One of television’s most recognisable homes is about to change hands. The mansion from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is listed for nearly $30 million, marking its first sale in 48 years.
Figure 1: The Georgian Colonial mansion used as the exterior of the Banks family home in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, now listed for nearly $30 million. [Domain]
The Georgian Colonial house served as the exterior of the Banks family home throughout the beloved 1990s sitcom starring Will Smith. Despite the show’s title, the property sits in Brentwood Park, not Bel-Air itself.
A Hollywood Celebrity Homes Landmark Enters the Market
The Altman Brothers, a Los Angeles celebrity real estate listings agency, confirmed the upcoming listing through social media. Agent Sasha Rahban will represent the Bel-Air luxury real estate property at 251 North Bristol Avenue.
Interestingly, Rahban revealed in a 2023 post that this was his childhood home. His family has owned the iconic residence since 1978, when they purchased it for $732,000.
Figure 2: Cast portrait of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, featuring Will Smith and the Banks family inside the iconic television home. [Elle Decor]
The 10,000-square-foot mansion features six bedrooms and five bathrooms. It sits on a 3,577-square-metre corner block, complete with a pool and outdoor entertaining areas.
The property’s value has appreciated significantly over nearly five decades of ownership. From $732,000 in 1978 to an expected $30 million today represents substantial growth in Hollywood celebrity homes pricing.
From Soundstage to Bel-Air Luxury Real Estate Appeal
Built in 1937, the home’s white portico and double-height columns became instantly recognisable. The facade appeared in every episode’s opening sequence, showing Will Smith arriving by taxi.
Interior scenes were filmed on a Hollywood soundstage rather than inside the actual house. This kept the property’s real layout private while the show aired for six seasons.
Figure 3: A scene from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air filmed on a Hollywood soundstage, as interior scenes were not shot inside the real mansion. [Yahoo Entertainment]
In September 2020, the mansion was briefly listed on Airbnb to celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary. Los Angeles County residents could book overnight stays for just $30 per night, with Smith serving as a virtual host.
The Airbnb promotion offered fans a chance to experience Will’s wing of the mansion. Guests could try on Jordans, play basketball in the bedroom, and lounge poolside in true Fresh Prince style.
Smith reunited with castmates Karyn Parsons, Tatyana Ali, Daphne Maxwell Reid, and Joseph Marcell for a special tour. The 2020 reunion gave fans a rare glimpse inside the actual property beyond the soundstage sets.
Los Angeles Celebrity Real Estate Listings Market Remains Strong
The Brentwood Park neighbourhood commands premium prices for historic properties. Bel-Air luxury real estate and the surrounding areas continue attracting high-net-worth buyers seeking privacy and prestige.
Hollywood celebrity homes regularly fetch multimillion-dollar prices in this enclave. The Fresh Prince mansion’s cultural significance adds considerable value beyond its architectural merit.
Market observers expect strong interest given the property’s television legacy. The listing price of nearly $30 million reflects both its size and iconic status in Los Angeles celebrity real estate listings.
The timing of this sale aligns with renewed interest in 1990s nostalgia across entertainment and property markets. Millennials who grew up watching the show now have the purchasing power to acquire such Hollywood celebrity homes.
What Makes This Bel-Air Luxury Real Estate Property Special
Beyond its Hollywood connection, the home offers genuine luxury amenities. The nearly one-acre lot provides rare space in densely built Los Angeles.
The preserved 1930s architecture showcases period craftsmanship increasingly difficult to find. Original details include detailed millwork, stone-lined fireplaces, and dark-stained timber floors.
  
Figure 4: Will Smith poses outside the Fresh Prince mansion. [Instagram]
The gated estate offers privacy whilst maintaining the famous street presence. This balance appeals to buyers wanting recognition without constant public exposure across Hollywood celebrity homes.
The property also features a swan-neck pediment above the front door, adding distinctive architectural character. These Georgian Colonial elements remain in excellent condition despite the building’s age.
The signature rounded portico creates an impressive entrance that photographs beautifully. This feature alone has been captured in countless images and videos over the show’s run and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The Fresh Prince mansion represents a unique opportunity in Bel-Air luxury real estate. Its first listing in nearly five decades creates rare scarcity in the celebrity property market.
The Rahban family’s stewardship preserved the home’s iconic appearance throughout their ownership. Now a new chapter begins for one of television’s most beloved addresses in Los Angeles celebrity real estate listings.
Whether the buyer seeks a private residence or investment property remains to be seen. Either way, the mansion’s legacy ensures it will remain a landmark amongst Hollywood celebrity homes.
FAQ
Q1. Where is the Fresh Prince mansion actually located?
 Ans. The mansion sits at 251 North Bristol Avenue in Brentwood Park, not Bel-Air, despite the show’s title.
Q2. When was the house last sold?
 Ans. The property last changed hands in 1978 for $732,000, making this its first sale in 48 years.
Q3. Can you tour the interior?
 Ans. The show filmed interior scenes on a soundstage, so the actual home’s layout differs from the television version.
Q4. What is the asking price?
 Ans. The mansion will list for approximately $30 million when it officially hits the market this month.
