A residential marvel designed by architect Roger Ferris just splashed onto the market in Water Mill, NY, for $27.5 million.
The five-bedroom stunner on 1.6 acres serves up gorgeous views of Mecox Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
“It’s an extraordinary property,” says listing agent Enzo Morabito, of Douglas Elliman – Sag Harbor. “It’s located in a very top-of-the-line spot near the village of Southampton.”
The lot was purchased in 2014 for $4.3 million, and the steel-frame, 9,700-square-foot home was custom-built in 2017.
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Perched above a striking landscape and conservation area, the dramatic design boasts four levels with “walls of frameless structurally glazed glass units,” according to the listing. The modern abode is crowned with a rooftop terrace and an outdoor kitchen.
A boring glass box it is not. Color is employed boldly throughout the home.
The modern interiors are designed to offer views from nearly every room—particularly from the spectacular, glass-walled living room.
A bright-hued kitchen is outfitted with glossy cabinets, solid-surface countertops, and a glass backsplash.
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Underfoot, a white resin, gloss-finish flooring is used—a perfect contrast to the home’s vivid palette, which includes a vibrant light fixture, banana-yellow statement wall, and a pop-art-inspired bath.
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A spacious primary suite features double bathrooms, including one with a soaking tub and an office. Wall-sized, sliding glass doors capture the views and open to a private terrace.
From the gardens and the pool area to the decks and terraces, there are plenty of spaces to soak in the surroundings.
Just above the heated, illuminated pool is a sleek glass bridge that connects the home’s two wings.
“Whoever buys this house will likely own two or three homes,” Morabito says. “It was built to the highest standards and has always been used as a secondary home.”
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The property’s luxurious amenities include a wet bar, gym, media room, elevator, four-car garage, pool cabana, and private dock.
“Its proximity to the ocean and Southampton and being close to New York [City] are what someone will be looking for,” Morabito adds.
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In addition to the main gated estate, a renovated guesthouse on a separate parcel is available for $7.5 million.
The three-bedroom dwelling was built in 1956 but underwent a full renovation just three years ago.
They say people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
But if you lived in the one on Fishers Island, NY, you could toss a few rocks right into Long Island Sound.
Showing more like a “livable art gallery,” according to the listing, the glass-and-steel, waterfront dwelling designed by Thomas Phifer is this week’s most popular listing on Realtor.com®.
Other real estate offerings that made our weekly popularity contest include a Queen Anne in North Carolina, a modern marvel in Indiana, and an Ohio home with an exotic waterfall in the basement.
For a full look at this week’s 10 most popular homes, keep on scrolling.
Price: $825,000 Why it’s here: Behold the Castle in the Pines! Here is the opportunity to live like royalty in your very own castle.
A wrought-iron gate opens to the four-bedroom home with a turret. The entire 3,435 square feet of space has been decked out in medieval style. From custom, arched doors and hanging candelabras, to a knight in armor at the entry, to a sitting room overlooking a mountaintop scene, this kingdom was designed to delight.
It is currently in operation as a short-term rental and is pending sale.
Prescott, AZ
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Price: $575,000 Why it’s here: This ultramodern home is a pretty standout in Houston.
Designed by architect W. Irving Phillips Jr., the 3,032-square-foot concrete townhome is located within walking distance of downtown. Offering just two bedrooms, the open floor plan has industrial, loft-style beams and soaring ceilings, along with concrete and hardwood floors. The primary suite is on the third floor and has two oversized closets and access to a covered terrace.
A monthly homeowners association fee of $472 includes maintenance and use of the pool.
Houston, TX
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Price: $965,000 Why it’s here: Attention, historic-home lovers: The stately Smathers-Gautier-Messer House is nestled between two mountain ranges.
The Queen Anne beauty built in 1898 boasts wavy glass windows and octagonal towers. Inside, there is a Colonial Revival staircase and paneled wainscoting. The six-bedroom estate also features high ceilings, custom millwork, nine fireplaces embellished with Italian tile, and pocket doors.
The 2.5-acre lot also comes with a barn and a small cottage.
Waynesville, NC
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Watch: Hollywood Beginning: Movie-Themed Vacation Home in Florida Wows for $11.75M
Price: $134,900 Why it’s here: Calling all Hobbit fans! This triple-dome home offers eco-friendly living.
The three-bedroom abode boasts 1,593 square feet of unique space. Built in 2004, the domicile is in need of restoration, as the price reflects.
“Interior walls have been removed to the steel frame, allowing you to build your ultimate vision,” the listing notes.
The 3-acre lot also has a fenced dog run. The property is being sold as is and must be a cash sale.
Sharon, SC
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Price: $880,000 Why it’s here: This magnificent home in the middle of Bittner Woods was the work of award-winning architect Earl R. Flansburgh.
The four-bedroom residence offers stylish, one-level living. Built in 1970, the 2,584-square-foot home was “professionally redesigned in 2020 with the help of Susan Yeley Homes,” according to the listing.
Oak hardwood and terrazzo floors can be found throughout the open floor plan. A central, open-air atrium connects all of the rooms. Clean lines, natural materials, and lots of glass seamlessly blend the interior with the outdoor space.
The property is pending sale.
Bloomington, IN
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Price: $799,000 Why it’s here: This A-frame beauty was built in 1964 as the personal home of local architect William Wayman. It has since been “respectfully remodeled,” the listing notes.
The sleek, 2,481-square-foot, four-bedroom home boasts wood paneling, skylights, and beamed ceilings. The two-story living room has a gas fireplace and lots of glass to take in the southern views. There are two separate living spaces; three bedrooms are upstairs, and one is downstairs with a full kitchen.
The property is pending sale.
Portland, OR
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Price: $37.5 million Why it’s here: A venture capitalist is selling this ultraluxe mansion on the exclusive enclave of Star Island. The guard-gated island has been home to celebs such as Gloria Estefan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jennifer Lopez.
This six-bedroom mansion on the waterfront boasts 9,747 square feet of living space. The foyer features a 30-foot ceiling and a custom staircase. Luxury finishes include custom millwork and travertine, marble, and wood flooring.
Built in 1992, the high-end home has a chef’s kitchen and a primary suite with access to the pool area.
The 1-acre lot includes a heated pool, outdoor kitchen, and a private dock.
Miami Beach, FL
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Price: $499,900 Why it’s here: Here’s the chance to own two homes and a chapel on nearly 50 acres overlooking a private lake.
