CELEBRITY HOMES | OCTOBER 2026
From the street, the unusual Hollywood Hills residence almost disappears into the surrounding trees. Its dark exterior, striking roof, and lush greenery give it the appearance of a secluded treehouse rather than a multimillion-dollar celebrity mansion.
But the property has a fascinating history, and one of its former owners is none other than Orlando Bloom, the Hollywood actor and father of Katy Perry’s daughter, Daisy Dove.
Years before Bloom and Perry welcomed their daughter in 2020, the actor lived in this distinctive Los Angeles home. And one of his decorating decisions reportedly caused quite a stir among the neighbors.
Bloom had the exterior painted black, a bold choice that some residents apparently found upsetting.
Years later, when the property returned to the market for nearly $5 million, photographs revealed an extraordinary contrast between its dark exterior and beautifully renovated interior.
Yet not everyone was impressed. One online commenter reportedly joked that they wouldn’t pay more than $5 for the property.
Behind the unusual walls, however, lies a home filled with unexpected features, from cozy fireplaces and luxurious bedrooms to a waterfall swimming pool and a hidden garden retreat.
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A Hollywood Home That Looked Nothing Like Its Neighbors
Nestled in the exclusive Outpost Estates neighborhood of Los Angeles, the residence was originally built in 1940.
The area is known for its winding hillside roads, mature trees, private estates, and proximity to Hollywood.
Bloom purchased the property in 2007 for approximately $2.75 million, during a period when his film career was flourishing.
At the time, he was already internationally famous for playing Legolas in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Rather than choosing a conventional Hollywood mansion, Bloom settled on a property surrounded by greenery, with an architectural character that made it feel almost hidden from the outside world.
Photo 1: The dark exterior of Orlando Bloom’s former Hollywood Hills residence.
The house sits on approximately three-quarters of an acre and offers more than 3,200 square feet of interior living space.
But it wasn’t the size that attracted attention.
It was the color.
The Black Walls That Reportedly Upset the Neighbors
Shortly after purchasing the property, Bloom made a bold design decision: he painted the exterior black.
In a neighborhood filled with more traditional Southern California architecture, the choice was unusual.
According to real estate agents who later represented the property, some neighbors were unhappy with the dramatic change.
The color was unconventional at the time, particularly for a house surrounded by natural greenery.
But the actor apparently appreciated the way the dark exterior blended into the landscape.
Photo 2: The striking dark exterior and roof are surrounded by mature trees.
By 2024, the same design decision that had once seemed controversial was being viewed differently.
Dark-painted houses had become increasingly popular in contemporary architecture, especially among homeowners who wanted their properties to blend into wooded surroundings.
The real estate agents marketing the house noted that Bloom’s choice had been ahead of its time.
And the exterior was only the beginning of the surprises.
The Property Returned to the Market for Nearly $5 Million
Bloom eventually sold the home in 2014 for approximately $3.9 million.
After changing hands, the property underwent an extensive renovation that transformed many of its interior spaces.
In 2024, it was listed for $4,995,000.
The listing offered a rare opportunity to see the inside of a residence that had once belonged to one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors.
The renovated property included four bedrooms, four bathrooms, multiple fireplaces, an outdoor entertaining area, and a swimming pool surrounded by lush landscaping.
Photo 3: An aerial photograph reveals the house, swimming pool, and extensive landscaped grounds.
Although the exterior retained its mysterious appearance, the inside looked completely different.
The Living Room: A Warm Surprise Behind the Dark Walls
Photo 4: The renovated living room features warm neutral colors and a dramatic fireplace.
Stepping into the living room reveals a space that feels bright, warm, and inviting.
The dark exterior gives way to pale walls, natural wood flooring, and contemporary furnishings.
A striking marble fireplace serves as the centerpiece, while comfortable sofas and carefully selected decorations create an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
Large windows allow natural light to enter the room, bringing the surrounding trees into view.
The design balances modern finishes with elements of the property’s original character.
Instead of feeling like a cold, oversized mansion, the space has the atmosphere of a sophisticated woodland retreat.
The Dining Room: Understated Hollywood Elegance
Photo 5: The dining room combines classic architectural details with contemporary furnishings.
The formal dining room continues the home’s warm aesthetic.
Natural wood floors and neutral walls provide a calm background, while decorative molding adds a touch of traditional elegance.
The furnishings are relatively simple, allowing the architecture and natural light to take center stage.
For a residence associated with Hollywood fame, the interior is surprisingly understated.
Rather than elaborate gold finishes or extravagant chandeliers, the home relies on comfortable proportions, quality materials, and carefully chosen decorative pieces.
The Kitchen: Modern Luxury With an Unexpected Detail
Photo 6: The remodeled kitchen features pale cabinetry, stone countertops, and natural light.
The kitchen is another example of the contrast between the house’s exterior and interior.
Bright cabinetry, stone countertops, and modern appliances give the space a fresh appearance.
The layout also connects conveniently to the outdoor entertaining areas, allowing residents to move between indoor and outdoor spaces.
But one feature makes the kitchen particularly memorable.
