Former Major League Baseball outfielder Justin Upton is looking for a buyer for his ultra-stylish Orange County home.
Upton, who played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Angels before becoming a free agent in 2022, wants $6,795,000 for the 5-bedroom home, which sits in a prime area in the notoriously pricey Newport Beach.
The property is located in the coveted Dover Shores neighborhood, a small community on the Back Bay in Newport Beach, where homes are rarely up for grabs.
“The Dover Shores area is highly desirable due to it being located in Mariners School District which is a blue ribbon school nearby,” listing agent Annie Clougherty of Compass tells us. “Prices are holding and demand continues to be strong in this area due to many buyers relocating to Newport Beach.”
And Justin Upton’s house has quite a few features that stand out — even for the posh area it’s set in. According to Annie, “In this area most commonly referred to as Dover Shores, finished basements and subterranean levels are very rare.”
Upton’s house “boasts an impressive, fully livable finished entertainer’s basement. Exceptional details include 100-year-old fabricate wood turned wood floors and a tri-level floating staircase with three-inch treads.”
But before we move on to the impressive entertainer’s basement, let’s take a minute to gloss over the many other attributes of the Newport Beach house.
Clocking in at almost 6,000 square feet of living space, the former MLB player’s house has 5 bedrooms, 6 full baths, and 1 half-bath.
Originally designed by Randall Coombs Architects and reimagined by Scottsdale-based DeCesare Design Group, the residence’s polished interiors feature rich solid oak hardwood floors (carefully milled from 125-year-old reclaimed barnwood), expansive 17-foot and 15-foot sliding door systems that open to the outdoor areas, and plenty other luxe finishes.
The home has an open floor plan anchored by a chef’s kitchen, fitted with top-of-the-line Thermador appliances, juxtaposed against handmade butcher blocks and lava stone countertops. From the main living area, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors lead to an outdoor deck, built-in barbecue, and fire pit.
But the pièce de résistance is the three-level centerpiece floating staircase with 3-inch solid oak treads, a striking symbol of architectural ingenuity.
Four bedrooms are on the upper level, while a fifth bedroom, bonus room, and kitchen sit on the main level of the stylish abode.
The basement level is where the fun’s at, featuring a surround sound movie theater, bar with popcorn maker, and a glass-enclosed wine cellar — making it the ideal space to entertain guests.
The upscale Newport Beach house is listed for $6,795,000, with Annie Clougherty at Compass holding the listing.
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TOMS Shoes found Blake Mycoskie has been keeping busy lately.
After making headlines a while back with his staggering $100 million pledge to support psychedelic research (which has the potential to develop treatments for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues), Mycoskie tied the knot with former model Molly Holm.
And while we don’t know where the happy couple spent their honeymoon, we do know that they won’t be spending any time at Mycoskie’s house in Costa Rica — as the TOMS Shoes founder has recently listed his Playa Hermosa retreat for sale.
Priced at $4.2 million, the house is co-listed by Andrea Bissinger and Reese Langston of 2Costa Rica Real Estate.
To provide a little background for those who aren’t familiar with his work, Blake Mycoskie first introduced the ‘Buy-One-Give-One’ concept in 2006 — where his footwear company would match every pair of shoes sold with a new pair of shoes to someone in need through partnerships with non-profit organizations and was the first of its kind (now defunct).
His trail-blazing approach to social entrepreneurship soon led him to launch other product lines, including eyewear, apparel, and coffee.
Close to winning a million dollars in the second season of the reality TV show The Amazing Race, which he participated in with his sister, Mycoskie continued his journey to South America, where he witnessed the difficulties children faced in attending school without shoes.
Later, a subsequent trip to Argentina gave him a strong impetus to establish a for-profit business while adopting giving back to the community as its core business model.
In 2019, TOMS announced it was searching for new ways to participate in charity work beyond its pioneering concept. Fast forward two years, the company now donates a third of its profit to grassroots organizations, such as those working to end gun violence.
Inside TOMS Shoes founder ‘s idyllic escape in Costa Rica
The millionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist’s scenic coastal home in Playa Hermosa at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is truly a one-of-a-kind surfer’s paradise.
‘‘Playa Hermosa”, which translates as ‘Beautiful Beach’, is a name that has come to encapsulate the pristine natural beauty of this very beach, offering future owners a tranquil haven of peace, serenity and comfort in the popular town of Santa Teresa.