This six-bedroom house has 5,600 square feet of living space and comes with a commercial kitchen and dining hall. The open floor plan also includes a spacious living room with a brick fireplace and four bathrooms.
The property offers a variety of potential uses, including as a church retreat, rental property, or bed-and-breakfast.
Paducah, KY
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Price: $519,999 Why it’s here: The Mansion on the Hilltop comes with an exotic waterfall in the basement!
This four-bedroom home looks like a traditional, stone-front dwelling from the outside. Inside, the 5,800-square-foot floor plan features a two-story entry with a dramatic staircase. Built in 2000, the home features arched doorways and an abundance of windows and glass doors to take in views of the 5-acre parcel.
The real surprise happens when you head downstairs, where you will find an unexpected waterfall and an impressive taxidermy collection. There’s also a hot tub.
Mansfield, OH
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Price: $8,250,000 Why it’s here: From the outside, this mesmerizing mansion built of glass looks like a vast, open space.
The 4,744-square-foot estate sits prominently on Fishers Island and offers breathtaking views of Long Island Sound. Featuring one-story living at its best, the home was designed by architect Thomas Phifer. Built of glass and steel in 2008, this one-bedroom home boasts black bamboo flooring and white gallery walls.
The landscaped gardens on the 3-acre lot “allow one to live in a garden with art as the owner desired,” the listing notes.
A Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, 6,918-square-foot Usonian home in New Canaan, CT, awaits its next steward.
Newly arrived on the market, it’s “the quintessential Usonian house,” says listing agent Albert Safdie, of Coldwell Banker Realty.
He’s co-listing with Marsha Charles, also of Coldwell Banker Realty.
The seven-bedroom, 8.5-bath house was built in 1956 and has an equally large $8 million price tag. Even at that amount and after mere hours on the market, “We already have somebody interested in the house,” Safdie says.
True to Wright’s Usonian design approach, the kitchen is a galley-style space; and trademark details such as concrete-block walls, a flat roof, walls of windows, built-ins, ample use of curved lines, and Philippine mahogany abound throughout the home. A Cherokee-red, iron gate marks the home’s entrance.
Wright himself is said to have occupied “Tirranna,” as the house is known, during his work on New York City’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in the 1950s, the listing notes.
Living room
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Glassed-in living space
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The seller bought the home in 2018 for $4.8 million and worked with the Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy to maintain it.
New Canaan is a 40-minute drive from New York City and home to famed architect Philip Johnson’s Glass House, among other midcentury modern masterpieces.
Set on 14 acres, the property includes the house, a barn (with a bedroom, bath, and lots of storage), pool, and tennis court.
And tucked into the scenic grounds, there’s even a waterfall. Wright hired Frank Okamura to create the home’s landscaping.
A rooftop observatory allows for further communing with nature.
The home’s one-time bomb shelter was converted into a wine cellar, suiting architecture-minded oenophiles. Some furnishings in the house, which were designed by Wright, are included with the sale.
The dwelling’s concrete construction extends to the fireplace, which also flaunts gold leaf on three sides.
A five-car garage is included in the listing, and the owner maintains a chicken coop and beehive on the property.
Some of the home’s updates were made by Wright’s son-in-law, William Wesley Peters, who is also an architect.
So, who will jump at the chance to live in one of Wright’s celebrated Usonians?
On a grand scale, “you can’t really put a price on it,” says Safdie. “This is a special home, and it hasn’t aged.”
He adds that the buyer will likely be “somebody who is interested in architecture and special homes. It could be an international buyer.”
Watch: Group Project! See How This Former Pennsylvania School Was Turned Into Gorgeous Apartments
A two-year restoration transformed a Joshua Tree, CA, home into a design marvel.
And now the remarkable dwelling is listed for $779,000, after its initial September 2022 ask of $875,000.
“The current owner bought it as a fixer,” says listing agent Faisal Alserri, with Sharon Rose Realty. “She’s done quite a lot of work.”
After buying the three-bedroom, two-bath, 2.5-acre spread in 2020 for $154,500, the owner—who is an architect—dramatically improved the 1951-era property.
New epoxy-coated, concrete floors in the 1,280-square-foot house offer easy maintenance. And the newly modernized kitchen is outfitted with custom cabinetry; a large island; and high-end, Bertazzoni appliances.
Abundant windows and retracting, sliding-glass doors yield that coveted indoor-outdoor aesthetic.
The two baths are updated with high-end fixtures, and one bath features indoor-outdoor spaces and a retractable, motorized shade.
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Indoor-outdoor bathroom vibes
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Deck and built-in soaking tub
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The updated abode currently operates as a short-term rental.
The home is positioned to offer expansive views of Joshua Tree National Park—particularly from the deck, which has a built-in a soaking tub designed by French industrial designer, Philippe Starck. And a covered front porch is the perfect place to host dinner guests.
“People are looking to elevate Joshua Tree,” says Alserri, who is listing another brand-new, modern build in Joshua Tree for $719,000. Meanwhile, the phenomenal Invisible House nearby is still on the market for $18 million.
“The desert has always been a place for creative people, and I think the architecture is reflective of that,” Alserri observes.
The property could be good fit for someone looking to work remotely from the desert.
“Right now, most of the buyers [in Joshua Tree] are live-in buyers,” Alserri says.
He notes that the Palm Springs International Airport is only 43 miles away from Joshua Tree, which has proven enticing to the work-from-home crowd.
Plus, the area’s robust popularity with tourists makes the house “relatively easy to rent out,” Alserri says.
Here’s a treat for architecture lovers everywhere: a mid-century masterpiece that bears the signature of architect extraordinaire, Frank Lloyd Wright, is now up for grabs in New Canaan, CT.
Known as Tirranna — a moniker inspired by an Australian Aboriginal word meaning “running waters”, as the home is cantilevered over a pond and overlooks a waterfall on the Noroton River — the property is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest residential properties.
It was also one of the legendary architect’s last projects, built by Wright in 1955, just a few years before his death in 1959.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
But this isn’t just a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed property.
The architect also lived here while building the Guggenheim Museum — and even used some of the scalloped glass windows from the Guggenheim Museum project to complete the home’s south-facing greenhouse.
Now, the sprawling 7,000-square-foot Tirranna house is on the market, listed for $8 million with Marsha Charles and Albert Safdie of Coldwell Banker Realty.
Inside an $8M Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home
The property, also known as the Rayward-Shepherd House or the John L. Rayward House, sits on 14 acres of protected land in New Canaan, Conn., a Fairfield County town that consistently ranks as one of the wealthiest towns in the country.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
And while location is the name of the game when it comes to luxury real estate, this property has so many things going for it that the great location pales in comparison to some of its most enviable attributes.
