‘Emily in Paris’ Actress Lily Collins Sells Pasadena Home for $6M

When I first saw the numbers on Lily Collins’s Pasadena home sale, I had to double-check. The deal closed just under $6.2 million — that’s not only over her $6 million asking price, but also about $2.3 million more than she paid actress Kristen Wiig back in early 2021.

And here’s the kicker: it all happened off-market, in an all-cash transaction. No bidding wars splashed across Zillow, no “Coming Soon” signs — just a quiet, high-stakes handoff in one of Pasadena’s most coveted pockets. It’s the kind of neighborhood where spotting Meryl Streep at the local café wouldn’t surprise you.

From a market perspective, this sale says a lot. In a time when luxury buyers are pickier than ever, going above ask — and in cash — signals both the property’s rarity and its pull. It wasn’t just about square footage or zip code; it was about owning a piece of California architectural history with a celebrity pedigree.

If you were in Lily’s position, would you have kept the home for its legacy or taken the profit and moved on?

The Architectural Icon: Case Study House #10

If you’re into architecture, you’ll appreciate why this home is more than just a celebrity’s address. According to Robb Report, it’s officially known as Case Study House #10, designed in 1947 by father-and-son architects Kemper Nomland Sr. and Jr. for the legendary Case Study program sponsored by Arts & Architecture magazine.

That program wasn’t just about building homes — it was about redefining how America lived after World War II. And this is the only Case Study home in Pasadena. It’s so significant, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When you think about it, buying a place like this isn’t just a real estate move — it’s like becoming the next chapter in a piece of design history.

If you walked through it, you’d see the hallmarks of that era: post-and-beam construction, warm redwood siding, and walls of glass that pull the outside in. It’s the kind of space that makes you pause and think, “They really don’t build them like this anymore.”

What Makes the Home Special: Design & Renovation Details

When Lily Collins bought the house in 2021, she didn’t just move in and hang her Emmy on the wall. She partnered with Los Angeles-based designer Emily Farnham to reimagine the interiors — a project that later landed in the pages of Vogue.

The style? “Mid-century California meets Scandinavian.” That means clean lines, earthy tones, and a balance of warmth and minimalism. Inside, you’ve got 3,400 square feet spread across three bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus a detached guesthouse for when friends or family visit.

What I love is the way the old and new work together — a floating staircase here, restored concrete floors there, all while keeping the architectural soul intact. If you’ve ever renovated a home, you know that’s no small feat.

Celebrity properties tend to change hands in fascinating ways — like John Goodman’s New Orleans mansion sale after a major price cut earlier.

Outdoor Oasis: Pool, Gardens & Views

Step outside and you’re in a completely different world. The backyard isn’t just landscaped — it’s inspired by famed Dutch gardener Piet Oudolf, known for creating naturalistic, almost wild gardens that feel alive in every season.

There’s a terraced layout with multiple patios, a pool, and a raised spa — the kind of setup where you could host a Sunday brunch or just escape with a book. And the privacy? It’s on a gated, hedged hillside lot about a third of an acre.

As Mansion Global pointed out, this blend of design and seclusion is exactly what’s drawing high-profile buyers to Pasadena right now. If you’ve ever dreamed of a space where you can entertain and still feel tucked away from the world, this is it.

I’ve been tracking a few similar off-market luxury listings lately, and some of the best ones never make it online. I often share those quiet, under-the-radar finds on my WhatsApp updates — it’s fascinating to see what never hits the open market.

Standout Interiors & Luxury Touches

Inside, the home feels intentional — every detail serves a purpose. The open living and dining space is divided by a massive brick fireplace, creating two cozy but connected zones. Sliding glass doors flood the rooms with light and open directly to the patios, making that indoor-outdoor flow seamless.

The kitchen has stone countertops, updated appliances, and just enough space for casual meals without losing that warm, lived-in feel. The primary suite? Think marble bath, dual vanities, and a walk-in shower that feels more like a boutique hotel than a private home.

If you’ve ever walked into a house and thought, “I could see myself living here,” you know that mix of comfort and elegance is rare.

If you walked into a home like this, would you keep its mid-century charm or give it a full modern makeover? I’d love to hear your take.

The Celebrity Ownership Timeline

This home’s story doesn’t start with Lily — and that’s part of the charm. Kristen Wiig bought it in 2017 for around $2.96 million, gave it her own touch, and then passed it on to Lily in early 2021.

Now, Lily’s moved on, reportedly splitting her time between Copenhagen with her husband, director Charlie McDowell, and other properties. Before Pasadena, she owned a John Elgin Woolf-designed mansion in Beverly Hills — the kind of glamorous spot that feels straight out of old Hollywood — which she sold in 2021 for $13.5 million.

It’s interesting to see the chain of owners here. Each brought something new, but all respected the home’s history. If you were next in line, would you change it… or preserve it exactly as it is?

And just like this Hidden Hills estate with a Kanye West connection, the charm here isn’t just about square footage — it’s about the story the walls could tell.

Market Context: Why Pasadena’s Luxury Homes Are Hot

If you’ve been watching the luxury real estate market, Pasadena’s rise probably hasn’t escaped your notice. Over the last few years, more high-profile buyers have been trading the Hollywood Hills for the quiet, tree-lined streets here. And it’s not just about escaping the chaos — it’s about finding homes with soul.

Places like Lily Collins’s Case Study House #10 aren’t cookie-cutter mansions. They carry history, unique architecture, and a level of privacy that even money can’t always buy in L.A. That’s why off-market, all-cash deals — like Lily’s sale — are becoming the norm in this price bracket. It’s about trust, discretion, and securing something you can’t just replicate.

If you’re thinking about investing, Pasadena is a market where scarcity works in your favor. The right property here isn’t just a home — it’s a long-term cultural asset.

It’s a similar trend we saw when Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger adjusted the price on their L.A. mansion to attract the right kind of buyer looking for both luxury and seclusion.

When Celebrity Glam Meets Architectural Heritage

To me, this sale is more than a headline about a celebrity making a profit. It’s proof that the best luxury homes aren’t just expensive — they have a story, a legacy, and someone willing to respect both. Lily Collins could have easily modernized the place beyond recognition, but instead, she worked within its history, adding value without erasing character.

And now, another owner gets to write the next chapter. 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.

What 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 more celebrity 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.