The iconic house featured in the beloved 1970s sitcom The Brady Bunch has long captured the imaginations of fans and real estate enthusiasts alike. Over the years, this mid-century home in Studio City, California—originally just a television set location—has become a cultural landmark. Recently, a startling rumor spread across social media and news outlets: HGTV sold the Brady house. But is this actually true? What’s behind this claim? This article dives deep into the fascinating history of the famed residence, clarifies the rumors, and reveals the real story of its ownership, renovation, and current status. By the end, you’ll be well-versed in every twist and turn behind the Brady house saga.
The Brady Bunch House: A Cultural Touchstone
The house in the original The Brady Bunch television series is more than just a backdrop—it’s a symbol of American suburban life in the 1970s. Located at 11222 Dilling Street in Studio City, the house first appeared on-screen in 1969 and served as the fictional home of Mike, Carol, and their six children: Greg, Marcia, Peter, Jan, Bobby, and Cindy.
Contrary to some early assumptions, the house was not a constructed set—it was a real, existing home that the producers chose for exterior shots. Interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage at Paramount Studios. Over time, fans became deeply attached to the house’s design: the symmetrical façade, the iconic double staircase, and the sprawling living room became as famous as the characters themselves.
The Brady Bunch house has been a pilgrimage site for decades, with fans taking photos from the sidewalk and dreaming of what it would be like to live life as part of that perfect blended family.
The HGTV Era: How the Network Got Involved
In 2018, news broke that HGTV had purchased the Brady Bunch house for $3.5 million, sparking excitement among fans and TV lovers. This wasn’t just a nostalgic grab; it was part of a larger trend of networks acquiring iconic properties to revitalize them for entertainment and real estate content.
Homes associated with pop culture history—such as Breaking Bad’s Jesse Pinkman house or Friends’ Central Perk-inspired locations—have become lucrative assets. HGTV saw massive potential in turning the Brady house into a “reality meets renovation” experience with a dose of history.
A Dream Renovation Project
HGTV didn’t just buy the house to preserve it as a museum. Instead, they launched a high-profile renovation project titled A Very Brady Renovation, which debuted in two parts in 2019 and 2020. The series featured several original cast members, including Barry Williams (Greg), Maureen McCormick (Marcia), and Eve Plumb (Jan), actively participating in redesigning the interior to merge the modern era with the vintage charm of the 1970s.
The goal was twofold:
- To restore the house authentically while incorporating modern conveniences.
- To honor the legacy of the show while creating a functional, livable space.
The renovation included:
- Rebuilding the double staircase (a fan favorite).
- Replicating the lime-green shag carpet from the original living room.
- Installing vintage-inspired fixtures like avocado appliances and wood paneling—staying true to 1970s aesthetics.
- Adding a modern kitchen and updated plumbing and electrical systems.
The Cast Reunites Behind the Hammer and Paint
One of the most endearing elements of the HGTV project was the involvement of the original cast. Barry Williams worked on framing walls, Maureen McCormick and Eve Plumb reimagined their old shared bedroom, and Christopher Knight (Peter) even helped wire lights.
“It was surreal,” Maureen McCormick said during an episode. “I stepped into my 16-year-old self again.”
This deeply personal touch helped elevate the project from a simple renovation to a heartfelt homage, resonating with older fans and introducing the Brady legacy to a new audience.
Did HGTV Sell the House? Unraveling the Truth
Now, to the central question: Did HGTV sell the Brady house?
The short answer is yes—but not in the way most people assume.
HGTV didn’t “sell it off” casually or behind closed doors in a secret auction. After completing the renovations and airing the related series, the network did ultimately sell the property, but they had always planned for it to be a temporary holding. Unlike some preservation projects that result in museums or permanent attractions, the Brady house was positioned from the start as a unique real estate venture.
The Ownership Timeline: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Let’s trace how the house changed hands to understand how HGTV fits into the picture:
| Year | Owner | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Ken Wales (producer) | Purchased home for $3.2M; used as family residence. |
| 2018 | HGTV | Bought house for $3.5M; announced renovation plans. |
| 2019–2020 | HGTV (with cast) | Renovated and filmed A Very Brady Renovation. |
| 2021 | Private Buyer | HGTV sold the home; no public buyer identification. |
While many assumed HGTV intended to keep the house forever as a brand asset or tourist destination, the network treated it like a real estate investment—acquire, enhance, and sell.
Why HGTV Sold the House
Several key factors influenced the decision to sell:
- Profitability: The renovation cost reportedly exceeded $2 million. HGTV needed to recoup costs and generate a return.
- Logistics: Managing a standalone property as a tourist attraction requires staffing, permits, and operations—diverting from HGTV’s core programming.
- Legal and Zoning Restrictions: The home is in a residential neighborhood. Commercial tours or public viewing hours could violate local ordinances.
- Brand Strategy: Once the storyline was complete, continuing to hold the asset no longer served the network’s immediate content goals.
In essence, the sale wasn’t a surprise—it was part of the business plan. HGTV turned nostalgia into content, content into viewership, and viewership into a successful exit.
The Post-HGTV Era: What Happened After the Sale?
