When two Golden Globe winners cross paths in real estate, it’s bound to make headlines. This time, the story isn’t about box office success or awards season dominance, but about a striking piece of Los Angeles architecture. Brad Pitt has officially sold his midcentury modern home in Los Feliz to none other than Austin Butler, one of Hollywood’s brightest rising stars. The transaction, worth $5.2 million, has caught the attention of fans and property enthusiasts alike, not only because of the star-studded handover but also because of the home’s unique design and storied history.

Brad Pitt’s Short Ownership of the Steel House

Pitt has long been known as more than just an actor—he’s also a passionate architecture and design enthusiast. His love for midcentury modern style and historical preservation has guided many of his real estate moves over the years. In 2023, he purchased the property, known as the Steel House, from oil heiress and philanthropist Aileen Getty for $5.5 million.

The home was designed in 1960 by architect Neil A. Johnson and quickly gained a reputation as one of Los Angeles’ most elegant hillside residences. With its glass walls, sharp lines, and bold midcentury details, it perfectly aligned with Pitt’s refined taste. However, his time there was unexpectedly brief.

Reports suggest Pitt decided to part ways with the property after a burglary occurred while he was out of town. Whether the incident directly motivated his decision to sell or simply accelerated a move he was already considering, the result was that the actor listed the house in 2024. Within weeks, it was snapped up by Austin Butler in an off-market deal.

Austin Butler’s Big Move

For Austin Butler, the purchase of the Steel House is a statement as much as it is a home acquisition. Fresh off the success of Elvis—a role that earned him international acclaim and multiple awards—Butler has officially cemented his place among Hollywood’s elite. Owning a home once belonging to Brad Pitt is more than just convenient; it’s symbolic of his transition from rising star to established A-lister.

The $5.2 million price tag also makes sense for someone of Butler’s standing. Compared to sprawling celebrity compounds in Beverly Hills or Malibu, the 2,000-square-foot hillside home may be modest, but it offers something rarer: architectural pedigree and unobstructed panoramic views of Los Angeles. For Butler, who has often spoken about valuing creativity and inspiration in his living spaces, this home seems like the perfect fit.

Architectural Highlights of the Steel House

What makes this property stand out isn’t its size but its meticulous design. True to its midcentury modern roots, the house offers a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living:

• Layout: The structure forms an L-shape, maximizing both privacy and views.

• Living Room: At its heart is a freestanding fireplace, a statement piece that complements the beamed ceilings and terrazzo floors. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls bathe the interiors in natural light and frame stunning vistas of the city below.

• Primary Suite: The bedroom is bold, with cobalt blue carpeting, a daring touch that reflects the original design spirit of the 1960s. Its ensuite bathroom features a sunken soaking tub carved directly into the floor, alongside a glass-walled shower and floating vanity in mint tones.

• Kitchen & Dining: The kitchen boasts stainless steel countertops and pale mint cabinetry, with a clever cutout above the stove offering sight lines into the living space—a detail that reinforces the home’s airy, connected atmosphere.

• Outdoor Amenities: Beyond the walls of glass lies a private terrace complete with a curvy swimming pool, spa, cold plunge, and sauna nestled among lush landscaping. These features transform the home into a true hillside retreat.

This is not simply a house but a living time capsule, honoring midcentury modern design while offering the comforts of a modern luxury residence.

Brad Pitt’s Real Estate Shuffle

Selling the Steel House doesn’t leave Pitt homeless, of course. In fact, the Fight Club star has been on a quiet real estate shuffle in recent years. After selling this property, Pitt moved into a $12 million Spanish-style estate in the Hollywood Hills, which he purchased from Dave Keuning, guitarist of The Killers.

Meanwhile, Aileen Getty, who originally sold Pitt the Steel House, made her own big move by purchasing Pitt’s former long-term estate in the eastern Hollywood Hills for a staggering $33 million. It seems that within this circle, high-profile properties trade hands as fluidly as film roles.

Why Butler’s Purchase Matters

Butler’s acquisition isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s a reflection of his evolving place in Hollywood. In choosing this home, Butler joins a long tradition of actors who value architectural integrity as much as luxury. Much like Pitt, he seems drawn to homes that inspire creativity rather than overwhelm with sheer scale.

This deal also reflects a broader trend in celebrity real estate. Increasingly, stars are choosing homes with character and heritage over mega-mansions. A midcentury jewel like the Steel House is not only a comfortable living space but also an investment in cultural and architectural history.

Comparing Celebrity Real Estate Moves

The Butler-Pitt deal is part of a larger pattern of A-listers swapping iconic homes:

• Leonardo DiCaprio has built a portfolio of eco-friendly and historically significant properties.

• Jennifer Aniston, Pitt’s former partner, famously renovated her Beverly Hills mansion into a showcase of modern design before selling it.

• Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have become Hollywood’s most prolific house-flippers, buying and selling architectural gems across California.

In this context, Butler’s purchase places him firmly in the league of stars who see homes as both investments and personal statements.

A Torch Passed Between Generations

There’s also a symbolic angle to this transaction. Pitt, a Hollywood veteran with decades of success, is passing the keys—literally—to Butler, a younger actor with a career that’s still on the rise. In a way, it feels like a passing of the torch, from one generation’s leading man to the next.

Butler now occupies a home once chosen by Pitt for its style and soul. For fans, that connection between two actors at different points in their careers adds another layer of intrigue to the deal.

Conclusion

The sale of the Steel House from Brad Pitt to Austin Butler is more than a multimillion-dollar real estate exchange. It’s a story of architecture, legacy, and symbolism. For Pitt, the move reflects a continued reshaping of his life and portfolio. For Butler, it represents a milestone in both his career and personal life—proof that he has arrived among Hollywood’s elite.

With its midcentury design, sweeping LA views, and lush hillside retreat features, the home is more than worthy of its new owner. As Butler settles in, the Steel House continues its legacy as one of Los Angeles’ most intriguing celebrity residences—bridging the gap between classic Hollywood and the stars of tomorrow.