The infamous home 35 years later.
This week’s 7-bed, 9-bath Beverly Hills, CA mansion once belonged to one of the most famous true-crime cases of the 1980s: the Menendez family.
Some people say they want a home with “history” or “character”, but I’m not sure if they mean this.
The exterior hasn’t changed much since 1989:
Regardless of its history (which is hard to nudge aside), this is a stunning Mediterranean-style villa.
 |
 |
 |
It still has the same high ceilings, large windows and even crown molding. I mean, they’re very pretty features of the home, hence why only the decor and railings have seemed to change.
 |
 |
Before you ask: here is the scene of the crime. Eerily, not much has been changed, just slightly updated.
 |
 |
 |
Out of respect for the deceased, I will not provide the crime scene photos – but I will note that the Menendez family had an L-shaped couch in the exact same spot.
A peek throughout the rest of the home shows us more modern additions, including the wood furnishings and imported Italian limestone flooring.
 |
 |
 |
I can’t wrap my head around wanting to own this home. Yes, it is/was gorgeous and a tear-down would be ungodly expensive in Los Angeles. At the same time, existing in the space where a murder took place… feels unsettling. Maybe the previous owners weren’t aware of the incident, but what if they were?
In the state of California, you only need to disclose a death in the home within 3 years of its occurrence. Is it unethical to sell this home without disclosing its well-known history? Or to manipulate its pricing? There’s a lot of grey area here.
 |
 |
If only the outdated carpet was the scariest thing about this home…
 |
 |
The backyard is truly something to marvel at. While the guest house exterior hasn’t changed much, the backyard layout had a whole makeover.
Personal tennis courts are out. Huge pools are in. But maybe a small game of pickleball would fit in the new yard space?
 |
 |
So, maybe the current state of this home isn’t a catastrophe… but its history is anything but that.
Catch the full video as I dive into the eerie historic details of the Menendez home on the Homes.tastrophes Instagram and TikTok account!
See you next week,
Sarah @Homes.tastrophes
If you want to learn more about Beverly Hills, or any other neighborhood, check out the neighborhoods feature on Homes.com.
