You know Tracee Ellis Ross from her iconic roles in Girlfriends and Black-ish. But her real-life style? That’s where things get really interesting. The Tracee Ellis Ross house isn’t just another celebrity pad. It’s a 1930s Spanish masterpiece that perfectly captures her bold, artistic vibe while honoring Old Hollywood charm.
This West Hollywood gem sat on a quiet cul-de-sac for two decades while Ross built her empire. From Golden Globe wins to becoming a fashion icon, she lived her best life in this four-bedroom sanctuary. Now the home’s back on the market, and we’re taking you inside to see what made this space so special.
A Spanish Beauty with Serious History
The Tracee Ellis Ross house started its story in the 1930s, when Spanish Revival architecture was dominating Los Angeles. Think terracotta tiles, arched doorways, and wrought-iron details that scream vintage glamour. Ross scooped up this property in 2002 and made it her home base for 20 years. During that time, she wasn’t just living there—she was building a legacy.
While filming eight seasons of Girlfriends and another eight of Black-ish, Ross needed a retreat that balanced her public persona with a private sanctuary. This house delivered exactly that. The daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross clearly inherited her mother’s eye for timeless elegance. She chose a home that reflected her personality: classic, confident, and unapologetically stylish.
In 2022, Ross sold the property to Naomi Kahn for $2.7 million. Kahn, daughter of billionaire Florida developer Sonny Kahn, recognized what made this place special. Now it’s listed again at $2.995 million through Jennifer Okhovat at Compass Real Estate. The price bump reflects both the home’s celebrity pedigree and its thoughtful modern upgrades.
Original Charm Meets Contemporary Living
Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the crown moldings that have survived nearly a century. These aren’t reproductions—they’re the real deal, adding architectural gravitas to every room. Hardwood floors stretch throughout the home, their warm patina telling stories of decades past. Stained-glass windows catch the California light, casting colorful patterns across walls.
But here’s where it gets good: this isn’t a museum piece. The home received what listing agent Okhovat calls a “full Hollywood glow-up” while keeping its 1930s soul intact. That’s the sweet spot where vintage character meets modern convenience. You get the romance of Spanish architecture without sacrificing contemporary comfort.
The designer kitchen showcases this balance perfectly. Custom upholstery adds personality, while quartzite countertops provide durability for actual cooking. A Bertazzoni range sits center stage—that’s Italian craftsmanship for people who take their food seriously. The breakfast nook features a bay window that frames your morning coffee with natural light and garden views.
Living Spaces That Actually Flow
The living room centers around a wood-burning fireplace that’s pure cozy vibes. Imagine curling up here on cool LA evenings with a good book or hosting friends for intimate conversations. The room’s layout encourages connection without feeling stuffy or formal. It’s the kind of space where you’d actually hang out, not just pose for photos.
Move into the formal dining room and you’ll find a wet bar ready for entertaining. This setup works whether you’re throwing dinner parties or mixing cocktails for close friends. The space feels grown-up without being pretentious—exactly the vibe Ross cultivated throughout her career.
Four bedrooms provide plenty of room to spread out. The primary suite deserves special attention with its spa-like bathroom that turns daily routines into self-care rituals. Marble countertops gleam under good lighting. The closet space? It’s the kind that makes fashion lovers weep with joy. When you’re known for red carpet moments, proper storage isn’t optional.
Outdoor Spaces Made for California Living
Multiple Juliet balconies punctuate the home’s exterior, offering intimate perches for morning coffee or evening wine. These aren’t massive decks—they’re romantic architectural details that connect interior rooms with outdoor views. The Spanish-tiled patio wraps around portions of the property, surrounded by bougainvillea shrubs that explode with magenta blooms seasonally.
A Moroccan-style fountain adds unexpected flair to the outdoor experience. Water features create ambient sound that masks city noise while adding Mediterranean resort energy. Mature lemon and pomegranate trees dot the landscape, providing both visual interest and actual fruit. There’s something deeply satisfying about picking fresh lemons from your own backyard.
