Ricky Strauss’s Midcentury Modern Brentwood Estate Back for Sale at $9.25M

I still remember the first time I walked into a modernist home in Brentwood and felt instantly transported. Now, Ricky Strauss—the entertainment executive best known for helping launch Disney+—is putting one of these very gems on the market. His Mandeville Canyon home, listed for $9.25 million, isn’t just a house; it’s a story of design, history, and personal taste coming together in perfect harmony.

I’ve seen plenty of celebrity listings over the years, but this one stands out. Beyond the price tag and the star power, the property itself has a pedigree. Originally designed in 1951 by Kenneth Lind, with later touches from Pierre Koenig and Josef Van der Kar, it has been carefully restored and curated by Strauss to honor its modernist roots while adding his own flair.

As someone who loves exploring the intersection of architecture and lifestyle, I can tell you this: walking through this home is about more than rooms and square footage. It’s about light, space, and the subtle way history and modern living can coexist. If you’re curious about what makes this listing so special—and why it’s turning heads in Los Angeles real estate—you’re in the right place.

Ricky Strauss: The Entertainment & Design Visionary

You probably know Ricky Strauss as the exec who helped launch Disney+ and led marketing at the Walt Disney Company. But what fascinates me about him isn’t just his career—it’s how he brings that same strategic eye to his homes. Over the years, he’s acquired a handful of Los Angeles properties, each one carefully chosen and thoughtfully curated.

I can tell you, it’s rare to see someone balance high-powered entertainment work with a genuine passion for design. His Hancock Park Tudors, Hollywood Hills Regency, and Brentwood modernist gem all show he’s not just buying homes—he’s telling stories with them.

Walking through one of his spaces, you feel that the design decisions aren’t random. They’re intentional, layered, and reflective of a global sensibility that honors history while feeling effortlessly modern.

Property Overview: Veneklasen House

Let me take you inside the star of this story: the Veneklasen House in Brentwood’s Mandeville Canyon. Originally designed in 1951 for a pianist by Kenneth Lind, the property later received updates from notable architects Pierre Koenig and Josef Van der Kar.

As per Robb Report, Strauss purchased it in 2021 for nearly $10 million after an extensive restoration and expansion by L.A.-based firm Chu-Gooding.

Now, it’s back on the market for $9.25 million, down from its initial $10.5 million listing last year. The house itself is about 3,900 square feet, with three bedrooms and four bathrooms spread over two stories, but the numbers barely tell the full story. It’s the careful layering of history, design, and light that makes it remarkable.

For me, what stands out most is the recognition the house has received—it earned a historic preservation award from the AIA’s Los Angeles chapter in 2022. That kind of acknowledgment isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about architectural integrity and thoughtful restoration.

Location & Lot Features

If you’re imagining this home from the street, picture a private drive leading to a gated courtyard, all tucked into a serene hillside parcel that spans nearly three-quarters of an acre. As soon as you enter, you’re aware this is a space built for both privacy and living in harmony with the surrounding nature.

The grounds themselves are impressive—landscaping by Mark Tessier includes native plantings, a striking eucalyptus tree, and a waterfall-fed pool that feels almost sculptural. Outdoor lounging and entertaining areas blend seamlessly with the interior, giving the home a lifestyle appeal that goes far beyond walls and rooms.

I like to think of it as a place where every corner invites you to pause, reflect, or host friends in style—something many homes in Los Angeles promise but few deliver so effortlessly.

Architectural & Interior Highlights

The interior instantly reveals the home’s pedigree. The V-shaped layout offers a mix of terrazzo and hardwood floors, whitewashed wood-beam ceilings, and expansive glass walls that flood the space with sunlight. Strauss curated furnishings from designers like Sergio Rodrigues, Osvaldo Borsani, and Jens Risom, ensuring the home feels lived-in, not museum-like.

Every design choice seems intentional—from the subtle texture of the wall coverings to the way natural light moves through the living spaces. Walking through it, you notice how the modernist heritage is preserved without feeling frozen in time.

It’s this balance of authenticity and comfort that, to me, elevates the house from a showcase property to a home people can genuinely connect with.

