In 2016, Dakota Johnson paid $3.55 million for a 1947 Los Angeles midcentury home; after renovating the 'tree house' with Pierce & Ward, she sold it a decade later for $5.92 million after asking $6 million

Dakota Johnson has sold the Los Angeles home she once described as a leafy “tree house” for $5,924,372, bringing the property’s decade-long chapter under her ownership to a close. The actress paid $3.55 million for the midcentury residence in January 2016, shortly after her career reached a new level through the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise. She later renovated the property with design firm Pierce & Ward and showcased the finished home in an Architectural Digest feature. Realtor.com reported that the three-bedroom, three-bathroom house was listed for $6 million and went under contract within days. Although the final price was slightly below the asking amount, Johnson still secured a significant increase over her original purchase price.A home with Hollywood historyBuilt in 1947, the residence was designed by architect Carl Maston, whose work was influenced by the principles of California modernism. The house occupies just over 3,200 square feet and sits on more than 0.2 acres in a quiet, tree-filled part of Los Angeles, as per the report.Maston was connected to two of the most important names in midcentury architecture, Richard Neutra and John Lautner. Johnson previously told Architectural Digest that Maston, Lautner and Neutra were friends who would meet at Musso & Frank Grill, the historic Hollywood restaurant. Maston eventually married a hostess at the restaurant, and the couple lived in the house.That history added to the property’s appeal when Johnson first viewed it. The actress said it was only the second home she saw while looking for a place to buy, but she immediately responded to its combination of clean architectural lines and comfortable interiors. “I was immediately drawn to how it was clean but also cozy... I thought, ‘I’ll never want to sell this place'," Johnson told Architectural Digest.Her first major purchaseJohnson bought the home at a significant moment in her professional life. She became an international star with her role as Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades films, and she purchased this property at that time. For the actress, the house was not simply another piece of real estate. She said having a permanent home was important because her work schedule could change quickly and often required travel. A private base gave her a place where she could return between projects, she shared with Architectural Digest.That sense of stability was reflected in the way she renovated and decorated the property. Rather than turning it into a glossy celebrity showpiece, Johnson worked with Pierce & Ward to make the home feel personal, warm and connected to its original design.Preserving the midcentury characterThe renovation retained several features that defined Maston’s design. Expansive glass walls open towards the swimming pool and backyard, allowing natural light to reach the main living areas. Wood walls, exposed beams and bold red brick give the interior a textured, organic character. The design also maintains the house’s connection with the surrounding landscape. The main living level was arranged so that the boundary between the interior and exterior feels almost invisible. From inside, residents can look directly towards the pool and garden, while outdoor spaces become an extension of the living room.Not every original feature could be saved. Pierce & Ward co-founder Emily Ward explained that the cork flooring on the second level was no longer usable. The designers replaced it with hardwood, choosing a more durable material while preserving the relaxed character of the home.The resulting interiors combine concrete flooring, natural wood and glass. The effect is modern without feeling cold, which may explain why Johnson referred to the house as a sanctuary.A personal and playful interiorJohnson’s personality was visible throughout the home. During the Architectural Digest tour, she displayed personal objects, family keepsakes and artwork collected over the years. Among the items were a note from her grandmother, actor Tippi Hedren, a photograph connected to Johnson’s appearance on Saturday Night Live and works by artists including David Hockney and Harmony Korine.The primary suite received particularly close attention during the renovation. It includes a large bedroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom finished in a custom pink tone. The colour was inspired by a sweater Johnson owned from The Row, the fashion label founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, as per the report by Realtor.com.. It further shared that a large soaking tub sits in the centre of the bathroom, positioned near a door that opens towards the outdoors. The room also includes double sinks, a feature Johnson jokingly described as an important part of a healthy relationship.These personal touches prevented the property from feeling like a staged architectural exhibit. Although the house had a notable design history, it was clearly adapted for modern living and shaped around the actress’s own routines.Outdoor spaces and the saleThe home’s exterior includes a swimming pool, barbecue area, fire pit and several patios for relaxing and entertaining. One elevated outdoor perch overlooks the yard, while trees and layered landscaping provide privacy around the property.Johnson listed the residence for $6 million through Ruby Fay of Engel & Volkers Beverly Hills. Realtor.com reported that the property went under contract only days after appearing on the market. Records later showed that the final sale price was $5,924,372.Compared with Johnson’s $3.55 million purchase price in 2016, the sale represents an increase of approximately $2.37 million. That figure does not account for renovation costs, property taxes, maintenance, commission and other expenses, but it still reflects the home’s appeal and the strength of its location.The sale also came despite Johnson’s earlier statement that she expected to remain in the house indefinitely. Reports have since linked her to another Los Angeles property in Outpost Estates, a Mediterranean-style residence purchased for approximately $5.3 million.The end of an eraJohnson’s former home was more than a high-value Los Angeles property. It was the place she chose when her career was accelerating and when she wanted a private anchor amid an unpredictable professional life. Over the years, she preserved its midcentury identity while adding the comforts and personal details that made it her own.Now, the 1947 house has passed to a new owner after selling for nearly $6 million. Its leafy setting, architectural history and carefully renovated interiors helped it achieve a price far above Johnson’s original investment. For a home that once represented stability for the actress, the sale marks the closing of a personal chapter and the beginning of another one for the celebrated California residence.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.