The wraparound terrace creates multiple zones for outdoor living. Host a sunset dinner party on the custom-built deck, then move guests to a different area for after-dinner drinks. The outdoor space flows as thoughtfully as the interior, giving you options for how you want to use each area.
Flexible Living for Modern Needs
Here’s where the Tracee Ellis Ross house really shines for today’s buyers: flexible spaces that adapt to your lifestyle. Beyond the main bedrooms, you’ll find a bonus room that could become a home office, creative studio, gym, or meditation space. This kind of flexibility matters more than ever when our homes serve multiple functions.
The detached ADU-style suite takes versatility up another notch. It includes its own kitchenette, making it perfect for guests who want privacy during extended stays. Or use it as a rental unit for income. Maybe it becomes your teen’s first taste of independence or a live-in space for aging parents. The possibilities adapt as your life changes.
Smart home technology runs throughout the property, letting you control systems from your phone. The roof was recently replaced, and all major systems have been updated. That means you’re moving into a home that’s been properly maintained, not a money pit waiting to drain your bank account. A laundry room and garage round out the practical amenities.
Location That Delivers the Goods
Sitting at the end of Hillside Avenue, this home occupies prime West Hollywood real estate. The cul-de-sac location means minimal through traffic—just neighbors and their guests. You get that rare LA combination: close to everything while feeling removed from urban chaos. City views stretch out before you, especially beautiful during golden hour and after dark.
Runyon Canyon sits moments away, offering hiking trails where you’ll spot celebrities, dogs, and fitness enthusiasts getting their steps in. The trails range from easy loops to challenging climbs. It’s LA’s backyard playground, and you’ve got front-row access. Sunset Plaza restaurants and boutiques are equally close, giving you walkable dining and shopping options.
The neighborhood attracts creatives, entertainment industry professionals, and people who appreciate architectural character. Top-rated schools serve families in the area. You’re positioned perfectly between Hollywood’s energy and Beverly Hills‘ polish, without committing fully to either scene. This location works whether you’re building a career, raising kids, or simply enjoying your best life.
Why This Home Stands Out
The Tracee Ellis Ross house represents something increasingly rare in Los Angeles real estate: authentic architectural character that hasn’t been renovated into oblivion. Too many historic homes get gutted and stripped of their personality in the name of modernization. This property threaded the needle perfectly, updating where it counts while preserving what makes it special.
Celebrity provenance adds undeniable cachet. Ross didn’t just crash here between gigs—she made this her home for 20 years. That’s a serious commitment in an industry where people flip properties like trading cards. Her Architectural Digest feature brought additional prestige and put this address on the map for design enthusiasts.
At $2.995 million, the home sits in that sweet spot for LA buyers seeking character and quality without tipping into the ultra-luxury stratosphere. You’re getting legitimate square footage, outdoor space, period details, modern systems, and a story worth telling. Compare that to new construction at similar price points, and the value proposition becomes clear.
What Makes It Work
This isn’t about hero-worshipping a celebrity or fetishizing real estate. It’s about recognizing when someone got it right. Ross chose a home that supported her lifestyle without screaming for attention. The Spanish architecture provides timeless appeal that won’t look dated in another decade. Modern updates address practical needs without compromising the home’s soul.
The flexible spaces acknowledge how we actually live now. We need home offices and guest suites, and bonus rooms that adapt. We want outdoor living areas and smart home technology. But we also crave character, craftsmanship, and connection to history. This property delivers both sides of that equation.
For the next owner, this home offers a foundation for their own chapter. You can host intimate gatherings or big parties. Raise a family or live solo in stylish comfort. Work from home without feeling cramped. The bones are solid, the location is prime, and the story continues.
The Bottom Line
The Tracee Ellis Ross house proves you don’t need massive square footage or over-the-top features to create something special. Sometimes the magic lives in original stained glass, mature fruit trees, and rooms that flow naturally from one to the next. This West Hollywood Spanish gem has history, personality, and practical amenities working in perfect harmony.
Whether you’re house hunting or just curious about celebrity spaces, this property offers inspiration. It shows how respecting architectural heritage while embracing modern living creates homes with real staying power. That’s a lesson worth remembering, whether you’re buying a $3 million house or just dreaming about your next move.