Self-taught architect and surfer Harry Gesner‘s Malibu, CA, estate is available for the first time, for $27.5 million.
Built by hand in 1974, the six-bedroom home comes with 122 feet of beach frontage. The circular, wood-and-glass structure was designed to capture Pacific Ocean views from every room.
“Sandcastle,” as Gesner’s family home is known, is situated next to his most famous creation, the Wave House—built for his friend Gerry Cooper.
Inspired by the sandcastle his son built on the beach, Gesner’s groundbreaking design quickly became a Malibu icon.
“The most famous of my father’s work is the iconic Cooper Wave House next door to our Sandcastle,” Zen Gesner tells us in a recent phone interview. “He designed it in the late 1950s while sitting offshore of the lot, on his balsa longboard, with a grease pen. Once he had sketched it out on the board, he paddled in and transferred it to paper, and brought it to life.”
Zen says his father “had a vision of building something that would blend in with the environment, the coastline, and surf, and it would evolve through the years.”
Harry died in 2022 at the age of 97.
Sandcastle’s spectacular living area boasts a wood-beamed ceiling, walls of windows, and an enormous brick fireplace with a polished concrete hearth that Harry built as a stage for his wife, actress Nan Martin.
‘Before his time’
“I have always had an incredible respect for his originality,” Zen says about his father’s unconventional approach to architecture. “His early move into environmental architecture and design, as well as the use of recycled building materials, was decades before its time.”
The cylindrical kitchen wraps around a circular island and boasts stained-glass lunettes in the overhead beams, along with a cozy fireplace and breakfast bar.
There are two en suite bedrooms on the first floor. Upstairs, the primary suite features a soaring ceiling, beams, eyebrow windows, and a brick fireplace.
Sandcastle is built on a little cove, 4 miles north of Trancas Canyon.
“It was a magical place with no straight lines—mostly circles, multiple levels, and outer structures, winding upward like a treehouse,” Zen says.
Made with reclaimed materials
The home was built from materials Harry salvaged and repurposed to spectacular effect: wall panels made from aqueduct pipes, maple wood rescued from an old high-school gym, old-growth redwood harvested in the 1800s, and windows and doors saved from one of Hollywood’s silent film theaters.
“My father built our family house almost entirely out of reclaimed materials that had lived a prior life somewhere else,” Zen says. “He preferred to use the reclaimed wood in his houses, because it had a soul to it and would sometimes be of a better quality than any new lumber that you could buy at the lumber yard. These practices influenced the way I look at everything. Waste not, recycle, and reuse when able.”
A solarium with stained-glass panels, a wraparound deck, and a covered terrace offer unmatched sunset views.
The 1-acre property includes a treehouse apartment with ocean views, a one-bedroom boathouse, and an apartment “nest” above an indoor-outdoor cabana.
Zen recalls visiting job sites with his dad and says his best memories involve checking out a client’s piece of land for the first time. Gesner says he has photos of his father sketching out his initial impressions.
“He’d bring a chair and sit alone on the property for hours, taking note of everything there—the way the sun rose and set each day, the direction the prevailing wind would blow from, the wildlife that would wander through, any large trees or boulders that he could incorporate into the eventual design of the house, how to make the house feel organically born and rooted at that location,” Zen reminisces.
Society’s obsession with celebrities is big biz! And when it comes to cashing in on it, paparazzi moguls François and Brandy Navarre are laughing all the way to the bank.
The couple just listed a palatial property in the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades and they’re hoping to cash in $12,225,000 from their latest real estate venture.
Just the latest in a long streak of million dollar homes they bought (and later sold at a profit), François and Brandy Navarre’s house is listed with Zac Mostame and Santiago Arana of The Agency and Andreas Elsenhans of Westside Estate Agency.
From king & queen of the paparazzi to prolific real estate investors
Celebrity photos are a hot commodity. Whether an A-lister is caught canoodling with a beau, dropping their kids off at school, or simply out and about doing everyday errands, there’s big bucks in celebrity photos — which are taken by photographers dubbed ‘the paparazzi’.
Just ask François and Brandy Navarre, paparazzi moguls and real estate developers who are testament to the multi-million dollar industry of paparazzi pics.