Clocking in at a generous 7,000 square feet, the 7-bedroom, 8.5-bath home blends geometric complexity with nature’s flowing curves, in typical Frank Lloyd Wright style.
Throughout the home, the architect combined and contrasted soaring ceilings and open living spaces with cozy and cocoon-like mahogany-paneled bedrooms.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
The living room and dining area opens to an expansive circular patio that overlooks the pool and nature reserve beyond.
Related: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin house and its three (tragic) lives
The home’s functional wood-paneled and stainless-steel kitchen epitomizes the mid-century modern aesthetic, while each of the bathrooms are spa-like and adorned with spectacular wood panels and unique features.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker RealtyPhoto credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
A 200-foot covered outdoor walkway leads to a greenhouse with caretakers/guest quarters, along with a carport. This is a full one-bedroom house with a lovely kitchen, cozy bedroom, and full bath.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
There are a few other structures and amenities on the property, including a cozy guest studio with a full bath, a tennis court, a large barn, a wine cellar (which is actually a converted bomb shelter), a playhouse, and even a rooftop observatory complete with a telescope.
Public records show that the current owners/sellers bought the property in 2018 for $4,800,000. At the time, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Tirranna house had been listed for the first time in 20 years, and sported a similar price tag of $8 million.
A fusion of nature and architecture
From an architectural standpoint, Tirranna embodies Wright’s classic hemicycle design, seamlessly blending curved lines with rectangular angles, and combining geometric and spatial complexities for optimum functionality.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Standing as a perfect example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture, which strives for a perfect balance between man, nature, and design, Tirranna reflects nature’s flowing curves and incorporates many of the architect’s staple design elements.
That includes low-slung roofs, Philippine mahogany walls, large windows, and Cherokee red concrete floors with radiant heat. It was built of concrete block and glass, trimmed with mahogany.
Related: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House also known as The Blade Runner House
The current owners have lovingly maintained the original architectural integrity, preserving details like built-in bookshelves, brass hardware, original lighting, cabinetry, and furnishings.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
But it’s not just the house that comes with an illustrious name attached to it.
The beautiful grounds of the property were thoughtfully designed by Frank Okamura, the landscape architect known for restoring the Japanese gardens at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in the late 1940s. The Japanese-born American horticulturist is also known for helping popularize the cultivation of bonsai in America.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Along with Charles Middeleer, another famous landscape architect of the time, Okamura carefully designed the landscape to ensure privacy, making Tirranna the ideal sanctuary for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle.
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
As the brokerage that holds the listing told us via email, “Tirranna is more than just a home; it’s a mid-century masterpiece that will transport you to another time and place.”
We couldn’t agree more.
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But few can compare to the Falcon Nest home in Prescott, Arizona.
And while the property may also be known as The Palsolaral House, we’re going to keep referring to it as the Falcon Nest — a title fit for a villain’s lair, a rather appropriate potential role for this quirky house.
The 10-story home, designed by Phoenix architect Sukumar Pal, is a unique residence that once held the title of “world’s tallest home”, which it lost in favor of the South Mumbai home of business magnate Mukesh Ambani — a true high-rise, counting 27 stories.
And if you want a home that’s truly unique (and don’t mind relocating to the Copper State), know that the Falcon Nest home is headed for auction on May 25. That means you can snag the architectural wonder for considerably less that the $1.5 million price tag, with the bid starting at $750,000.
Image credit: Sotheby’s International RealtyImage credit: Sotheby’s International Realty
10 Stories of Unique Living Space
The 6,200-square-feet of living space are neither common, nor forgettable.
Featuring expansive glass ceilings and striking views that stretch for miles, the Falcon Nest’s interiors are equally unique as its exteriors, making it a true architectural rarity.
With three bedrooms and four baths, the Palsolaral House also comes with an impressive 2,000-square-foot solarium, also equipped with two bedrooms, two baths, and a kitchen.
A hydraulic elevator provides access from the garage level to the sixth floor. With minimal energy consumption, a small footprint, and utilizing natural elements to heat and cool the home free from cost, the home exemplifies passive solar technologies and alternative power sources.
If you’re considering joining the auction that takes place on May 25, 2017 on Concierge Auctions’ mobile bidding app, here’s a photo tour of the unique property:
Image credit: Sotheby’s International RealtyImage credit: Sotheby’s International RealtyImage credit: Sotheby’s International RealtyImage credit: Sotheby’s International RealtyImage credit: Sotheby’s International Realty
In today’s modern world, the house goals of yesteryear are a distant memory.
Long gone are the days of window shutters, oversized crystal chandeliers, multiple small rooms, intricate designs, wrought-iron railings, small windows, and large porches with overhanging beams.
Modern mansions favor simple and clean designs with open spaces.
While traditional mansions offer intricate and elegant details, today’s luxury homes feature straight lines, geometric shapes, a flat or low-sloped roof, and clean exteriors with little to no texture.
Luxurious homes of the past featured building materials such as brick, wood, plaster, stucco, and stone. Meanwhile, contemporary mansions favor newer, more technologically-advanced building materials including reinforced steel and concrete.
And windows, lots and lots of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sophisticated smart homes are all the rage, as are connected outdoor spaces, white rooms and simple color palettes, open floor plans, glass walls allowing for ample natural light, green features, security settings, and the utmost privacy.
While traditional mansions typically featured a number of small, single-purpose rooms, modern floor plans include seamless open-ended spaces.
After all, one cannot be confined to small spaces while living that luxurious lifestyle!
A closer look at 18 of our favorite modern mansions
When it comes to stunning estates, we’ve got you covered.
From wraparound pools featuring panoramic views to glass walls for days, to dream chef kitchens, to seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces, we’re taking a look at 18 modern mansions that have knocked our socks off.
And we think you’ll (really, really) like them too.
A Marc Whipple-designed modern mansion with a wraparound pool
Designed by acclaimed architect Marc Whipple, this massive 11,200-square-foot home in Beverly Hills is quite a stunner.
Photo by Tyler Hogan, courtesy of Sally Forster Jones of Compass
Offering six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and two half baths, the multi-million dollar manse features disappearing walls of glass, so that its residents can enjoy the stunning views from each and every room.
Speaking of views, they’re completely unobstructed, with downtown Los Angeles, Catalina Island, and the coastline on full display. Those lovely landscapes can be seen from the home’s stunning wraparound pool.
