The Brady Bunch house. The mere mention of it conjures up images of shag carpets, orange countertops, and a perpetually sunny California existence. It’s more than just a building; it’s a cultural icon, a symbol of American suburban life as portrayed in the beloved sitcom that aired from 1969 to 1974. But who actually owns this piece of television history today? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, has a fascinating backstory.
The Real-Life Brady Abode: Finding the House
The exterior shots used for the Brady Bunch were not filmed on a studio backlot. Instead, producers found a real house in Studio City, California, that perfectly captured the idyllic suburban aesthetic they were aiming for. This choice contributed significantly to the show’s authenticity and enduring appeal. But identifying this real-life location was just the first step in uncovering its ownership.
The Location: 11222 Dilling Street
The house is located at 11222 Dilling Street, Studio City, California. For years, it remained a popular tourist destination for fans eager to catch a glimpse of the famous façade. However, for decades the interior seen on television was entirely a soundstage set, quite different from the actual interior of the Dilling Street house. This distinction is crucial when discussing the property’s value and appeal.
The Initial Owners: The Actual Family
Before its claim to fame, the house was simply a family home. When the Brady Bunch crew came calling, the owners, believed to be the same family that had occupied the house since its construction in 1959, agreed to let their home be used for the show’s exterior shots. They likely had no idea that their house would become such a recognizable and cherished part of television history.
HGTV Steps In: A Celebrity Purchase and Renovation
Fast forward several decades, and the Brady Bunch house was on the market. Its listing sparked a bidding war, not just from ordinary homeowners, but from major players in the entertainment industry. And that’s when HGTV entered the picture, with a clear vision and celebrity backing.
The Bidding War: Securing the Iconic Property
The announcement that the Brady Bunch house was for sale sent shockwaves through the real estate world. Numerous potential buyers expressed interest, but HGTV ultimately emerged victorious. They successfully outbid other contenders, including *NSYNC singer Lance Bass, who famously thought he had won the bidding war, only to be outmaneuvered by the deep pockets and strategic vision of the television network.
Why HGTV? Preserving a Cultural Icon
HGTV’s motivation went beyond simply acquiring a piece of real estate. They saw an opportunity to preserve a cultural icon and create engaging content for their audience. Their plan was to renovate the house to match the interior seen on the television show, blending the real-world exterior with the beloved fictional interior.
A Very Brady Renovation: The Remodeling Project
“A Very Brady Renovation” was a television series documenting the extensive remodeling of the Brady Bunch house. HGTV brought together the original Brady Bunch cast members – Barry Williams (Greg), Maureen McCormick (Marcia), Christopher Knight (Peter), Eve Plumb (Jan), Mike Lookinland (Bobby), and Susan Olsen (Cindy) – to participate in the renovation. Each cast member contributed to specific areas of the house, adding personal touches and reliving memories from their time on the show. Designers and contractors meticulously worked to recreate the iconic rooms, sourcing period-appropriate furniture and décor to perfectly match the television set.
The Current Owner: HGTV and Discovery, Inc.
So, who owns the Brady Bunch house now? The answer is HGTV, which is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Warner Bros. Discovery: The Parent Company
Warner Bros. Discovery is a global media and entertainment company that owns a vast portfolio of channels and content. HGTV falls under their umbrella, giving them the resources and expertise to manage and maintain the Brady Bunch house as a valuable asset.
The Future of the House: Tours and Special Events
While not open to the public for everyday tours, HGTV uses the Brady Bunch house for special events and filming projects. The renovated home serves as a tangible reminder of the show’s enduring popularity and a unique venue for creating new content. The house also serves as a backdrop for various HGTV shows and specials. It also provides a unique opportunity to engage with fans and keep the Brady Bunch legacy alive.
Preservation and Maintenance: Protecting an Icon
Owning the Brady Bunch house comes with responsibilities. HGTV is committed to preserving the property and ensuring its long-term upkeep. This involves regular maintenance, security measures, and careful management of its public image. The goal is to protect this cultural landmark for future generations. The house’s iconic facade is regularly maintained to ensure it remains true to its on-screen appearance. Special care is taken to protect the interior from damage during filming and events.
The Brady Bunch Legacy: More Than Just a House
The story of the Brady Bunch house is about more than just real estate. It’s a story about television history, cultural impact, and the enduring power of nostalgia. The house represents a simpler time, a family ideal, and a shared experience for generations of viewers.
Enduring Appeal: Why the Show Still Resonates
Despite being off the air for decades, the Brady Bunch continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its themes of family, love, and acceptance are timeless, and its wholesome humor is a welcome escape from the complexities of modern life. The show’s reruns and streaming availability ensure that new generations can discover the Brady family and their iconic home.
The House as a Symbol: American Suburban Dream
The Brady Bunch house is more than just a physical structure; it’s a symbol of the American suburban dream. It represents the ideal of a happy, thriving family in a safe and comfortable environment. The house’s familiar facade evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of belonging. It’s a reminder of simpler times and a celebration of family values.
