If you’ve spent any time following the whirlwind career of Matthew Gray Gubler, you know the man is basically a walking, talking Wes Anderson character. He’s the guy who played Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds for fifteen years but spends his off-time writing children's books about eccentric pumpkins and wearing mismatched socks for luck. So, it shouldn't come as a shock that the Matthew Gray Gubler house isn't some glass-and-steel modern mansion in the Hollywood Hills.
Nope. It’s a castle. Well, a "haunted treehouse" castle.
Honestly, it’s the most "Gubler" thing in existence. Tucked away in Pasadena, this place looks less like a celebrity residence and more like something a gnome would build after a few too many ales. He spent four years hunting for the perfect spot before he stumbled upon this 1927 gem.
The Douglas Fairbanks Legacy
The history here is legit. The house was originally built by silent film legend Douglas Fairbanks. Back in the 1920s, Pasadena was the place to be for the Hollywood elite who wanted to escape the grime of the city.
Gubler’s place was originally a guest house or a "hunting lodge" on a larger estate. It’s got that Storybook architecture style that was huge in L.A. at the time—lots of asymmetrical rooflines, turrets, and stone work that looks like it grew right out of the dirt.
✨ Don't miss: Jamie Lee Curtis Cleavage: Why Her Bold Fashion Choices Actually Matter
Why he calls it a "Haunted Treehouse"
It’s not just a cute nickname. The house is literally being swallowed by nature. There’s night-blooming jasmine crawling through the windows and century-old trees that shade the entire property.
Matthew has famously said that he prefers the house to feel like it’s being reclaimed by the earth. He even shares the space with an owl and, according to him, a couple of friendly ghosts. It’s creepy. It’s cozy. It’s basically a Gothic fairy tale.
Inside the Mad Genius's Lair
Most celebs hire a high-end designer to make their living room look like a hotel lobby. Matthew? He did the opposite. He wanted it to look like a "gnome has been smoking a pipe in the house for the last 50 years."
- The Fireplace: This is the centerpiece. He actually built the brick fireplace himself because he didn't like the "perfect" look of professional masonry. He wanted it to look wonky and ancient.
- The Secret Nooks: The house is full of spiraling steps and low-slung archways. If you aren't paying attention, you'll probably bonk your head.
- The Kimono Closet: Yes, he has a dedicated closet just for his massive collection of silk kimonos.
- The Macabre Decor: We’re talking about a collection of real human teeth (donated by fans and friends), taxidermy, and vintage medical diagrams.
One of the coolest parts is the guest room. It’s an old stone horse stable that he converted. Imagine staying over at a friend's house and they lead you to a literal stable—but it’s filled with cozy blankets and looks like a hobbit hole.
👉 See also: Brooke Daniells Net Worth: What Most People Get Wrong
The Art of the "Un-Renovation"
When he bought the place, the interior had been "ruined" by 1970s updates. You know the vibe—white paint over beautiful dark wood and weirdly modern fixtures.
He spent years undoing it.
He replaced a modern spiral staircase with "burnt wood" that allegedly came from an old boat. He stained the walls with a mixture of turpentine and tobacco to give them a yellowed, aged patina. It sounds gross, but in the context of a 1920s hunting lodge, it’s pure atmosphere.
Not just a house, but a studio
This is where the magic happens. Gubler isn't just an actor; he’s a prolific illustrator. His home serves as his primary studio. The attic is a library filled with leather-bound books and his own sketches. You’ve probably seen the "Gublerland" videos on YouTube—most of those were filmed right here in these cluttered, wonderful rooms.
Where is he now?
While the Pasadena "castle" remains his primary "haunted" base, Matthew is a bit of a nomad. He’s been spotted frequently in the Hudson Valley of New York lately. Rumor has it he’s got a place out there too, which makes sense given his love for spooky, autumnal vibes. He also has roots in Las Vegas, where his family has deep history.
But the Matthew Gray Gubler house in Pasadena is the one that fans obsess over. It’s a physical manifestation of his brain.
How to get the "Gubler" vibe at home
You don't need a 1920s castle to channel this energy. It’s about "curated chaos."
- Stop buying matching sets. Nothing in Matthew’s house matches.
- Embrace the "weird." Display things that have stories, even if they're a little dark.
- Nature is decor. Let the vines grow. Bring in the driftwood.
- DIY the imperfections. If something looks too "new," scuff it up.
Basically, live in a way that makes you happy, even if everyone else thinks you’re a bit of a weirdo. Matthew Gray Gubler has built a life—and a home—that proves being yourself is the ultimate luxury.
👉 See also: Lady Gaga With White Hair: Why This One Look Changed Everything for Her Career
If you're ever in Pasadena, keep an eye out for a house that looks like it’s made of stone and magic. Just don't trip on the cobblestones. They’re there to make sure you’re paying attention.
Next Steps for the Aspiring Eccentric:
Check out Matthew's book, Rumple Buttercup, to see the illustrations that were likely born in that attic library. If you're looking to renovate a historic home yourself, look into "Storybook Architecture" as a design style—it’s the specific genre of his Pasadena lodge. Avoid the temptation to paint everything "millennial grey"; instead, look for deep stains and natural textures that age gracefully.