Just a two-minute walk from the area’s thriving surf precinct welcomes a stunning stone walkway that leads to the main entrance, revealing a beautifully landscaped garden that wraps around the entire indoor living space. Inside, every designated zone opens up to the outside with floor-to-ceiling windows, making each space in the home stand out.
See also: Prince’s former Beach House in the Caribbean, now known as Emara Estate
This luxury Costa Rica estate boasts two open-floor homes — a one-story residence and a two-story house with a central path separating the common living areas and bedrooms, providing much-needed privacy.
Designed by prolific architect Benjamin Garcia Saxe, the magnificent private abode sits on a 12,368-square-foot lot with a tropical jungle-like concept completed in 2020.
Founder and design director of Studio Saxe, Saxe’s design is inspired by his quest to explore human relationships with the natural environment through architecture. And the result is astounding, a perfect fusion of modern design and the unspoiled beauty of nature.
The dual-home compound spans 6,458 square feet, featuring a total of 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 2 half baths, as well as a cinema, a children’s playroom, bike storage, and a swimming pool.
The two-story main house has a spacious balcony in the second-floor bedroom, a fantastic way to welcome each new day and soak up the gorgeous Costa Rican morning sunshine.
But what’s even more striking is its double-height living room clad with elevated wooden screens raised above an exposed steel beam, seamlessly integrating with the rest of the outdoor space to create a breezy yet cozy and intimate atmosphere.
And to top it all off, the covered outdoor kitchen features three elongated wooden chandeliers that accentuate the overall design, creating a harmony between simplicity and elegance. The magical sound of the ocean waves in the background — it’s music to the ears.
Stepping into the communal areas of the property, the kitchen island takes center stage with a built-in cooktop that completely opens up to the family room and transitions to a modern pool lounge, removing the boundary between the interior and exterior parts of the house – indeed, making it the heart of the home.
Incorporating clerestory windows in the kitchen and family room that date all the way back to ancient Egyptian temples adds an extra note of charm and brings in additional natural light while keeping the house cool all year round — a testament to Saxe’s meticulous attention to detail and flair for design.
Another notable amenity of this modern beach home is the resort-style semi-open bathroom with a vanity overlooking the garden through partially white-painted walls, a relaxing oasis to unwind after a busy day. And the best part – the bathroom is naturally ventilated, evoking a sense of connectedness to nature.
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In the world of sports, only a handful of names can rival the legendary status of Lionel Messi.
Known as the Messi-ah of soccer, the Argentinian athlete has racked up countless achievements and awards, including the elusive World Cup in 2022, which took him 16 years to finally win.
When he’s not busy scoring goals and making defenders question their life choices, Leo Messi is living it up in his seriously swanky mansions and condos. He has a net worth of around $600 million, so it comes as no surprise that Messi would splurge on his homes.
With properties in different parts of the world, many fans wonder – “Where does Leo Messi live now?”
The star athlete has been busy growing his real estate portfolio since 2017, so it can be hard to keep up with his whereabouts. But, as he is currently playing for Inter Miami, he has now settled in Vice City.
And while he’s still keeping things under wraps — until he finds the right mansion to put down roots in Miami — we’ve put together a list of Lionel Messi’s houses and condos in recent years, to give you an idea of the soccer star’s options when it comes to housing.
Lionel Messi bought a couple of million-dollar condos in Miami
Back in 2019, before his MLS move to Inter Miami, Messi dropped $5 million to buy an oceanfront condo unit at Porsche Design Tower in Sunny Isles Beach.
His unit totals 3,555 square feet and has three bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms (swipe for pics).
The 60-story luxury condominium offers ultra-luxurious amenities, including a car elevator that allows residents to drive their cars straight to their apartments, providing privacy for high-profile celebrities and billionaires. Messi reportedly sold his unit for $7 million in 2021.
Later, he purchased another luxe Miami penthouse at the Regalia Residences, just 10 blocks away from his first condo.
Messi decided to go big on the upgrade and purchased the whole ninth floor for $7.3 million.
The four-bedroom penthouse has lots of living space, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that framed the scenic beach views perfectly. Seven months after he closed the deal, Lionel Messi’s condo was relisted and ended up back on the market.
He lived in a lavish mansion in Barcelona
Prior to his move to the States, Messi’s primary residence was a lavish mansion in Barcelona.
He built the property in the upscale Bellamar neighborhood in Castelldefels. According to reports, he bought the house in 2009 for $2 million and spent millions more on renovations. It is rumored that he bought the adjacent lot as well, just because the neighbors were too noisy and he wanted some privacy.