Other luxurious amenities include a movie theater, a secret Zen garden, gym, guest house, glass wine cellar, gated driveway, and an outdoor kitchen.
Photo by Tyler Hogan, courtesy of Sally Forster Jones of CompassPhoto by Tyler Hogan, courtesy of Sally Forster Jones of CompassPhoto by Tyler Hogan, courtesy of Sally Forster Jones of CompassPhoto by Tyler Hogan, courtesy of Sally Forster Jones of Compass
This Beverly Hills manse had its moment of fame a few years back, when it was rented by Rockstar hitmaker Post Malone. It was later listed for sale with a whopping $26 million asking price.
A breathtaking Hollywood mega mansion with museum-quality energy crystals throughout
Built in 2021, this mega mansion is located in the heart of Hollywood.
Boasting panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the canyon, the home offers six beds, nine baths, and nearly 10,365 square feet of living space.
Photo credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The Agency
The sophisticated smart home features museum-quality crystals sourced from around the world and placed with extraordinary care throughout to energetically enhance the residence.
Offering double-height ceilings and incredible indoor/ outdoor living spaces, the California compound also includes a custom home theater, fitness center, wine cellar, second living room and all the finest custom finishes.
Photo credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The Agency
Setting a new gold standard for Southern California living, the picturesque backyard — which is front row to the city and canyons — features a beautiful sparkling pool/spa, a built-in BBQ area, and a grassy green lawn.
See more of this unique Hollywood mega-mansion here.
A striking $150M modern mansion in Bel-Air with 360-degree views
This beautiful home in Bel-Air has all the bells and whistles you’d expect in a modern mansion (and then some).
Photo credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of Compass
Designed by award-winning architecture and design firm, Saota, the private compound is perched on a promontory high above the city — opening up to unobstructed, 360-degree views of Los Angeles.
Set on a 1.15-acre lot, the swanky crib offers nine bedrooms and fourteen baths spread across 20,841 square feet.
Some of the luxury amenities include an infinity pool with a secluded cabana and pool-side sunken fire pit, three separate staff quarters, and a one-bedroom guest house with a separate, private pool.
Photo credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of Compass
This magnificent manse was owned by George Ruan, co-founder of online coupon-clipping company Honey (now part of Paypal).
The Razor House in San Diego, the real-life Iron Man house
The one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece known as The Razor House was designed in 2007 by San Diego-based architect Wallace E. Cunningham.
Photo credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
The striking concrete and glass mansion — dubbed ‘the Iron Man house’ due to its resemblance to Tony Stark’s mansion in the famous Marvel movie — is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Offering endless concrete terraces, the stunning estate has mesmerizing views of surrounding hills and the ocean below.
Photo credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Featuring several outdoor lounge areas, the luxurious three-story home comes with six bedrooms and six baths, with nearly every room opening up to jaw-dropping views.
In 2019, Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz bought The Razor House in a $20.8 million deal.
Villa Vella, one of Europe’s finest contemporary homes
Spanish dream house, anyone?
Dubbed Villa Vela, this sprawling 23,476-square-foot property is located in the sun-bathed province of Andalusia, Spain.
Photo credit: The Agency
Sitting behind its own gates, at the end of a sweeping driveway, Villa Vela offers a total of six bedrooms and six baths.
The posh property has been designed to be free-flowing and, as such, has an open plan, including floor-to-ceiling retracting windows that open directly onto a terrace that stretches from one end of the house to the other.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
Not to mention, each of the suites has its own outdoor space, and they also all connect directly to the vast upper terrace, its lawn, garden, and dining area, and benefit from breathtaking views.
A futuristic, yacht-shaped mansion perched high atop the Los Angeles hills
This 17,000-square-foot modern residential oasis in the upscale LA neighborhood of Brentwood is redefining luxury living.
Photo credit: The Agency
Southern California-based architectural firm de Loren & Associates purposefully designed the building by superior wellness standards, without sacrificing on design but rather adding to it.
Inspired by the clean lines and interior spatial layouts of yachts paired with the motion of the sea, the curving exterior facades are reminiscent of ocean waves, wind, and clouds that make not only for an exhilarating lifestyle but also appealing to the eye.
The modern mansion boasts seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and three powder rooms across three levels.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
Featuring a massive list of upscale amenities, the beautiful Brentwood home offers a 610-bottle wine cellar, commercial speed glass elevator, movie theater, state-of-the-art gym, a 300 sq. ft. green wall, and a lower-level entertainment area with a full bar, pool table and more.
And there’s plenty of room for Stormi and Wolf to explore! Turns out, this luxurious residence is owned by none other than rapper Travis Scott.
A newly-built Encino mansion with bright, airy, and warm interiors
We can’t get enough of this amenity-rich mansion with modern interiors and a killer guest house.
Photo credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury Level
The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom Encino home offers 9,081 square feet of living space enclosed within a private, gated estate with surrounding landscape.
The stunning estate is a beautiful example of modern California living, with picture-perfect interiors, exquisite finishes, jetliner views, and plenty of attractive amenities.
Featuring warm wood tones, the large windows and Fleetwood doors open up to unobstructed views and plenty of natural light.
Photo credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury Level
The carefully thought-out finishes give the home a modern vibe that extends into the bedrooms as well. The second level of this luxury Encino home has four bedrooms, including the master suite, which walks out to a 1,200-square-foot balcony with a fire table.
Naturally, this wonderful modern manse caught the eye of a famous buyer; it’s now owned by Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband Justin Mikita.
A modern 4-story house facing one of the most beautiful coastal shorelines in all of California
We love this modern mansion set in the most desirable area of Manhattan Beach, The Strand, an oceanfront neighborhood lined with modern-looking mansions that typically sell in the $5 million to $15 million range.
Photo credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties Group
Spanning 6,978 square feet of modern living space, the home offers six bedrooms and eight baths.
Designed by renowned L.A. studio KAA Design, this four-story home was envisioned around life, in all its texture, at the beach.
Rather than cluster sleeping areas on a single floor, they’re strategically spaced across the four levels, with the third floor being home to a primary suite with a private office that’s luxuriously sequestered in the style of a penthouse.
Photo credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties Group
The private elevator takes residents and guests down to the beach room, which is level with the Strand itself, and lounge on the patio, front row to a peaceful scene of sea, sand, and sky.
Read more about this beautiful modern mansion here.
