Academy Award-winning actress Diane Keaton, who died on October 11, 2025, at the age of 79, was renowned for her passion for historic architecture and her extensive work buying and restoring landmark properties throughout her career. Among her most notable acquisitions was the Alfred Newman House, a masterpiece of midcentury modern design built in 1948 by Lloyd Wright, the son of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Keaton purchased the distinctive home in 2007 and immediately embarked on an ambitious restoration project. She listed the meticulously renovated five-bedroom residence for $13.25 million in 2010. According to Redfin data, the property eventually sold in 2020 for $9.25 million, marking the end of Keaton's ownership of the architectural gem.
The 1.4-acre estate has had a tumultuous journey on the real estate market since changing hands. In February of this year, the new owner listed the property for $12.9 million. However, the listing proved challenging, with the home being removed from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and re-listed twice with various price adjustments, according to Zillow records. Most recently, the property was marketed for $10.4 million through Frank Langen at Compass before being completely withdrawn from the market on September 30 without finding a buyer.
During her tenure as owner, Keaton spearheaded comprehensive renovations that honored the home's architectural heritage while adding her personal touch. She renovated the kitchen and carefully restored the house's custom woodwork and built-in furnishings, both signature elements that Lloyd Wright inherited from his famous father's design philosophy. The actress also transformed the primary bedroom, which occupies the entire second floor, converting it into an elegant loft space that maximized the dramatic architectural features.
The 4,400-square-foot home was originally constructed for Oscar-winning composer Alfred Newman, known for his work on classic films including "How the West Was Won" and "All About Eve." The brick-and-concrete structure stands out among typical midcentury modern designs with its steeply pitched roof, creating a unique silhouette that showcases Lloyd Wright's distinctive architectural vision. The property also features an outdoor kitchen, swimming pool, and a detached music studio, reflecting Newman's musical career.
Keaton's appreciation for Lloyd Wright's work extended beyond the Newman House. In the 1990s, she purchased and restored the architect's 1928 Samuel Novarro Residence, a striking Mayan Revival retreat located in Los Feliz. Working alongside architect Josh Schweitzer, she carefully restored this dramatic property, which eventually hit the market in 2018 for just under $4.3 million, demonstrating her commitment to preserving architectural landmarks throughout Los Angeles.
