Lily Collins Famous Case Study House in California Has Been Sold For $6.1M
I’ve always believed that a home tells you more about a person than any red carpet moment ever could. That’s exactly the case with Lily Collins’ Pasadena house—a quiet architectural gem she’s just sold for $6.13 million, well above asking. And no, this wasn’t your usual celebrity mansion flex. This was something deeper.
We’re talking about a Case Study House—a rare midcentury property tied to a post-war movement that reshaped how Americans lived. Built in 1947, tucked into a sloping corner lot in Pasadena, this home wasn’t just beautiful—it was thoughtful. Clean lines, wood-and-glass harmony, indoor-outdoor flow. The kind of space that respects the land it sits on.
Lily bought it in 2021 for $3.9 million from Kristen Wiig. Now, just a few years later, she’s walked away with a major profit—and a legacy home passed on to the next lucky owner.
But there’s more to the story than just numbers.
Inside Lily Collins’s Pasadena Home Sale — What Makes This Property Special?
If you’ve ever driven through Pasadena’s quiet, tree-lined streets, you’ll know there’s something different about the homes here. They don’t scream for attention—they invite it. And Lily Collins’ place? It did exactly that.
She sold it off-market for $6.13 million, and what’s wild is—it went over asking, according to Mansion Global. That’s not something you see every day, even in a hot market.
Located on South San Rafael Drive, this 1947-built home sits on a sloped corner lot with eucalyptus and sycamore trees lining the yard. It’s not oversized. It’s not flashy. But it’s rare—a Case Study House, to be exact. And that alone makes it special.
You’re not just buying a home like this. You’re buying into architectural history.
Why This Home is a Rare Piece of American Architecture?
Let me break this down. Back in the post-WWII era, America had a big problem: returning veterans, a growing middle class, and not enough homes. The Case Study House program was one of the boldest answers. A group of forward-thinking architects came together to design affordable, modern homes that could be mass-produced.
Lily’s home wasn’t originally commissioned for the program—but it was still included later because it fit the philosophy so well. That’s how aligned it was with the movement’s core ideas: clean lines, smart use of space, and harmony with nature.
The home is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it’s officially recognized as a piece of design history. That’s not something most celebrity homes can claim.
So when you hear “$6.13 million,” don’t just think dollar signs—think cultural value.
Architectural Highlights: Seamless Terrain Integration Meets Midcentury Design
What I love about this house—and what you probably will too—is how it doesn’t fight the land. The three-level design actually follows the slope of the lot. The shed roof mirrors the incline, the layout wraps around trees, and the outdoor areas flow like part of the structure.
Step inside, and you’ll see everything midcentury lovers dream about. Post-and-beam construction, a floating staircase, and glass sliding doors that dissolve the boundary between indoors and out.
But here’s what sets this place apart—according to Architectural Digest, Collins and her husband didn’t just live in it. They honored it. The design was led by Emily Farnham, who helped expand the home by 600 square feet, added a fourth bedroom, and restored the original concrete floors.
Every update respected the home’s DNA. No overdone renovations. No lost soul.
You don’t see that kind of restraint often.
What’s your take—would you choose a design-rich historic home like this, or go for something ultra-modern and new? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
From Kristen Wiig to Lily Collins: A Star-Studded Ownership Trail
Let’s be real—we all love a good celebrity real estate story. But this one’s got a cool twist: it’s not just about big names, it’s about shared taste.
Lily bought this house in 2021 for $3.9 million from actress Kristen Wiig (yes, Bridesmaids legend). And before that, Wiig had picked it up in 2017 for $2.96 million. Two actresses, both known for thoughtful roles, owning a home with this kind of character? Makes sense.
It’s interesting to see how both of them, despite fame, were drawn to a home that’s understated, earthy, and meaningful. Not your usual Beverly Hills palace with glass floors and gold bathrooms.
That ownership chain alone adds layers to the home’s story. And let’s be honest—if both Wiig and Collins fell for it, there’s something more than just square footage here.
