Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith nearly lost their dream home in the LA fires. Here’s how they rebuilt

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Mandy Moore and musician Taylor Goldsmith are rebuilding their Altadena, California home after it was damaged in the Los Angeles wildfires last year. The couple initially purchased the property in 2020 and completed renovations in 2023, transforming a 1930s Spanish Colonial Revival property into a family home.

A Family’s Journey

Moore and Goldsmith, now a family of five, are documenting their rebuilding process in the March 2026 issue of Architectural Digest. While the main house has been restored, work continues on Goldsmith’s music studio and a guesthouse. Goldsmith is the frontman for the band Dawes.

Did You Recognize? Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith purchased their Altadena property in 2020 as a couple and expanded their family to five children by 2026.

The home’s interior features a blend of earthy tones and 1970s-inspired décor, including curvilinear furniture and olive green accents. The children’s rooms are designed to be whimsical, with one son’s room featuring built-in bunk beds.

Evacuation and Loss

In January of last year, Moore and Goldsmith were forced to evacuate their home as the Eaton fire approached. They drove their three children, three cats, and a dog to a friend’s house, initially fearing the worst. While the main structure of their home remained standing, most of their belongings were lost due to smoke damage. Goldsmith’s music studio, including his collection of vintage instruments, was completely destroyed.

Expert Insight: The experience of Moore and Goldsmith highlights the devastating impact wildfires can have on communities, extending beyond immediate structural damage to encompass the loss of personal belongings and cherished possessions. The rebuilding process is not simply about restoring a house, but about recreating a home and a sense of normalcy.

Moore described the scene after the fires as “gutting,” but also noted a sense of resilience within the community. Rebuilding began approximately four months after the fires, with architect Emily Farnham, interior designer Sarah Sherman Samuel, and landscape design firm Terremoto collaborating on the project.

Even though recreating the home exactly was impossible, the team was able to closely replicate the original design, using catalogued items and finding replacements for lost pieces.

Community Spirit and Fundraising

Moore observed an “undefeatable spirit” among residents as neighbors began to rebuild. She noted that even those critical of Los Angeles often rally to support their communities during times of crisis.

Architectural Digest editor in chief Amy Astley announced the launch of “Design Making a Difference,” a fundraising initiative partnering with Habitat for Humanity and the Foothill Catalog Foundation to aid in rebuilding efforts. The magazine issue also includes a guide to Los Angeles with recommendations from celebrities like Kristen Stewart, Lisa Kudrow, and Noah Wyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith purchase their Altadena home?

Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith purchased their Altadena home in 2020.

What was damaged in the wildfires?

The main house remained standing, but most of the belongings inside were lost due to smoke damage. Taylor Goldsmith’s music studio and vintage instrument collection were completely destroyed.

What is being done to help rebuild the community?

Architectural Digest launched a fundraising initiative called “Design Making a Difference,” partnering with Habitat for Humanity and the Foothill Catalog Foundation to help rebuild homes lost in the fires.

As Moore and Goldsmith continue their rebuilding efforts, what role do you believe community support plays in the recovery process following a natural disaster?

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