The couple are co-founders and owners of the most successful celebrity gossip and paparazzi agency in Hollywood: X17.
Known for their aggressive tactics, hiding drones and long zoom lenses in pursuit of the perfect pic, the Navarres have built their dynasty off famous folks doing their ‘regular’ routines of getting groceries, exercising in their neighborhoods and going on the school run with their kids.
Of course, with great success comes great responsibility. Last year, X17 was sued by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle over unauthorized images of their son Archie. Jennifer Aniston also sued the couple over topless photos taken outside her Malibu home.
And many other celebrities — such as Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Halle Berry, Britney Spears and Jennifer Garner, to name a few — have been outspoken about the invasive and unsafe elements of having to deal with the paparazzi on a daily basis.
Like it or not, society’s obsession with celebrities is a money-making industry and the Navarres have profited in a big way — becoming as wealthy as their A-list clientele.
And as it turns out, their profitable paparazzi dynasty has afforded them some luxurious digs in the competitive Los Angeles real estate market.
A look at the Navarres’ past real estate ventures
According to Dirt, in 2021 the Navarres sold an 8,500-square foot estate in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades for $13.7 million.
And in 2005, they purchased a Pacific Palisades home for $5 million, which was located next door to Conan O’Brien’s estate, which they later listed for sale asking $15.9 million.
The former paparazzi couple also bought a beach house in 2000 for $1.7 million. The Malibu home has been for sale and for rent since 2016, with a listed price of $7.5 million and a summer rental rate at $45,000 per month.
Their latest home in Pacific Palisades has just hit the market
And now, the Navarres have listed another property for $12.225 million.
Located in their seemingly favorite upscale neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, the stunning estate is overlooking the Riviera surrounded by serene greenery and landscapes.
The midcentury modern home features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and a detached guest house.
Boasting an open floor plan and living area with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams, the luxurious Los Angeles home has jaw-dropping ocean views amid its 5,500-square feet.
The outdoor amenities include a pool, patio and plenty of gorgeous greenery to soak up the sweet California sunshine.
The plush property is listed by Zac Mostame and Santiago Arana of The Agency and Andreas Elsenhans of Westside Estate Agency.
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My wife and I just got back from Turks and Caicos, which is an incredibly beautiful island in the Caribbean. While there, we were tempted to buy a vacation rental. It seems like every time we go on vacation we think about buying a vacation house, but this time we gave it more thought. Turks and Caicos was the favorite place we have ever been too and the prices were relatively affordable.
We thought about buying a vacation house because we loved the island and plan to go back again and again. At first, buying a vacation rental appears to be a wise decision if you visit the same destination enough. The plan would be to buy a house or condo on the beach, stay there a few times a year and rent out the place when we are not staying there. But when you look at the pros and cons of vacation homes from an investing perspective, we were reminded why it is not always a wise financial decision. The expenses are extraordinarily high on vacation rentals and are you really saving money when you stay there on vacation?
Why was Turks and Caicos so amazing?
Before I get started with an analysis of vacation houses, I want to discuss Turk’s and Caicos. TCI, as it is called locally, is a chain of islands in the Caribbean between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. We choose to vacation there, because the water looked crystal clear and had that amazing blue-green color my wife and I love. We have been to Mexico, St Martin, Dominican Republic, and taken a cruise to a few more destinations in the Caribbean. We enjoyed those destinations, but we heard TCI was better, had fewer people and was worth the extra money (it is expensive). We were not disappointed in Turks and Caicos as the water was gorgeous, the beaches were soft white sand and there was a reef right outside our resort that we snorkeled at every day. We saw a giant ray, sea turtles, many tropical fish, a large barracuda, corals and much more.
The island is not as busy as many other places we have visited and everyone was very friendly. My wife also has many food allergies including gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, and the grocery stores were extremely well stocked in allergy-friendly and organic food. There are 40 islands in the country, most of them uninhabited with the same perfect water and beaches. The main island, Providenciales was expensive as most are but was well worth it.
What are the pros and cons of vacation homes?
We enjoyed the island so much, that we looked at buying a vacation house or condo there. The prices actually seemed somewhat affordable for oceanfront property compared to other places we have been like Florida. We stayed at the Coral Gardens and although there is a rather ugly half-finished resort next to it, it was a lovely resort.
