The story began in 2018 when Hudgens, after five years of house hunting, snagged a Georgian Colonial gem in Los Feliz for just under $5 million. The 3,168‑sq‑ft home, once owned by Gary Oldman, had ivy‑clad walls and a courtyard that looks like a film set straight out of the 1920s.
The 1922 property, dubbed the Little DeMille, was built by Cecil B. DeMille himself and later graced the roster of Hollywood heavyweights. Hudgens fell in love with the house’s quirky details – Art Deco vents, a chandelier that could star in a period drama, and 18th‑century French oak floors that had been installed by Oldman.
Her renovation spree was a blend of DIY and designer genius. She teamed up with interior designer Jake Arnold to reconfigure the primary suite, moving a bathroom and tearing down walls to fit her lifestyle. The kitchen? A pandemic‑era project where she swapped out cabinets for Carrara marble, updated knobs, and reused bathroom tiles as a backsplash – a quirky nod to the house’s layered past.
By February 2022, the house had found new owners: Pulitzer‑winning journalist Ronan Farrow and podcast host Jon Lovett. The deal closed at $6.725 million, a 34% jump from what Hudgens paid, translating into a clean $1.7 million profit for the former Disney princess.
The flip isn’t just about numbers; it’s a snapshot of how Hollywood’s glitter can double as a lucrative investment. For fans, it’s a behind‑the‑scenes look at how stars juggle careers and real‑estate portfolios, proving that a star’s shine can extend beyond the screen.