The Impact on Studio City: A Tourist Destination
The Brady Bunch house has had a significant impact on the community of Studio City. It attracts tourists from all over the world, eager to catch a glimpse of the famous façade. This influx of visitors has boosted the local economy and brought attention to the area. While the house is not always open to the public, its presence adds a unique charm and character to the neighborhood.
Conclusion: The Brady Bunch House’s Continuing Story
The Brady Bunch house remains a significant landmark, owned by HGTV and managed by Warner Bros. Discovery. Its story continues to evolve, with new chapters being written through renovation projects, television specials, and the ongoing efforts to preserve its legacy. It’s a testament to the enduring power of television and its ability to shape our cultural landscape. The house stands as a reminder of the Brady family’s lasting impact on American popular culture.
Who currently owns the Brady Bunch house?
The iconic Brady Bunch house, located at 11222 Dilling Street in North Hollywood, California, is currently owned by HGTV (Home & Garden Television). They purchased the property in 2018 after a bidding war, notably beating out NSYNC’s Lance Bass who publicly expressed his desire to own the home. HGTV’s acquisition stemmed from their ambition to renovate the house to resemble the interior as seen on the beloved television show.
Their purchase was more than just a real estate transaction; it was a strategic move to create a television series showcasing the meticulous restoration and renovation of the house. The resulting series, “A Very Brady Renovation,” documented the transformation process, bringing together the original cast members to collaborate with HGTV’s design and construction experts. The show proved to be highly popular, further cementing the house’s place in pop culture history.
Why was the house chosen for the Brady Bunch exterior shots?
The unassuming ranch-style house was chosen for its quintessential “everyday family home” appearance, aligning perfectly with the wholesome image the Brady Bunch aimed to project. Its relatively modest size, compared to the larger homes in the area, added to its appeal as a relatable, middle-class dwelling, reflecting the supposed socioeconomic status of the Brady family.
The producers intentionally selected a house that would resonate with the average American family, reinforcing the show’s themes of togetherness and suburban life. While the interior shots were filmed on a soundstage, the exterior shots provided a visual anchor, grounding the fictional family within a recognizable and accessible reality.
How accurate is the interior of the real house compared to the TV show’s interior?
Prior to HGTV’s renovation, the interior of the real Brady Bunch house bore little resemblance to the spacious, two-story layout depicted on the show. The interior scenes were primarily filmed on a soundstage, allowing for greater control over lighting, camera angles, and set design, features that were unachievable within a standard residential house.
HGTV’s “A Very Brady Renovation” meticulously recreated the iconic interior spaces, including the signature orange and avocado green kitchen, the living room with its floating staircase, and the kids’ bedrooms. The renovation team even sourced vintage furniture and décor to achieve an authentic look, bridging the gap between the real house and its fictional counterpart.
Is the Brady Bunch house open to the public for tours?
While the Brady Bunch house is not consistently open to the public for regular tours, HGTV has occasionally offered limited access through contests and special events. These opportunities are usually announced through HGTV’s website and social media channels, generating considerable excitement among fans of the show.
Due to the house being located in a residential neighborhood, constant public access is not feasible. The controlled events are designed to minimize disruption to the surrounding community while still allowing fans to experience the renovated interior and exterior firsthand.
How much did HGTV pay for the Brady Bunch house?
HGTV purchased the Brady Bunch house for $3.5 million in 2018. This was significantly higher than the initial asking price of $1.885 million, reflecting the intense bidding war that ensued due to the property’s cultural significance and HGTV’s strategic intentions.
The hefty price tag underscores the value HGTV placed on acquiring the property, recognizing its potential as a major draw for viewers and advertisers. The investment proved worthwhile, as “A Very Brady Renovation” became a ratings hit and significantly boosted HGTV’s brand awareness.
What challenges did HGTV face during the renovation process?
One of the biggest challenges HGTV faced was replicating the interior layout from the TV show within the confines of a single-story house. The show’s interior was much larger and included a second story, which did not exist in the original house. This required creative architectural solutions to expand the house’s footprint and effectively recreate the beloved rooms.
Sourcing accurate vintage furniture and décor proved to be another significant hurdle. The design team scoured antique stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces to find pieces that closely resembled those used in the original show’s set. The team also had to overcome structural issues inherent in an older house, ensuring that the renovation met modern building codes and safety standards.
What is the current purpose of the Brady Bunch house?
Currently, the Brady Bunch house serves multiple purposes for HGTV. Primarily, it stands as a tangible symbol of the network’s commitment to home renovation and design, showcasing their expertise and creativity. The house also functions as a unique event space for HGTV-related activities, press events, and promotional shoots.
While it isn’t a full-time residence, HGTV utilizes the house to generate ongoing content and engage with fans. The property’s iconic status ensures its continued relevance, solidifying its position as a cherished landmark in television history. The company continues to explore innovative ways to leverage the house’s appeal for future programming and promotional opportunities.