Marilyn Monroe, an enduring icon of Hollywood glamour, left an indelible mark not only on the silver screen but also in the places she called home. Her residences, from humble beginnings to opulent sanctuaries, chronicle her journey through stardom, reflecting her evolving lifestyle and quest for solace. Let’s take a journey through the beautiful and significant homes of Marilyn Monroe.
A Humble Start: The Orphanage and Foster Homes
Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, spent her early years in an orphanage and various foster homes in Los Angeles. These modest and transient homes shaped her early life, providing a stark contrast to the luxurious residences she would later inhabit.
A Glimpse of Stability: Aunt Ana’s Home
During her teenage years, Marilyn found some stability living with her Aunt Ana Lower in a small, cozy bungalow in West Los Angeles. This home provided her with a sense of family and normalcy, amidst the turbulence of her early life.
The First Step: The Dougherty Residence
At 16, Marilyn married James Dougherty, and they lived in a quaint house in Sherman Oaks, California. This suburban home, with its simple charm, was typical of young couples starting out in the 1940s, marking the beginning of her transition to adulthood.
Chasing Dreams: Hollywood Apartments
As Marilyn pursued her acting career, she lived in several apartments in Hollywood. Notably, her apartment on Highland Avenue served as a base while she worked as a model and took her first steps into the film industry. These apartments were modest but crucial in her journey to stardom.
A Taste of Luxury: The Beverly Carlton Hotel
In the early 1950s, Marilyn lived at the Beverly Carlton Hotel (now The Avalon Hotel) in Beverly Hills. This period marked the beginning of her rise to fame. The hotel, known for housing aspiring actors and industry professionals, was both a home and a networking haven for Marilyn.
First Home of Her Own: The Beverly Hills House
Marilyn’s first significant purchase was a charming house at 508 North Palm Drive in Beverly Hills. This home, with its lush gardens and classic architecture, symbolized her growing success and provided a private retreat from the public eye.
Elegance and Expansion: The Doheny Drive House
Marilyn’s subsequent home at 882 Doheny Drive in Beverly Hills was a testament to her increasing wealth and status. This Spanish-style residence featured expansive rooms and a beautiful garden, reflecting her sophisticated taste and desire for luxury.
A Sophisticated Sanctuary: The Sutton Place Apartment
In New York City, Marilyn and her third husband, playwright Arthur Miller, lived in a stylish apartment at Sutton Place. Overlooking the East River, this sophisticated residence offered a serene escape from the bustling city and a taste of intellectual elegance.
Rustic Retreat: The Roxbury Home
Marilyn and Arthur Miller also owned a country home in Roxbury, Connecticut. This farmhouse, surrounded by nature, provided a rustic and peaceful retreat, contrasting with the glamorous life Marilyn led in Hollywood.
The Final Sanctuary: The Brentwood Home
Marilyn’s last home was a charming Spanish-style house at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Purchased in 1962, this house was meant to be her sanctuary, a place where she could find peace and stability. Tragically, it was here that Marilyn passed away on August 5, 1962.
Conclusion
From her challenging beginnings to her ultimate search for peace, Marilyn Monroe’s homes reflect her incredible journey through life. Each residence, whether a modest apartment or a luxurious estate, tells a story of a woman who captivated the world with her beauty, talent, and spirit. These homes were more than just places to live; they were havens where Marilyn could express her true self, away from the public eye.