The resort next door (The Toscana) was supposed to be a high-end Italian style resort that was started in 2008. The island was hit very hard economically in 2008 thanks to two hurricanes and the global economic meltdown. The building of the Toscana stopped dead in 2008 and the site has been an eyesore ever since, although I found it fascinating. It turns out the original company that started construction ran out of money and went under after taking many deposits for the complex from future owners. The bank that took it over tried to auction the property off multiple times without success, but recently the owners of the penthouses got together and have agreed to finish the project themselves.
Staying on the island is very expensive and our one-bedroom condo goes for $400 to $500 a night. It had direct ocean views, a balcony, two baths, and a full kitchen. You can buy similar condos in the same building we were in for under $400,000. On the surface that looks like a great return on your money. Buy a place for $400,000 and rent it for $12,000 a month. That blows the 2 percent rule out of the water and is a lot higher rent to value ratio than I get on my 13 rental properties. The properties I buy in Colorado rent for $1,200 to $1,500 and I bought them from $80,000 to $135,000.
Can you make money?
One reason I was intrigued by Turks and Caicos real estate is the rent to value ratios. We stayed in Florida on the gulf coast a couple of times in the last few years. On our last trip, we paid $2,400 for a week in a three-bedroom, oceanfront house. That house was recently for sale for 1.6 million dollars and I guessed it was worth $1.5 million. The rent was less on the beach house in Florida, but the value was over three times as much as the Turks and Caicos condo.
The problem with vacation rentals is the cost to manage and maintain them. I pay 8 percent of my rents to have my rental properties managed by a property manager. The cost for a property manager on vacation rentals is 30 to 50 percent of the rents! The management fees on the Coral Gardens units that we looked at were 40 percent.
There will also be many more vacancies on short-term rentals than on long-term rentals. There are also high and low seasons for vacation rentals and you can’t expect to see peak income year-round. The total income for 2014 on one unit in TCI was $72,000 and another $62,000. These units were identical and right next to each other, but these income differences show the volatility with vacation rentals. It also shows that you can’t count on $400 a night every night. Weekly rates will be lower, many nights will be vacant and rates will be much lower in the off-season.
The actual income is not $12,000 a month, but closer to $6,000 a month once you factor in the vacancies and off-season rates. Now we are getting closer to the returns we see on my rental properties in Colorado. However, we have not considered the management fees.
Why are management fees so high on vacation rentals?
I pay 8 percent for someone on my team to manage my rental properties. I used to manage them myself, but once I got to seven rentals I started to run out of time to manage my properties, flip houses, run a real estate team and write this blog! With a property manager, my properties have become almost completely passive, except when I first buy them.
I own single-family rentals that take very little management. The tenants tend to stay for long periods of time, the houses are repaired after I buy them so little maintenance is needed. We occasionally have problems, but for the most part, our tenants pay on time and take good care of the properties. The tenants pay all the utilities and are on long-term leases.
When you manage a vacation rental, it is an entirely different situation. Vacation rentals take much more marketing, much more active management, have more inquiries from renters, need more cleaning and are more like a hotel. Managers need to be able to check people in at all times of the day and night and even be a concierge in some cases. More responsibilities and work means you have to pay much higher fees as sometimes the manager will need to hire from services like Tidy TN due to time restraints of their duties.
Just the property management fees on the Turks and Caicos condos are $20,000 to $30,000 per year! We have not even talked about the other expenses that come with a vacation house.
What expenses will you have?
When you invest in condos you also have to consider HOA or maintenance fees. On beach front condos the HOA fees can be very expensive. There is a pool, maid service, parking lot, towels and properties close to the beach that have extra expenses. The beach has to be maintained and buildings weather faster due to salt and winds. The occasional hurricane can really cause problems. HOA fees on beachfront condos can easily run $1,000 a month or more.
Vacation rentals must be furnished, have plates, silverware, linens, televisions and everything someone would need while staying there. Over time these items would have to be replaced and upgraded to keep the rental unit desirable. If you are charging $400 a night, it better be very nice.
