Headlines were made when former *NSYNC member Lance Bass tried to buy the iconic home that served as the exterior on the 1970s sitcom hit The Brady Bunch – but he was outbid by a mystery buyer. As it turned out, that buyer was none other than HGTV, with plans to “restore the home to its 1970s glory.” News just hit that the grown-up cast members will reunite to repair the house alongside HGTV experts like the Property Brothers and Jasmine Roth from Hidden Potential. The new reality series is currently titled A Very Brady Renovation. Until it airs, tour the real-life abode that served as the Brady’s make-believe home (we won’t judge if you start humming the theme song).
Here’s the Story…
Famed for its use as the exterior of the family’s home on The Brady Bunch, this abode in Studio City, CA has become a tourist attraction in its own right (it’s the second-most photographed house in America after the White House). When the home went on the market in summer 2018, a bidding war ensued over ownership of this piece of TV history.
Listed at $1.9 Million
According to the listing, the home boasts “perfectly preserved 1970s decor,” and is described as “a perfect postcard of American ’70s style and its special culture.” The asking price: $1,885,000.
Bidding War
Shortly after hitting the market, a winning bid was placed by former *NSYNC member Lance Bass, who was reported to be the new owner. However, Bass soon told media outlets that what he had initially been told was a winning offer was actually outbid by another buyer.
HGTV’s New Home
Bass was outbid by none other than HGTV. “You may have heard that the house from the iconic series was recently on the market in California,” said David Zaslav, CEO of HGTV’s U.S. parent company Discovery. “I’m excited to share that HGTV is the winning bidder and we’ll restore the home to its 1970s glory as only HGTV can. More detail to come over the next few months, but we’ll bring all the resources to bear to tell safe, fun stories with this beloved piece of American TV history.”
Lance Bass Is OK With It
While Bass admitted he was disappointed to lose out, he took to Twitter to let fans know that he’s cool with HGTV as the Brady home’s new owner. “Kudos HGTV, I know you will do the right thing with the house. That was always my biggest worry. I can smile again,” he wrote.
The Bradys’ Backyard
While The Brady Bunch scenes taking place in the backyard were actually shot in a studio, the real deal doesn’t look all that different from the backyard set viewers saw on TV.
Backyard Beauty
As the listing notes, the home is set on a 12,500-square-foot lot, “one of the largest lots in the neighbourhood,” featuring “enormous, lush backyard gardens and lawn, completely private and serene.”
Riverside
In addition to the backyard’s groovy gazebo, the property also “borders the Los Angeles River, which is a unique street-to-river orientation.”
1970s Style
The home’s 1970s-era style is on full display from the backyard patio, with wood-trimmed French doors opening to the family room. Also showcased is the dramatic stone chimney.
Rec Room
Back in the day this would have been called the “rec room” (and possibly still is), boasting such classic ’70s-era features as wood panelling. The Liberace-style crystal candelabra atop the grand piano is also a classy touch.
Open Concept
The rec room flows into the dining room, with another set of French doors allowing both light and access to the patio. Check out the built-in bar with a mirrored backsplash, too!
Spacious Interior
While the house is no mansion, 3 bedrooms and 3 baths within 2,477 square feet of living space offers plenty of space.
The Brady Kitchen
The kitchen has clearly undergone some updates, with stainless steel appliances replacing what we can only imagine were once avocado green. The flowered wallpaper border, however, remains, and it’s easy to imagine Alice the housekeeper putting together six school lunches in here.
Perfect Match
Here’s a look you don’t see much in modern interior design, with vibrant pink wallpaper partnered with a matching comforter to create a look that any Brady kid would proclaim to be far out and groovy.
Bathroom of the ’70s
So many 1970s elements at play in this bathroom, from the brass-finished shower door enclosure to the floral patterned wallpaper.
Sleek and Functional
The master bedroom features this large walk-in closet that keeps clothes hidden behind closet doors for a sleek and tidy look.
Makeup Mirror
A crystal chandelier hangs over the vanity area within the walk-in closet, featuring a large makeup mirror. Wood-slatted French doors open to the outside.
Wired for Sound
The home is also equipped with this vintage 1970s-era sound system/intercom, featuring both AM and FM radio so the hot hits of the ’70s can be enjoyed throughout. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this historic home!
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