Jerry Bruckheimer’s Hollywood Hills Mansion Now for Sale at $10 Million
I’ve always been fascinated by homes that carry a story—and Jerry Bruckheimer’s former Hollywood Hills residence is exactly that. Nestled in Nichols Canyon and tucked behind high walls and secured gates, this isn’t just a house; it’s a slice of Hollywood history.
You can almost feel the echoes of blockbuster brainstorming sessions that once happened here, from Top Gun to Pirates of the Caribbean. Now listed just under $10 million, the property—known as the Ajioka House—invites you to step into a world where mid-century modern design meets Hollywood glamour.
Ajioka House: Where Hollywood Meets Mid-Century Modern
When you first arrive at the Ajioka House, the high walls and secured gates give you a sense that you’re entering a completely different world. This isn’t just a celebrity home—it’s a piece of Hollywood history tucked into Nichols Canyon.
Originally built in the 1960s for Dr. Richard Ajioka, the property was designed by the renowned architectural duo Conrad Buff and Donald Hensman. Their vision for the house embraced mid-century modern principles: open spaces, clean lines, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
According to Robb Report, the home has been carefully restored over the years, preserving its original charm while adding thoughtful updates that make it feel contemporary. Walking through it, you notice details that many luxury listings overlook—like the way light filters through the large windows at different times of day, or how the exposed beams and polished concrete floors maintain a perfect balance of warmth and sophistication. The Ajioka House doesn’t just look good in pictures; it feels intentional and alive.
What really struck me is how this home tells a story of Hollywood’s evolution. Jerry Bruckheimer lived here while producing some of the biggest blockbusters of the 1980s, and you can almost imagine the creative energy that once filled these rooms. If you love architecture, design, or just the idea of living in a home that has a rich narrative, this property stands out in a way that few others in the Hollywood Hills do.
Architectural Legacy: Designed by Buff & Hensman
Stepping into the Ajioka House, you immediately recognize the signature style of Buff & Hensman. These architects were pioneers of Southern California mid-century modern design, and their work emphasized light, space, and functional elegance.
In this home, those principles are everywhere—from the soaring entry foyer that welcomes you with double-height ceilings to the dramatic living room anchored by a brick-and-mirror fireplace.
The post-and-beam construction isn’t just structural—it’s aesthetic. Exposed beams, large expanses of glass, and polished concrete floors make the space feel open and connected, while still maintaining intimacy in certain areas like the media den or reading nooks.
I particularly love the balance between raw materials and refined finishes: rustic reclaimed oak throughout the home adds warmth, while sleek modern appliances and surfaces maintain a luxury feel.
Buff & Hensman were known for integrating homes with their surroundings, and you can see that here in the way the house opens toward the hillside views and pepper trees. Every angle seems intentional, making the home feel like it’s part of the landscape rather than separate from it. For anyone who appreciates architectural integrity, this house is a masterclass in thoughtful design.
Interior Highlights: A Restoration Masterpiece
The interior of the Ajioka House tells a story of careful curation and high-end design. After its purchase in 2008 by Derek Mattison, a menswear designer and tech entrepreneur, the property underwent a major restoration in collaboration with the L.A.-based design studio Commune. This wasn’t just a cosmetic update; Commune reimagined spaces while respecting the home’s original vision, a process that later contributed to their Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.
The result is stunning. The main house features a soaring entry foyer, a double-height living room with a fireplace that commands attention, and a media den topped with a meditation deck. The kitchen is a dream: a 24-foot stainless-and-walnut island, Miele appliances, and a terrace perfect for entertaining.
Upstairs, the primary suite has a skylit nook with integrated seating, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a glass-enclosed shower. Every corner of the home feels intentional, blending modern luxury with the mid-century bones of the original design.
Even the smaller spaces shine. The guest suite, wellness room with a sauna and Himalayan salt wall, and the design studio/office reflect a level of attention that most luxury homes lack. You feel that every detail, from materials to light flow, has been considered for both beauty and functionality.
