The residence embodies the grandeur of a French château, its classical grandeur tempered with the relaxed sensibilities of California living
Cover The Los Angeles residence embodies the grandeur of a French château, tempered with the relaxed sensibilities of California living
The residence embodies the grandeur of a French château, its classical grandeur tempered with the relaxed sensibilities of California living

From a professional recording studio to a private theatre and wellness retreat, Landry Design Group reimagines the Los Angeles residence to accommodate the music mogul’s creative pursuits and family life

When music producer and entrepreneur Dr Dre acquired the sprawling Los Angeles estate that previously belonged to supermodel Gisele Bündchen and her then-husband, NFL legend Tom Brady, he recognised the qualities that made the home distinctive.

With its mansard roof, copper finials and zinc cupolas, the residence embodies the grandeur of a French château, appearing to float above a signature water feature. Despite the formal architectural language, the home tempers its classical grandeur with the relaxed sensibilities of California living.

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Photo 1 of 2 The defining exterior of the residence, with its mansard roof, copper finials and zinc cupolas
Photo 2 of 2 The residence of French château grandeur appears to float above a signature water feature
The defining exterior of the residence, with its mansard roof, copper finials and zinc cupolas
The residence of French château grandeur appears to float above a signature water feature

However, the new homeowner envisioned a residence that could accommodate his professional pursuits, personal interests and family life.

Thus, Landry Design Group (LDG)—which designed the property for its original owners—returned to rework the interiors and expand the residence to suit his lifestyle and family’s needs.

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The striking modern chandelier in the soaring entrance foyer
Above The striking modern chandelier in the soaring entrance foyer
The striking modern chandelier in the soaring entrance foyer

Rather than impose an entirely new architectural identity, LDG retained the defining exterior features of the residence—particularly the front façade, preserving the classical character that distinguishes the original design.

Building on this architectural foundation, the firm undertook extensive structural modifications and reconfigured the floor plans to accommodate the new household.

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Photo 1 of 2 The reimagined spaces maintain a close relationship with the surrounding gardens
Photo 2 of 2 The former formal living room was reconfigured to incorporate a parlour with a built-in bar and a games room
The reimagined spaces maintain a close relationship with the surrounding gardens
The former formal living room was reconfigured to incorporate a parlour with a built-in bar and a games room

The interiors were redesigned around the expanded layouts, with contemporary amenities and bespoke details tailored to the occupants’ creative pursuits and individual preferences.

Moreover, the reimagined spaces also maintain a close relationship with the surrounding gardens, reinforcing the connection between indoors and out that is characteristic of California living.

Read more: Home tour: an audiophile’s Grange Infinite apartment filled with lush plants and an air-conditioned outdoor deck

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Photo 1 of 2 The spacious kitchen balances glamour with a sense of permanence
Photo 2 of 2 The dining room preserves the classical character, paired with contemporary finishes
The spacious kitchen balances glamour with a sense of permanence
The dining room preserves the classical character, paired with contemporary finishes

On the ground floor, the changes began with the enclosure of an existing covered loggia and an expansion of the family room. The former formal living room was reconfigured to incorporate a parlour with a built-in bar and a games room, introducing a more relaxed dimension to the entertaining spaces.

The additional floor area also made room for two guest suites and a study and art room for Dr Dre’s daughter; whereas a new staircase leads to an addition on the floor above, where her bedroom suite features a private terrace overlooking the gardens.

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The expansive basement beneath the existing motor court includes a wellness suite
Above The expansive basement beneath the existing motor court includes a wellness suite
The expansive basement beneath the existing motor court includes a wellness suite
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The substantial intervention accommodates a contemporary lap pool
Above The substantial intervention accommodates a contemporary lap pool
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The private wellness retreat also features a hot tub, steaming room and sauna
Above The private wellness retreat also features a hot tub, steaming room and sauna
The substantial intervention accommodates a contemporary lap pool
The private wellness retreat also features a hot tub, steaming room and sauna

Meanwhile, the upper floor underwent a more extensive reorganisation. The primary suite was reconfigured to incorporate a dedicated sitting room, separate bathrooms, and individual wardrobes and dressing rooms.

At the other end of the residence, a new turret rises above the existing garages. Here, the former gym was transformed into a lounge featuring a playful candy bar, alongside a 16-seat private theatre equipped with advanced audiovisual technology.

Together, these spaces introduce a more contemporary, entertainment-focused dimension to the otherwise classically inspired residence.

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Photo 1 of 2 The professional recording studio, tailored to Dr Dre’s creative and technical requirements
Photo 2 of 2 The self-contained facility includes a lounge
The professional recording studio, tailored to Dr Dre’s creative and technical requirements
The self-contained facility includes a lounge

Perhaps the most substantial intervention lies beneath the existing motor court, where LDG created an expansive basement for a spacious gym and contemporary lap pool, complemented by a wellness suite—featuring a hot tub, steam room and sauna—and styling salon.

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The lower level also accommodates practical amenities, including a laundry room, staff quarters with a house manager’s office and a dedicated dog-grooming room.

To bring natural light to these subterranean spaces, the architecture firm incorporated light wells, while courtyards provide outdoor access to the existing gardens.

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One of the bathrooms
Above One of the bathrooms
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An outdoor bathtub terrace
Above The outdoor bath terrace
One of the bathrooms
An outdoor bathtub terrace

Finally, no home belonging to an award-winning music impresario would be complete without a professional recording studio tailored to Dr Dre’s creative and technical requirements.

Located beneath the ground-floor addition, the self-contained facility includes a lounge, kitchenette, powder room and storage, as well as a private entrance from the exterior gardens—its dedicated access allows the studio to function independently of the principal living spaces.

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Photo 1 of 2 The majestic archway leading into the expansive backyard
Photo 2 of 2 The connection between indoors and out that is characteristic of California living
The majestic archway leading into the expansive backyard
The connection between indoors and out that is characteristic of California living

The extensive architectural reconfiguration was accompanied by a comprehensive interior redesign by Joan Behnke & Associates, renewing a collaboration established during the original commission.

Selected reclaimed materials were retained and paired with contemporary finishes, brass accents and distinctive lighting to create an interior that balances glamour with a sense of permanence throughout the residence—from the recording studio and home art centre to the entertainment areas and private family quarters.

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Photo 1 of 2 Carefully considered lighting lends depth to the interplay of aged materials
Photo 2 of 2 The residence is a balance of its classical origins with a more contemporary expression
Carefully considered lighting lends depth to the interplay of aged materials
The residence embodies the grandeur of a French château, its classical grandeur tempered with the relaxed sensibilities of California living

A striking modern chandelier in the soaring entrance foyer signals the shift in atmosphere, while carefully considered lighting casts intricate shadows across the interiors, lending depth to the interplay of aged materials, brass accents and contemporary textures.

Bespoke furnishings and carefully selected pieces further reflect Behnke’s approach to creating spaces that are both expressive and comfortable, responding to the family’s individual tastes while remaining grounded in the château-inspired architectural character of the residence.

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Credits

Photography: Manolo Langis

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