Brad Pitt’s $40 Million Century-Old Castle

Pitt has added a fascinating historical estate to his portfolio of properties, adding to his love of design and architecture.

‍The actor recently closed on what agents are calling one of the most expensive sales ever in Carmel Highlands, California. Originally built by architect Charles Sumner Greene around 1918, Pitt purchased the Monterey County estate known as the D.L. James House, named for its first owner. An off-market property on a rocky cliff, the property was previously occupied by late Chicago financier Joe Ritchie, who passed away in February.

‍Greene, who was influential in the 20th-century Arts & Crafts movement, met businessman and writer D.L. James when he moved to Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1916. After buying a bluff, James commissioned the architect to build him a home. It took about four years to build, and James defied elevation logic by insisting that the house be built on a steep, challenging land.

‍The D.L. James House, later referred to as Seaward, appears to be growing right out of the cliff because of the use of locally sourced sandstone and granite instead of wood. With its elaborate stonework and earth-toned tile roof, it has the look of a medieval castle.  ‍

The historic home is formatted as a single-level residence, but specific details about its layout are scarce. We know, however, that the interior features carved marble and details of Green’s signature woodwork, speaking to his Arts and Crafts style, and the living area is open-plan.

James’ son, who was also a writer, acquired the house after his father died in 1944. He lived there with his wife until he died in 1988. In 1999, his widow sold the house to Ritchie, who bought it for .5 million.

Ritchie made headlines a few years later in 2001 when he attempted to build an underground tunnel to access the rocky beach below. The tunnel was supposed to replace a staircase that had been washed away by the tide. We’re not sure if the Ritchies were able to proceed with building a secret tunnel after the County Planning Commission approved the decision, but the Coastal Commission put an end to the plans somewhere along the way.