Brad Pitt’s Los Angeles dream home, once hailed as an architectural gem, has now become the center of headlines after a burglary rocked the property just as the actor prepared to sell it.
Brad Pitt is parting ways with his Los Feliz residence—known as The Steel House—in an off-market deal now in escrow. The sale, valued at around $5.5 million, was already underway before a burglary made headlines this summer according to Architectural Digest.
The Steel House in Los Feliz, once owned by Brad Pitt, showcases its midcentury modern lines, hillside pool, and serene outdoor setting. Photo: Simon Berlyn
A Midcentury Masterpiece with Hollywood Ties
Designed in 1960 by noted architect Neil M. Johnson, The Steel House is regarded as a textbook example of midcentury modern design, marrying bold structural lines with livable comfort. The roughly 2,000-square-foot residence is anchored by its distinctive L-shaped layout, which opens seamlessly onto a terrace and creates a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
True to the era’s architectural ethos, the home features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, cantilevered eaves, and exposed beamed ceilings, all of which amplify light and frame panoramic views of Los Angeles. The interiors are further elevated by terrazzo flooring and meticulous design details, including custom light-blue cabinetry in the kitchen, bathrooms, and closets, which lend the property a playful yet cohesive aesthetic. Each of the three bedrooms is accented with deep cobalt-blue carpeting, providing a sense of richness and warmth against the otherwise minimalist palette.
The open-plan living area of The Steel House highlights its midcentury charm, with expansive glass walls and timeless architectural details. Photo: Simon Berlyn
Outdoors, The Steel House offers a retreat-like experience with a full-length swimming pool built into the hillside terrace, a redwood hot tub, and a freestanding sauna tucked among mature greenery. This combination of wellness amenities and private landscaping makes the home feel far removed from the bustle of Los Angeles, even while being centrally located. Sweeping views over the city, framed by carefully preserved landscaping, ensure both privacy and spectacle—a rare balance in such a sought-after neighborhood.
The home also carries a fascinating celebrity ownership lineage. It was once the residence of Aileen Getty, philanthropist and heiress to the Getty oil dynasty, who purchased it in 2019 from Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine. In 2023, Getty swapped the property with Pitt as part of a larger real estate deal.
The Steel House kitchen stands out with its bespoke light-blue cabinetry and clean midcentury modern lines, a perfect blend of style and function. Photo: Simon Berlyn
She assumed ownership of Pitt’s sprawling $33 million Hollywood Hills Craftsman-style mansion, while Pitt downsized into The Steel House, paying an additional $5.5 million to balance the exchange. This transaction not only highlighted Pitt’s evolving property strategy but also underscored the unique architectural and cultural value of The Steel House—an intimate yet striking contrast to the sprawling estates often associated with A-list celebrities.
The dining space in The Steel House combines natural light and midcentury modern design, offering a stylish setting for entertaining. Photo: Simon Berlyn
The Break-In That Didn’t Alter His Plans
On June 25, 2025, burglars scaled the fence, entered through a front window, and ransacked the home—while Pitt was abroad promoting his film F1: The Movie according to The Richest. No one was home. Authorities later arrested four individuals in connection with multiple burglaries targeting celebrity homes across Southern California, including Pitt’s according to SFGate.
The primary bedroom of The Steel House features expansive windows, rich blue carpeting, and tranquil vistas, blending comfort with midcentury elegance. Photo: Simon Berlyn
A Strategic Shift in Real Estate
Pitt's off-market sale of The Steel House was well underway prior to the incident, indicating that the burglary did not drive the decision. Instead, it's part of a larger rebalancing of his California property portfolio.
He now resides primarily in the historic D.L. James House in Carmel, acquired in 2022 for $40 million. He also recently purchased a $12 million Spanish-style mansion in the Hollywood Hills, signaling a move toward new architectural statements and locales.
The Steel House bathroom combines functionality and style with dual sinks and custom cabinetry, reflecting the home’s signature midcentury aesthetic. Photo: Simon Berlyn
People Also Ask
Was Brad Pitt home during the burglary?
No. Pitt was abroad for promotional events associated with his film F1: The Movie when the break-in occurred. No occupants were present during the incident.
What security measures did he take after the burglary?
In response, Pitt implemented 24/7 surveillance and upgraded security protocols at the Los Feliz property, reflecting growing concerns over celebrity home safety in the area.
Why is The Steel House called that?
The nickname stems from the house’s signature steel-and-glass architectural features. Its midcentury design includes modernist elements like steel framework and expansive windows, giving it a sleek, industrial edge.
Is the burglary trend affecting other celebrities?
Yes. Authorities have identified a spike in break-ins targeting affluent homes in Southern California, and Pitt’s case is among several involving celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Tom Hanks, and Jennifer Aniston. This pattern has prompted heightened law enforcement coordination to curb so-called "burglary tourism".
The office in The Steel House offers a bright, modern workspace with expansive views, perfectly complementing the home’s midcentury design. Photo: Simon Berlyn
Final Thoughts
Brad Pitt’s decision to sell The Steel House underscores a thoughtful reshaping of his real estate portfolio—driven by architectural interests, lifestyle needs, and strategic planning. Despite the unsettling break-in, the sale continues apace, reaffirming that even amid unexpected challenges, Pitt remains in control—turning the page with confidence as he evolves his home legacy.
