When you think of celebrity homes, you might picture sleek modern mansions with floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist designs. But comedian and actor Andy Samberg took a different path entirely. The Brooklyn Nine-Nine star chose to invest in something far more extraordinary—a piece of living history that tells a story through every archway and stained glass window.
Nestled in the prestigious hills of Los Angeles, the Moor crest Mansion stands as a testament to architectural brilliance from a bygone era. This isn’t just another celebrity property; it’s a masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together two distinct artistic movements that rarely coexist. The Andy Samberg House represents something special in the world of celebrity real estate—a genuine appreciation for historical house preservation and artistic heritage.
Overview of Moorcrest Mansion
The story of Moorcrest Mansion begins long before Andy Samberg ever set foot in Hollywood. Built in 1921, this architectural marvel emerged during a golden age of Los Angeles construction, when wealthy industrialists and entertainment pioneers were creating their own personal palaces throughout the city’s hillsides.
Located in the exclusive Beachwood Canyon neighborhood, the mansion occupies a prime position offering breathtaking views of the city below and the iconic Hollywood sign above. This location wasn’t chosen by accident. The area became a magnet for creative souls and visionaries seeking homes that reflected their artistic sensibilities while offering an escape from bustling city life.
Historical Significance and Previous Owners
The mansion’s walls have witnessed nearly a century of Los Angeles history. Initially commissioned by a silent film producer, the home later passed through the hands of various entertainment industry figures. Each owner left their mark, though always with respect for the original architectural vision.
In the 1940s, a renowned Broadway actress called Moorcrest home, hosting legendary parties that brought together writers, actors, and musicians. The 1960s saw a brief period when the mansion served as a private art gallery, showcasing works from emerging California artists. These layers of cultural history add depth to what makes the Andy Samberg House so special today.
The property earned its historic preservation status in 1989, recognizing its architectural significance and ensuring that future modifications would respect its original character. This designation means that while owners can modernize certain aspects for comfort and safety, the essential architectural elements must remain intact for future generations to appreciate.
Andy Samberg and His Acquisition of Moorcrest Mansion
The Purchase Story
When Andy Samberg began searching for a home in 2014, he wasn’t just looking for square footage or proximity to studios. The Saturday Night Live alumnus wanted something with character, something that told a story. His real estate journey led him through dozens of properties, but nothing quite captured his imagination until he stepped through the doors of Moorcrest.
The connection was immediate and profound. Samberg later described the experience as walking into a living piece of art. The comedian, known for his quirky humor and creative projects with The Lonely Island, found himself drawn to the mansion’s theatrical qualities. Every room felt like a different stage, each with its own personality and storytelling potential.
Why This Historic Home?
For Samberg, the choice went beyond mere aesthetics. Growing up in Berkeley, California, he’d been surrounded by historic architecture and developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship that you don’t find in modern construction. The Andy Samberg house represented an opportunity to become a steward of something larger than himself.
His wife, musician Joanna Newsom, shared his enthusiasm for the property. As an artist who creates intricate, layered compositions, she immediately recognized the mansion’s design as complex and beautiful. Together, they saw Moorcrest not just as a home but as an inspiration for their creative work.
Recent Renovations Under Samberg’s Ownership
While respecting the mansion’s historic status, Samberg has undertaken several thoughtful renovations. Working with preservation specialists, he’s updated the electrical and plumbing systems to modern standards without disturbing the original architectural features. The kitchen received a careful renovation that maintains period-appropriate cabinetry while incorporating modern appliances hidden behind custom panels.
Perhaps most impressively, Samberg commissioned the restoration of the original stained-glass windows that had suffered damage over the decades. Local artisans spent months matching the original colors and patterns, ensuring that these artistic elements would continue to cast their colorful shadows for generations to come.
Architectural Features of Moorcrest Mansion
Art Nouveau Elements
The Art Nouveau movement revolutionized design at the turn of the 20th century, and Moorcrest showcases some of its finest expressions. Walk through any doorway in the Andy Samberg house, and you’ll notice how traditional straight lines give way to gentle curves inspired by nature.
The floral motifs appear everywhere, from the carved wooden bannister that resembles climbing vines to the ceiling medallions that bloom like exotic flowers. These organic designs weren’t merely decorative; they represented a philosophy that art should be integrated into everyday life. The mansion’s original architects understood this principle deeply.
Light fixtures throughout the home feature hand-blown glass shaped like flower buds and leaves. The metalwork, primarily in bronze and copper, shows the characteristic whiplash curves that define Art Nouveau style. Even the door handles were specially crafted to resemble twisting branches, making every interaction with the house a tactile artistic experience.
Moorish Architectural Influences
While Art Nouveau provides the mansion’s organic flow, Moorish architecture brings geometric precision and exotic flair. This North African and Spanish influence manifests most dramatically in the mansion’s horseshoe arches, which frame central doorways and windows throughout the property.
