Ellen DeGeneres buys iconic Robert Skinner-designed mid-century modern home in Beverly Hills

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have snapped up an iconic 1961 mid-century modern home, designed by Robert Skinner, for $8.5 million.

The home, called Rowan Residence, was originally photographed in 1964 by Julius Shulman and featured in Taschen’s Modernism Rediscovered, a tome about Californian architecture in the 1950s and 1960s, an accolade that surely confirms its position as one of the world's best homes.

Located in the upscale Hidden Valley Estates, the sophisticated property is accessed via a dramatic courtyard. 

A meticulous restoration in keeping with the original design was carried out by architect John Bertram. It incorporates Douglas fir furniture-grade custom cabinetry, terrazzo flooring, Calacatta Gold and Salt Marble countertops, LSI museum-quality lighting, and redwood tongue and groove interior and exterior siding.

Indeed, kitchen ideas don't come much more glamorous than this marble-bedecked cooking space. 

The kitchen is also home to a sociable eating area, with snug banquette seating ideas always offering a stylish space.

The entire space looks like it jumped straight off a Mad Men set, with sleek redwood furniture,  statement lighting, sumptuous velvets in popping colors, and large vintage rugs. 

The cozy living area boasts a rich teal sofa, panelled walls and a retro media unit. Walls of glass throughout create the ideal setting for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining. 

The bedrooms are also enhanced with the wood panelling to create a warm environment, and are also styled with printed rugs (spot the zigzag trend being worked to great effect).

When it comes to bathroom ideas, this stylish home keeps it sleek and chic, with redwood cupboards adding warmth to terrazzo tiles and statement lighting.

And, when it's time to head outside for sundowners, what better place to sip cocktails than the sunshine-yellow poolside bar?

The home was listed with Tori Barnao, Gersh Gershunoff and Aaron Kirman of Aaron Kirman Group at Compass.

Where does Ellen DeGeneres live now?

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi often dip their toes into real estate waters, and own three properties in Montecito. The pair often buy from, and sell to, other celebrities. 

Back in June 2020, they sold California home to Ariana Grande for $6.75 million and, this year, they sold a Beverly Hills property for a reported $47 million.