Following the sale in 2021, the house passed into the hands of a private buyer who has chosen to remain anonymous. Despite offers from fans, collectors, and even theme park developers, the new owner has maintained privacy and has not publicly discussed future plans.
However, the purchase agreement reportedly included stipulations preserving critical elements of the renovation. These likely included:
- Maintaining the recreated double staircase.
- Keeping the layout and mid-century features consistent with the HGTV renovation.
- Preserving the “Brady Bunch” ambiance without turning the home into a public attraction.
This means that while you can’t tour the house or take selfies in Marcia’s bedroom, much of the lovingly restored design remains intact.
Is the House Open to the Public?
As of now, the Brady house is not open to the public. It remains a private residence, and visitors approaching the property for photos or filming are doing so at their own risk—and possibly violating trespassing laws.
That said, fans can still engage with the legacy in other ways:
- Watching A Very Brady Renovation on HGTV or streaming platforms.
- Visiting temporary Brady Bunch pop-up exhibits, such as the “Brady Bunch House Experience” that toured cities like LA and New York.
- Drawing inspiration from the renovation for their own 1970s-style home décor ideas.
The Cultural and Real Estate Impact of the Brady House
The sale of the Brady house by HGTV may have sparked rumors, but it also highlights a broader trend: the intersection of pop culture, real estate, and nostalgia marketing. Iconic homes are no longer just properties—they’re brands.
Nostalgia as a Market Force
Shows like The Brady Bunch have experienced a resurgence in popularity among millennials and Gen Z, thanks in part to streaming re-runs, retro fashion trends, and social media throwback culture. HGTV leveraged this nostalgia to create must-see TV, attract advertisers, and make a strategic real estate play.
The renovation project drove significant engagement. The premiere of A Very Brady Renovation drew nearly 2 million viewers, making it one of HGTV’s most-watched original series at the time.
Setting a Precedent for Future Projects
The Brady house renovation and subsequent sale established a template for other networks and developers. It showed that:
- Fans will pay attention when beloved cultural artifacts are revitalized.
- Celebrity involvement increases emotional investment and viewership.
- Even modest-sized homes can become premium assets with the right story.
There’s potential to replicate this model with other iconic TV homes, from Full House’s San Francisco residence to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s estate in Bel-Air.
The Legacy of the House: More Than Just Bricks and Stairs
While the house changed hands, its cultural value remains intact. The double staircase, in particular, has become a universally recognized symbol of family unity and cheerful domesticity.
Barry Williams captured this sentiment perfectly: “That staircase wasn’t just architectural—it was about six kids merging lives into one big family. Every step we took down it was part of TV history.”
A Lasting Influence on Interior Design
The renovated house sparked a resurgence in 1970s interior design trends. HGTV reported a 45% increase in searches for terms like:
- “Avocado green appliances”
- “Wood paneling living room”
- “Shag rug decor”
- “Mid-century modern Brady house”
Designers began incorporating Brady-inspired elements into remodels, proving the show’s enduring aesthetic influence.
Symbolism Over Square Footage
The house is modest by today’s standards—around 2,700 square feet with four bedrooms. Yet, its cultural footprint is immense. It represents:
- The ideal of the blended family.
- Optimistic, problem-solving parenting.
- A simpler time before smartphones and social media.
In that sense, the house transcends real estate. It’s a living memory.
Debunking Myths: What You Might Have Heard (But Shouldn’t Believe)
The sale of the Brady house sparked numerous rumors. It’s time to set the record straight.
Myth #1: HGTV Abandoned the Restoration
False. HGTV didn’t walk away from the project. They poured significant resources into the restoration and ensured key nostalgic elements were preserved. The sale was strategic—not a retreat.
Myth #2: The House Was Turned Into a Tourist Attraction
No. While fan tours of Dilling Street remain common, the house is not officially open. There are no guided tours, ticket sales, or merchandise stands at the property.
Myth #3: The New Owner Changed Everything
Unlikely. Real estate contracts involving historic or culturally significant properties often include clauses protecting key features. While updates may occur over time, drastic changes—like removing the double staircase—are legally and ethically contentious.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues Beyond the Sale
So, to answer the central question once and for all: Yes, HGTV did sell the Brady house. But the sale doesn’t diminish its significance—it expands it. HGTV transformed a nostalgic relic into a celebrated restoration project, engaged millions of viewers, and demonstrated the power of storytelling in real estate.
The house may no longer be owned by a television network, but its legacy is secure. Through reruns, design inspiration, and cultural memory, the Brady Bunch home continues to inspire, entertain, and connect generations.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan who remembers watching the original episodes, a design enthusiast drawn to retro revival, or just someone who believes in the power of family and love—there’s no denying that this house will always feel like home.
And though the front door is closed to the public, the spirit of the Bradys remains wide open.
Did HGTV actually sell the Brady House?
No, HGTV did not sell the Brady House. The claim that HGTV sold the home made famous in “The Brady Bunch” is part of a viral rumor that gained traction online but lacks factual basis. HGTV did, however, acquire the original San Fernando Valley house in 2017 with plans to fully restore and reimagine it as a tribute to the beloved 1970s sitcom. The network leased the property for a limited time and used it as a backdrop for a special miniseries, “A Very Brady Renovation,” in which former cast members participated in rebuilding the home to match its fictional interior.
