Menendez Brothers House Beverly Hills: Inside $17M Mansion

As someone who has spent a lifetime studying how spaces shape emotions, I’ve always believed that certain homes carry more than square footage, they carry presence.

The mansion at 722 North Elm Drive stands as one of Beverly Hills’ most recognizable properties. menendez brothers house spans 9,063-square-foot Mediterranean-style villa was originally built in 1927.

The property features seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and sits on half an acre of prime 90210 real estate. The architectural design showcases classic Spanish Revival elements—terracotta roof tiles, arched doorways, wrought iron balconies, and stunning imported Italian limestone floors.

Walking through this estate, you immediately sense its old-world charm mixed with modern luxury. The home underwent major renovations in 1984, transforming it into the stunning residence it is today.

Picture tall hedges surrounding manicured lawns, a lagoon-style swimming pool glistening in California sunshine, and a separate two-story guesthouse perfect for extended family or staff. The property even includes a private tennis court and wine cellar. This wasn’t just a house—it was a statement of success in America’s most exclusive neighborhood. 

Who Were the Menendez Brothers?

Lyle Menendez was born on January 10, 1968. Erik Menendez was born on November 27, 1970. They grew up in a wealthy family and lived in New Jersey, California, and other upscale areas. Their father, José Menendez, was a Cuban immigrant who became a top executive at RCA Records and later at LIVE Entertainment. 

Their mother, Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, was a former beauty queen and teacher who focused on raising them. Both brothers were strong tennis players. Lyle briefly attended Princeton University but left due to academic problems. Erik was nationally ranked in junior tennis. 

On August 20, 1989, when Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18, their parents were shot and killed in their Beverly Hills home. The brothers were first seen as witnesses but were arrested in March 1990. Their first trial in 1994 ended with hung juries. A second trial in 1995–1996 led to convictions, and both received life sentences without parole. They are still in California state prisons today.

Who Owned the Menendez Brothers House?

José Menendez purchased this Beverly Hills mansion in 1988 for $4 million. He was a successful entertainment executive who had climbed his way to the top of the industry. His wife, Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, was a former schoolteacher who became a stay-at-home mother. The couple had two sons, Lyle and Erik, who were both competitive tennis players.

Menendez Brothers House Location

The property sits at 722 North Elm Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210. This address places it in the heart of Beverly Hills Flats, one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Los Angeles. If you’re heading there, you’d navigate through Sunset Boulevard, turn onto Beverly Drive, then wind your way to North Elm. The street is tree-lined with mature sycamores providing shade and privacy.

The location is absolutely prime. You’re minutes from Rodeo Drive’s luxury shopping, world-class restaurants on Canon Drive, and the Beverly Hills Hotel. The neighborhood features immaculate sidewalks, perfectly manicured lawns, and that unmistakable aura of wealth and exclusivity.

Menendez Brothers House Tour: Let’s Take a Look Inside

Inside, the mansion showcased Mediterranean elegance throughout. Let me tell you about exploring this incredible estate. I visited through a real estate contact who had access before the recent renovations started. Driving up North Elm Drive, you can’t miss the property.

The Mediterranean facade with its cream-colored stucco and terracotta tiles immediately catches your eye. Perfectly trimmed hedges create a barrier between the mansion and curious onlookers. Walking through the grand entrance felt like stepping into European elegance transplanted to California.

Grand Entrance & Foyer

The front doors open to a dramatic two-story foyer. My jaw dropped when I saw that circular staircase spiraling upward with ornate wrought iron railings. The imported Italian limestone flooring stretched beneath my feet—cool, smooth, and absolutely luxurious.

High ceilings soared above, creating an immediate sense of grandeur. Natural light poured through large windows, illuminating every architectural detail. The craftsmanship was extraordinary—hand-carved moldings, custom woodwork, and fixtures that probably cost more than most cars. It feels similar to estates like the Tom Brady House.

Living Spaces

The formal living room featured massive Palladian windows offering views of the perfectly landscaped grounds. Original architectural details like arched doorways and ceiling beams gave the space character. A stone fireplace dominated one wall—perfect for cool California evenings.

The family room was more casual but equally impressive. Wood paneling created warmth, and built-in shelving displayed art and personal items. Multiple French doors opened onto covered terraces, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.

Kitchen & Dining

The renovated kitchen was a chef’s dream. Custom cabinetry provided endless storage. High-end appliances—commercial-grade range, multiple ovens, professional-grade refrigeration—lined the walls. Marble countertops gleamed under pendant lighting.

A walk-in pantry could store enough provisions for weeks. The breakfast nook had built-in seating with cushioned benches. The formal dining room could easily seat 20 guests for elegant dinners. Chandeliers hung overhead, and views of the gardens created a serene atmosphere.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Seven bedrooms spread throughout the mansion, each with its own character. The primary suite was essentially its own apartment. Enormous space with sitting areas, a private balcony, and those incredible views. Two separate bathrooms meant no morning congestion.

