Tucked into the leafy hills of Montecito, a private midcentury compound once owned by Hollywood legend Jane Russell has resurfaced — this time with an $8.25 million price tag and a thoroughly refreshed look.
Russell owned the 1.36-acre property from 1985 until 2000, sharing the home with her third husband, builder and real estate broker John Peoples.
While Russell was best known for her bombshell screen presence — starring opposite Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and appearing in nearly 20 films — the house reflected a very different side of her life: private, faith-driven, creative, and deeply rooted in family.
A 1.36-acre Montecito property with a rich history
At the time Russell lived here, the Montecito estate functioned as both sanctuary and gathering place.
She hosted sprawling poolside parties for friends and neighbors, held Bible study meetings, painted in vivid colors inspired by her Sedona years, and swam nearly every day in the pool her husband built.
Now, decades later, the property has been renovated into a polished midcentury modern retreat that still lives like a small estate — just without the leopard-print wallpaper.
A 1960s midcentury compound with estate-like scale
Originally built in 1964, the main residence spans 3,678 square feet with six bedrooms and six bathrooms.
The home sits quietly on a generous lot surrounded by mature trees and lush landscaping, creating the feeling of seclusion Montecito buyers tend to prize.
Classic midcentury lines with sun-filled interiors
The architecture leans into classic midcentury cues: clean lines, expansive glass, and open living spaces designed to blur the boundary between indoors and out.
Today’s interiors are sun-filled and streamlined, with white-beamed ceilings, warm wood floors, and walls of glass that open directly to decks, patios, and garden paths.
The floorplan has been altered for comfortable living
While Russell and Peoples significantly expanded the original one-bedroom structure during their ownership — most notably adding a second-floor primary suite — the current iteration pares things back to a more timeless, design-forward aesthetic.
Living spaces designed for light, flow, and entertaining
The main living room anchors the house with soaring ceilings and large-scale windows framing the greenery outside.
A suspended black fireplace adds a subtle sculptural element, while the layout encourages easy movement between the living area, dining space, and kitchen.
With an outdoor deck expanding the space outside
Glass sliders open to a generous deck outfitted for outdoor lounging and dining, reinforcing the home’s indoor-outdoor rhythm.
It’s easy to imagine why Russell favored this house as both a retreat and a social hub, even if the décor today is far more restrained than the boldly colored interiors she once designed herself.
A kitchen that keeps things clean and contemporary
The kitchen continues the home’s understated modern approach, with sleek cabinetry, integrated appliances, and a layout that stays visually connected to the surrounding living spaces.
Rather than leaning flashy, the design feels practical and intentional — well-suited for everyday living as well as larger gatherings.
During Russell’s time, entertaining here often meant feeding crowds during large pool parties or post–Bible study get-togethers. The current setup still supports that kind of flexibility, just with a quieter, more contemporary sensibility.
A primary suite once built as a personal retreat
One of the most significant changes Russell and Peoples made to the house was the addition of a second-floor primary suite, which Russell once described as one of her favorite places on the property. Back then, it included a spa-like bath, a wall of closets, and famously, leopard-print accents throughout.
Today, the suite has been reworked into a calmer, more neutral space, with access to outdoor terraces and peaceful views of the surrounding grounds. The emphasis is now on privacy and comfort rather than theatrical flair, but the sense of retreat remains intact.
A guest house and studio that expand the property’s flexibility
Beyond the main residence, the compound includes a separate one-bedroom guest house measuring approximately 1,000 square feet, along with a studio apartment located above the two-car garage.
Together, they give the property the feel of a small enclave rather than a single home.
Russell herself once toyed with the idea of moving into the guest house
During Russell’s ownership, she once floated the idea of moving into the guest house herself and renting out the rest of the property — a testament to how independently the spaces function.
Today, the additional structures offer options for extended family, guests, or creative workspaces.
A creek, footbridges, and grounds built for daily rituals
One of the most distinctive features of the estate is the creek that winds through the property, crossed by two footbridges built by Peoples himself.
Stone-lined paths connect different areas of the grounds, weaving through mature landscaping and shaded garden pockets.
The grounds act as an extension of the home
Russell was known to walk these paths daily, treating the grounds as an extension of the home rather than a backdrop.
That sense of movement and connection still defines the property, even as the landscaping has been refined over time.
A pool area made for both quiet afternoons and big gatherings
The pool and spa area sits at the heart of the compound’s outdoor amenities. A rectangular swimming pool is flanked by lounging areas, shaded seating, and a dedicated pool house, creating a self-contained zone for relaxation and entertaining.
In the 1990s, Russell hosted large-scale barbecues here — sometimes for more than 100 guests — and even held a celebration of life for Peoples by the pool after his death in 1999. The space still reads as social and welcoming, just with a more modern, resort-like polish.
From Hollywood legend to modern Montecito listing
Jane Russell’s Montecito years marked a quieter chapter in a famously multifaceted life.
While the home no longer reflects her bold personal style or lively gatherings, it still carries the imprint of a woman who valued privacy, creativity, faith, and community.
Currently up for grabs, asking $8.25M
Now listed for $8.25 million, the former Russell residence stands as a rare blend of Hollywood history and contemporary Montecito living — updated for today’s buyer, but still anchored by a story that spans decades of film, family, and reinvention.
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