A $70M contemporary marvel that reimagines luxury living for the 21st century
Located in the coveted Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, this modern mansion is what happens when a star-studded team consisting of award-winning architect Noah Walker, AD 100 interior designer, Jamie Bush, and renowned landscape designer, Christine London LTD comes together.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
Spanning 19,000 square feet, this beautiful abode is set on a sprawling four-acre lot and offers six bedrooms and 12 bathrooms alongside many recreation rooms.
The plush property has 270-degree views of the city, ocean, and canyon, and a long list of amenities that include a theater room — with acoustical wall paneling and a commercial cinema-quality projection system — a gym with a steam room, a 75-foot indoor lap pool, outdoor architectural pool and dual offices.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
We first covered this luxurious contemporary home when it first came to market last year with an ambitious asking price of $70 million.
Just a few months later, it was purchased by music mogul Scooter Braun (better known as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande’s manager, and Taylor Swift‘s manager-turned-foe) for $65 million.
The Ora House in San Diego, where contemporary architecture meets serene living
In the hilly, seaside neighborhood of La Jolla in San Diego, a modern cliffside mansion has all the dream house vibes.
Street view of the property. Photo credit: Blue Heron
Built by Blue Heron’s BH Elite custom home division, the Ora House, as the property has been named, is a true architectural marvel.
The stellar design team incorporated the same innovative biophilic design and advanced Savant technology used in Blue Heron’s flagship home, VM001 in Las Vegas, to “enhance the flow of life while creating an overall sense of peace and natural wellbeing.”
The cliffside estate is set in La Jolla’s exclusive Bird Rock Waterfront enclave and totals 8,878 square feet of living space.
Photo credit: Blue HeronPhoto credit: Blue HeronPhoto credit: Blue Heron
The architectural marvel has five bedrooms and eight baths across its four levels, with each level embracing the outdoors with spaces tailored for both entertaining and private moments.
A striking celebrity compound with a modern heptagon-shaped house
Check out this contemporary compound in La Crescenta, Calif.
Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass
Designed by AD100 architect Michael Maltzan, this dramatic, heptagon-shaped house has spaceship vibes, is surrounded by seven exterior walls (some made out of glass), and is anchored by an open-air courtyard that sits right at the center.
Nearly all the rooms of the house come with sliding floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to either the serene courtyard or beautiful mountain and city skyline views.
Some of the stand-out features of the modern mansion include a primary suite with an entire wall of glass that opens up to a generously sized balcony and a particularly unique bathroom with a blue curved penny-tiled wall surrounding the shower.
Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass
This unique home was owned by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Michael Peter Balzary, known professionally as Flea.
A $25 million Napa Valley glass house with killer views
Surrounded by over 40 acres of lush grounds set amidst California’s world-class wine country, this striking architectural home goes by the name of Karinya.
The highly suitable moniker originates from the Australian aboriginal culture and is simply translated as “peaceful home.”
Image credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell Banker
Built in 2017, the stunning estate is nestled in the small community of Deer Park right next to St. Helena in Napa County.
Spanning 8,837 square feet, the impressive residence was built with natural materials, a deep connection to the valley’s views, and a design that boasts both beauty and luxury.
Not a detail is spared at Karinya, with many luxurious features such as endless walls of glass, a 2,000-bottle wine room, and an acoustically-designed media/ theater room.
Image credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell Banker
Fitting a modern dream house, it also comes with a detailed smart home system with mobile phone control access that controls the music, air conditioning, security and programmable LED recessed lighting in 11 separate zones and a fire sprinkler system.
See more of this lovely Napa Valley home here.
A modern mansion that was once featured in the Oscar-winning “La La Land” movie
Set in the popular Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, this modern mansion offers an impressive cutting-edge design.
Photo credit: Compass
The six-bedroom home wows with its soaring ceilings and walls of glass that bring the outdoors in.
Complete with an infinity pool and spa (with a cascading waterfall) and a nifty pool/guest house with a sundeck for outdoor entertainment, the home is peppered with outdoor spots to relax and enjoy the lovely Cali weather.
In case you’re getting a strong sense of deja vu, this beautiful home was featured in the popular film, La La Land.
As the story goes, Mia (played by Emma Stone) and her friends attend a lavish party hoping to meet influential people in the business and finally get their lucky break.
You guessed it, this memorable movie scene was filmed at this gorgeous Los Angeles estate.
A celebrity chef’s former home with a massive kitchen anchored by a 24-foot stone island
Located in the coveted Via Bluffs enclave of Pacific Palisades, this modern mansion spans 6,500 square feet of luxurious living.
Photo credit: credit: Smith Cho / Compass
Offering massive sliding windows that open up to beautiful views of Potrero Canyon and beyond, the sumptuous five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is filled with natural light streaming in from the surrounding floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors, while the skylights pour even more light onto the main and top floors.
The Pacific Palisades property also flaunts features like a dual-faced fireplace, a nearly 24-foot kitchen island, and a distinct living room that’s pouring out onto the outside deck overlooking the pool.
A large open-layout living area is anchored by an impressive dream kitchen.
Photo credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / Compass
This beautiful home was once owned by celebrity chef, Everyday Italian, and Giada At Home star Giada de Laurentiis.
A beautiful modern mansion tucked in the Hollywood Hills
Built in 2019, this Marc Whipple-designed home is a true Hollywood gem.
Located on the glamorous Sunset Strip, in the Hollywood Hills West neighborhood of Los Angeles, this home oozes that clean-lined modernist approach, while still offering warmth and comfort.
Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom Hunter
The posh property incorporates five bedrooms, six bathrooms, as well as two half-bathrooms, all with breathtaking views spreading from the Hollywood sign right to the Pacific Ocean.
The main entrance offers an open-concept kitchen and three terraces that total 5,000 additional square feet of outdoor living space.
And, the middle level features a second living room and a luxurious ‘floating glass box’ master suite.
Photo credit: Tom Hunter Photography.Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom HunterPhoto credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom HunterPhoto credit: Tom Hunter Photography.Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom Hunter
All the bedrooms offer easy access to the infinity pool, which provides stunning views of the surroundings and a perfect setting to enjoy summer nights and sunsets in complete privacy.
A Malibu gem that’s often rented to high-profile celebrities
This Malibu celeb magnet is the epitome of indoor-outdoor Cali living, featuring large glass walls that seamlessly blend the interior with the grounds.
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2,100-square-foot Malibu mansion is every bit the modern gem.
Photo credit: Hagai Aharon
It’s the perfect property for entertaining, as it includes an infinity pool with fabulous ocean views, a spa, and a fire pit.
