Dave Grohl’s homes show how he went from Nirvana’s drummer to leading Foo Fighters. His primary residence in Encino, California, stands as the centerpiece of an impressive real estate portfolio spanning from Seattle to Los Angeles. This house shows how he and his music changed and personal life changes over the decades in the spotlight.
Seattle Start: Where It All Began
Dave Grohl’s property journey started in the Pacific Northwest during his time with Nirvana. From 1993 to 1997, he owned a haunted Seattle residence at 643 NW 178th Place in Shoreline, Washington. He bought the home when Nirvana was blowing up after “Nevermind” became a hit.
In his book The Storyteller, Grohl calls the Seattle property “haunted,” adding mystery to this already historic home. After Kurt Cobain died in 1994, Grohl used this Northwest contemporary architecture as a place to reflect before starting Foo Fighters.
The house had 5 decks and fit right into the forest around it. This created a natural musician retreat away from the pressures of sudden fame. Grohl needed this sanctuary during such a pivotal time in his career.
The Shoreline house’s top floor had a master suite with panoramic forest views. This woodland musician retreat provided both privacy and inspiration during a difficult period in Grohl’s life. The quiet, private spot helped him deal with grief and focus on new music.
Virginia: Back to His Hometown
Grohl’s connection to Virginia runs deep, bringing him back to Alexandria during an important period in the Foo Fighters’ history. His 1970s-era split-level Virginia home became legendary as the birthplace of their Grammy-winning album There Is Nothing Left to Lose.”
The four-bedroom, 4,500-square-foot residence had a basement recording studio that Grohl himself called a “crappy makeshift studio.” It shows how Grohl cared more about comfort and creativity than fancy gear.
The album cover for “There Is Nothing Left to Lose was even shot on the front deck of this property. Grohl was proud to win a Grammy with an album made in such a simple space, comparing his basement production with other Grammy attendees “in tuxedos and diamonds and fur coats.”
This suburban rockstar dwelling reflects Grohl’s down-to-earth approach to both homeownership and music-making. Despite his growing success, he preferred authentic, lived-in spaces that encouraged creativity rather than flashy displays of wealth.
California: The Encino House and More
As Foo Fighters’ success grew throughout the 2000s, Grohl expanded his California real estate holdings. His primary residence since 2003 is an impressive Encino luxury property purchased the same year he married Jordyn Blum.
The 8,342-square-foot mansion sits on a sprawling two-acre parcel, giving plenty of space for family life. Built in 1950 and later updated, the home has five bedrooms, a swimming pool, and a three-car garage.
Grohl paid $2.2 million for the Encino property, which has since grown in value to an estimated $6.8 million. This high-end California property has been the family home where Grohl and Blum raised their three daughters.
The inside mixes modern style with Grohl’s rock vibe. This creates a space that balances luxury with family needs while maintaining his authentic personal style.
Studio 606: Grohl’s Music Workshop
Besides buying homes, Grohl also invested in his music by getting a studio by buying a warehouse in Northridge, California, in June 2004 for $1,165,000. This plain building was transformed into Studio 606, a professional recording facility where Foo Fighters created multiple albums.
Albums recorded at Studio 606 include “In Your Honor” and “Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace.” The studio features professional lighting systems, a control room with top equipment, and dedicated guitar storage areas for Grohl’s instrument collection.
Beyond Foo Fighters projects, the space has hosted recording sessions for legendary bands including Motorhead and Alice in Chains. The recording space conversion shows Grohl’s commitment to maintaining creative control by owning the production environment.
The studio keeps Grohl’s love for real, lived-in spaces over perfect-looking ones. Its design prioritizes sound quality and musician comfort, creating an environment perfect for band recording.
More Places Grohl Has Owned
Grohl’s property collection extends well beyond his primary residences. Upon achieving success with Nirvana, one of his first major purchases was a beach house in North Carolina. In his usual casual way, Grohl joked about eating tons of pulled pork from the time I was 22 to about 25 years old,” at this waterfront beach house or home.
Grohl’s beachfront musician property in Oxnard, California, continued his love for waterfront living. This 3,088-square-foot oceanview home featured cherry wood accents, floor-to-ceiling windows, and direct beach access at 965 Mandalay Beach Road.
He sold this Mandalay Beach celebrity home in 2015 for $2.9 million. This home had fancier touches like a grand staircase and home theater, showing how his style changed over time, and showing his evolution as a homeowner.
Some sources mention a possible property in Brentwood, Los Angeles, described as a “luxurious mansion” of about 7,000 square feet. This residence reportedly features contemporary design elements, including sleek lines, expansive glass windows, and grand entrances.
Grohl’s Dream House Idea
In 2018, Grohl shared an interesting dream he had, he revealed 2018 that he planned to build a house based on a recurring dream. For over a decade, Grohl experienced the same dream every few months about a particular house he couldn’t find in reality.
Grohl described his dream house in detail: “The rooms are vast. Large, bare-beamed ceilings. Sometimes there are rooms within rooms, sometimes on split levels. I could draw you a blueprint of this house.”
This creative environment became so important that he decided to bring it from imagination to reality. The dream house idea mixes things he’s liked in past homes—big rooms, open spaces, and natural materials—split levels, large open spaces, and natural materials.
Whether this dream house project has progressed since its 2018 announcement remains unclear. However, the vision itself provides valuable insight into Grohl’s priorities and how physical spaces play a crucial role in his creative process and personal comfort.
Recent Life Updates
In September 2024, Grohl’s home life became complicated when he publicly announced that he had fathered a child outside his marriage. He said he wants to be a good dad and hopes to rebuild trust with his family” to his new daughter, while working to “regain trust and earn forgiveness” from his wife and three daughters.
According to January 2025 reports, despite owning his Encino residence, Grohl has been feeling like an “intruder in his own home” as he works to repair family relationships. Sources claimed that Grohl’s three daughters “have taken their mom’s side,” creating a challenging atmosphere in the once-harmonious house.
More encouraging news emerged later in January 2025, with reports that Grohl and Blum spent Christmas 2024 together as a family at their private family sanctuary. This development suggests potential progress in their reconciliation efforts within the family unity residence.
After largely retreating from public view following his September 2024 announcement, in early 2025, Grohl slowly started working again. He reunited with his former Nirvana bandmates for a surprise performance that included his daughter Violet as one of the vocalists.
From the young drummer buying his first significant home in Seattle to the established rock icon with multiple properties navigating midlife challenges, Grohl’s real estate choices have mirrored his growth as an artist and family man. His homes will undoubtedly continue to reflect his journey in the years to come.
FAQs
Where does Dave Grohl live?
Dave Grohl resides primarily in Encino, Los Angeles, California. His spacious mansion reflects his rock ‘n’ roll spirit and offers a comfortable family environment.
What kind of car does Dave Grohl drive?
Dave Grohl likes different kinds of cars. He owns a 1965 Ford Falcon van, which he restored and uses regularly. Additionally, he drives a Tesla P100D and a RAM truck (a 2025 Ram 1500) known for its impressive acceleration.
Does Dave Grohl still live in Encino?
Yes, Dave Grohl continues to reside in his Encino mansion in Los Angeles, California. This luxurious home serves as his primary residence.
How much is Dave Grohl’s house worth?
As of 2025, estimates suggest that Dave Grohl’s Encino mansion is valued between $10 million and $20 million, considering its size, amenities, and prime location.