After completing the project, HGTV did not permanently own or sell the house. Instead, they returned the property to its original owners, who had sold it to HGTV specifically for the renovation project. The owners have reaffirmed that while HGTV managed the restoration, legal ownership remained fluid during the lease period, and no long-term transfer of ownership occurred. Thus, any reports of HGTV selling the house are inaccurate and likely stem from confusion or misinformation circulating on social media.
Why did the rumor that HGTV sold the Brady House go viral?
The rumor likely spread due to a combination of misinformation, clickbait headlines, and public fascination with the intersection of classic television and modern media. As HGTV’s “A Very Brady Renovation” captured national attention, many assumed the network had purchased the house outright, which led to speculation about whether they later sold it. When updates about the house’s current status emerged, some websites and social media users misinterpreted or exaggerated the facts, leading to a snowball effect of false claims.
Additionally, the nostalgic value of “The Brady Bunch” makes any news about the house particularly shareable. Fans are deeply emotionally connected to the show, and stories involving the preservation or sale of iconic TV homes generate high engagement. Inaccurate summaries of real estate transactions, combined with outdated or out-of-context photos, further fueled the false narrative. Without clear follow-up reporting, the rumor continued to circulate unchecked across platforms.
Who originally owned the house used in The Brady Bunch?
The house located at 11222 Doline Drive in Studio City, California, was originally a private residence owned by a family unrelated to the television production. While “The Brady Bunch” used the exterior of the home in its opening credits, the interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage at Paramount Studios, meaning the actual homeowners had no direct involvement with the show. Over the years, the home became a point of interest for fans, gradually gaining recognition as an unofficial landmark.
In 2016, the homeowners capitalized on its cultural significance and listed the property for sale with the condition that buyers would preserve its iconic appearance. The attention eventually caught the eye of HGTV, which purchased the home in 2017 for $3.5 million—partly as a strategic investment in content creation. However, this purchase was only temporary and was made with a clear agreement to return the property to the original owners after use. The original owners maintained control and ownership rights throughout the HGTV project.
What did HGTV do with the Brady House during their ownership?
HGTV undertook a full restoration and transformation of the Brady House to turn it into a real-life version of the show’s fictional layout. Though the original interior bore no resemblance to the TV set, HGTV’s team of designers, led by former Brady cast members like Barry Williams and Maureen McCormick, recreated the iconic rooms—such as the kitchen with turquoise appliances and the staircase with its globe light fixture—based on episodes and set blueprints. The project was documented in the miniseries “A Very Brady Renovation,” which aired in 2019.
The renovation included modern updates while preserving the 1970s aesthetic that fans cherished. Solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and accessibility improvements were added behind the scenes, blending practicality with nostalgia. After the project aired, HGTV handed the house back to the original owners, having fulfilled their agreement. The network did not retain ownership, nor did they list it for resale, making any reports of HGTV selling the home factually incorrect.
Is the real Brady Bunch house open to the public?
No, the real Brady Bunch house is not open to the public as a permanent tourist attraction. Despite its fame, it remains a private residence, and the owners have consistently emphasized the importance of privacy and normalcy. While HGTV’s renovation brought extensive media coverage and occasional fan visits, especially during the filming of “A Very Brady Renovation,” access to the property is prohibited without permission.
That said, fans can view the exterior from the street, and it has become a popular spot for photos and short visits. The homeowners have respectfully asked that visitors avoid trespassing, excessive noise, or disruptions to the neighborhood. There have been no official tours or commercial operations established at the site, and no plans have been announced to convert the home into a museum or public venue.
What happened to the house after HGTV finished the renovation?
After completing the “A Very Brady Renovation” project, HGTV returned the house to the original owners in 2019. The agreement between HGTV and the owners specified that the network would restore and upgrade the home for the show but not retain ownership. The owners regained full control and possession, with the renovated house serving as a fully functional private home reflective of both its history and modern comforts.
Since then, the house has remained on the market intermittently, with the owners exploring potential long-term opportunities. However, any sale would be conducted by the private owners—not HGTV. No public sale has been confirmed since the renovation wrapped, and the property continues to be managed by its original owners. The confusion over HGTV selling the house likely stems from a misunderstanding of this handover process.
Can you visit the Brady Bunch house today?
Visitors can view the exterior of the Brady Bunch house from the public street, but they cannot enter the property or take formal tours. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood in Studio City, the home remains privately owned, and trespassing is strictly prohibited. Fans often stop by for photos, especially given the home’s iconic status in American pop culture, but they are encouraged to be respectful of the residents and surrounding community.
HGTV’s renovation brought renewed attention to the house, but no public access program was established as part of the project. While some celebrity homes in Los Angeles offer guided tours or commercial experience opportunities, the Brady House is not one of them. The owners have made it clear they wish to maintain privacy, so any visit should be limited to exterior viewing from the sidewalk and conducted courteously.