Vacation rental owners will have to pay for all the utilities as well. The electric, gas, cable, water, internet all are added expenses and will most likely cost more in exotic places like the Caribbean islands. Fresh water comes from rain and desalinization, not wells or rivers. Internet, cable, electric all cost more.
If you want an oceanfront property it is almost guaranteed to be in a flood zone. You will have to get flood insurance, which is much more expensive than regular insurance.
Here are the total costs per month of a vacation rental on the beach compared to a regular single-family rental (assuming they rent for the same amount, or you have multiple single-family rentals that rent for the same as one vacation rental):
Vacation House Single-family Rental
Rents received $5,833 $5,833
HOA fees $1,000 0
Management $2,333 $467
Utilities $60 0
Credit card fees $200 0
Travel agent fees $300 0
Maintenance $600 $600
Taxes $0 $416
Insurance $500 $400
Total Costs $4,993 $1,883
These are not all the costs but are meant to show the huge differences between a long-term rental and a short-term vacation rental. I did not include vacancies, because the rents I used for the vacation rental are actual returns. Keep in mind with a single-family rental property you will have much fewer vacancies than a vacation rental. There are also a few more costs I did not discuss yet on the vacation rental.
If you are renting vacation rentals most people will book with a credit card and you have to pay credit card fees to accept credit cards.
Travel agents also get paid a commission if they book a vacation rental for you.
The insurance number could vary greatly. I am assuming 5 single-family rentals were needed to create that income, but its insurance could be higher or lower based on the number of properties. Flood insurance is much higher per property.
Taxes are very skewed in this scenario on the vacation rental. In TCI there are no property taxes, but there is a 15 percent tax on all property purchases. You would have to add $60,000 to the purchase price of $400,000 for taxes when you bought the condo. Over five years that would average out to $1,000 a month.
The utilities on the condos we looked at were not very high, because the HOA took care of the water, electric and cable. The HOA takes care of the exterior maintenance, but not the interior maintenance. You can see that almost all of the income is used up by the expenses on the vacation rental. If you consider the huge initial tax bill all the income is used up on the vacation rental and you don’t have any loan costs!
Do you save money?
The reason most people consider a vacation rental is they think buying a vacation house will save them money. Even though you are actually losing money on this particular vacation condo, maybe it makes sense to buy it if you stay there enough. You will save thousands on every vacation, right? The problem is every time you stay at your vacation rental you are taking it off the rental market. You could be renting the property to someone else and you are losing rental income.
Is it really an advantage to own a vacation house if you are staying there a week or two every year? Will you also feel obligated to go on vacation every year to the same spot? What if you have a wedding, graduation, a family reunion, a funeral or another occasion you have to use your vacation time on? Most people do not use their vacation properties as much as they think. This is one reason timeshares are such a horrible investment, but that deserves another article.
Loans on vacation houses
All of the numbers I have used so far have assumed you are paying cash for a vacation rental and you are still losing money! If you get a loan it will lose even more money and do you want to tie up $400,000 plus in a vacation rental that you use a couple of times a year? That much money would make me over $7,000 a month in rental income because I can use that money with financing and still make money each month. That $7,000 a month would more than pay for a couple of vacations a year in some really nice places! Not to mention it is not easy to get financing in another country or even another state.
When would it make sense to buy a vacation rental?
There are a few instances when it would make sense to buy a vacation rental, but they can still be very risky.
If you wanted to invest strictly for appreciation it might make sense to buy a vacation rental. I never invest for appreciation, because I cannot predict the market. Prices can go down on vacation properties just like other houses.
If you were going to live in a vacation house for months out of the year, it might make sense.
If you were going to manage the property yourself you could make money with vacation rentals. However, you have to spend a lot of time on marketing and management.
Even in these scenarios, there are other risks like beach erosion, natural disasters, political changes in other countries, insurance changes and giant half-finished resorts next to your condo!
Conclusion
On the surface, vacation house may seem like a great investment. They aren’t making any more ocean and there is only so much beachfront property. However, if you have to tie up huge sums of cash to buy the property and you still lose money every month is it worth it? For me, it is not worth the risk, the money it would take and I would lose flexibility with my vacation choices. I love Turks and Caicos, but that does not mean I want to spend every vacation for the rest of my life there.