The intricate tilework deserves special attention. Original Moroccan ceramic tiles create mesmerizing patterns in the entryway and bathrooms. These tiles feature the complex geometric patterns known as arabesques, where mathematical precision creates visual poetry. The color palette—deep blues, emerald greens, and warm terracottas—transports visitors to the palaces of Granada or Marrakech.
Perhaps the most stunning Moorish element is the central courtyard, designed around a traditional fountain. Here, the sound of water creates a cooling effect both physically and psychologically, while the surrounding arches develop a sense of protected intimacy even in the heart of Los Angeles.
Integration of Both Styles
What makes the Andy Samberg house truly exceptional is how these two distinct styles complement rather than compete with each other. The flowing lines of Art Nouveau soften the geometric precision of Moorish design, while the mathematical patterns of Islamic art provide structure to Art Nouveau’s organic freedom.
This integration appears most beautifully in the main reception hall, where a Moorish archway frames an Art Nouveau mural depicting a fantastical garden scene. The juxtaposition should feel jarring, but instead, it creates a dialogue between two artistic traditions that share a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and beauty.
The original architects achieved this harmony through careful use of materials and colors. Both styles favor handcrafted elements over mass production, and both celebrate the use of natural materials like wood, stone, and ceramic. The color palette throughout the mansion draws from nature—earth tones, jewel colors, and metallic accents that appear in both artistic traditions.
Interior Design Highlights
Iconic Rooms and Their Design Aspects
The grand living room serves as the heart of the Andy Samberg house, featuring a massive fireplace surrounded by hand-painted tiles depicting peacocks and flowering trees. The ceiling rises two stories, with exposed beams carved in flowing Art Nouveau patterns. Originally built-in bookcases curve around the corners, their shelves following organic rather than strictly horizontal lines.
The formal dining room showcases the mansion’s Moorish influence most dramatically. An elaborate coffered ceiling features geometric patterns picked out in gold leaf, while the walls display original murals depicting scenes from the Arabian Nights. The room can accommodate twenty guests, though Samberg admits he more often uses it for intimate dinners where guests can fully appreciate the artistic details.
Moving to the main suite, visitors find a more subdued but equally impressive design. Here, Art Nouveau dominates with nature-inspired wallpaper featuring stylized iris flowers. The original bathroom retains its vintage clawfoot tub, surrounded by iridescent tiles that shift from blue to green with the light.
Artistic Fixtures and Modern Comfort
Throughout the mansion, original light fixtures remain functional works of art. The library features a spectacular Tiffany-style chandelier with hundreds of individual glass pieces creating a garden scene. In the music room, where Joanna Newsom practices her harp, bronze sconces shaped like lotus flowers provide warm, ambient lighting.
While preserving these historic elements, Samberg has cleverly integrated modern comforts. Climate control systems are hidden behind decorative grilles that match the original ventilation covers. Smart home technology operates through carefully concealed panels that don’t disturb the period aesthetics. The result is a home that offers 21st-century convenience without sacrificing its historic character.
Personal Touches and Favorite Spaces
Samberg has added his own personality to the mansion without overwhelming its historic character. His home office, located in what was once a sunroom, features vintage comedy posters from the golden age of Hollywood—a nod to both his career and the mansion’s entertainment-industry heritage.
The comedian’s favorite space is reportedly a small reading nook tucked beneath a Moorish arch on the second floor. Here, surrounded by built-in shelves and bathed in colored light from a stained glass window, he finds inspiration for his creative projects. “It’s like sitting inside a jewel box,” he’s said of the space.
Outdoor Spaces and Garden
Moorish Garden Influences
The exterior grounds of the Andy Samberg house transport visitors to an Andalusian paradise. The central courtyard follows traditional Islamic garden design principles, divided into four quadrants representing the four rivers of paradise. Each section features different plantings—herbs, flowers, fruit trees, and ornamental shrubs—creating a sensory journey through texture and fragrance.
Water plays a crucial role in garden design. A central fountain sends cooling sprays into the air, while narrow channels called “rills” carry water throughout the garden. These water features aren’t merely decorative; they create a microclimate that keeps the garden several degrees cooler than the surrounding area, a practical benefit in Los Angeles’s warm climate.
Geometric tile patterns extend from the house into the garden, creating outdoor “rooms” defined by different mosaic designs. These tiles, with traditional blue-and-white patterns, reflect light and add visual interest even in the smallest corners of the garden.
Entertainment Areas and Functionality
While respecting the garden’s historic design, Samberg has added modern entertainment amenities. A swimming pool, cleverly designed to resemble a traditional Islamic reflecting pool, provides a place for relaxation without disrupting the garden’s aesthetic. The pool’s edges feature the same Moroccan tiles found throughout the property, creating visual continuity.
