A historic Beverly Hills estate with a remarkable lineage of celebrity owners, including Madonna and Ryan Murphy, has been listed for $25 million. The property is particularly noted for its extensive renovation by the late actress Diane Keaton, whose distinct design philosophy remains a core feature of the home.
Located at 820 North Roxbury Drive, the Spanish Colonial Revival was originally built in 1927. Its current state is a testament to Keaton's vision, which transformed the residence during her ownership from 2007 to 2010.
Key Takeaways
- A Beverly Hills home with previous owners including Madonna, Diane Keaton, and Ryan Murphy is for sale for $25 million.
- The property was extensively restored and redesigned by Diane Keaton, and her architectural choices remain largely untouched.
- The 8,434-square-foot Spanish Colonial Revival home was originally designed in 1927 by architect Ralph C. Flewelling.
- Features include a library-foyer, a kitchen with a fireplace, six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a guest house, and a pool.
A Property Defined by Design Legacy
A significant Spanish Colonial Revival home in Beverly Hills has entered the market with an asking price of $25 million. The residence, spanning approximately 8,434 square feet, carries a rich history of Hollywood ownership, but its most defining chapter is linked to actress Diane Keaton.
Keaton purchased the property in 2007 for $8.1 million and embarked on a meticulous restoration project. Her work, completed with collaborator Stephen Shadley, is credited with reviving the home's original architectural character while infusing it with a unique and personal style that continues to influence its appeal today.
According to Rayni Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates, who holds the listing with Branden Williams, Keaton's impact on real estate design was profound. "Diane was one of the most prolific architectural and design minds that we’ve ever seen in the real estate community," Williams said. "There are only a very small handful of people that had her aesthetic."
Keaton's Signature Touches Endure
The home's interior is a showcase of Keaton's design sensibilities. One of her most notable changes was converting the grand entry hall into a library and seating area. This unconventional choice immediately sets the tone upon entering the residence.
"You walk into the foyer, which is a library with seating area and you’re really enveloped in Diane’s energy because it greets you and that’s untouched," Williams explained. This feature reflects Keaton's personal interests and her desire to create spaces with warmth and intellectual depth.
Property Timeline
- 1927: Originally built by architect Ralph C. Flewelling.
- Pre-2007: Briefly owned by pop icon Madonna.
- 2007: Purchased by Diane Keaton for $8.1 million.
- 2010: Sold by Keaton to producer Ryan Murphy for $10 million.
- 2015: Sold by Murphy to Seth and Cailin Wunder for $16.25 million.
- 2025: Listed for sale for $25 million.
The kitchen was another area of dramatic transformation. Keaton reimagined the space with vaulted, wood-beamed ceilings, a large fireplace, and an oversized farm table, blending the Spanish hacienda style with a rustic, farmhouse feel. This blend of styles was a hallmark of her risk-taking approach to design.
Even the landscaping reflects her unconventional vision. Faced with local codes requiring open visibility in the front yard, Keaton installed a dense garden of cacti instead of a traditional hedge, a move that was both functional and creatively defiant.
A Lineage of Notable Owners
Before Keaton's transformative ownership, the home briefly belonged to Madonna. After completing her restoration, Keaton sold the property in 2010 to television producer and writer Ryan Murphy for $10 million. Murphy, known for creating shows like "Glee" and "American Horror Story," was drawn to the home's historic details, including its colorful tilework.
In 2015, Murphy sold the estate for $16.25 million to its current owners, Cailin and Seth Wunder. Cailin, an artist and creative professional, had long admired the property, having first seen it featured in a 2008 issue of Architectural Digest that chronicled Keaton's renovation.
"I remember seeing it for the first time in the pages of Architectural Digest," Cailin Wunder previously stated. "She had restored it so thoughtfully. I remember thinking, one day, that will be home."
For the Wunders, the home became a canvas for their own lives, built upon the foundation Keaton had established. "It’s a space where everything I love — art, history, craftsmanship — comes together," Wunder said.
Architectural Integrity and Modern Comforts
The home's design centers around an open-air courtyard, a signature element of its original architect, Ralph C. Flewelling, who also designed Beverly Hills City Hall. This feature connects the various living spaces and fills the home with natural light.
The estate includes six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, providing ample space for family and guests. The primary suite features dual bathrooms, another of Keaton's forward-thinking additions. Throughout the home, there are five fireplaces, adding to its historic ambiance.
About the Architect: Ralph C. Flewelling
Ralph C. Flewelling was a prominent architect in Southern California during the early 20th century. He is best known for his work in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, with Beverly Hills City Hall (1932) being one of his most famous public commissions. His residential designs often featured courtyards, tile roofs, and arched doorways, elements that are all present in the 820 North Roxbury Drive property.
While preserving its historical integrity, the property has been updated with modern amenities. These include a gym, a wine cellar, a separate guest house, a swimming pool and spa, and a sports court. The combination of classic architecture and contemporary features positions it as a significant luxury property in the competitive Beverly Hills market.
The listing agents emphasize that despite the passage of time and subsequent owners, Keaton's vision remains the soul of the house. "This is like your truest house out of all the houses that [Diane] did," said Branden Williams. "That just really shows her true style."
