News Archive: 2011

On Friday, April 1st, escrow closed on Gene Autry's Studio City home. The house sold for $5,000,000.00. According to Jackie Autry, "Gene loved his home on Brookdale. It held so many wonderful memories for him and for me too. Now, with new owners, it will have a family again and will be filled with laughter and new memories to cherish, the way it was always meant to be."

Gene Autry Entertainment has gathered some fun facts about the house.

• The Brookdale Road home was originally built to replace Gene's and Ina's home on Bluffside which was destroyed in a fire in November of 1941. With the intervention of World War II, Gene's military service, and other commitments, it was not until approximately 1949 when the property was finally built. The architect was Roland E. Coate, a prominent figure whose houses included the David Selznick, William Hart, Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwick properties. The original plans and specification documents still exist.

• In 1949, when the Autrys were settling into their new home, Ina wrote the following:

  "Naturally a house of this size would not have been built for a couple only. We have planned and arranged it for certain needs. When Gene is at home it is used in some form almost daily in connection with business or entertainment connected with business. Dinner perhaps twice a week, cocktails three times weekly for out of town or local associates. Breakfast or lunch is served occasionally for press or studio personnel for publicity work. The outdoor area was planned and landscaped for large groups for summer entertaining. These include business associates from out of the city, parties for those who work with Mr. Autry in some capacity, occasional parties for fans or a children's group, as well as for friends. The library was planned mostly for Mr. Autry for a home office, for business conferences and office work."
• Gene's favorite rooms in the house were the library where he would enjoy sitting in his special chair, and the small breakfast nook of the kitchen. His office desk was located in the library.
• On April 27, 1980 Gene received a letter from J.E. Randall who said "Some 30 years ago plus or minus I built your house in the valley and am sorry to say that the warranty on sticking doors, leaky roofs, flaking paint, etc., expired a few days ago." Gene wrote back "You will be happy to know that we still own the property and you evidently did a great job because, even though there have been earthquakes, floods and storms, there isn't one crack anywhere in the house."
• The house was beautifully redecorated in 1982 by Gene's second wife, Jackie. Carpets downstairs included Gene's Flying A logo which was also featured on the front gate.
• Brookdale was opened to the fans twice during the two most recent Gene Autry's Friends Fan Club Conventions. In 1997 fans toured the grounds only. During Gene Autry's Centennial Convention in 2007, Jackie Autry opened the inside and greeted each convention attendee personally for a tour of the home. The visit culminated with the dedication of Gene Autry's Ridge and a special gift for each visitor.