The entertainment continues inside, as the house includes not one, but three indoor fireplaces, as well as a media room, making sure you stay entertained throughout the entire year.
Amenities include everything you could possibly need, from in-unit laundry and air conditioning to five parking spaces, an outdoor patio, and a cabana.
The house not only rents out to celebrities such as Matthew Perry, Cardi B, and Taraji P. Henson, but it’s also owned by one.
Betty Moon, a celebrated Los Angeles musician, songwriter and producer, currently owns the plush property which she recently renovated before listing it for rent.
An impeccably designed modern mansion that embraces indoor-outdoor living
Located in the upscale neighborhood Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, this three-story home was designed and built by renowned developer/designer duo David and Eliana Rokach.
Photo credit: The Agency
This multi-million dollar mansion offers a sprawling 13,543 square feet of modern living space and packs nine bedrooms and twelve bathrooms.
Boasting unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Canyon, the stunning estate offers an open-concept living/dining room finished in a chic, contemporary style.
The living room features custom-made electronic sliding steel doors that open to a beautiful outdoor area, which features a barbecue area, a grassy backyard, and an infinity-edge swimming pool opening up to views for miles.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
A modern hillside lair with canyon views
Situated in Los Angeles’ coveted Brentwood neighborhood, this hillside lair with expansive living spaces, eco-friendly details, and ultra-high-end finishes gives us serious dream house goals.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass
The main entrance features a Japanese-imported Yakisugi front door and bonsai adorned atrium that leads to the open-concept living space.
Here, a chic palette of luxurious stone and reflective glass is accented by unique designer details, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light throughout the day.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass
Offering sweeping views of the canyon, the four-bedroom home comes equipped with the latest technology for entertainment, comfort, and sustainability.
This includes a full automation system, Lutron Solar System lighting, home theater and surround sound from Bang & Olufsen, a home gym, and much more.
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If you happen to be on the market for your first, second, or even third home, and are not too keen on taking out a 30-year house mortgage from a bank, then a prefabricated home may be a good option for you.
Actually, an article on How Stuff Works pointed out that prefab homes have been a great housing on a budget strategy since the early 1900s, costing on average 20-40% less than traditional stick-built, architect designed homes.
What are prefab homes?
Essentially, prefab housing is a system where a house is pre-manufactured in parts off-site (usually in a factory) and then delivered, also in parts, on a building site to be put together by a handful of people, skilled in building a home.
Imagine getting a box from Ikea and getting ready to assemble a book cabinet or a table, only this one will have thousands more building pieces — and considerably heavier and more complex. But that’s still a house in a box!
In addition to their affordability, energy efficiency and speedy construction, prefab homes have also been adapted over the years to meet the architectural designs of more current times.
Prefab home manufacturers constantly implement the latest innovations into their designs for that high-end, updated, modern look within a sustainable, purposeful living space and all around zen.
Photo by Evan Leith on Unsplash
So how much does a modern prefab cost?
According to the guys at Stillwater Dwelling, the average total project price for prefab homes range from $350 to $450/sq. foot.
This is a national average. Needless to say, the site conditions (location, topography, soil conditions, etc.) and choice of finish will impact the total project cost.
There are wide options of finishes depending on your personal taste and how much you are willing to invest in a place you will soon call your home.
For a better understanding of the costs you’d be looking at, Tough Nickel has listed a few sample prefab homes and unit prices, ranging from $75,000 as one of the cheapest to $566,000 as some of the priciest.
The biggest con amidst all these pros however is that you have to own the land you build your prefab house on. This means on top of the price of your home kit, you will have to buy the land.
The cost of getting the land home-ready, e.g. power and water installation, are also at your expense.
Photo by Kristin Ellis on Unsplash
Other costs you should factor in
According to SmartAsset, you would most likely need to shoulder cost for inspections, permits and soil testing on the land. This can all easily add up and therefore needs to be factored in beforehand. Like everything else in life, good planning can make a world of a difference.
Overall, building a modern prefabricated home is no doubt a cost-effective way to put a permanent roof over your head.
You just have to take your time and do your research, discuss your ideas extensively with every manufacturer you are considering, and take full charge of the construction of your own home. Happy building!
Learn more about prefab homes
* Please note that this section contains affiliate links and we might receive a small commission if you make a purchase by clicking on these links *
Here is some recommended reading and great inspiration if you are considering getting a prefabricated home. We curated this list of helpful resources to give you access to more comprehensive information on the costs of building a prefabricated home, best practices and tips to make it as energy efficient as possible. Please note that the following affiliate links might earns us a commission if you buy any of the guides or illustrated books.
Prefabulous and Sustainable: Building and Customizing an Affordable, Energy-Efficient Home Tiny House Designing, Building, & Living (Idiot’s Guides) Prefabulous + Almost Off the Grid: Your Path to Building an Energy-Independent Home And if you just want to look at gorgeous prefabricated homes, make sure to grab this for your coffee table: Prefabulous Small Houses – Hardcover
If you’re not familiar with John Lautner’s iconic Beverly Crest mansion, or with the estate’s flamboyant owner, then you’re definitely missing out. This 1963-built mansion is an architectural gem and one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets.
The Sheats Goldstein residence: John Lautner’s organic architecture dream
The 4,500-square-foot Sheats-Goldstein residence was designed by John Lautner (one of the most noteworthy American architects of the twentieth century) and built between 1961 and 1963, in Los Angeles’ Beverly Crest neighborhood.
The concrete-and-wood house was built into the sandstone ledge of a hill, and it’s a testament to the connection between man and nature.
Each space is open and offers stunning views of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, with glass walls throughout that serve to blend the indoors with the outdoors.
View from the bedroom of the Sheats-Goldstein residence in Los Angeles, California. Photo credit: Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
John Lautner designed the American Organic Architecture house for Helen and Paul Sheats and their three children. After going through a couple of different owners, it was acquired by James F. Goldstein, a businessman, real estate investor, and fashion designer, in 1972.
At the time, the house had fallen into disrepair and was in dire need of a makeover, so Goldstein reached out to Lautner to help bring the residence back to its former glory.
SEE ALSO: 18 modern mansions that redefine house goals
What emerged was a two-decades-long partnership to remodel the house, which ended when John Lautner passed away in 1994. However, Goldstein never stopped tweaking and upgrading his Beverly Crest dwelling, even adding a nightclub to the list of amenities.
The James Goldstein house turned museum in 2016
The Sheats-Goldstein Residence, as the property is now known, still maintains all the original designs and touches that John Lautner carefully created.