The mansion features modern architecture and Mediterranean-themed indoors, with hardwood floors and spacious living areas.
Outdoors, there’s a large garden, a barbeque pit, a pool, and a small playground for Messi’s kids. To keep himself in good shape, Messi also had a small football field installed on the side of his house.
Messi, along with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons, stayed in this mansion for over a decade while he was still playing for Barcelona. It remains unclear if he still owns this property or if he sold it after he switched teams.
Reports say that Lionel Messi also purchased a property near his childhood home in Rosario, Argentina, so he can visit his hometown whenever he wants. Details of this home have been kept secret to protect his family’s privacy.
Leo Messi also has a growing hotel portfolio
Messi doesn’t hold back in his pursuits and this extends to his ventures in the realm of real estate.
He entered the hotel business in 2017 and acquired MIM Hotels, managed by Majestic Hotel Group, run by his brother Rodrigo.
Over the past years, the footballer-turned-hotelier has been adding more properties to his hotel chain. Now, the group owns six hotels with locations in Sitges, Ibiza, Majorca, Baqueira, Sotogrande, and Andorra.
Many football fans can’t help but compare Messi to his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who also runs a chain of hotels. The two superstar athletes can’t seem to shake off the competition even off the field. Messi, however, leads the business game with his expanding luxury hotel chain.
Loving life in Miami
While there have been no reports on where Leonardo Messi lives in Miami, it looks like he and his family have settled into their new life in the US. They were spotted shopping for groceries in the local supermarket, all in casual clothing, looking cheerful and perfectly at ease.
In an interview, Messi shared how happy he is with his decision to move to the States.
“I came here to play and to keep enjoying soccer which is what I loved my whole life and I choose this place because of all those things,” he said.
“I can tell you that I am very happy with the decision I made and for how my family and I live our day-to-day lives and how we enjoy the city and this new experience and how the people received us from the first day, from the people of Miami and the people of the US in general.”
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Star Wars boss Kathleen Kennedy and her equally successful film producer husband, Frank Marshall, are making moves on the real estate front.
Having just released their much-anticipated fifth installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (now playing in theaters around the world) the two are now switching their focus to more personal projects: offloading their stunning Malibu estate, which just hit the market for $18,500,000.
Now, if Kathleen and Frank’s names sound awfully familiar but you’re having trouble placing them, let us refresh your memory.
Best known for high-profile projects like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurrasic Park, Schindler’s List, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, and several Star Wars installments, Kathleen Kennedy earned great success working alongside Steven Spielberg, producing some of his biggest films — which have earned over $11 billion worldwide, including five of the fifty highest-grossing movies in film history.
She’s also been serving as the president of Lucasfilm (George Lucas’ former production company, acquired by Disney in 2012 for $4.2 billion) for over a decade, and is the first and only female award winner of the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.
Related: George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch is a fanboy paradise with Victorian roots
Her husband, Frank Marshall, famously worked on box-office hits like Gremlins, the Back to the Future trilogy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Hook, and Empire of the Sun, before co-founding The Kennedy/Marshall Company with his wife in 1991.
Together, the two filmmakers produced The Sixth Sense, Signs, Seabiscuit, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, War Horse, and all four films in the Bourne series. In 2012, Marshall took over as sole principal of the company when Kathleen became Chairman of Lucasfilm, Ltd.
In addition to earning well over a dozen Oscar nominations between them, the couple is also a force in California real estate, having bought and sold multimillion-dollar properties from and to celebrities like Bea Arthur, Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, Tom Selleck, and Steven Seagal.
And now, they’re looking to cash in big by selling their Malibu estate, a contemporary marvel set atop a lush promontory with commanding views of the Malibu coastline.
Inside Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall’s $18.5M Malibu estate
The Indiana Jones producers’ house just hit the market for $18,500,000 — with Stan Richman of Compass in charge of the listing.
Set in a private, gated compound, the home is completely shielded from prying eyes and even from neighboring properties.
“This one-story home sits on a rare 2.2-wide-acre private knoll in Carbon Mesa, with views of Malibu from one end to the other that’s incomparable to any other lot in the city. It’s perfect for easy living and ideal for someone who appreciates land and views,” listing agent Stan Richman told us via email.
Beyond its perfect location in one of the world’s most coveted and serene settings (which also places the couple’s home in close proximity to Nobu, Little Beach House Malibu, The Country Mart, and the brand-new Cross Creek Development), the $18.5 million house could serve as a poster house for the ‘quiet luxury’ trend.