Hollywood Hills has a long tradition of celebrity homes with rich histories, from the Ajioka House to properties like John Witherspoon’s LA estate, each offering unique architecture and lifestyle perks.
Outdoor Oasis: Gardens, Pool, and Water Features
The Ajioka House doesn’t just impress inside—it’s equally spectacular outdoors. Spread across nearly an acre, the grounds are landscaped with pepper trees, winding garden paths, and custom ceramic water installations by Stan Bitters.
You can picture lazy afternoons beside the pool or evenings around the spillover spa, with the fire pit conversation area lit and friends gathered nearby.
The outdoor spaces are designed for both entertaining and privacy. A sundeck, barbecue and bar setup, and lush landscaping create multiple zones for relaxation and socializing. What’s impressive is how the designers and owners preserved a natural, almost forest-like feel despite being in the heart of Hollywood Hills. Here, you truly get the feeling of escaping the city without leaving it.
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Wellness and Privacy: A Sanctuary in the Hills
For me, the Ajioka House is more than just a showpiece; it’s a sanctuary. The wellness room with a sauna and Himalayan salt wall, combined with the privacy afforded by the gated hillside location, creates a retreat that balances luxury with peace.
There’s a design studio or office where you could focus without distraction, and the guest suite ensures visitors have their own private space.
This home lets you live a life that blends work, creativity, and rest seamlessly. Whether you’re entertaining, relaxing, or just enjoying the views, it provides a rare combination of openness, comfort, and solitude. For anyone looking for a true Hollywood Hills retreat that’s both luxurious and personal, this property hits all the right notes.
Whether it’s a Hollywood retreat or a serene Nashville estate like James Franklin’s former home, buyers increasingly value privacy, wellness features, and spaces designed for both relaxation and work.
Market Context: Hollywood Hills Real Estate Trends
If you’ve ever shopped for a home in the Hollywood Hills, you know it’s a unique market. Prices are driven not just by square footage or amenities, but by location, history, and prestige. The Ajioka House, currently listed just under $10 million, sits in a prime spot that balances privacy with access to the city.
Looking at its sales history gives you perspective. Jerry Bruckheimer sold it in the mid-1980s for $510,000, and it changed hands again in 2008 for $2.5 million before undergoing a major remodel. The most recent sale in 2020 to Nichols Canyon LLC was for $6.75 million. These numbers show more than just appreciation—they reflect the value added by thoughtful restoration and design upgrades.
Compared to other Hollywood Hills listings, this property is particularly interesting because it offers both historical significance and modern luxury.
Many homes in the area boast views or square footage, but few combine architectural pedigree, celebrity provenance, and a fully realized indoor-outdoor lifestyle. For buyers, this makes the Ajioka House not just a home, but a long-term investment in a highly competitive market.
Luxury real estate in major cities continues to show remarkable value; just like Ellen Barkin’s former NYC townhouse recently listed at $23 million, properties with a story and prime location attract discerning buyers quickly.
Why the Ajioka House Stands Out?
After walking through every corner, it’s clear why this home continues to capture attention. It’s not just the celebrity connection or the mid-century design—it’s the way every element has been curated for living and entertaining. From the soaring entry foyer to the serene garden paths, the Ajioka House tells a story of thoughtful architecture, lifestyle, and Hollywood history.
What really sets it apart for me is how the home balances luxury with warmth. The reclaimed oak, polished concrete, and natural light make the space feel lived-in, not staged.
The outdoor areas—pool, spa, fire pit, and gardens—invite interaction and relaxation, which many other luxury listings lack. It’s rare to find a property that feels exclusive, historic, and fully functional at the same time.
For anyone considering a Hollywood Hills purchase, the Ajioka House offers a rare combination of history, design, and modern amenities. It’s a property that makes you imagine not just living in luxury, but living a story—the kind of home that inspires creativity, relaxation, and connection.
Curious about other celebrity homes and luxury real estate listings? Explore more stories and stunning properties on our Real Estate & Homeownership section.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available sources and is intended for informational purposes only. Prices and details are subject to change and should be verified with the listing agent. This article does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice.