Nearby is a cozy fireplace seating area, creating an intimate place to relax.
Photo 7: A fireside seating area adds an unusually cozy feature near the kitchen.
The arrangement gives the room a personal, lived-in quality.
It is easy to imagine someone enjoying a morning coffee beside the fireplace while looking out toward the surrounding greenery.
And the surprises continue upstairs.
The Bedrooms: A Peaceful Retreat Surrounded by Trees
Photo 8: The primary bedroom in the renovated residence.
The main bedroom offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere than the shared living spaces. Warm wood details, neutral furnishings, and windows overlooking the landscape make it feel removed from the bustle of Los Angeles.
Rather than decorating the room with dramatic colors, the renovation emphasized natural materials and subtle textures.
The effect is especially striking when compared with the house’s black exterior. Outside, the property feels mysterious and almost hidden. Inside, the bedroom has the warmth of a luxury countryside retreat.
Photo 9: Another bedroom in the four-bedroom residence.
The additional bedrooms follow the same approach, with understated furnishings and details that complement the home’s original architecture.
The renovation preserved features such as wooden ceiling elements, maintaining a connection to the building’s 1940s history.
The Bathrooms: Modern Luxury Behind the Unusual Exterior
Photo 10: The renovated primary bathroom.
The bathrooms continue the contrast between the home’s rustic surroundings and its sophisticated interior.
Marble surfaces, contemporary fixtures, and carefully selected finishes give the spaces a polished appearance.
The primary bathroom includes a freestanding bathtub, creating a spa-like atmosphere.
Photo 11: Another view of the home’s updated bathroom finishes.
These rooms reflect the extensive work carried out after Bloom sold the property. They should not be mistaken for photographs of the exact interiors he occupied.
The Swimming Pool: A Hidden Paradise in the Hollywood Hills
Photo 12: The swimming pool surrounded by brick paving and greenery.
Outside, the house becomes even more unusual.
The landscaped swimming pool is surrounded by mature trees and red-brick paving, creating an atmosphere far removed from the sleek infinity pools commonly associated with modern celebrity estates.
The surrounding grounds make the swimming area feel private and secluded.
Instead of dominating the landscape, the pool appears integrated into it.
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Photo 13: The pool and gardens seen from another angle.
The property’s outdoor amenities were among the features highlighted when it was marketed in 2024.
Mansion Global
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The Garden That Makes the House Feel Like a Treehouse
Photo 14: Stone steps wind through the terraced garden.
The grounds include a stone staircase leading through the hillside landscaping to an elevated pergola.
From this secluded outdoor area, residents can enjoy views toward downtown Los Angeles.
Photo 15: The hillside pergola provides a private outdoor retreat.
The house’s unusual connection to nature helps explain why real estate coverage described it as having a treehouse-like atmosphere.
Every room has access to the outdoors, according to the listing agents, allowing the house to feel closely connected to its gardens.
Mansion Global
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The House Also Had a Dark Chapter in Its History
The property’s unusual paint color was not the only reason it became famous.
In 2009, while Bloom still owned the residence, it was targeted by the Bling Ring, a group of young burglars who broke into celebrity homes around Los Angeles.
Among the items stolen were watches, designer luggage, and artwork.
The burglaries later inspired Sofia Coppola’s 2013 film The Bling Ring.
Bloom eventually sold the property in 2014 for approximately $3.9 million, ending his ownership of the distinctive Hollywood Hills retreat.
Los Angeles Times
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What Happened to the Nearly $5 Million House?
Although the property made headlines when it was listed for $4,995,000 in 2024, it did not remain on the market indefinitely.
Property records indicate that it sold on August 16, 2024, for approximately $4.8 million.
Owner, Sales, Taxes
That means the widely circulated asking price was not its final recorded sale price.
The online remark about someone refusing to pay more than $5 remains an expression of personal taste rather than an indication of the property’s actual market value. The original comment’s exact wording and source have not been independently verified here.
A Home That Divided Opinion but Refused to Be Ordinary
From the black exterior that reportedly upset neighbors to the warm interiors, terraced gardens, and secluded swimming pool, Orlando Bloom’s former home has an identity all its own.
It was never a conventional white-walled Hollywood mansion.
And that may be exactly what made it memorable.
Bloom’s decision to paint the residence black was considered controversial in 2007. By the time the house was renovated and marketed in 2024, dark exteriors had become a recognizable architectural trend.
The property also witnessed different chapters of Hollywood history, from Bloom’s earlier family life to the notorious Bling Ring burglaries.
Today, its photographs offer a glimpse into a distinctive former celebrity residence—and a reminder that an unusual design decision can provoke very different reactions.
Some people see a beautiful woodland sanctuary. Others see a house whose exterior they would immediately repaint.
But one thing is certain: the property is far more interesting than its dark walls might initially suggest.
Sources: mansionglobal.com, latimes.com, foxbusiness.com, nypost.com, cnn.gr, eliteagent.com, propertyshark.com.
Photography note: The home photographs are visual references to the property’s 2024 real estate marketing, after its renovation. They do not establish how every room looked when Orlando Bloom lived there.
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