Epitomizing quintessential indoor-outdoor living with nearly every room inside the home having direct access to the outdoors, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence is anchored by a stunning great room with exposed vaulted ceilings and walls of glass that open to unobstructed ocean views.
The chef’s kitchen features a center island, full bar, mini bar, and fireplace that opens to the outdoor spaces with an outdoor barbecue, custom fire pit, outdoor shower, and multiple lounging areas.
The expansive primary suite boasts a fireplace and spa-style bathroom with custom built-ins and a walk-in closet, and the other three bedrooms are equally inviting.
Heading outside, the infinity-edge pool (with top-of-the-line PebbleTec technology), outdoor BBQ, custom fire pit, and outdoor shower round up the long list of amenities. Though it’s worth noting that the house also comes with membership rights to the coveted La Costa Beach and Tennis Club.
The celebrated filmmakers listed quite a few other multimillion-dollar properties over the years, including a scenic $16.9 million ranch in Telluride, Colo., a $3.6 million New York City apartment, and a gated compound in Brentwood, Los Angeles that sold for $8.6 million in 2015.
And while we don’t know what it’s like to work with them in real estate transactions, all of their past movie collaborators speak very highly of the Indiana Jones producers — including Indy himself.
Harrison Ford once told Variety that “There’s a lot in this business that doesn’t make sense. Kathy and Frank are one of the things that do,” adding that “They work hard, they’re good people with good ideas, they have a real understanding of how the movie business works and they know how to get sh*t done.”
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Darren Dreifort, the former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers is ready to part ways with his house in the coveted Pacific Palisades health issues, is married to former sports journalist Krystal Fernandez. The two have been living in the Pacific Palisades abode ever since they got married in 2010, and this is the first time the property is on the market since they purchased it 14 years ago for $3 million, public records show.
Now, the 7,698-square-foot, 3-level home landed on the market with an $8.5 million price tag (Adam Jaret and Ally Jaret with Compass hold the listing) — and we’re here to give you a quick tour of the lovely family home.
Set just a block away from Asilomar Beach and State Park (also known as Monterey Peninsula’s “Refuge by the Sea”), Dreitfort’s house sits on a prime corner lot in El Medio Bluffs — a seaside hamlet that’s often touted as a “bespoke coastal village”.
With 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms (7 full and 1 half-bath), the property has 7,698 square feet of living space spread across three floors.
The main floor has an office, a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, formal living, dining room, family room with fireplace, and a spectacular kitchen with a huge island and generously-sized casual dining banquette — that looks like the perfect gathering place for the whole family.
The top floor features the primary suite and 3 more large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, one more inviting than the next.
There’s even more space on the lower level (which has its own separate entrance), where we find 2 more bedroom suites, a kitchen, yoga/ fitness studio, media/ game room and tons of storage.
“Located a half block away from the El Medio bluffs, this 7,700-square-foot California coastal residence boasts an open living space, game room, home theater, gym, and yoga studio, along with an expansive rooftop deck with ocean and mountain views, large backyard, fitness pool and basketball court – perfect for the quintessential Pailsadian family,” listing agent Adam Jaret told us in an email.
Darren Dreifort’s house is located in one of Los Angeles’ priciest and most desirable neighborhoods, Pacific Palisades. Set on the city’s southern bluffs, this affluent neighborhood is known for its beautiful canyons and stunning beaches, its vibrant “downtown” center (The Village), and its proximity to Malibu and Santa Monica.
“The market is still strong for Pacific Palisades, and we anticipate a quick sale due to low inventory and high demand in the neighborhood,” Jaret added.
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One of the most recognizable homes ever owned by billionaire movie mogul and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes is back on the market.
The Hancock Park estate — set on South Muirfield Road, on the 8th green of Wilshire Country Club — served as the eccentric billionaire’s home at the height of his fame.
It was while living in his Hancock Park home that he produced his most well-known films (Hell’s Angels, Scarface), set a transcontinental airspeed record, and famously romanced Katharine Hepburn.
Now, the property that once served as Howard Hughes’ house is looking for new owners, and recently landed on the market with a $23 million price tag. F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass hold the listing.
A legendary estate with a storied history
Originally designed in 1926 by famed architect Roland E. Coate, the property initially belonged to socialite Eva K. Fudger.