Living room of the Sheats-Goldstein residence, Los Angeles, California. Architect John Lautner reportedly added the glass walls to the living room at owner Jimmy Goldstein’s request. Photo credit: Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
His work is not limited to just the architecture of the house; Lautner also designed the interiors, the windows, lighting systems, all the furniture, the rugs, and other details.
James Goldstein worked with the designer for years to ensure every little detail was in tune with the overall theme of ‘organic’ architecture.
The result is a house so unique, so carefully crafted and fresh, that Goldstein wants everyone to be able to tour it and be inspired by it.
That’s why, in 2016, he decided that he would donate the house, with everything in it, to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Kitchen of the Sheats-Goldstein residence, featured in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. Photo credit: Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
James Goldstein entrusted the home, its surrounding estate, as well as a 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and his eclectic wardrobe to the museum. This way, his and Lautner’s legacy will continue to inspire and attract curious minds and aspiring architects and designers. And let’s not forget about the celebrities.
Why Jimmy Goldstein’s house is Hollywood’s best-kept secret
The James Goldstein house, besides serving as home to the elusive businessman, has also been used by various showbiz producers and directors.
If you thought the house seemed familiar, you might have seen it in The Big Lebowski, as the home of porn merchant Jackie Treehorn, or in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, where it played the part of Alex’s house (Lucy Liu).
The house has also served as a setting for fashion ads and commercials, glamorous events, and, well, porn flicks. James Goldstein has always kept an open mind, apparently.
Then there’s the nightclub. Dubbed Club James, for obvious reasons, the venue was Goldstein’s idea, to keep Hollywood parties out of his house, but still close by.
Club James inside the Sheats-Goldstein Residence in Los Angeles. Photo credit: Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Exclusive parties and events are held at Club James round the clock; Rihanna celebrated her 27th birthday party here, with Jay Z, Mick Jagger, and Leo DiCaprio in attendance. Needless to say, Goldstein wants the good times to keep rolling at Club James even after he’s gone.
Movies filmed at the Sheats-Goldstein residence
James Goldstein’s unique house is one of the most popular filming locations in Los Angeles, for obvious reasons. There’s just no other place quite like it, and its intricate design and stunning architecture draw celebrities like a magnet.
Various Hollywood movies and TV shows were filmed at the Sheats-Goldstein residence, including the now-iconic The Big Lebowski.
It’s by far the most recognizable house featured in the movie, set up as the home of adult film producer Jackie Treehorn, which earned Jimmy Goldstein’s house the moniker of ‘the Big Lebowski house’.
Scene from The Big Lebowski showing Jeff ‘The Dude’ Lebowski inside Jackie Treehorn’s house (The Sheats-Goldstein Residence).
The other striking property in the movie is Lebowski’s opulent mansion, which is actually another popular filming location, namely the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. This is where movies like The Social Network, Eraserhead, The Witches of Eastwick, The Prestige, and X-Men were filmed.
But while the Sheats-Goldstein residence is known by many as Jackie Treehorn’s house or the Big Lebowski house, it’s been featured in quite a long list of other movies, including Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003), Star Time (1992), and Bandits (2001, starring Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, and Cate Blanchett).
It was also featured in music videos, including Doja Cat’s Say So, Nelly’s The Fix, Babyface’s We’ve Got Love, and Snoop Dogg & Pharell’s Let’s Get Blown.
SEE ALSO: Casa Loma in Toronto, another Hollywood favorite
The house is so impressive that in 2021, Kanye West aka Ye enlisted James Goldstein to help him design and spruce up his newly-purchased Malibu mansion.
The rapper was reportedly impressed and fascinated with the architecture of the Sheats-Goldstein house, and wanted to do something similar with his $57 million new home.
Unfortunately, those plans were put on hold, according to The Sun, after the star lost billions due to some very controversial remarks.
In the meantime, the residence is available for rent for photoshoots, and we’re willing to bet we’ll be seeing more of it in upcoming movies, TV shows, and music videos.
Decoding the mystery: Who is James Goldstein?
If you’re wondering, who the hell is this James Goldstein and why haven’t I heard of him before, unfortunately we don’t know a whole lot about him either.
Despite his flamboyant style and constant public appearances (he’s an avid NBA fan and attends as many matches as he possibly can), James Goldstein still remains somewhat of a mystery.
James ‘Jimmy’ Goldstein attends the Playboy App Kick Off Launch Celebrating Eugenia Kuzmina at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, in Los Angeles, on August 18, 2022. Photo credit: Eugene Powers / Shutterstock.com
We know he grew up in Milwaukee and then moved to California to attend Stanford University, after which he got into real estate and started investing heavily in developing Century City in L.A. He’s always been into fashion, constantly in the front row at glamorous fashion shows, and he even has his own fashion line.
Back in the day, he’s also said to have had an affair with American actress, singer, and Playboy Playmate Jayne Mansfield, who was married to someone else at the time. Still, he never married, and he has no children, which is why the decision to donate his unique home to LACMA came naturally.
This is the first-ever architecture donation made to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and it’s surely one that will continue to inspire young architects, interior designers, and art and fashion aficionados for many years to come.
For now, James Goldstein is living his best, most glamorous life up in his hillside mansion overlooking the City of Angels.
What’s more, James Goldstein’s net worth is reportedly around $350 million – not a bad way to live life in your 80s, is it?
If you want to see more, take a virtual tour of the residence with Goldstein himself below:
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All image credit goes to James Goldstein.com
Frequently asked questions
Who lives in the Sheats Goldstein residence?
Businessman James Goldstein has been the sole owner of the Sheats-Goldstein house since he purchased it in 1972. He continues to spend time at the residence, but also often rents it out for photoshoots or as filming location for Hollywood movies or TV shows.
Where is the Goldstein residence?
The Sheats-Goldstein house is located in the Beverly Crest neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, just up the hill from the Beverly Hills city limit. Due to its location, the house offers amazing views of the city, but is also very secluded.
How much is the Goldstein house?
The James Goldstein house was in a state of disrepair when the businessman purchased it in 1972 for $185,001. Nowadays, the property is reportedly worth roughly $75 million or more.
Can you visit the Sheats-Goldstein residence?
Unfortunately, the Sheats-Goldstein house is a private property, so it’s not open to the public. But, you can rent it out for photoshoots.
Where is the Jackie Treehorn house?