Walk-in closets could accommodate an entire boutique’s worth of clothing. Guest bedrooms were equally impressive—high ceilings, large windows, elegant finishes. Nine bathrooms total meant guests never waited. Each featured marble, custom vanities, and luxury fixtures.

Special Features

The wine cellar descended into temperature-controlled perfection—space for hundreds of bottles with a dedicated tasting room. The wood-paneled office provided a quiet workspace with built-in bookshelves.

The two-story guesthouse offered complete privacy with its own entrance, bedroom, bathroom, and private balcony. The billiards room was perfect for entertainment. Soundproof walls throughout the mansion ensured privacy—a detail the 1984 renovation added. 

Outdoor Amenities

The backyard was California living at its finest. The swimming pool stretched across manicured lawns, surrounded by rose gardens and mature landscaping. The private tennis court sat behind additional hedges—both Lyle and Erik were competitive players who used it constantly. Covered terraces with outdoor seating created perfect entertaining spaces. Park-like grounds sprawled across half an acre.

Menendez Brothers House Today: Restoration of a Historic Mansion

Currently, the mansion undergoes careful restoration. The Lahijanis hired architects and designers to preserve its Mediterranean character while incorporating modern amenities. Updated electrical systems, smart home technology, and contemporary appliances are being installed.

However, the iconic facade, the grand staircase, and the architectural details remain untouched. The property stands as a testament to 1920s California elegance meeting 21st-century luxury.

Is that Menendez Brothers House For Sale?

The property last listed for sale in December 2023 with a $20 million asking price. After several months on the market, it sold for $17 million on March 20, 2024—coincidentally the 28th anniversary of the brothers’ conviction.

This represented a 15% reduction from asking price, which real estate experts attribute to the property’s notorious history. Properties linked to tragic events typically see 15-25% value declines according to forensic appraisers.

Previous sales tell an interesting story. After 1989, the house sat unsold for years. Court filings from 1994 stated that “it was widely believed by the home-buying public and real estate brokers that this house had bad karma.” It finally sold in 1991 for $3.6 million—at a $1.2 million loss. The remaining funds paid off mortgages, closing costs, and IRS bills.

Menendez Brothers House Now: New Ownership and Public Attention

The property was sold in March 2024 for $17 million to the Lahijani family, prominent Beverly Hills real estate investors. They immediately began renovations and restoration work. Construction barriers currently surround parts of the property. Sales like this often spark comparisons to the Shohei Ohtani House.

The family plans to maintain historical elements while updating to modern luxury standards. Today, the mansion attracts considerable attention. Tour buses regularly pass by. True crime enthusiasts photograph the exterior from the street. TikTokers and Instagram influencers post content about the location. 

Neighbors have expressed frustration with the constant traffic. Police receive frequent calls about trespassers and gawkers. Despite this, the property maintains its manicured appearance. The exterior remains mostly unchanged from its 1980s glory, exactly as the Lahijanis intended.

Menendez Brothers House Previous Owners

The ownership history reads like a Hollywood script. Built in 1927, the mansion passed through various hands. In the 1980s, music legends Prince and Elton John both owned it. A Saudi prince also resided there. Each owner added their touch while preserving the Mediterranean charm.

Mark Slotkin, a real estate mogul, and his wife Robin Greer (an actor) purchased and renovated the property in 1984. They expanded it to six bedrooms and eight bathrooms with 9,063 square feet of living space. After their divorce, Slotkin sold to José Menendez in 1988 for $4 million. It reminds some buyers of legacy homes like the Selena Quintanilla House.

Following the tragic 1989 events, the mansion changed hands multiple times. William Link, co-creator of “Murder, She Wrote,” purchased it in 1993 for an undisclosed amount. He lived there eight years before selling to telecommunications executive Sam Delug in 2001 for $3.7 million. Delug extensively renovated interiors in 2002 while preserving exteriors. He owned it for 23 years before the 2024 sale to the Lahijanis.

Menendez Brothers net worth

The Menendez Brothers net worth became a major issue after the deaths of their parents, Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez. Their parents left behind an estate worth about $14.5 million. However, under California’s Slayer Statute, they were not allowed to benefit from the estate after being found guilty.

A large part of the money was already spent before the trials ended. Around $10.8 million was used, with nearly half going toward legal fees. Properties owned by the family were also sold for less than their value. In the end, the brothers did not receive any lasting financial benefit from the estate.

Conclusion

Walking through 722 North Elm Drive was an unforgettable experience. Every architectural detail told a story of 1920s craftsmanship and 1980s renovation excellence.

The Mediterranean villa represents California luxury at its finest—from the imported limestone floors to the tennis court hidden behind hedges. Despite its complicated history, the mansion stands as an architectural gem in Beverly Hills’ most exclusive neighborhood. ✨

If you’re inspired by Mediterranean design and want to bring that California villa aesthetic to your own home, let’s talk about creating your dream space!