When a young Howard Hughes moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a filmmaker, he first occupied a bungalow at the Ambassador Hotel with his wife, Ella. And while many thought his ambitions would be short-lived, by the time Hughes’ third movie — 1927’s Two Arabian Knights — was released to great critical acclaim, it became apparent that he was here to stay.
So Howard and Ella set out to find a more permanent residence, settling down in Fudger’s Muirfield Rd residence, first as renters, then outright buying the place from the socialite. And while their marriage was shortlived (Ella would soon move back to Texas, tired of Howard’s obsessions), Hughes spent a decade and a half in his hacienda-style home in Hancock Park.
Some of the visionary billionaire’s biggest achievements happened while he was still living in his Muirfield Road house. After winning Hollywood over with films like Hell’s Angels (1930), The Front Page (1931), and Scarface (1932), Hughes started devoting his full attention to flying, ultimately shattering the world record for circumnavigating the globe.
It was also while living here that he had his wirldwind romance with actress Katharine Hepburn. The two were even engaged to be married before their 18-month relationship came to an end.
Breathing new life into the century old residence
In 2011, current owners Ash Shah and his wife, Niroupa Shah, acquired the home for $6.3 million and completely transformed the 1926-built residence.
Ash, a former movie producer-turned-restaurateur (that helped co-found the Danny Trejo brands: Trejo’s Tacos, Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts, Trejo’s Spirits, and Trejo’s Cerveza) and Niroupa gave the New York Times a tour of their famous abode a few years back, talking about the extensive changes they’d made to the estate.
Starting with what they called the outdated, chopped-up floor plan which they had to reconfigure — it still had old-fashioned servants’ quarters that were removed from the main living spaces — to adding a family room off the kitchen, an outdoor kitchen equipped with a pizza oven, and a sleek new swimming pool in the backyard, the Shahs reimagined the Roland E. Coate-designed home for modern living.
They also turned a pool room into a ’70s-style plywood rec room and redid Mr. Hughes’s former wood-paneled study in striking black lacquer. “We’re fun people,” Ms. Shah told the New York Times. “That sort of old Spanish dark woods didn’t go with us.”
Now, the couple is ready to part ways with their lovely family home and are looking for a buyer who can appreciate both its many attributes and its captivating history.
Howard Hughes’ house is now on the market for $23 million
Recently listed with F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass, the former residence of visionary billionaire, movie mogul, and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes is now on the market for $23 million.
Beyond its storied history, the 10,179-square-foot Hancock Park abode sits on a very private lot with stunning golf course views, and offers 8 bedrooms, 7 full baths, and 5 half baths.
Per the listing, every element of this home has been meticulously designed, showcasing thoughtful lighting, timeless finishes, and exquisite wall coverings.
The chef’s kitchen boasts polished brass countertops and a 24-foot kitchen island, opening to a welcoming family room adorned with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
A beautiful cobblestone courtyard with an outdoor fireplace serves as the home’s striking centerpiece, providing a serene oasis for both relaxation and entertainment.
The expansive backyard is a true delight for hosting gatherings, featuring multiple lounge areas, a custom-built stone pizza oven and an inviting swimming pool.
Other noteworthy features include an intimate screening room, a 2,500-bottle temperature-controlled wine vault (which was actually Howard Hughes’ old vault), and an attached guest residence with a full kitchen and bath.
The property’s landscape design with lush greenery and far-reaching views of the Hollywood Hills and iconic Hollywood sign add to its elegance and allure.
And while any future owner would be lucky to call this place home, forgive us for hoping Leonardo DiCaprio (who famously played Hughes in Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator) decides to add it to his vast real estate portfolio. It would be a match made in Hollywood heaven!
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In the family-friendly neighborhood of Encino, in the San Fernando Valley region of L.A., a former NBA All-Star’s house is looking for new owners.
Listed for $4,999,000 (Michelle Schwartz and Mauricio Umansky of The Agency hold the listing), the gated mid-century estate is currently home to former NBA player Kiki VanDeWeghe and his wife, acclaimed interior designer and structural engineer Peggy VanDeWeghe.
Kiki, whose full name is Ernest Maurice “Kiki” VanDeWeghe III, and Peggy bought the house back in 2010, per public records, and have revamped the entire residence — giving the mid-century home a refreshed, stylish look that combines bold, sophisticated design elements with wellness amenities and an overall emphasis on wellbeing and relaxation.
The single-level, 5-bedroom home has a harmonious, Feng Shui-inspired layout, accented by dramatic design elements.
