Nestled in the serene Rustic Canyon of Pacific Palisades, California, The Newman Residence stands as a testament to mid-century modern architecture, Hollywood legacy, and meticulous restoration. Designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this iconic estate was originally commissioned in 1950 by nine-time Oscar-winning composer Alfred Newman. Later, it was lovingly restored by Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton, whose passion for architectural preservation has elevated this home into a modern masterpiece. Currently listed for $12.88 million, The Newman Residence blends historical significance with contemporary elegance, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of Southern California’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Lloyd Wright, though often overshadowed by his father, Frank Lloyd Wright, was a visionary architect in his own right. Known for projects like the John Sowden House and the Derby House, Lloyd Wright brought a personal and livable approach to mid-century modern design. His work emphasized organic integration with the environment, angular geometries, and warm materials, creating spaces that were both functional and aesthetically striking.
The Newman Residence, built in 1950, exemplifies Lloyd Wright’s signature style. Spanning 4,386 square feet on a 1.4-acre lot, the estate features a main residence, two detached bedroom suites, and a music studio guest house, all designed to harmonize with the lush surroundings of Rustic Canyon. The home’s irregular plan, asymmetrical façade, and extensive use of brick, wood, and glass create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, a hallmark of mid-century modern architecture.
The Newman Residence is a study in thoughtful design. Its angular rooms, large windows, and sliding glass doors connect the interior spaces to the vibrant landscape outside, including mature sycamore, oak, and fruit trees. The main residence features restored built-in furniture, a spacious entertaining area, and a dining space that flows into a modernized kitchen. The upper floor houses a reimagined primary suite, complete with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer breathtaking views of the canyon and pool below.
The estate’s exterior is equally impressive, with a long, gated driveway ensuring privacy and a large motor court for convenience. Outdoor amenities include a brick-lined pool, spa, fireplace oven, and alfresco dining area, making the property ideal for both relaxation and entertainment. The music studio guest house, originally designed for Alfred Newman’s creative work, adds a unique historical dimension to the estate.
Commissioned by Alfred Newman, a titan of Hollywood’s Golden Age, The Newman Residence was designed to serve as both a home and a creative sanctuary. Newman, who passed away in 1970, was a nine-time Academy Award-winning composer, arranger, and conductor known for scoring over 200 films, including classics like The Seven Year Itch, All About Eve, and Camelot. His contributions to the film industry earned him a lasting legacy, and The Newman Residence was a space where he could compose and entertain during the height of his career.
The inclusion of a dedicated music studio in the estate’s design reflects Newman’s need for a space to create his iconic film scores. This studio, now a guest house, remains a testament to the home’s connection to Hollywood’s musical heritage. The residence’s layout, with its open entertaining areas and private retreats, was tailored to Newman’s lifestyle as a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.
The Newman Residence’s star power extends beyond its original owner. Its location in Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood favored by artists, architects, and celebrities, adds to its allure. The estate’s history as a hub for creative minds is evident in its design, which balances prestige with understated elegance. Neighbors in Rustic Canyon are known for valuing discretion, making the property a private oasis just minutes from Sunset Boulevard.
Diane Keaton, an Oscar-winning actress known for films like Annie Hall, is equally celebrated for her off-screen passion for restoring historic homes. Over the years, Keaton has reimagined a range of properties, from Spanish Colonial estates to modernist gems, always with a deep respect for original craftsmanship. Her work on The Newman Residence, which she purchased in 2007 for $9.1 million, is a prime example of her ability to blend historical integrity with modern functionality.
Keaton spent over two years meticulously restoring the estate, ensuring that Lloyd Wright’s vision was preserved while updating the home for contemporary living. Her approach was not to overhaul the design but to enhance what was already there, highlighting the home’s mid-century modern charm.
Keaton’s restoration of The Newman Residence was a labor of love. She focused on several key areas:
Keaton’s thoughtful restoration paid off when she sold the home in 2010 for $10.75 million, a significant return on her $9.1 million investment. Her work ensured that The Newman Residence remained a timeless example of mid-century modern architecture while meeting the needs of modern homeowners.
As of 2025, The Newman Residence is back on the market for $12.88 million, listed by Diana Braun and Frank Langen of Compass. This price reflects the home’s architectural significance, Hollywood pedigree, and Keaton’s meticulous restoration. Despite its proximity to the burn zone of the 2025 Palisades fire, the estate emerged unscathed, adding to its appeal as a resilient and secluded retreat.
The residence’s 4,386 square feet include five bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a music studio guest house. The main house features a massive brick fireplace in the living room, built-in benches, and a cozy office space. The open kitchen flows into a dining area with access to the backyard, where the pool, spa, and outdoor fireplace create an inviting space for gatherings.
The Newman Residence’s listing comes at a time when the luxury real estate market in Pacific Palisades is navigating challenges. The proximity to the burn zone of the recent wildfires has made some buyers hesitant, as the drive to the property passes through areas affected by the fire. However, listing agent Frank Langen emphasizes the home’s unique appeal, describing it as “whimsical” and a “statement” of architectural excellence. The estate’s privacy, historical significance, and celebrity connections make it a compelling option for collectors and architecture enthusiasts.
The home’s price history—purchased by Keaton for $9.1 million in 2007, sold for $10.75 million in 2010, and later sold for $9.25 million in 2020—suggests a strong investment potential. Its current listing at $12.88 million reflects the value of Keaton’s restoration and the enduring appeal of Lloyd Wright’s design.
The Newman Residence is more than a home; it’s a living artifact of Southern California’s architectural and cultural history. Lloyd Wright’s original design, tailored to Alfred Newman’s creative needs, combines mid-century modern principles with a personal touch. Diane Keaton’s restoration enhanced these elements, ensuring the home remains relevant for today’s buyers without sacrificing its historical integrity.
The estate’s design emphasizes livability, with open spaces, natural light, and a strong connection to the outdoors. Its secluded location in Rustic Canyon offers privacy and tranquility, while its proximity to Sunset Boulevard provides easy access to the vibrant life of Los Angeles.
The Newman Residence’s connection to Alfred Newman and Diane Keaton adds a layer of star power that is rare in the real estate market. Newman’s legacy as a composer and Keaton’s reputation as a design-savvy restorer make the home a unique offering for buyers seeking a property with both architectural and cultural significance. Posts on X have highlighted this star-studded history, with users noting the home’s perfect blend of mid-century modern design and Hollywood heritage.
The Newman Residence is a rare gem in Pacific Palisades, offering a unique blend of mid-century modern architecture, Hollywood history, and modern luxury. Designed by Lloyd Wright for Alfred Newman and meticulously restored by Diane Keaton, this 4,386-square-foot estate is a testament to the enduring appeal of thoughtful design and historical preservation. Currently listed for $12.88 million, it presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for buyers to own a piece of Southern California’s architectural and cultural legacy.
Whether you’re drawn to its architectural pedigree, its celebrity connections, or its serene setting in Rustic Canyon, The Newman Residence is a home that tells a story. From its origins as a creative haven for a legendary composer to its rebirth under the careful stewardship of Diane Keaton, this estate is a masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire. For those with an appreciation for history, design, and the magic of Hollywood, The Newman Residence is truly a dream home.
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