Leighton Meester buys new $1.5m home

The 25-year-old actress, who plays shallow Blair Waldorf in the hit TV series, is more often associated with Manhattan’s ritzy Upper East Side neighbourhood.

But in real life, Meester appears to be far less concerned about post codes – and has snapped up a new ranch-style residence in the Encino area of the San Fernando Valley.

Originally built in 1948, the modest single-storey, four-bedroom house, is situated on a knoll above the street and is shielded by a thick cluster of trees and hedges.

To the right of the narrow entrance hall there is a living/dining room with honey-colored hardwood floors, plantation shutters over the wide bank of windows, and a wood-burning fireplace.

The home's four bedrooms divide up into a guest and staff suite and the huge master suite boasts a small sitting area, fireplace with glass tile surround, walk-in wardrobe, and en-suite bathroom with a double vanity sink and separate glass-enclosed steam shower.

The outside space features a black-bottomed swimming-pool, cabana with a kitchenette and bathroom, and a built-in barbecue.