The elegant dining room and wine bar are ideal for hosting large and small gatherings alike, while the zen den — featuring walnut floors and a stone fireplace with a fossil stone hearth — provides a peaceful space to unwind.
Arguably the most attractive part of the house, the family room boasts high ceilings, oak floors, and a 23-foot stone alcove wet bar that seamlessly transitions into the chef’s kitchen.
Kiki and Peggy’s primary bedroom suite is actually a fully-fledged retreat.
It features a loft, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, dual bathroom vanities, a steam shower, and a massive walk-in closet.
The are 4 additional private suites, each with its own custom finishes, en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets, and a walkout to the luxe outdoor space.
Speaking of the outdoor areas, the couple’s home features an oversized saltwater pool, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, a putting green, a veggie garden, and even a rooftop deck.
The long-retired hoopster, who played for the Denver Nuggets (1980-1984), the Portland Trail Blazers (1984-1989), the New York Knicks (1989-1992), and the Los Angeles Clippers (1992-1993), moved on to become the general manager of the Denver Nuggets and the New Jersey Nets, and a head coach of the Nets.
He also served as the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball operations for 8 years, playing a significant part in modernizing the league’s basketball operations during his tenure. VanDeWeghe stepped down from his position in 2021 but retained a league advisory role.
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If Aqua’s 1997 hit song, Barbie Girl has been replaying endlessly in your head since promotional efforts for Greta Gerwig’s new BARBIE movie have begun, you’re not alone.
It seems like everywhere we turn these days, Barbie’s all-pink world spills into our reality (which sounds weirdly in tune with the movie’s storyline), conjuring Aqua’s lyrics that once had us all singing “I’m a Barbie Girl, in my Barbie world…”
But two lucky people will actually get to step foot in Barbie’s world.
In celebration of the highly anticipated July release of Gerwig’s BARBIE movie, Airbnb is offering two overnight stays at Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse — though Ken is hosting this time around, so the guests will have to settle on booking Ken’s bedroom instead of Barbie’s.
In fact, the whole house has been taken over by Ken, with every space — from his cowboy-themed bedroom to the outdoor disco roller rink — oozing ‘Kenergy’.
Guests will also get the chance to raid Ken’s closet and take home their own yellow-and-pink Impala skates and surfboards.
“We all have dreams, and Barbie is lucky enough to have a house full of them,” said ‘Ken’ in an official Airbnb announcement. “But now, it’s my turn, and I can’t wait to host guests inside these one-of-a-kind – dare I say, one-of-a-Ken? – digs.”
Barbie was the first to welcome guests into the Dreamhouse a few years back.
In 2019, in a similar promotional stunt that celebrated the iconic doll’s 60th anniversary, Mattel put the Malibu Dreamhouse up on Airbnb for a limited-time stay that offered four guests a chance to spend the night in the same toy-inspired house. Though it’s worth noting that the property became considerably more pink since its last stint on Airbnb, likely contributing to the recent pink color shortage brought about by the movie’s upcoming release.
Located in sunny Malibu, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Dreamhouse with pink walls and furniture features panoramic views and serves as the perfect backdrop for Barbie’s picture-plastic paradise.
Fans can request to book Ken’s bedroom in the Malibu Barbie DreamHouse for two individual one-night stays (for up to two guests each) on July 21 and July 22, 2023.
All stays will be free of charge – because Ken couldn’t figure out how to put a price on Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse – after all, Ken’s thing is the beach, not math.
If you want to take your chances at landing one of the coveted spots, booking starts July 17 at 10:00 AM PT at airbnb.com/kendreamhouse.
This is just the latest in a long string of promotional efforts that used Barbie’s iconic home to create hype around the toy brand. At one point, the doll’s fictional home was even listed for sale — with Million Dollar Listing LA star Josh Altman in charge of the listing. But the $25 million asking price was prohibitive, to say the least. A free stay is definitely more appealing.
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In the charming Sonoma County town of Sebastopol, roughly 50 miles north of San Francisco, amidst picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, vineyards, and apple orchards, sits an enchanting two-parcel, 8.82-acre property with a very unique claim to fame.
The larger parcel, spanning 7.32 acres, was once owned by Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts, and still houses the cartoonist’s former studio, which has been carefully preserved — and turned into an inviting one-bedroom home.
