A historic Hollywood Hills estate once home to legendary game show host Bob Barker has resurfaced on the market — completely transformed and asking $8.195 million.
Located at 1851 Outpost Drive in the exclusive Outpost Estates neighborhood, the 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival-style residence blends nearly a century of cinematic heritage with striking modern upgrades.
The property made headlines in early 2024 when it sold for $3.788 million — $800,000 over asking — after just one month on the market. The buyer was designer Julia Dempster, who purchased the house with the goal of restoring and elevating its original character. And restore she did!
“As the new custodian of Bob Barker’s former residence, I am deeply honored and fortunate to have the opportunity to steward such a historic and architecturally significant property,” Dempster said at the time. “The sheer magnitude of its historical significance, coupled with its breathtaking architectural merit, is truly monumental.”
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A site steeped in Hollywood history
The home sits atop one of the most historically significant lots in Los Angeles.
Before the Spanish Colonial structure was built in 1929, the site was home to “The Outpost” — a modest adobe built by Gen. Harrison Gray Otis, the powerful publisher of the Los Angeles Times.
His residence, completed in the 1880s, was the first home ever built in what would become Hollywood. Later, the original adobe was demolished, making way for the Spanish-style home.
Later home to the beloved host of “The Price is Right”
Bob Barker, the beloved host of The Price Is Right, bought the home in 1969 and lived there for 54 years until his passing in 2023 at age 99. Remarkably, Barker made no major changes to the home during his decades-long residency, preserving much of its original detailing.
6 Bedrooms, 7 baths, and layers of legacy
Now spanning over 6,000 square feet, the home offers 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and a formal powder room across two levels — plus a 601-square-foot basement.
The lower level includes a sauna and 2 versatile rooms, ideal for use as a home gym, guest quarters, or office. A dedicated home office with an en-suite bath also doubles as a guest suite or studio.
The new interiors carefully retain the home’s historic bones while introducing contemporary finishes and functionality, a process Dempster undertook over the course of a year.
A chef’s kitchen anchored by Viola Monet marble
The newly reimagined kitchen is both sculptural and practical. Designed with custom white oak cabinetry, the space features top-of-the-line Thermador appliances and dramatic slabs of Viola Monet marble across the island, backsplash, and counters.
Despite its elegance, the kitchen is built for everyday use as well as high-end entertaining.
Restored historic details
Throughout the home, original elements remain intact — including a hand-painted fresco ceiling in the hallway, curved archways, coffered ceilings, and colorful stained-glass windows. In the living room, a dramatic fireplace and soaring scale evoke the glamour of Old Hollywood.
Including a library with a hidden bar
One particularly charming space is the wood-paneled library, which includes a hidden bar, an authentic relic from the home’s earlier days of entertaining.
Designer finishes with a light touch
Rather than overwhelm the home’s historic palette, Dempster chose soft, natural finishes to elevate the interiors.
Roman clay and limewash walls diffuse the California light, while European white oak flooring adds warmth throughout. The result is a seamless marriage between the home’s original charm and today’s design sensibilities.
Two luxe primary suites
The home includes two primary suites, making it a great fit for multigenerational living or long-term guests. The main suite features a massive walk-in closet and his-and-hers bathrooms, while the secondary suite comes with dual closets and its own luxurious bath.
With a book-matched travertine shower in the primary bathroom
In the primary suite’s bathroom, a book-matched travertine shower and marble thresholds create a spa-like atmosphere. Hand-selected Zia tiles add artisan character to the secondary bathrooms as well.
Wellness and bonus spaces
Additional amenities include an infrared sauna for at-home wellness and a multi-room basement with endless flexibility. And did we mention the extensive closet space and designer laundry room?
A private oasis in the hills
Outside, a sparkling pool sits adjacent to an expansive lawn and shaded entertaining area anchored by a towering oak tree. The location offers both privacy and convenience, just minutes from Runyon Canyon, the Sunset Strip, and central Hollywood.
The house’s landmark status
In recognition of its historical and architectural value, the home was designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 673. As such, the buyer may benefit from property tax relief through the Mills Act.
With its star-studded past, timeless bones, and fresh designer vision, 1851 Outpost Drive offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of LA’s cultural legacy, now refreshed for the next century. Jordan Ginsburg and George Ouzounian of The Agency hold the listing.
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