You’ve probably seen the photos. That deep, unsettlingly crimson water shimmering in a backyard in Los Angeles. It looked like something out of a Coppola film, or maybe a nightmare, depending on your vibe. For years, the Kat Von D house in Hancock Park was the ultimate symbol of celebrity eccentricity. It was a 12,500-square-foot Victorian time capsule dripping in black velvet, gold leaf, and high-drama gothicism.
But then, she left.
People were baffled. Why would a tattoo mogul at the height of her fame trade a literal palace in the heart of Hollywood for a quiet life in rural Indiana? Honestly, the rumors flew fast. Some said she was running from taxes; others claimed she was "canceled" and seeking a hideout. The reality is actually a lot more nuanced—and arguably more interesting—than the tabloids let on.
The Los Angeles Mansion: A Blood-Red Legacy
Let’s talk about the house that started the obsession. Located at 357 Lorraine Blvd, the Isaac Newton Van Nuys mansion wasn't just another celebrity flip. Kat bought the place in 2016 for around $6.5 million. It was already historic, famously used as the Baker family home in the 2003 Steve Martin movie Cheaper by the Dozen.
But by the time Kat was done with it? The "family-friendly" energy was long gone.
She spent years and a small fortune restoring the 1890s craftsmanship. We’re talking hand-carved wood paneling, seven fireplaces, and a hidden speakeasy-style bar tucked behind a secret door. The third floor featured an actual stage with footlights and a theater. It was less of a home and more of a museum for the macabre.
The pool was the pièce de résistance. To get that specific "blood" look, it wasn't just a lighting trick. The pool was actually finished in a custom red tile. It became a viral sensation, but it also made the house incredibly hard to sell.
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The $7 Million Haircut
When Kat finally listed the property in 2022, she wanted $15 million. It sat. And sat. Eventually, in early 2023, she sold it for $7.75 million. That is nearly a 50% price cut from the original ask.
The buyer? Tyler Cassity, the co-owner of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. If anyone was going to appreciate a gothic mansion with a blood-red pool, it was the guy who runs the most famous graveyard in the world.
Moving to Vevay: The Indiana Shift
So, where is she now? Basically, Kat traded the smog of LA for the rolling hills of Vevay, Indiana. It’s a tiny river town with a population of about 1,600 people.
The new Kat Von D house is the Benjamin Schenck Mansion. If you think she went "normal" for her move to the Midwest, you’re mistaken. The Schenck Mansion is an 1874 Second Empire masterpiece with 35 rooms and a four-story tower. It sits on 10 acres of land and, according to local legend, is thoroughly haunted.
Why Indiana?
Kat has been pretty vocal about her reasons for ditching California. It wasn't just one thing.
- Government Overreach: She famously cited "tyrannical government overreach" and "terrible policies" during the 2020 lockdowns as a major catalyst.
- Taxation: Like many high-net-worth individuals, she grew tired of the mounting California tax burden, specifically the "Mansion Tax" (Measure ULA) that was about to hit right as she sold her LA spot.
- Environment for her son: She wanted her son, Leafar, to grow up with nature and space. She’s mentioned wanting to "plant roots" in a place where he could just be a kid without the Hollywood chaos.
It’s a massive lifestyle pivot. You go from being the most famous tattoo artist in the world with a shop on La Brea to living in a town where the biggest news is likely the local high school basketball game.
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The Reality of the "Haunted" Mansion
The Schenck Mansion was a bed and breakfast for years before Kat bought it in 2020 for roughly $1.5 million. It’s important to note that while she’s made it her private residence, she hasn't stripped away its history.
The house is a massive brick structure with a mansard roof and incredible Italianate details. Since moving in, she’s been documenting the renovation process. It’s less "Hollywood Goth" and more "Historic Preservationist" these days. She’s been restoring the original windows, working on the massive gardens, and even planted a "black" garden filled with dark-hued plants and tulips.
Is it haunted? Local lore says Benjamin Schenck died before the house was even finished, and guests of the former B&B frequently reported seeing a lady in white or hearing footsteps in the tower. Kat seems to lean into it. She’s never been one to shy away from the supernatural.
What Most People Get Wrong
There is this misconception that Kat Von D moved to Indiana and "became a different person." While she did announce her conversion to Christianity and shared videos of her baptism, her aesthetic hasn't exactly turned into "Live, Laugh, Love" farmhouse decor.
The Indiana house is still moody. It’s still full of antique furniture and dark colors. She’s just doing it in a place where she can breathe.
Some critics argued the move was a PR stunt to escape controversy in Los Angeles. But you don't buy a 12,000-square-foot fixer-upper in a town with no Starbucks just for a PR win. This was a total life reset. She sold her shares in KVD Beauty (formerly Kat Von D Beauty), closed her iconic High Voltage Tattoo shop, and basically walked away from the empire she built in California.
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The Legacy of a House
The Kat Von D house—whether we mean the one in LA or the one in Indiana—represents a specific kind of American dream. It’s the idea that you can curate your surroundings to be an extension of your own mind.
The LA house was the peak of her "LA Ink" era: flashy, expensive, and a bit shocking.
The Indiana house is her "Retreat" era: historic, isolated, and deeply personal.
If you’re looking to follow in her footsteps of historic preservation, there are some actual takeaways here.
Actionable Insights for Historic Home Lovers:
- Research the "Moved" History: Just like Kat’s LA house was actually moved to its location in 1915, many Victorian homes have secret histories. Check local archives before you buy.
- Budget for the Invisible: Kat spent millions on "unsexy" things like new HVAC, plumbing, and electrical for her LA mansion. When buying an 1800s home, the roof and the pipes matter more than the paint.
- Zoning is Everything: If you buy a historic mansion in a small town, check if it was previously a business (like the Schenck B&B). Returning it to a "private residence" status can sometimes involve tricky tax and zoning paperwork.
- Respect the Era: You don't have to live in a time capsule, but "gutting" a Victorian usually kills its resale value. The reason Kat’s LA house eventually sold (even at a discount) was because the original woodwork was still there under all that red paint.
Kat’s move wasn't just a change of address. It was a change of pace. Whether you love her style or think a red pool is a crime against architecture, you have to admit: she knows how to pick a house with a story.
The Schenck Mansion is currently her private home and is no longer open for tours or B&B stays. If you’re visiting Vevay, you can see the tower from the road, but the days of sleeping in Kat Von D's guest room are over.
Next Steps for Researching Historic Estates:
If you're fascinated by these kinds of architectural deep-dives, you can look up the National Register of Historic Places to find similar Second Empire or Victorian mansions in your own state. Many of these properties are actually quite affordable in the Midwest compared to coastal prices—provided you have the stomach for a renovation.