It’s now being brought to market for the very first time in 47 years. Asking $3,950,000, the former studio and the land that surrounds it is listed with Mark Stevens and Gail Gijzen, affiliated with the Sebastopol office of Coldwell Banker Realty.
Schulz had the studio built in 1966 and used it as a creative space where he penned the adventures of beloved characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the “Peanuts” gang. His house at the time sat on an adjacent lot that was part of the same property, which was later broken down into several lots due to its massive size.
“The main house where the Schulz family lived was initially part of the same property as the art studio,” says one of the property’s current owners, Eric Rogers, whose grandparents bought the property 47 years ago.
His father, Timothy Rogers, chimes in to provide a little more background on just how massive the Schulz estate was back in the day: “Schulz’s property encompassed roughly 27 acres with the main house, the grandmother’s house and other structures including a large pond, baseball field, miniature golf course, large swimming pool and an enclosed entertainment pavilion.”
“The studio was the last structure built at the western end of the property, isolated on a dead-end road with surrounding vineyards and apple orchards and a tight-knit group of neighbors.”
Charles Schulz’s art studio lives on as a one-bedroom home
The midcentury modern home was built by Steele & Van Dyk, the same architecture firm that built the Redwood Empire Ice Arena (more commonly known as “Snoopy’s Home Ice,” now part of the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA) where Schulz held annual hockey tournaments and hosted tennis exhibitions.
“My grandparents, Don & Helen Rogers, bought the property in 1976,” Eric Rogers tells us.
“My grandfather was intrigued when he saw an ad in the paper about a property belonging to a famous celebrity for sale in Sebastopol. Out of curiosity, he made an 80-mile trip from where they lived and discovered it was owned by Charles Schulz. The original property was divided into three sections: the main house, recreational area, and art studio. My grandparents ended up buying the art studio parcel which included the golf course.”
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The original 7+ acre property has been in their family ever since, and there have been many discussions over the years about whether or not to enlarge the existing structure. But in the end, their love for the history behind the studio surpassed any desire to change the home.
Instead, they made minor enhancements meant to make the small house more livable.
Changes to the home include the addition of a stove/oven and custom-matched cabinetry in the kitchen on the opposite wall of the sink, Velux skylights installed in the kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and bedroom. All windows and sliding exterior doors were replaced with double-pane insulated glass but the Rogers made sure not to alter the nature of the design and had them all custom-made to match the unique originals.
In what was the original art studio space, some of the shelves and drawers were removed to accommodate a recessed king-size bed.
The end result is an inviting one-bedroom home with one full bath and a powder room, a stone fireplace, and 1,176 square feet of living space. Since the owners weren’t living on the property, they turned it into a licensed vacation rental for a few years.
“We started renting out the property in April 2016 and have had a growing number of people stay year after year. We ended up booking more people than we imagined — mostly couples looking for a romantic getaway to the wine country,” Eric says. “We stopped renting in 2022.”
While they always wanted to enjoy the property as it was originally designed, the family has long considered building an additional structure. They purchased an adjoining lot that can be developed but decided to keep it as an open space instead, and they’re now including that vacant parcel of land (spanning 1.5 acres) in the sale.
The 8.82-acre property is now hitting the market for $3.95M
While Charles M. Schulz’s former studio may be the centerpiece, the entire property is a semi-secluded paradise.
“The grounds are a combination of a four-hole golf course, Redwoods groves, walking trails surrounded by numerous rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, dogwoods, numerous varieties of ferns, fruit trees and a vast variety of flowers,” Timothy Rogers tells us.
“After I retired as a helicopter pilot over two decades ago, I have developed and taken care of the landscaping as a labor of love. I will miss all those moments of sheer beauty that I have experienced at the passing of each season and sharing all that time with the wildlife that has shared it with me.”
And Timothy’s labor of love is showcased throughout the sprawling property, whose beautifully landscaped grounds are accented by walking trails with wood-carved benches and statues.
There’s also a massive deck (approximately 1,340 square feet) and a 4-hole, par-3 golf course that dates back to Schulz’s ownership — one that the Rogers family has revamped after it was left in disrepair.
It wasn’t uncommon for them to find golf balls owned by Schulz’s many famous friends. They found golf balls with names like Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Robert Mitchum inscribed on them, hinting at the many star-studded charity tournaments that once took place on the property.
The Peanuts creator’s ties to his former art studio haven’t been fully severed over the years. Schulz’s two sons would occasionally stop by to visit and reminisce.
