The $52 Million Secret: Tracking Down The Jaw-Dropping Big Little Lies Set Locations And Their Current Value
The opulence and dramatic coastal backdrop of Big Little Lies are as central to the HBO series' narrative as its star-studded cast. The show, set in the wealthy enclave of Monterey, California, uses its stunning and often intimidating architecture to underscore the complex lives of the 'Monterey Five.' As of December 12, 2025, with news of a highly anticipated third season finally in development, global interest in the series' iconic filming locations and the current real estate status of the multi-million dollar homes has surged once again.
The "set" of Big Little Lies is not a soundstage but a meticulously curated collection of real-life, jaw-dropping properties across the California coast, primarily blending the picturesque charm of Monterey with the extreme luxury of Malibu and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Understanding the geography is key to appreciating the characters' social standing, as the homes themselves are silent, powerful entities in the story, reflecting the wealth, secrets, and isolation of Celeste Wright, Madeline Mackenzie, Renata Klein, and Jane Chapman.
The Real Estate of the Monterey Five: From Oceanfront Mansions to Pasadena Bungalows
The production team, led by Production Designer John Paino and Set Decorator Amy Wells, masterfully used architecture to define each character. The resulting homes are a study in character-driven set design, contrasting the coastal opulence of the wealthy mothers with the more grounded reality of Jane Chapman. This deliberate contrast is the show's visual language for class warfare.
Celeste Wright’s Sanctuary: The $6 Million Monterey Peninsula Retreat
Celeste and Perry Wright's (Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarsgård) stunning glass-walled home is arguably the most recognizable house in the series. While the show is set in Monterey, this particular oceanfront property is actually located on the Monterey Peninsula. The house itself is a masterpiece of contemporary coastal architecture, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that perfectly frame the dramatic Pacific Ocean backdrop.
- Character: Celeste and Perry Wright (Nicole Kidman, Alexander Skarsgård)
- Architectural Style: Contemporary/Modernist
- Location: Monterey Peninsula
- Estimated Value: Around $6 million when the show first aired.
- Key Feature: The home's open, exposed nature visually mirrors the vulnerability and hidden abuse within Celeste's life, despite its outward perfection.
The home's interior decor, curated by Amy Wells, is minimalist and sophisticated, utilizing a cool, muted color palette that emphasizes the vast blue of the sea. This aesthetic choice highlights Celeste's isolation and the emotional distance in her marriage.
Madeline and Renata's Malibu Mega-Mansions
Despite the show's narrative being firmly planted in Monterey, the homes of two of the wealthiest characters, Madeline Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon) and Renata Klein (Laura Dern), were filmed hundreds of miles south in Malibu, California. This was done to secure the level of extreme, high-end architecture needed to visually represent their immense wealth.
Madeline Mackenzie’s Beachside Bliss
Madeline and Ed Mackenzie’s house, with its charming, shingled exterior and direct beach access, is the epitome of classic California coastal living. While it appears less imposing than Renata's modern fortress, it is actually one of the most valuable homes used in the show.
- Character: Madeline Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon)
- Location: Malibu, California
- Estimated Value: Reports place its value around $14.8 million, making it the most expensive primary residence used in the show.
Renata Klein’s Modern Fortress
Renata Klein’s house perfectly reflects her high-powered, aggressive personality. It is a massive, hyper-modernist structure with sharp lines, vast glass panels, and an infinity pool that screams "billionaire."
- Character: Renata Klein (Laura Dern)
- Location: 27326 Winding Way, Malibu
- Estimated Value: Valued between $12.4 million and $15 million.
- Design Detail: The home's stark, almost cold aesthetic underscores Renata's ambition and the emotional detachment she struggles with.
Jane Chapman’s Postwar Reality Check
Jane Chapman’s (Shailene Woodley) dwelling provides the essential contrast to the wealth of her new friends. In Season 1, her house was a modest postwar bungalow filmed in Pasadena, California, with the interior sets built on a soundstage to match the house's layout. In Season 2, Jane and her son Ziggy Chapman move to a new apartment at Ocean Harbor, 125 Surf Way in Monterey, a location that still offers a beautiful coastal view but remains starkly different from the mansions.
This deliberate choice highlights the economic disparity and the central theme of class tension that permeates the series, ensuring that Jane's world feels separate and more grounded than the coastal elites.
The Shocking Real Estate News: Recent Listings and Price Tags
The enduring popularity of Big Little Lies continues to drive interest in the real estate market of the Monterey Peninsula and Carmel. In recent years, several properties closely associated with the series have hit the market with staggering price tags, providing a fresh look at the true cost of living the 'Monterey Five' lifestyle.
One of the most talked-about recent listings is a sprawling coastal compound in Carmel-by-the-Sea that was featured prominently in the show. This property, known for its incredible cliff-side location, was listed for a jaw-dropping $52 million. While not a primary character home, its inclusion in the series solidifies the show's connection to ultra-luxury real estate.
Another high-profile property, a stunning estate that also served as a filming location for the 1990s thriller Basic Instinct, was listed for $29.6 million. These listings confirm that the "set" of Big Little Lies is a collection of some of the most exclusive and expensive properties on the California coast, making the drama unfolding within them all the more compelling.
The Unforgettable Non-Residential Filming Locations
Beyond the homes, the natural and public locations of the Monterey Peninsula are stars in their own right, lending the series its signature dramatic, windswept atmosphere. These locations are the true heart of the fictional town and are essential for establishing the topical authority of the setting.
- Bixby Bridge: The iconic, massive concrete arch bridge on the Pacific Coast Highway is featured in the opening credits and establishing shots. It has become synonymous with the show's aesthetic and the rugged beauty of the California coastline.
- Lovers Point Park: This picturesque spot in Pacific Grove is the setting for many of the characters' outdoor conversations and is a frequent meeting place for the 'Monterey Five.'
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: A key location where Jane Chapman works and where many of the town’s communal, yet tense, interactions take place.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: Used to showcase the working-class side of the area, contrasting with the high-society drama.
These locations, scouted by creator David E. Kelly and his team, were chosen specifically to elevate the material of Liane Moriarty's original novel, which was actually set in Australia. The dramatic cliffs and crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean act as a constant visual metaphor for the turbulent secrets and emotional turmoil simmering beneath the surface of the seemingly perfect community.
The Future of the Set: Big Little Lies Season 3
The biggest update for fans is the news that Big Little Lies is finally being developed for a third season, years after the Season 2 finale. While official filming locations for Season 3 have not been formally announced, it is highly anticipated that the production will return to the familiar, iconic spots of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and potentially the luxurious enclaves of Malibu.
The return of the series will undoubtedly reignite the global fascination with the show’s real estate and set design. The homes of Celeste, Madeline, and Renata, along with the humble apartment of Jane, are expected to once again serve as powerful visual symbols, continuing the drama of the 'Monterey Five' against the backdrop of California’s most beautiful and exclusive coastline.
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