The Jamie Dornan house is a 2,510-square-foot mid-century modern home in Nichols Canyon, Hollywood Hills. Built in 1959 by architect Edward H. Fickett and renovated in 1966, it features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a central glass atrium, and sold for $3.195 million in 2018.
Why Jamie Dornan Sold His Hollywood Hills Property
Jamie Dornan, the Northern Irish actor known for his role in the Fifty Shades trilogy, purchased his Los Angeles residence in 2016 for $2.843 million. He listed the property for $3.2 million in 2018 and sold it for $3.195 million later that year. The actor spent most of his time in Europe with his family, making the California home surplus to his needs.
The property sits in Nichols Canyon, a coveted Hollywood Hills neighborhood south of Mulholland Drive. Unlike typical hillside properties, this area features flat lots and quiet streets where residents walk dogs and push strollers. The home sits at the end of a cul-de-sac, providing privacy without the noise of through traffic.
Dornan and his wife, Amelia Warner, a composer, maintained a five-bedroom estate in Gloucestershire, England, as their primary residence. They purchased the British property in 2015 for £1.75 million ($2.32 million). The 9-acre English estate includes tennis courts, formal gardens, and an American barn with a riding area.
The Architectural Legacy of Edward Fickett
Edward H. Fickett designed over 60,000 homes throughout Southern California during his career. The American Institute of Architects called him “the Frank Lloyd Wright of the 1950s” for his contributions to affordable housing and California Modernism. He designed the original Jamie Dornan house in 1959 for building contractor Jack M. Weisskopf.
Fickett served as architectural advisor to President Dwight D. Eisenhower and helped rewrite Federal Housing Administration guidelines. His work includes La Costa Resort near San Diego, Dodger Stadium, and the Los Angeles City Hall Tower renovation. The AIA honored him with a fellowship in 1969 for his notable contributions to architecture.
In 1966, architect Val Powelson reconceptualized and expanded the Jamie Dornan house to create more open-air living space. This renovation added the signature features that make the property distinctive today.
Inside the Jamie Dornan House Design
The property spans 2,510 square feet on an 8,400-square-foot lot. The single-story layout centers around a glass-box atrium with an open ceiling and a shallow water feature. This architectural element floods all common areas with natural light and creates a connection to the outdoors.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls throughout the home blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. One glass wall bisects a boulder, incorporating natural rock formations into the design. Fleetwood sliding doors open from multiple rooms to the backyard pool area.
The kitchen features an overhanging counter that faces the central atrium. Stainless steel appliances maintain the late 1950s aesthetic while providing modern functionality. A hanging glass lightbulb chandelier illuminates the dining area.
Vintage design elements include geometric patterned screens, a two-sided rock fireplace, and floating steps. A circular concrete brick wall at the front entrance allows light penetration while maintaining privacy from the street.
Bedroom and Bathroom Features
The Jamie Dornan house includes four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The master bedroom sits adjacent to the pool with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide open directly to the outdoor leisure area. A walk-through closet connects to an en-suite bathroom.
The master bathroom features deep brick-red geometric tiles in a modern pattern. The bold color choice creates visual interest while maintaining mid-century design principles.
Two guest bedrooms provide access to a bonus side yard through private entrances. This design allows guests privacy and direct outdoor access without passing through the main living areas.
Outdoor Living and Entertainment Spaces
The backyard includes a rectangular swimming pool, a Japanese hot tub, and a spa. A substantial deck surrounds the pool with built-in lounges and seating areas. The pool area connects seamlessly to indoor spaces through multiple glass door openings.
A fire pit sits on the deck for evening gatherings. The outdoor space takes full advantage of Southern California’s climate with multiple zones for relaxation and entertaining.
The landscaping incorporates native plants and maintains the natural hillside setting. The property’s elevation provides privacy while still feeling connected to the surrounding neighborhood.
Market Performance and Celebrity Appeal
Dornan turned a modest profit on his investment. He purchased the home for $2.843 million in 2016 and sold it for $3.195 million in 2018, approximately $350,000 more than his purchase price.
Before listing the property for sale, Dornan attempted to rent it for $13,000-$14,000 per month. The rental strategy proved unsuccessful, leading to the decision to sell.
The home later gained additional fame when it appeared in the Netflix series “You” as Forty Quinn’s residence. The property continues to attract attention from architecture enthusiasts and celebrity home followers.
Jeff Kohl of The Agency handled the listing. He noted the home’s “abundance of light and seamless indoor-outdoor flow” as defining characteristics of California living.
Comparing Jamie Dornan’s Real Estate Portfolio
| Property | Location | Purchase Price | Sale/List Price | Size | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Hills Home | Los Angeles, CA | $2.843M (2016) | $3.195M (2018) | 2,510 sq ft | 1959 |
| Gloucestershire Estate | England | £1.75M (2015) | N/A | 5 bedrooms on 9 acres | 17th century |
The English property serves as the family’s primary residence. The contrast between properties shows Dornan’s preference for countryside living over urban California glamour.
Nichols Canyon Neighborhood Appeal
Nichols Canyon attracts celebrities who value privacy and architectural significance. Neighbors in the area have included George Eads, Drew Carey, Dwight Yoakam, and Vince Vaughn. Sacha Baron Cohen owns a large Mulholland Drive estate directly behind where the Jamie Dornan house sits.
The neighborhood offers easy access to Hollywood studios while maintaining a residential feel. The flat lots are unusual for the Hollywood Hills, making the area more walkable than surrounding hillside communities.
Real estate values in Nichols Canyon remain strong due to limited inventory and high demand from entertainment industry professionals. Mid-century modern homes designed by notable architects command premium prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Jamie Dornan house located?
The property sits at 3122 Nichols Canyon Road in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, specifically in the Nichols Canyon area south of Mulholland Drive.
Who designed Jamie Dornan’s Los Angeles home?
Architect Edward H. Fickett designed the original structure in 1959. Val Powelson reconceptualized and expanded it in 1966.
How much did Jamie Dornan pay for his house?
Dornan purchased the property in 2016 for $2.843 million and sold it in 2018 for $3.195 million.
Does Jamie Dornan still own the Hollywood Hills house?
No. Dornan sold the property in 2018 and now primarily resides in Gloucestershire, England with his family.
What makes Jamie Dornan’s house architecturally significant?
The home features a central glass atrium, mid-century modern design by renowned architect Edward Fickett, and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces characteristic of 1950s California architecture.
Why Mid-Century Modern Homes Remain Valuable
Mid-century modern architecture from the 1950s and 1960s continues attracting buyers willing to pay premium prices. These homes emphasize clean lines, indoor-outdoor living, and integration with natural surroundings.
Architect-designed homes by figures like Fickett command higher values than standard tract housing from the same era. The craftsmanship, materials, and thoughtful design details justify increased prices.
Preservation of original features while updating mechanical systems and kitchens allows these homes to meet modern living standards. The Jamie Dornan house exemplifies this balance between vintage aesthetic and contemporary functionality.
California’s climate makes mid-century design particularly practical. Large glass walls and outdoor living spaces remain usable year-round. This practical luxury drives continued demand among architects, designers, and style-conscious buyers.