Celebrity home swaps aren’t new, and we’ve seen similar headline-making deals — like when Kris Jenner listed her iconic $8.9M Hidden Hills mansion, putting decades of Kardashian family history up for sale.
Scandinavian Meets California Midcentury
You know those homes that feel like they were designed for magazine covers and Sunday mornings? This was one of them.
Lily and her husband, director Charlie McDowell, didn’t just move in and slap their style on top. They brought in Emily Farnham, an architect who knows how to blend eras. The result? A vibe that’s been described as “Midcentury California meets Scandinavian.” Think clean minimalism, warm textures, and pieces that feel lived in—not showroom sterile.
One of the best moves they made was bringing back the original concrete floors. So many homeowners rip out the bones of a place to make it “modern.” But Lily did the opposite—she brought history back.
She also opened the space up, added that fourth bedroom, and made the entire home feel cohesive without losing the charm it had in 1947.
And that’s what smart renovation is about—not changing the home, but helping it breathe.
I recently came across a midcentury architecture clip on a WhatsApp channel that shares home design gems and renovation ideas—it’s been a surprising source of inspiration lately.
Who Bought the Property and Why It Happened Off-Market?
Here’s something that caught my eye—and might catch yours too. This deal didn’t happen through flashy listings or open houses. It was an off-market transaction, quietly closed in late June.
So who bought it?
According to records, the buyer was an LLC tied to a local wealth manager. The sellers were represented by Ted Clark and Heather Lillard of Compass, while William Baker of The Agency handled the buyer’s side. None of the agents have publicly commented, which makes this sale even more mysterious.
But you and I both know—off-market sales usually mean one of two things: privacy or exclusivity. In this case? Maybe both.
It feels like this wasn’t just a purchase—it was a handoff. From one person who appreciated design, to another who likely does too.
While some stars are heading to Europe, others are doubling down on stateside properties — like ex-NBA guard Brandon Knight, who just bought a luxury home in Miami, signaling that Florida remains hot for celebrity buyers.
How Lily’s Sale Reflects Broader Real Estate Trends?
Zoom out for a second. This sale isn’t just about Lily Collins or a beautiful house. It’s part of a bigger shift happening in luxury real estate—especially in California.
Buyers aren’t just throwing money at size or location anymore. They’re looking for authenticity, history, and architectural meaning.
This house checks all those boxes: midcentury bones, design pedigree, a spot on the National Register, and a renovation that respected its soul. No wonder it sold over asking.
And if you’ve been following the market, you’ll notice that historic and design-forward homes are holding their value—even as other parts of the market cool off.
That tells me (and probably you too) that good design is no longer a niche interest—it’s a premium asset.
High-profile investors and celebrities continue to reshape the luxury housing market — Ken Griffin’s $1.5 billion real estate empire is a powerful example of how taste and capital often collide.
What’s Next for Lily Collins & Charlie McDowell?
So what’s the next chapter for Lily and Charlie?
If you’ve been following them, you probably know they’ve shifted a lot of their focus to Europe—especially Paris and Copenhagen. In fact, Vogue once featured their Scandinavian-style interiors, hinting at how much they value that soft, warm aesthetic.
Selling this home might just be part of a bigger move toward international living. Or maybe they’ve got another hidden architectural gem in their sights.
Either way, it feels like they’re trading the hills of Pasadena for something quieter—and maybe a little older, in the best way possible.
Would you do the same if you had the chance?
Takeaway: A Star, A Story, A Home with Meaning
In a market full of McMansions and mega-deals, this story stands out for all the right reasons.
Lily Collins didn’t just sell a house. She passed on a piece of design history—carefully preserved, tastefully lived in, and now ready for its next chapter. From its Case Study legacy to the Scandinavian touches, this home is a reminder that the best properties aren’t just investments—they’re stories you get to live inside.
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning something with meaning—not just marble countertops and infinity pools—this home shows what’s possible when taste and intention come together.
Curious to explore more celebrity real estate stories that blend design, fame, and investment? Visit Build Like New Real Estate & Homeownership section to dive deeper.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and media reports as of the time of writing. Property details and sale information are subject to change. The views expressed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute real estate or financial advice.
