly idealized portrayal of family life, its warmth, humor, and quirky family dynamics struck a chord with millions of viewers.
For many, the Brady Bunch home symbolizes a simpler, more innocent era. Architecturally, it also serves as a time capsule of mid-century modern design, with its open floor plan, large windows, and iconic shag carpeting. The Brady Bunch house captures a specific moment in American home design that resonates with today’s love of retro styles and nostalgia.
But beyond its television fame, the home has also had a tangible impact on real estate and home renovation trends. The rise of HGTV and other renovation-based programming owes much to the Brady Bunch house. By bridging the gap between nostalgia and modern-day home improvement, the house has inspired countless viewers to try their hand at DIY projects, blending the old with the new.
Architectural Significance and Design Appeal
Architecturally, the Brady house represents the quintessential suburban home of the late 1960s. According to California architectural records, mid-century ranch-style dwellings like the one on Dilling Street were designed to cater to the booming post-WWII suburban expansion (source). Simple, single-story homes with open layouts became popular as more families moved to the suburbs, seeking affordable housing with modern conveniences. This architectural trend was mirrored in television shows of the era, with homes like the Brady Bunch house representing an aspirational, middle-class lifestyle.
Today, that mid-century aesthetic has returned, with design features like open floor plans, natural wood elements, and minimalistic furniture becoming staples in modern home renovation.
The Future of the Brady Bunch House
While the house has officially changed hands, its place in pop culture is secure. Whether it serves as a private residence or is opened to the public again, the Brady Bunch house will always be more than just a piece of real estate. It symbolizes TV history, an architectural icon, and a touchstone for those who grew up watching the Brady family navigate life’s ups and downs.
As Emily stood outside the house on that sunny day in Studio City, snapping photos and soaking in the nostalgia, she realized that the house represented more than just a set—it was a reminder of family, hope, and the possibility that no matter how messy life gets, there’s always room for love, laughter, and a fresh coat of paint.
