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Emily in Paris Actress Lily Collins Sells Pasadena Home for $6M
I had to double-check when I first saw the figures for Lily Collins’ Pasadena house sale. In addition to exceeding her $6 million asking price, the purchase finished for just under $6.2 million, which is around $2.3 million more than she paid actress Kristen Wiig in early 2021.
The worst part is that it was an all-cash transaction that took place off-market. There were no Zillow bidding wars or Coming Soon signs—just a low-key, high-stakes handoff in one of Pasadena’s most sought-after neighborhoods. You wouldn’t be surprised to see Meryl Streep at the neighborhood cafe in this kind of area.
This deal speaks volumes about the market. Going above and beyond the asking price in cash indicates the property’s rarity and appeal in an era when luxury purchasers are more discriminating than ever. Owning a piece of California architectural history with a celebrity pedigree was more important than square footage or zip code.
If you were Lily, would you have took the money and moved on, or would you have retained the house for its legacy?
The Architectural Icon: Case Study House #10
You’ll understand why this house is more than just a celebrity’s residence if you’re interested in architecture. Officially known as Case Study House #10, it was created in 1947 by father-son architects Kemper Nomland Sr. and Jr. for the renowned Case Study program, which was supported by Arts & Architecture magazine, according to Robb Report.
The goal of the effort was to redefine post-World War II American life, not only to build houses. Additionally, this is Pasadena’s only Case Study residence. It is on the National Register of Historic Places because it is so important. When you consider it, purchasing a property like this is more than simply a real estate transaction; it’s like becoming the next chapter in the history of design.
Its post-and-beam architecture, soft redwood paneling, and glass walls that let in natural light are all characteristics of that era. It’s the type of area that causes you to stop and consider, “They don’t really build them like this anymore.”
What Makes the Home Special: Design & Renovation Details
Lily Collins didn’t simply move in and put her Emmy on the wall after purchasing the home in 2021. She collaborated with Emily Farnham, a designer based in Los Angeles, to redesign the interiors; the result was eventually featured in Vogue.
The fashion? Scandinavian meets California around the middle of the century. This calls for crisp lines, earthy hues, and a harmony between simplicity and warmth. There are three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and 3,400 square feet of space inside, along with an attached guesthouse for guests.
The way the old and the new coexist—a floating staircase here, restored concrete flooring there—while preserving the architectural character is what I adore. Renovating a home is no easy task, as anyone who has done so knows.
Celebrity real estate frequently changes hands in interesting ways, such as when John Goodman sold his property in New Orleans following a significant price reduction.
Outdoor Oasis: Pool, Gardens & Views
You enter a whole new universe when you step outside. The renowned Dutch gardener Piet Oudolf, who is renowned for his realistic, almost wild gardens that seem alive in all seasons, served as the inspiration for the backyard’s design.
With many patios, a pool, and an elevated spa, the terraced arrangement is ideal for hosting a Sunday brunch or simply relaxing with a book. What about the privacy? It is situated on a third of an acre of a hillside land that is gated and hedged.
As Mansion Global said, Pasadena is currently attracting high-profile purchasers due to its unique combination of architecture and isolation. This is the kind of place you’ve always wanted—one where you can host guests and still feel completely alone.
Some of the greatest off-market luxury listings I’ve been following lately never make it online. It’s interesting to observe what never makes it to the public market, so I frequently post those quiet, hidden discoveries on my WhatsApp updates.
Standout Interiors & Luxury Touches
The interior of the house feels purposeful, with each element having a specific function. A huge brick fireplace separates the open living and dining area, forming two comfortable yet linked areas. Sliding glass doors create a smooth transition between interior and outdoor spaces by letting in an abundance of natural light and opening straight to the patios.
The kitchen features stone worktops, modern appliances, and enough room for informal meals without sacrificing its cozy, homey atmosphere. The main suite? Imagine a walk-in shower, two vanities, and a marble bathtub that resembles a boutique hotel rather than a private residence.
If you have ever entered a home and thought, “I could live here,” you are aware of how uncommon it is to find a balance between comfort and style.
Would you give this house a complete modern makeover or preserve its mid-century charm if you moved in? I would love to know what you think.
The Celebrity Ownership Timeline
It’s part of the appeal of this house that the story doesn’t begin with Lily. After spending about $2.96 million on it in 2017, Kristen Wiig gave it her personal touch before giving it to Lily at the beginning of 2021.
Lily has since moved on and is said to divide her time between other residences and Copenhagen with her husband, director Charlie McDowell. She previously had a John Elgin Woolf-designed mansion in Beverly Hills, a glitzy location reminiscent of classic Hollywood, which she sold for $13.5 million in 2021.
Seeing the chain of owners here is interesting. While each contributed something fresh, they all honored the house’s past. Would you alter it or leave it precisely as is if you were the next person in line?
Like this Kanye West-related Hidden Hills house, the pleasure here lies in the tale the walls may tell rather than the amount of space.
Market Context: Why Pasadena s Luxury Homes Are Hot
You have undoubtedly noticed Pasadena’s surge if you have been following the premium real estate market. The tranquil, tree-lined streets here have drawn more high-profile buyers in recent years than the Hollywood Hills. Finding homes with soul is more important than simply getting away from the chaos.
Locations such as Lily Collins’ Case Study House #10 are not your typical mansions. In L.A., they provide history, distinctive architecture, and a degree of seclusion that money can’t always purchase. Off-market, all-cash sales like Lily’s sale are becoming increasingly common in this price range. It all comes down to prudence, trust, and protecting something that is impossible to duplicate.
Pasadena is a market where scarcity is advantageous if you’re considering investing. The ideal property here is a long-term cultural asset rather than just a house.
We observed a similar pattern when Katherine Schwarzenegger and Chris Pratt changed the price of their property in Los Angeles to appeal to the ideal buyer who was seeking both luxury and privacy.
When Celebrity Glam Meets Architectural Heritage
This sale is more than just a news story about a famous person turning a profit, in my opinion. It is evidence that the finest luxury residences have more than simply a high price tag; they also have a history, a heritage, and a benefactor who is prepared to honor them. Lily Collins could have easily modernized the place beyond recognition, but instead, she worked within its history, adding value without erasing character.
The following chapter will now be written by a different owner. Maybe they ll leave their mark subtly, maybe they ll be bolder but either way, the house will keep standing as a reminder that design and heritage can coexist beautifully.
How about you? If you had the keys to a place like this, would you keep it forever, or cash in while the market s hot?
Love diving into stories where architecture meets star power? You can explore morecelebrity real estate moves right here.
Disclaimer:This article is based on publicly available information from trusted media sources and is intended for informational purposes only. Property details, prices, and ownership history are accurate to the best of current reporting. This is not legal, financial, or real estate advice.
Contents Table
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The Architectural Icon: Case Study House #10
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What Makes the Home Special: Design & Renovation Details
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Outdoor Oasis: Pool, Gardens & Views
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Standout Interiors & Luxury Touches
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The Celebrity Ownership Timeline
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Market Context: Why Pasadena s Luxury Homes Are Hot
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When Celebrity Glam Meets Architectural Heritage
