‘Brady Bunch’ house could be declared a landmark — what this means for ‘Peter’ actor Christopher Knight

The Iconic Brady Bunch Home Mulls Landmark Status

The story revolves around a family named Brady, particularly their globally recognized home, which is reportedly the second most photographed house in the U.S. after the White House. This Studio City, California, residence is now under consideration for landmark status.

Last week, it was introduced at the first of four hearings with the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission.

Before the hearing on November 6, Christopher Knight—who portrayed middle sibling Peter Brady on the classic 1970s sitcom—asked fans to send letters supporting the nomination for “America’s Childhood Home.” He shared that fans often get emotional upon seeing him.

“I think it signifies a sanctuary… a place where we can all feel supported and at home,” he noted.

Knight elaborated on how the essence of the Brandy family resonates with many: “There’s a piece of Brady within all of us. It sort of embodies ambition, a desire to improve ourselves.”

The current owner, Tina Trahan, who purchased the home for $3.2 million in 2023, engaged architectural historian Heather Goers—who has experience preserving notable properties—to aid with the landmark nomination.

Goers mentioned, “I must’ve lost track of the supportive letters I’ve received. They often bring me to tears. I never anticipated the depth of the show’s impact on so many kids.”

During the hearing, Knight pointed out how the show reflects various familial experiences, from those in large Catholic families sharing bathrooms to latchkey children finding companionship among the Brady siblings.

At the public hearing, a supporter shared a poignant letter recounting the struggles of his childhood and how watching “The Brady Bunch” led him and his siblings to reflect on their own parenting choices.

Knight, who was just a boy when he started filming, continues to receive heartfelt correspondence from fans—even invites for dinner when he visits their towns. “I feel very much like a family member to many,” he shared.

The series, which aired between 1969 and 1974, featured only the exterior of a house built in 1959; all interior scenes were shot on a soundstage, resulting in a totally different kitchen setting from what viewers might have imagined.

Knight remarked, “For us, the cast, it was less of a workplace and more of a spot for exterior shots.” However, since HGTV acquired the property in 2018 for $3.5 million and transformed it through a project called “A Very Brady Renovation,” it has drawn significant public interest. The show’s success led to a heightened number of visitors and a need for security.

Tina Trahan, whose husband is a former HBO CEO, bought the house to preserve its legacy, despite its non-functional state. “We felt it was crucial to protect this piece of cultural history,” she explained, likening it to a piece of art.

Trahan invested significantly in recreating more than 400 replicas of show memorabilia, adding personal touches like the original Brady vehicles and items that matched the series’ decor.

“She took it to another level,” Knight noted, highlighting how the kitchen’s chalkboard was themed with lines from the show.

Trahan collaborates with charitable organizations to offer guided tours of the house, priced at $275 per person, with proceeds going to charity. Sometimes, former cast members even join as guides.