Brady Bunch Homeowner Exposes Husband's Anger Over $3.2M Landmark Spend
A Journey to Preserve a Piece of Pop Culture History
Tina Trahan’s journey to preserve the iconic “Brady Bunch” house in Studio City, California, began with a mix of passion and determination. After spending $3.2 million on the modest home that served as the exterior for the beloved 1970s sitcom, her husband had one question: “Have you lost your mind?” But for Trahan, the purchase was more than just an investment—it was a dream come true.
The property, which had been featured in the show's opening credits, had a unique charm that instantly transported her back to her childhood. The triangular roofline, stacked stone facade, and large picture window were all familiar sights from the sitcom that she watched constantly as a child. While “Three’s Company” may have been her favorite sitcom, the emotional connection to the Brady Bunch house was undeniable.
Trahan knew she had to own it, even if living there wasn’t part of the plan. “What if someone drops a meatball on the sofa or something?” she joked. “I would have a nervous breakdown.” Instead, she transformed the home into a carefully preserved pop-culture time capsule.
Over the past two years, Trahan added roughly 400 props and Easter eggs referencing moments from the show. This included the flashlight Greg once used to fake a UFO sighting and a stuffed giraffe like the one that appeared in the girls’ bedroom. She even had three different giraffes custom made before settling on the right size.
The interior of the house already closely resembled the show’s set after HGTV renovated the property for its 2019 series “A Very Brady Renovation,” re-creating the famous floating staircase and other recognizable rooms. However, Trahan worried about the house’s future. “What if I get hit by a bus tomorrow?” she asked. “Is there anything I can do to preserve this?”
That question led her to pursue landmark status—a process that took two years and several rounds of city approvals. Architectural historian Heather Goers helped prepare the nomination and shepherd it through the Cultural Heritage Commission, the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee, and finally the full council vote.
The designation is notable because the house is the first property in Los Angeles to receive landmark protection specifically for its significance as a filming location outside of a studio lot. Though the home was built in 1959 and only its exterior appeared in the sitcom, officials ultimately extended the landmark designation to the interior as well. Trahan said she was stunned when that happened. “I’m sure there are people who are like, ‘But wait — that’s not historical,’” she said.
The decision reflects the enduring impact of the show, which debuted in 1969 and has been in near-constant syndication since its original run ended in 1974. Today, the house draws a steady stream of visitors to its quiet San Fernando Valley street, with fans pulling up daily to snap photos. Trahan has also opened the property for charity tours and events called “The Brady Experience,” often featuring cast members such as Christopher Knight and Maureen McCormick.
Becoming the owner of an official Los Angeles landmark hasn’t changed much for Trahan—except for one unexpected headache. Her insurance company dropped coverage after the designation became public. Historic homes can be more complicated and expensive to insure, she said. Still, Trahan calls it a small price to pay.