Perhaps one of the most universally-loved travel experiences is a quiet weekend at the beach, filled with morning cups of coffee enjoyed on the patio of a sun-drenched cottage and hours spent reading, sprawled across nautically striped chairs. While it may only be April and the season of beach outings is still several weeks away, if you’re missing the undeniable charm of a coastal adventure, then it may help to channel the impeccable taste of a Cape Cod seaside home within your very own abode.
Amazon has long been the go-to destination for all things style and travel, but the shopper-loved retailer is also well-stocked with beachy home decor that can instantly transform your plain apartment or house that might be lacking in personality into something out of an Elin Hilderbrand novel. In fact, the site is currently bursting with deals on everything from ornate lamps to elevate your living room to a coastal quilt set that’s guaranteed to help you feel like you’re living in a seaside oasis.
We’re dedicated to getting the best deals on the gear you need to make the most out of your vacation — even if your current travel destination is your home. Keep scrolling for the 10 decor essentials that can help you mimic the Coastal Grandma aesthetic and achieve a beachy experience from the comfort of your living room. From these stunning sea glass-inspired cups that are now on sale for $60, to this essential cottage-core woven blanket that’s only $23, you won’t want to miss out on Amazon’s top picks that will help you accessorize the beach cottage of your dreams, even if you’re landlocked.
Nautical Lamp
Designed with a stunning turquoise sea glass base that’s been wrapped in a nautical buoy-inspired rope, this whimsical lamp is an excellent way to channel the charm of a beach house in your own home — and right now it’s on sale for an impressive 57 percent off. The white lampshade casts a soothing glow throughout any room it’s staged in, and a simple on-and-off switch on the cord makes it easy to use. If you’ve been looking for an accessory to brighten up your bedside, this is the perfect selection.
To buy: amazon.com, $35 (originally $80)
Seagrass Woven Rug
Using natural materials in your home is an excellent way to bring the beach to you, and this understated seagrass runner will look stunning in your entry hallway or kitchen to add some outdoorsy flare to your home. A non-skid backing offers impressive grip against the flooring, and the timeless beige will tie together any other decor themes existing in your home.
To buy: amazon.com, $83 (originally $100)
Wooden Porthole Mirror
Round mirrors naturally add a bit of flare to any room they adorn, and this chic, wooden-rimmed piece is designed to resemble a porthole without ever actually boarding a ship. Right now the stunning piece is on sale for just $83 with a special on-site coupon, and it will easily add intrigue to your home with the smooth, light wood finish and easy-to-hang wire affixed to the back of the mirror.
To buy: amazon.com, $83 with on-site coupon (originally $151)
Blue Glass Cups
Finding sea glass is one of the many charms that comes with beachside living, so carry that vibrant coloring into your home with these cobalt blue glasses which are sure to make a splash during your next dinner party. Hand blown and made of recycled glass, this set of six glasses is a must-have addition to your kitchen at just $60 with an on-site coupon.
To buy: amazon.com, $60 with on-site coupon (originally $70)
Cotton Weave Blanket
There’s nothing quite like lounging on a beach chair outside at night, wrapped in a cozy blanket, and this turquoise woven throw is the perfect way to experience that distinct comfort from home. Coming in at 50 inches by 60 inches and affixed with white tassels, this timeless throw will instantly enhance your sitting situation with a splash of color that emulates the sea.
To buy: amazon.com, $23 (originally $25)
Coastal Quilt Set
Bringing the oceanic charm into your bedroom is this coastal reversible quilt set that’s decorated with seashells and other aquatic designs to carry the beach setting indoors. It’s perfect for dressing up an actual beach cottage or simply transforming your existing bedding, and this lightweight quilt is made with a soft polyester material that also comes with two shams, two pillowcases, and two decorative pillows for just $80.
To buy: amazon.com, $80 (originally $260)
Decorative Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are the easiest way to personalize and even refresh any room, and these plush jade green velvet pillows will brighten up your home to beach house status with a seafoam flare. Currently on sale for just $17, this set of two 18-inch by 18-inch pillows is incredibly comfortable and will look great no matter where you place it. The pillows even come in 11 stunning colors if you’re looking for a more neutral option.