Standout Rooms & Features

I could spend hours describing the living room alone. It’s sun-drenched, anchored by a staggered white-brick fireplace, and accented with a Noguchi pendant that draws your eye upward. Glass walls open onto the courtyard, letting the outside in while keeping the space intimate.

The kitchen is another highlight—dark walnut cabinetry, gray-green quartzite countertops, a center island, and a breakfast bar with vintage stools make it both functional and stylish.

Downstairs, two guest bedrooms offer privacy without sacrificing design, while upstairs, the primary retreat feels like a treehouse: a fireside sitting area, dressing room, dual-vanity bath, built-in soaking tub, walk-in shower, and balcony overlooking the grounds.

To me, these spaces aren’t just rooms—they’re experiences. They invite you to pause, entertain, or simply enjoy the interplay of light, nature, and design. That’s what makes this home special beyond the headline price.

For those who enjoy tracking iconic celebrity homes, properties like Gal Gadot’s oceanfront Malibu penthouse, listed at $8.75 million, highlight how location and design history play a huge role in both lifestyle and market value.

Design Philosophy & Restoration Insight

What really impressed me about this home is how Ricky Strauss approached the restoration. He told Architectural Digest that his contributions were largely cosmetic—wall coverings, window treatments, and furnishings—but every choice respected the modernist heritage of the house.

I can appreciate that balance. It’s rare to see someone preserve historical integrity while still making the space feel personal and lived-in. From period-appropriate furniture to globally inspired accents, Strauss created a home that honors its history without feeling like a museum.

For anyone who loves design, this is a masterclass in restraint, taste, and storytelling through space. You can feel the thoughtfulness in every corner—from light flow to furniture placement.

LA’s luxury market has seen similar trends, such as Demi Lovato’s former Los Angeles mansion listing for $11 million, which shows how celebrity-owned properties influence pricing and buyer interest.

Market Context & Valuation

Now, let’s talk numbers. The home first listed for $10.5 million last year and is now asking $9.25 million. On the surface, that might seem like a drop, but when you consider the Los Angeles luxury market, the historical value, and the celebrity connection, it’s actually a competitive listing.

Mandeville Canyon remains one of LA’s most coveted neighborhoods. Homes here rarely come with this level of design pedigree, modernist architecture, and privacy. For buyers who value both lifestyle and investment potential, this property is more than just a beautiful space—it’s a smart acquisition.

When I look at this listing, I see it as a perfect example of how architecture, history, and the market intersect. It’s not just a house—it’s a story of timing, taste, and opportunity.

If you want more updates on LA’s luxury real estate and midcentury modern listings, I share the latest highlights in a WhatsApp channel that curates standout properties from the city—it’s worth a peek.

Lifestyle & Entertainment Appeal

Living here isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about lifestyle. The private gated drive, treehouse-like primary suite, pool, and landscaped grounds all encourage a life that blends leisure and sophistication.

I can easily imagine entertaining friends in the sun-drenched living room or enjoying quiet mornings on the balcony overlooking the canyon. The indoor/outdoor flow makes this home ideal for both large gatherings and quiet family moments.

If you’re like me, you start to picture yourself in these spaces—and that’s the true allure of a property like this. It doesn’t just look amazing in photos; it feels like a place where life happens beautifully.

Just like Shannen Doherty’s Malibu mansion, which recently returned to the market with a $500k price cut, the Veneklasen House combines privacy and open-air living in a way that makes you want to linger in every corner.

Key Takeaways

So what makes this listing truly special? It’s the intersection of celebrity ownership, architectural significance, thoughtful restoration, and a lifestyle that blends privacy with openness. Ricky Strauss didn’t just buy a house—he curated a space that tells a story.

If you’re a design enthusiast, a real estate follower, or just someone who appreciates thoughtful living spaces, the Veneklasen House is worth your attention. It’s a reminder that a home isn’t just about square footage—it’s about experience, taste, and history.

I’d love to hear from you: if you could live in any part of this home, which space would you choose—the sun-drenched living room, the treehouse-like primary suite, or the outdoor oasis? Share your thoughts—I’m curious what draws you the most.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available sources and media reports. Prices, listings, and details are subject to change and should be independently verified. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial or real estate advice.