The Jackie Treehorn house from The Big Lebowski is, in fact, the Sheats-Goldstein residence, owned by elusive businessman James Goldstein. It’s located in L.A.’s Beverly Crest neighborhood and it’s a private property.
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A 15-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer, not to mention best-selling author, entrepreneur and The Voice judge, Alicia Keys is a trailblazer.
With a thriving career that spans more than two decades, the Empire State of Mind singer is one of the biggest names in the music industry. And her personal life is equally full of achievements.
Back in 2010, she married record producer/rapper Swizz Beatz (by his real name, Kasseem Daoud Dean), and the two welcomed two children to the family: Egypt Daoud and Genesis Ali Dean.
So it only makes sense that this exceptional artist lives in a house that’s just as impressive as her neverending list of trophies and awards.
Alicia Keys’ house in La Jolla, California. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
In 2019, Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz paid $20.8 million for a striking cliffside mansion in San Diego’s upscale La Jolla neighborhood.
The high-profile purchase even made its way to our TV screens, as part of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listings LA show, which brought the already-famous property back into the spotlight.
The one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece — widely known as The Razor House — has been getting people talking since it was first designed in 2007 by San Diego-based architect Wallace E. Cunningham.
The imposing concrete and glass mansion is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
And while many have been dubbing it ‘the Iron Man house’ due to its resemblance to Tony Stark’s house, it may be time for a new nickname that suits its famous owners better.
Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, the famous owners of the Razor House. Image credit: Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A closer look at Alicia Keys’ house, an architectural marvel overlooking the ocean
The modern cliffside mansion was designed by AD100 architect Wallace E. Cunningham, most famous for his striking residential projects, which he likens to sculptures.
More specifically, as the architect himself put it, he designs “one-of-a-kind sculptures for people to live in.”
SEE ALSO: Drake’s House in Toronto, the Star of his ‘Toosie Slide’ Video, Is Peak Luxury
And that couldn’t be more true for some of his iconic residential projects: the Harmony House and the Wing House in Rancho Santa Fe, and the architecturally distinct Razor House that Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz now call home.
Alicia Keys’ house in La Jolla, CA, known as The Razor House. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the concrete and glass structure has long been rumored to be the real-life version of Tony Stark‘s futuristic mansion.
But the home has never made an appearance in any blockbuster movie.
View from the Razor House at sunset. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
It was, however, used for a VISA Black commercial and a luxurious Calvin Klein ad, but that’s pretty much all the screen time the mansion got.
That’s a shame because the house itself is worthy of the biggest screens on earth.
Nearly every wall in the residence is glass, while the floors are mostly hewn from travertine stone. An extra-long infinity pool (one of many) juts out over the cliff’s edge, turning swimming into the stuff dreams are made off.
Front-facing view of Alicia Keys’ home. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys’ house has endless concrete terraces that make the most out of the mesmerizing views of surrounding hills and the ocean below.
The three-story home comes with 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths, with nearly every room opening up to stunning views.
SEE ALSO: Lizzo’s house in Los Angeles, a $15M luxe ‘treehouse’ with a celebrity past
Inside Alicia Keys’ house. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency Bedroom with ocean views inside Alicia Keys’ house. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Fashioned with a state-of-the-art kitchen and giant round living room anchored by a fireplace, Alicia and her music producer husband, Swizz Beatz, have everything they need to unwind with their sons, Egypt and Genesis, including several outdoor lounge areas.
Inside Alicia Keys’ house, La Jolla, CA. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
SEE ALSO: Where does Adele live? A look at the $58M ‘house that Rocky built’
Inside Alicia Keys’ house, La Jolla, CA. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Among its most notable amenities, the Razor House lists: an extensive fitness space, two steam rooms, a den, a theater, and a library with a custom-made Ralph Lauren pool table.
Inside Alicia Keys’ house, La Jolla, CA. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
The Razor House was initially listed for $30 million
Initially listed for sale in 2018 for $30 million, La Jolla’s most famous home took a little over a year to make a buyer fall in love with it up to the point of committing enough to put a ring around…. those house keys.
The Razor House in La Jolla, CA. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
But when it did, it nabbed more than just a nice selling price and some very famous new owners.
Putting an end to the property’s year-long run on the market, Alicia and her powerhouse music producer husband Kasseem Dean, better known as Swizz Beatz, purchased the Razor House for a cool $20.8 million.
The $20M+ selling price (despite being a considerable drop from the initial asking) made it one of the most expensive homes sold in La Jolla, California in 2019 — proving once again that whatever Alicia Keys does, she does in style and ready to set new records!
Neither Alicia Keys nor Swizz Beatz (who has produced hit singles for the likes of Kanye West, Jay-Z and Beyoncé) had any connection to La Jolla or the larger San Diego area when they bought the home, leading people to speculate that the iconic residence will serve as a vacation home for the couple.
But a tour given to Architectural Digest in late 2021 proved them wrong.
Not only do Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz live in the Razor House, but they’ve turned it into an elegant, art-filled, inviting home. Take the tour:
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The history of the Razor House before it became Alicia Keys’ home
According to the San Diego Reader, the futuristic structure was named after the land it sits on, a three-quarter-acre lot near Razor Point.
Created for original owner Don Cooksey (a software designer and entrepreneur who later filed for bankruptcy) many architects initially backed away from the ambitious project, calling it “rebuildable”.
That’s until Cooksey approached Wallace E. Cunningham, who bought the modernist gem to life — and built the dramatic estate to match the breathtaking landscape that surrounds it.
By 2011, following the financial hardships of its initial owner, The Razor House ended up in bankruptcy sale.
The Razor House in La Jolla, CA. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
According to Realtor.com, Donald Burns, a Florida-based telecom entrepreneur and inventor of the magicJack — a device that allows you to make calls from your computer — purchased the property as a second home at the 2011 bankruptcy sale.
Burns paid $14,097,000 for the home and invested heavily in the property.
“He made a lot of upgrades to it,” Matt Altman, one of the property’s listing agents and star of reality TV show Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles said.
“He updated to the next level. He wasn’t doing this to make money; he was doing this to make a nice home. He did a significant amount of work on this house.”
The entire home is automated and optimized for iPad control of everything from audio and visual systems to motorized window coverings and control of the home’s radiant floor heating, air conditioning.
There’s also a backup generator to ensure power never goes down, and an entire computer room is dedicated to housing the home’s automation control systems. So basically, The Razor House may not be Iron Man’s house, but it does comes with its own Jarvis.
*This article was first published in September, 2019, reporting on the famous couple’s purchase of the home. It has since been updated for timeliness and accuracy.
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