To buy: amazon.com, $17 (originally $18)
Herringbone Frame
Bringing the blues of the ocean into your home is this herringbone photo frame that’s been hand buffed and polished to make your pictures come to life. Coming in 4-inch by 6-inch, 5-inch by 7-inch, and 8-inch by 10-inch sizes, these high-quality frames are a simple touch that will add a coastal charm to your living room for as little as $13 at Amazon.
To buy: amazon.com, $13 (originally $18)
Beach-themed Prints
What better way to channel a beach house vibe within your own home than with this stunning set of six prints depicting the sun and surf of the summer. These 8-inch by 10-inch photos are framed with a light wood much like driftwood at the beach, and the soothing combination of gray and beige in every image will deliver a subtle calming effect within your living room or bedroom.
To buy: amazon.com, $45
Hammock With Pillow
The outside of your home is just as important as the interior, and this traditional rope hammock complete with a cushy pillow will transport you to the seaside without ever leaving your backyard. The spacious design easily fits two people, and right now the highly-rated hammock is on sale for $55 as we head into warmer weather.
To buy: amazon.com, $55 (originally $70)
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The coastal grandmother trend made a big splash last summer, and it’s back this sunny season as beaches begin to open and winter layers continue to shed. If you’re looking to refresh your home decor with chic and relaxed beach vibes, keep reading because there are lots of shopper-loved options at a great price at Amazon.
If you’re channeling a beach cottage look at home, these elegant and calming picks from Amazon’s new Shop By Interest hub are sure to help. The section is filled with coastal decor finds that are popular among reviewers and influencers alike, making the section the place to bring your beach house dreams to life. Give your kitchen, living room, and bedroom a warm-weather revamp with popular options such as sea glass vases, seashell-lined dishware, and nautical-themed lamps—starting at $18.
Coastal Home Decor Finds at Amazon
Jonathan Y Contemporary Pop Area Rug, $47 (was $88)
Ryb Home White Sheer Curtains, $18 with coupon (was $22)
Dii Cotton Basket Weave Throw Blanket, $23
A rug can bring any room together while adding its own personality. It is why this contemporary area rug with blue and cream hues is the perfect piece for your beach home’s floor. The subtle pop of color offered by this 6-foot rug stays true to the coastal theme while adding a layer of comfort to your entryway, bedroom or living room. The durable material is made of a low-pile carpeting that is water and stain resistant, making it great for big families or pet owners. And the best part? It’s currently 47 percent off bringing the price down to $46.
To buy: $47 (was $88); amazon.com.
This aqua and white seashell-themed stoneware set is the perfect coastal addition to your kitchen. The dishware set comes with 16 pieces, including four sets of dinner and salad plates, bowls, and mugs. The dishes make beautiful table settings and are great for hosting company. Plus, they’re dishwasher and microwave safe so you can reheat food and clean up with ease. Many shoppers love how well the set matches their coastal-themed homes, and one shopper even wrote they’re a “fun and whimsical way to entertain at the beach.”
To buy: $64; amazon.com.
Throw pillow covers are a simple way to spruce up your home in a matter of minutes. This set of four cushion cases are a great way to add a touch of ocean blue to your bedroom or living room. Just easily slide the cover over your desired pillow and zip to close. The result? A subtle and colorful addition to your bed, chair, or couch. Each case is a different shade of blue, ranging from light to dark, but there are 19 other color options as well as four different sizes to choose from.
To buy: $28; amazon.com.
A coastal house wouldn’t be complete without beach-themed accessories and nautical decor throughout, but finding a place for everything can be tricky. These nifty floating shelves are a space-saving hack that also utilize unused wall space. The wooden neutral shelves are ideal for storing books, vases, candles, or prints—really any of your favorite home decor items. You can easily install them in your bathroom, hallway, or living room for an instant, elevated look.
To buy: $37; amazon.com.
Interested in even more influencer and customer-loved coastal decor finds? Keep scrolling through for more stylish picks from Amazon’s new home section under $70.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could live comfortably in the biggest, busiest cities in the world with whatever we earn from our regular, underpaid jobs? Many of our favorite TV shows seem to insinuate that’s very much possible, leaving us to question our very existence and the choices we’ve made.
