5 Haunting Secrets Of The Brittany Murphy Death House: From Britney Spears' 'Bad Spirits' To The $18 Million 'Metamorphosis'

The Hollywood Hills mansion that became synonymous with the tragic deaths of actress Brittany Murphy and her husband, Simon Monjack, remains one of the most intriguing and controversial pieces of real estate in Los Angeles. As of December 2025, the infamous property—a site shrouded in rumors of 'bad spirits' and baffling medical mysteries—has recently been testing the luxury market with a staggering listing price nearing $18 million, following a "complete metamorphosis" renovation that attempted to erase its dark history. The house, which last sold in 2020, continues to generate intense public curiosity, not just for its celebrity connections but for the bizarre, nearly identical circumstances of two deaths that occurred within its walls just five months apart.

The story of the house at 1895 Rising Glen Road is a complex tapestry woven with fame, tragedy, and real estate speculation, making it a unique fixture in Hollywood lore. From its original purchase by pop icon Britney Spears to its current status as a completely transformed luxury compound, the mansion’s history is inextricably linked to the untimely passing of the vibrant actress who called it home, prompting endless speculation about what truly happened inside the secluded residence.

The Life and Legacy of Brittany Murphy: A Complete Profile

Brittany Anne Bertolotti, known professionally as Brittany Murphy, was born on November 10, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia. She quickly rose to prominence as a dynamic and versatile actress, known for her distinctive voice and ability to transition between comedic and dramatic roles. Her career, though tragically short, left an indelible mark on 90s and 2000s cinema.

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Key Biographical Details:

• Full Name: Brittany Anne Bertolotti (later Brittany Murphy-Monjack)
• Born: November 10, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia
• Died: December 20, 2009, in Los Angeles, California (Age 32)
• Spouse: Simon Monjack (m. 2007; his death 2010)
• Mother: Sharon Murphy
• Notable Filmography: Clueless (1995), Girl, Interrupted (1999), 8 Mile (2002), Just Married (2003), Uptown Girls (2003), Sin City (2005)
• Other Ventures: She was also a talented singer, notably lending her voice to the animated film Happy Feet and collaborating on the Paul Oakenfold track "Faster Kill Pussycat."

Murphy purchased the Hollywood Hills home in 2003 from pop star Britney Spears for $3.85 million. The property was a significant step for the rising star, offering a secluded retreat in the exclusive Bird Streets neighborhood. She reportedly lived there for just under six years until her death in 2009.

The Double Tragedy: Official Causes vs. Lingering Theories

The house gained its infamous reputation on December 20, 2009, when Brittany Murphy collapsed in the bathroom and was later pronounced dead. Just five months later, on May 23, 2010, her husband, British screenwriter Simon Monjack, was found dead in the same house. The nearly identical circumstances of their deaths fueled years of intense media scrutiny and speculation, contributing to the house's "cursed" moniker.

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The Official Medical Examiner's Findings

The Los Angeles County Deputy Medical Examiner, Lisa Scheinin, stood by her original ruling for both deaths. The official cause of Brittany Murphy's death was ruled as acute pneumonia, severe iron-deficiency anemia, and "multiple drug intoxication" from prescription and over-the-counter medications. Simon Monjack's death was later attributed to acute pneumonia and severe anemia. The coincidence of two relatively young individuals succumbing to similar conditions in the same residence remains a medical anomaly that has never been fully accepted by the public.

The Toxic Mold and Poisoning Conspiracy Theories

Due to the striking similarities, a powerful theory emerged suggesting that toxic mold (often referred to as *black mold*) lurking within the house was the true culprit. The idea was that the mold weakened their immune systems, making them vulnerable to pneumonia. However, an investigation by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health ultimately ruled out toxic mold as the cause of death.

Despite this official ruling, the controversy deepened when Brittany's estranged father, Angelo Bertolotti, commissioned a private lab test on a hair sample. This lab claimed to have found traces of heavy metals consistent with poisoning. This finding, however, was not accepted by the Medical Examiner's office, who maintained that the combination of pneumonia, anemia, and prescription drug use was the definitive cause. The ongoing debate between the official report and the poisoning/mold theories has cemented the house's place as a site of unresolved mystery and persistent speculation.

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The House's 'Metamorphosis': From 'Cursed' to $18 Million Luxury Listing

Following the double tragedy, the house at 1895 Rising Glen Road became almost impossible to sell. Brittany’s mother, Sharon Murphy, eventually sold the estate in 2011 for $2.7 million—a massive loss from the $3.85 million Brittany had paid. This sale marked the beginning of the property’s dramatic transformation and its journey through the high-stakes Los Angeles luxury real estate market.

The subsequent owners embarked on a massive renovation, described by listing agents as a "complete metamorphosis." The original Mediterranean-style home was torn down and replaced with a sprawling, ultra-modern luxury compound. This extensive overhaul was a clear attempt to completely detach the property from its tragic past, focusing instead on its stunning views and high-end amenities.

The Tumultuous Sales History

The house's sale history since the tragedy is a fascinating look at how a notorious past affects property value, even after a complete rebuild:

• 2003: Purchased by Brittany Murphy from Britney Spears for $3.85 million.
• 2011: Sold by Sharon Murphy for $2.7 million (a significant loss).
• 2017: Sold again for $14.53 million, reflecting the value of the new construction.
• 2020: Last traded for $12.2 million.
• 2024/2025: Relisted for sale, testing the market with an asking price of nearly $18 million (listed at $16.99 million and $17.99 million).

The current listing highlights the property's massive scale and amenities, which include a six-bedroom, nine-bathroom layout, a home theater, a wine cellar, a large infinity pool, and panoramic city-to-ocean views. The renovation was so extensive that virtually nothing remains of the house where Brittany Murphy and Simon Monjack died, yet the property's dark history remains its most compelling—and controversial—selling point.

The Britney Spears Connection and 'Bad Spirits'

Adding another layer of celebrity intrigue to the house's history is its brief ownership by pop superstar Britney Spears. Spears owned the house before Murphy and reportedly claimed she encountered "bad spirits" or a "portal" while living there. She allegedly tore down the original house and built a new one before selling it to Murphy. While the current structure is a completely new building from the ground up, the persistent, decades-old rumors of paranormal activity and the subsequent double death have created a legend that no amount of renovation can entirely erase. The house remains a powerful symbol of Hollywood tragedy, a luxury estate forever linked to the unsolved mysteries of one of its brightest stars.