“The sons have come by the property at different times to take trips down memory lane. It sounded like the childhood we all dream of — living on a large property amongst beautiful redwoods and surrounded by animals and livestock,” Eric shares.
“They would tell hilarious stories about driving their dirt bikes up and down the property and riding horses. It is rumored that the family hosted charity events on the golf course that drew in celebrity friends. Their love and effort went into building this amazing and magical place that we got to share as a family for decades.”
Now, it’s time for a new family to create memories here.
After 47 years and three generations of ownership, Eric and Timothy Rogers are selling the property for $3,950,000, and have enlisted the help of Mark Stevens and Gail Gijzen, affiliated with the Sebastopol office of Coldwell Banker Realty, to find the right buyer.
“We have built memories here that we’ll cherish forever. It is the perfect place to find serenity without being too far from civilization,” Eric tells us. “But the time has come for someone new to find a home here. We know they’ll love it as much as we have, and hopefully, continue the legacy that was left to us by the Schulz family when they created this loving place that we were fortunate to help build upon.“
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Walt Disney once famously said “I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute my vision to make those dreams come true.”
And while he may have stayed true to these words in all aspects of his life, today we’d like to turn an eye to the homes he imagined into reality. More specifically, the whimsical storybook mansion he built for his family as his animation studio was gaining ground.
Especially since avid Disney fans can now celebrate 100 Years of Disney — the company’s year-long centennial celebration — in the Mickey Mouse creator’s own home.
Walt Disney’s house in Los Feliz, where he lived for almost 20 years and where he and his wife Lillian raised their two children, is currently available to lease.
It doesn’t come cheap though: the storybook mansion is being rented out for $40,000/month. Chase Campen with Compass is in charge of the listing.
“This property was chosen by Walt Disney as the place to raise his family, and also coincided with a transition of Disney Studios from fledgling enterprise toward entertainment giant,” Campen says. “It sits on an acre of land with incredible outdoor space and city views. Its historical pedigree only adds to the magical mystique.”
Speaking of magical mystique, the storybook mansion draws visitors in with its unique architecture from the second they lay eyes on it.
Mixing French Provincial, French Country Tudor, and Neo Gothic styles, the property located on Woking Way in Los Feliz, Los Angeles is a beautiful example of storybook architecture.
Related: Wonderfully Witchy: The Storybook Spadena House in Beverly Hills
The owner of the former Walt Disney house is Timur Bekmambetov, a Kazakhstan-born film director who purchased the home in 2011. And it would seem that creativity flows freely through the 1932-built house, as our sources tell us that the director has been inspired by the home to create a graphic novel and a movie script he is working on about fictional Disney characters who never made it to the big screen.
The storybook mansion has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 2 half baths across 6,388 square feet of living space, and beautifully appointed interiors that match the whimsical exterior.
The majestic home sits atop a gated drive with parking for 10. A rotunda entrance welcomes residents and guests alike into this magical place, from where they are ushered into the dramatic two-story living room that features vaulted wood beamed ceilings, wood-paneled walls, a brick fireplace, and original windows that look out over the backyard, pool, and downtown Los Angeles.
From there, one wing of the house offers an elegant dining room with French doors to the outside and an artisanally painted ceiling set amidst interlaced beams.
This leads to a gorgeous eat-in kitchen with a center island, marble counters, custom cabinets, a walk-in pantry, and stained glass windows — a perfect mix of modern convenience and old warm charm.
Opposite the living room on the other wing is the still-intact home theater where Walt watched dailies of his productions; the original elements have been preserved, and enhanced with a touch of modern technology.
Upstairs, the spacious primary suite rests above the theater, with city views, ample closets, and a bathroom with dual vanities, a large dual head shower, a centerpiece tub, and period tile.
The other wing features two generous guest bedrooms with a well-appointed bathroom between them. Completing the upstairs is a sunlit family room with vaulted ceilings and access to a former sleeping porch, ideal for an office space or gym.
As is to be expected, the outdoor grounds are incredible, featuring well-landscaped walkways, lush grass lawn, an inviting pool, trellis covered outdoor dining area, and an entire separate area that resembles a private park.
Walt Disney lived in this home longer than any other home from 1932 to 1950.
While his Holmby Hills mansion is most often associated with his persona, Disney’s house on Woking Way is where he raised his daughters and where got the inspiration for Snow White. Diane and Sharon Disney’s original playhouse still sits on the property.
Disney’s Storybook Mansion — also known as the Storybook Cottage — can now be rented for $40,000/month.
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