Violet Moran snapped up the Vista Las Palmas residence, dubbed the "Marilyn Monroe Doll House," for $2.81 million on Friday, undercutting the $3.3 million asking price.
The four‑bedroom, nearly 3,000‑square‑foot house was built in 1961 and has been marketed as a former Monroe property, though David Emerson of Coldwell Banker says Monroe never owned it.
Moran, a Palm Springs designer, said she intends to restore the mid‑century modern home while keeping its signature features—original tiled bathrooms, a semicircular bar, and vaulted ceilings.
The sale follows a 2020 transaction that fetched $1.58 million, an increase of $1.23 million over the last sale but $490,000 below the February listing.
The new owner has not set a renovation schedule or budget, but her plans echo the work of previous owners who updated the kitchen and flooring yet preserved the house’s historic charm.
Real estate agent David Emerson said properties that blend architectural significance with celebrity lore are "highly sought after," and he expects Moran to bring a fresh, tasteful approach to the restoration.