An outdoor dining pavilion, covered by a traditional wooden pergola, provides space for al fresco entertaining. Climbing jasmine and bougainvillea create natural shade while filling the air with fragrance. This area has become a favorite spot for the couple’s dinner parties, where guests can enjoy California’s perfect weather surrounded by architectural beauty.
The property also includes a restored greenhouse that now serves as Newsom’s practice space. The glass structure, with its original iron framework featuring Art Nouveau curves, offers perfect acoustics while keeping her connected to the garden’s beauty.
Landscape Design and Plant Selection
The plant selection throughout the grounds reflects both Mediterranean and California native species. Drought-tolerant plants like lavender, rosemary, and sage thrive alongside traditional Moorish garden favorites, such as orange and lemon trees. This combination creates a garden that’s both historically appropriate and environmentally responsible.
Climbing roses cover many of the walls, their blooms adding color and fragrance throughout the growing season. These aren’t just any roses—Samberg worked with a historical garden specialist to source varieties that would have been available when the mansion was built. The result is a garden that looks and smells much as it would have a century ago.
Cultural and Celebrity Impact
Los Angeles Celebrity Real Estate Trends
The Andy Samberg house represents a growing trend among younger celebrities who are choosing historic properties over contemporary mansions. This shift reflects a broader cultural appreciation for craftsmanship and authenticity in an increasingly digital world. Celebrities like Samberg are becoming stewards of architectural heritage, using their resources to preserve essential buildings for future generations.
In the competitive Los Angeles real estate market, historic homes like Moorcrest offer something that new construction cannot replicate—genuine character and irreplaceable artistry. The uniqueness factor has become increasingly valuable as celebrities seek homes that reflect their individual personalities rather than following conventional luxury trends.
Public Image and Hollywood History
Owning such a distinctive property has enhanced Samberg’s reputation as a thoughtful artist rather than just a comedian. The mansion’s sophistication contrasts beautifully house with his goofy on-screen persona, revealing depth that resonates with fans and industry professionals alike.
The property connects Samberg to Hollywood’s golden age through its previous residents. Stories of legendary parties and creative gatherings add layers of meaning to current events hosted at the mansion. When Samberg and Newsom entertain, they’re continuing a tradition that stretches back nearly a century.
Media Appearances and Inspiration
While Samberg maintains privacy about his home life, the Andy Samberg House has appeared in select architectural publications and on preservation society tours. These limited glimpses have only increased public fascination with the property. The mansion has also served as inspiration for set designs in period productions, though Samberg rarely allows actual filming on the property to protect its historic features.
Preservation Efforts and Challenges
Restoration Projects
The ongoing preservation of Moor crest requires constant attention and significant investment. Samberg has undertaken several major restoration projects, including:
Project Timeline Investment Outcome
Roof restoration with period-appropriate tiles , 2015-2016 $250,000 Complete structural integrity restored
Stained glass window restoration 2017-2018 $180,000 All original windows preserved and reinforced
Foundation reinforcement and seismic upgrades 2019-2020 $400,000 Modern safety standards met while preserving appearance
Garden irrigation system modernization 2021 $75,000 Water efficiency improved by 40%
Exterior paint and woodwork restoration 2022-2023 $150,000 Original color scheme researched and restored
Maintenance Challenges
Maintaining a property that combines two distinct architectural styles presents unique challenges. The different materials and construction techniques used in Art Nouveau and Moorish elements require specialized knowledge and care. Finding craftspeople who understand both traditions has proven difficult and expensive.
Climate considerations add another layer of complexity. Los Angeles’s dry climate and occasional earthquakes pose constant threats to historic structures. The mansion requires regular inspections and preventive maintenance to address issues before they become serious problems.
The Andy Samberg House also faces modern challenges, such as updating systems to improve energy efficiency while maintaining its historic integrity. Every modification must be carefully planned to meet current building codes without compromising the mansion’s architectural significance.
Future Outlook
Samberg has expressed his commitment to preserving Moorcrest beyond his tenure as owner. He’s worked with preservation organizations to document the mansion’s features and create detailed maintenance guidelines for future caretakers. This forward-thinking approach helps ensure that the Andy Samberg House will continue to inspire and delight for generations to come.
The comedian has also established a restoration fund that will continue to support the mansion’s maintenance even if the property changes hands. This unprecedented step shows his deep commitment to architectural preservation and sets an example for other celebrity property owners.
Where Does Andy Samberg Currently Live?
Andy Samberg currently lives in Moorcrest, a historic Moorish mansion located in the Beachwood Canyon area of Los Angeles, California. He and his wife, musician Joanna Newsom, purchased this estate in 2014 for $6.25 million. The home, designed by female architect Marie Russak Hotchener, dates back to the 1920s and has a rich history, having been previously inhabited or rented by notable figures such as Charlie Chaplin and Mary Astor.
