The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously voted to grant historic-cultural monument status to the iconic house famously used for exterior shots in the beloved television sitcom "The Brady Bunch." This decision, made on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, designates the San Fernando Valley property as a protected landmark, ensuring its preservation for future generations of fans and cultural enthusiasts.
Unanimous Decision for Cultural Preservation
The council's unanimous vote officially recognises the house on Dilling Avenue as a historic-cultural monument. This designation provides landmark protections for the property, which served as the exterior filming location for the popular sitcom that originally aired from 1969 to 1974. While interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage with sets that did not resemble the actual house, the exterior became instantly recognisable to millions of viewers worldwide.
A Television Icon with Lasting Legacy
"The Brady Bunch" followed the comic adventures of a blended family with six children, memorably described in its theme song as including "the youngest one in curls." The show enjoyed decades of success through syndication, cementing its place in American television history. The shingle-and-stone home with a distinctive peaked roof also appeared in the 1995 film "The Brady Bunch Movie" and its sequel, further solidifying its cultural significance.
Built in 1959, the property has become a pilgrimage site for dedicated fans who travel to see the iconic house in person. Adrian Scott Fine, CEO of the nonprofit LA Conservancy, expressed his enthusiasm about the landmark designation. "If you watched the 'Brady Bunch,' you knew this house. People make a pilgrimage to see it," Fine stated on Wednesday. "To have it designated like this, it makes it all the sweeter."
Protections and Practical Implications
The historic landmark status protects the house from demolition or major renovations, though it does not completely prohibit such changes. Should future owners consider significant alterations, they would be subject to a design review process. The Cultural Heritage Commission retains the authority to delay proceedings to explore preservation solutions, ensuring any modifications respect the property's historical value.
From Modest Home to Cultural Phenomenon
The house's journey from a modest mid-century residence to a cultural icon reached a notable milestone in 2018 when it went on the market. The cable network HGTV emerged victorious in a competitive bidding war, ultimately purchasing the property for $3.5 million—$1.6 million above the original listing price for the 2,400-square-foot (223-square-meter) home.
Following the acquisition, HGTV undertook an extensive expansion, remodeling, and redecorating project to incorporate trademark elements from the television show's set. These enhancements included recreating the wood-paneled living room with its floating staircase and the distinctive orange-and-green kitchen. This transformation was documented in the four-part HGTV miniseries "A Very Brady Renovation," which chronicled the meticulous process of blending the actual house with its fictional counterpart.
The landmark designation represents a significant achievement for preservation advocates and fans alike, ensuring that this piece of television history remains intact for years to come. As Los Angeles continues to recognise and protect its cultural heritage, the Brady Bunch house stands as a testament to the enduring impact of popular media on architectural preservation and collective memory.
