Marilyn Monroe’s $8.4M LA Home May Be Demolished by New Owners

The 1920s Spanish hacienda-style home at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in Los Angeles, which was once owned by Marilyn Monroe, may soon be demolished by its new owner.

Tragic fame: The 2,600-square-foot bungalow gained worldwide fame in 1962 as the location of Monroe's sudden death. The walled and gated property was also the only house ever owned by the legendary actress.

The house: Despite the home's modest scale and unpretentious nature, it has become one of the city's most famous local landmarks. The exterior architecture remains largely unchanged from how it appeared in 1962, but the interiors have been significantly altered.

The kitchen and bathrooms have been modernized, and the estate's formerly detached guest casita has been merged into the main house. However, numerous original features, such as casement windows, terracotta tile floors, and wood-beamed ceilings, remain.

Out back, a brick patio spills out to a notably large swimming pool. Beyond that, a grassy lawn is surrounded by mature trees, tall hedges, and a citrus orchard.

The new owners: The home's current owners, Emerald Lake hedge fund manager Dan Lukas and his wife Anne Jarmain, purchased it in 2014 for $7.3 million. Six months ago, however, the couple paid $13 million for a larger home in the same neighborhood.

The end: The decision to demolish the Monroe estate has been met with sadness and dismay by fans of historic architecture and Old Hollywood lore. Some have argued that the home should be preserved as a historical landmark, while others have said that it is ultimately up to the owners to decide what to do with their property.

It remains to be seen whether the home will be demolished or not. However, if it is, it will be a loss for Los Angeles and for fans of Marilyn Monroe alike.