When you think of old Hollywood royalty, few names carry as much weight and dignity as Gregory Peck. Known for his legendary performance as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, Peck was a man who defined grace, both on and off the screen. But have you ever wondered where a man of such stature retreated after a long day on set?
The answer lies behind the gates of Gregory Peck’s house, a magnificent French Chateau-style mansion located at 539 South Mapleton Drive in the prestigious Holmby Hills neighbourhood of Los Angeles. This wasn’t just a temporary residence; it was the Peck family sanctuary for over 30 years.
Architectural Marvel: The French Chateau Design
If you were to drive down Mapleton Drive today, you might catch a glimpse of the roofline of Gregory Peck’s LA mansion. Built in 1932, the home is a stunning example of French Chateau architecture, a style that was incredibly popular among the elite during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
1932 Origins and French Chateau Style
The house spans a massive 9,182 square feet and sits on about 1.3 acres of prime real estate. When you think of a French Chateau, you think of grand proportions and intricate details, and this home does not disappoint.
One of the first things guests would notice upon entering is the grand marble foyer. It sets a tone of immediate sophistication. The home features vaulted ceilings and massive glass walls that allow natural light to flood the living spaces. Unlike modern homes that often feel cold, this 1932 masterpiece was designed to feel both expansive and warm.
The layout includes 7 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, providing ample space for the Peck family and their frequent guests. The use of French doors throughout the house seamlessly blends the indoor living areas with the sprawling gardens outside. This “indoor-outdoor” flow is a hallmark of California luxury, even in a home designed with European flair.
Standout Features of Gregory Peck’s LA Mansion
What really makes Gregory Peck’s house stand out are the specific luxury features that were ahead of their time.
- The Chef’s Kitchen: Even in the 1930s, the kitchen was the heart of the home. This estate features a professional-grade kitchen designed for entertaining, complete with service areas for staff.
- The Main Suite: A true retreat, the main bedroom offered views of the manicured grounds and included a fireplace for those rare chilly Los Angeles evenings.
- The Formal Dining Room: This is where the real Hollywood magic happened. Imagine Gregory Peck hosting dinner for fellow actors and directors under the glow of a crystal chandelier.
- Lush Landscaping: The 1.3-acre lot is covered in mature trees and rolling lawns, providing a level of privacy that is hard to find today.
- The Classic Pool: No Hollywood mansion is complete without a swimming pool. The pool at the Peck estate evokes the glamour of the 1940s, surrounded by stone terraces and vibrant flora.
Neighbourhood Spotlight: Holmby Hills Prestige
To understand the value of Gregory Peck’s house, you have to understand the neighbourhood. Holmby Hills is one of the three points of the “Platinum Triangle,” along with Beverly Hills and Bel Air.
Why Mapleton Drive Hosts Legends
South Mapleton Drive is arguably one of the most famous streets in the world for luxury real estate. It isn’t just a place to live; it’s a statement of ultimate success. Over the years, this street has been home to the Spelling Mansion (The Manor) and the infamous Playboy Mansion.
Living here meant you were neighbours with the world’s biggest names. Stars like Humphrey Bogart, Bing Crosby, and Walt Disney all called this area home at various points. For Gregory Peck, Mapleton Drive offered the perfect balance of proximity to the major studios and the quiet seclusion required to raise a family away from the paparazzi.
Gregory Peck’s House in Elite Context
While many modern celebrities are tearing down historic homes to build “mega-mansions” made of glass and concrete, Gregory Peck’s house stands as a reminder of a different era. It relies on shrubbery and tall gates for privacy rather than high-tech security fences.
The estate fits perfectly into Holmby Hills’ elite context because it doesn’t shout for attention. It commands respect through its history and its architectural integrity. When you look at the Gregory Peck Holmby Hills estate, you aren’t just looking at a house; you are looking at a piece of Los Angeles history that has survived the rapidly changing trends of the real estate market.
Family Haven: Life Inside Gregory Peck’s House
For Gregory Peck and his wife, Veronique Passani, this house was more than an investment; it was a home. They lived here for approximately 30 years, which is quite a long time by Hollywood standards.
Raising a Family for 30 Years
The Pecks were known for their stability. While other stars were going through multiple marriages and moving from one “hot” neighbourhood to another, Gregory and Veronique stayed put on Mapleton Drive. They raised their children here, creating a sense of normalcy in an industry that is anything but typical.
The second level of the modern house was primarily dedicated to the family. With the bedrooms situated upstairs, the ground floor remained a space for grand entertaining and formal gatherings. This separation allowed the children to have a private sanctuary even when the house was full of Hollywood’s elite.
Daily Life and Hollywood Glamour
Daily life at Gregory Peck’s house was a mix of quiet family moments and high-stakes career moves. Legend has it that many of the decisions regarding the 1968 Academy Awards (which Peck presided over as President of the Academy) were discussed right in his home office.
The pool area was frequently the site of summer parties. However, these weren’t the wild bashes you might read about in tabloids. They were elegant affairs, often featuring the “who’s who” of the silver screen, lounging by the water and discussing the future of cinema.