It just seems that some of TV’s most memorable characters can afford so much with their 9 to 5 jobs, without sacrificing too much. For example, Ross Geller lives in a two-bedroom apartment in New York and Philip Banks is happy in a 5-bedroom mansion in Bel Air – so what’s their secret?
Conservatory Blinds 4 Less, a UK company, has gathered some data regarding the realistic average wages of 5 of our favorite on-screen characters and matched them against real-life monthly expenses like rent, food, healthcare, child care, transport and other necessities.
The goal? To find an answer to the question: Could these pop culture icons live so comfortably in the real world? See below for a breakdown — or check out the interactive slideshow for a quick overview:
Homer Simpson
Homer Simpson is one of our favorite indolent characters. He lives with his wife Marge and his three children — Bart, Lisa and Maggie. Homer works at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant as a Nuclear Safety Inspector and he is the family’s main provider, as Marge is a stay-at-home mom.
Since we’re using real world averages for all the characters’ earnings, let’s assume that in the real world Homer would earn about $4,299/month.
Now, the median rent price for a 4 bedroom house in Springfield, Oregon was $1,297 per month in 2019, and real estate agents recommend that your rent should cost no more than 1/3rd of your monthly earnings.
Considering other expenses such as utilities, food, healthcare, transport and other necessities, the whole family would need around $5,788.76 per month to make ends meet. So realistically, they would have gone bankrupt in no time — or would have likely downsized to a smaller structure to serve as the Simpson’s house.
Ross Geller
A paleontologist by profession, Ross Geller from Friends has a Ph.D. from Columbia University. He’s the kind of guy who’d love to settle, but somehow becomes some sort of divorce champion among his friends that fathers two children with two different women.
Ross is responsible for all his expenses, so according to some recent calculations, living in a two-bedroom apartment at 19 Grove Street and having a pretty cool lifestyle (with incredibly frequent coffee breaks throughout the day), would cost him around $4,931.51 per month.
University Professors earn an average of $3,836.25 per month (after tax). You do the math, but if we’re right, real-life Ross would be unable to afford everything we’re presented with in the show. However, he could continue living in NYC if he’d choose a smaller apartment with a significantly lower rent.
Philip Banks
Philip Banks is a main character on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – a strict man, yet a kind, loving husband and father. Philip is a federal judge which should normally have an annual income of $68,176 after tax, or $5,681 per month.
Considering that he lives with his family in a 5 bedroom mansion in Bel Air, their overall expenses should reach a monthly total of $10,696.
Banks would obviously need to double his income in order to afford such a lifestyle. While the family is likely to have some money saved up, without any lifestyle changes, the Banks would not be able to live in their gorgeous mansion for too long.
Sheldon Cooper
Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper from The Big Bang Theory is a Caltech theoretical physicist, an unsung genius who started college at the age of 11, and received his first Ph.D. at the age of 16. Despite the fact that he has countless annoying habits, Sheldon still managed to get under our skin.
As a theoretical physicist in the real world, Sheldon would earn an average wage of or $7,225.50 per month.
Since the monthly costs of living in a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment in Pasadena would reach an average of $4,882.29 (including bills and other necessities), Sheldon is more than capable of affording his lifestyle.
Not to mention than he also has a roommate for the biggest part of the show, so that should definitely help him put some money in the bank for darker times. We’re finally facing a realistic approach here (though I would love to see what the study would say of Penny’s entire living situation).
Walter White’s house
Walter Hartwell White Sr., also known as Heisenberg, is the main character in Breaking Bad. The former chemist drastically changed his life after being diagnosed with Stage 3A inoperable lung cancer. In order to afford treatments and provide for his family in the event of his passing, Walter starts cooking crystal meth.
In this particular case, we can only assume the amount of money Walter gets for meth cooking – a lot! It is crystal clear that he can afford just about anything his heart desires. But with a bunch of people wanting him dead or in jail, paying rent is Walter’s last concern.
Bottom line
The next time you see a character living “the good life”, try to consider things from a more realistic point of view. Living in the middle of a big city and having a cool lifestyle requires a serious monthly income, and sometimes a movie is just a movie.
Also, please don’t consider getting into the meth business – this kind of stuff never ends well.
More homes from popular TV shows
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