David Lynch's Los Angeles home is on sale for $15 million

The sale was reported by The Washington Post, which added the late director's family is urging any buyer to preserve the property's unique cinematic and architectural legacy.

Marc Silver, listing agent with the Agency Beverly Hills, said demand had been overwhelming.

He added: "Buyers have to be very well prequalified in order to actually have a showing at the property. "The family's strong desire is that the next owner protects, preserves and honours what David created."

David's former compound covers 2.3 acres on Senalda Road and includes seven buildings with 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, spanning more than 11,000 square feet.

At its heart is the Beverly Johnson House, designed in the 1960s by Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright.

David purchased the house in 1987 and later acquired two neighbouring homes.

One was turned into offices for his company Asymmetrical Productions, while another housed his screening room and editing suite.

Richard Barney, professor of English at the University of Albany, visited the compound three times while interviewing David for a book.

He said: "As soon as you see it, you recognise it, remember it as being the house of the Madisons. It is not as spooky when you're there as it was made to be in the movie."

In 1991, David commissioned Eric Lloyd Wright, grandson of Frank Lloyd Wright, to design a pool and pool house.

Mr Silver said this was the only known property to carry contributions from three generations of the Wright family.

He added: "In the time that I've been selling real estate, this is probably one of the only properties, if not the only property, that really checks all of these boxes.

"You have the architectural pedigree with Lloyd Wright and Eric Lloyd Wright, but as well as the cultural and historical significance and the cinematic and Hollywood history of David Lynch."

Mr Barney said despite its size, the compound retained an enigmatic quality.

He added: "It did have a feeling of a maze. There is a part of that he really loved to capture in movies but also in Twin Peaks, like the Black Lodge. Where were you?

"And if you walk down that hallway, had you really arrived anywhere or were you just going in circles?"