Feature Details Luxury Appeal
Bedrooms : 7 spacious rooms . Perfect for a large family and guests
Bathrooms 9 with marble finishes , high-end 1930s luxury craftsmanship
Lot Size 1.3 Acres Unmatched privacy in Holmby Hills
Outdoor Space , Pool, and Terraces Classic “Old Hollywood” entertainment vibe
Kitchen Chef’s + Service Suites Designed for hosting large-scale events
Ownership Timeline and Sales History
The history of Gregory Peck’s house is as fascinating as the man himself. Because the family stayed there for so long, the ownership timeline is relatively simple compared to other celebrity properties.
The Peck Era (Peak Career Home)
Gregory Peck lived in the house during the height of his fame and well into his elder years. After his passing in 2003, his wife, Veronique, continued to reside there for a short time. In 2004, the estate was put on the market and sold for approximately $22 million.
At the time, this was a significant sale, reflecting the home’s pedigree and its location on Mapleton Drive. The buyers weren’t just paying for the square footage; they were paying for the “Peck Legacy.”
Post-Peck: $25M Listing and Legacy
In 2013, the house made headlines again when it was relisted for $24.995 million. The real estate market had shifted, and the demand for historic Holmby Hills estates was at an all-time high.
Today, the house remains a private residence. While it has likely seen some interior updates to bring it into the 21st century, the exterior remains largely faithful to its 1932 French Chateau roots. It remains a “white whale” for real estate photographers and Hollywood historians alike, though its current owners maintain a high level of privacy.
Modern Relevance: Luxury Real Estate Lessons
What can we learn from Gregory Peck’s house today? In an age of “flipping” houses and building “white box” modern mansions, the Peck estate teaches us about the value of timeless design.
What Gregory Peck’s House Teaches Buyers Today
One of the biggest lessons is that history adds value. A house that was owned by an icon like Gregory Peck will always command a Premium over a brand-new build with no soul. Buyers today are looking for a story, and this house has a 30-year narrative of Hollywood excellence.
Furthermore, the French Chateau style has proven to be incredibly resilient. While mid-century modern or ultra-contemporary styles can go in and out of fashion, the classic elegance of a 1932 Chateau is always in style. It represents a level of “old money” sophistication that many high-net-worth individuals still crave.
Visiting or Touring Gregory Peck’s Holmby Hills Estate
If you are hoping to knock on the door and ask for a tour, you are out of luck! Like most homes on Mapleton Drive, Gregory Peck’s house is behind tall gates and thick hedges. It is a private sanctuary, just as it was when the Peck family lived there.
However, thanks to the digital age, you can still experience the home. Many real estate archives and historical videos offer virtual tours or photo galleries of the interior as it looked during the 2013 listing. These resources allow us to peek behind the curtain and see the marble floors and vaulted ceilings for ourselves.
Comparisons: Gregory Peck’s Other Homes
While the Mapleton Drive estate is his most famous residence, it wasn’t the only place Gregory Peck called home. Comparing his different properties gives us a clearer picture of his evolving taste.
Vs. Pacific Palisades Ranch (1940s-50s)
Earlier in his career, Peck lived in a ranch-style home in Pacific Palisades. This property sat on about 3 acres and was much more “California casual” than the Holmby Hills mansion. Interestingly, that ranch was later sold to other celebrities, including Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, and eventually sold for upwards of $45 million.
The move from the Palisades ranch to the Holmby Hills Chateau represented a shift from a “family getaway” vibe to a “stately manor” vibe. It showed that as Peck became a more established figure in the industry, his tastes moved toward the formal and the European.
Vs. Demolished Properties
Sadly, many of the homes associated with stars of Peck’s era have been demolished to make way for modern developments. For instance, a stunning house he lived in around 1949, which famously featured a model railroad in the backyard, is no longer standing in its original form.
This makes the preservation of the Gregory Peck Holmby Hills estate even more critical. It is one of the few remaining physical links to the lifestyle of a man who shaped American culture for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Gregory Peck’s house address?
The iconic mansion is located at 539 South Mapleton Drive, Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, CA. It is situated on one of the most prestigious streets in the world.
How much was Gregory Peck’s house sold for?
Following the passing of the actor and his wife, the home was sold for $22 million in 2004. It was later listed again in 2013 for nearly $25 million.
Can yoau visit Gregory Peck’s LA mansion?
No, the property is a private residence and is not open to the public. You can, however, view historical photos and videos of the estate online through real estate archives.
What architectural style is Gregory Peck’s house?
The home is a classic French Chateau, built in 1932. It features signature elements like a marble foyer, vaulted ceilings, and extensive use of French doors.
How long did Gregory Peck live in the Holmby Hills estate?
Gregory Peck and his wife, Veronique, lived in the home for approximately 30 years, making it his primary residence for the majority of his legendary career.
How many rooms are in Gregory Peck’s house?
The mansion boasts 7 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, spread across over 9,000 square feet of living space.
Where Does Gregory Peck Currently Live?
I don’t have real-time access to current residence information for individuals, and Gregory Peck, who passed away in 2003, cannot have a current living address. If you’re asking about where he lived earlier in his life or where his grave is, I can share that information. Would you like details on his known residences during his lifetime or his burial location?
Gregory Peck House Photos
