WaterColor, a picturesque coastal community nestled along the scenic Highway 30A in Northwest Florida, has just seen its highest-priced home sale in history.
A 5-bedroom beachside property fetched a staggering $8,550,000 in an off-market transaction — selling for top dollar before even getting a chance to list publicly.
Here’s a closer look at this record-breaking sale and the stunning home that made it happen.
Setting a new record for the beachside community
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
The notable sale surpasses the previous record of $7,500,000 that closed in February of this year and is a clear outlier in a market where the average sales price stands at just over $3.5 million. But the sale premium isn’t all that surprising, given the property’s location, design, and rental income potential.
“This landmark sale, where we represented the buyer from Chicago, highlights the remarkable growth of the luxury market on 30A,” says Maria McKenna, Luxury Real Estate Advisor with Spears Group, who represented the buyer in the transaction.
All the hallmarks of a record-breaker
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
“With its distinctive blend of coastal elegance, modern comfort, and panoramic gulf views, this home stands as a true gem in WaterColor’s Gulf District,” Maria added in an exclusive quote for Fancy Pants Homes.
“As one of only eight beachfront homes and the highest-priced sale in WaterColor, its acquisition sets a new standard for excellence in the Northwest Florida real estate market.”
A peek inside the $8.55M residence
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
Situated in the heart of WaterColor’s Gulf District, the 2003-built beachside home has 5 bedrooms and 6 baths across 3,600 square feet of living space and underwent a complete transformation in 2018. It now stands as a prime example of coastal elegance and modern comfort.
The three-story retreat offers panoramic gulf views and a design that exudes sophistication and charm, as we’re about to see.
First floor: Living and gathering spaces
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
The first floor is designed for family gatherings and relaxation. It features a spacious living area and a converted screened porch that now serves as a sand and laundry room, complete with double-stacked washer and dryer units and an ice maker.
This floor also has five beautifully appointed bedrooms that can accommodate up to 12 guests, including:
A king suite with a private bathroom featuring a single vanity and walk-in shower
A bedroom with two twin beds and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower
A room with two sets of twin bunk beds and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower
Second floor: Entertainment and relaxation
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
The second floor is where the entertainment happens. Here, you’ll find another master suite, a secondary living room, and a generously sized kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, including a wine cooler, oven, refrigerator, and range stovetop.
The front balcony’s porch swing and the rear balcony with a grill offer perfect spots for relaxing and dining al fresco while overlooking the gulf.
The third-floor luxurious retreat
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
The third floor houses the second master suite, featuring breathtaking views and a lavish ensuite bathroom with a freestanding tub. This level also includes another washer and dryer, a private media room, and multiple balconies to enjoy the coastal breeze and stunning vistas.
See also: 26 Jaw-dropping Miami-area mansions that will make you want to move to Florida
Unmatched amenities
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
The new owners will enjoy access to WaterColor’s private beach and various community amenities, including pools and recreational facilities.
The property also includes the opportunity to be part of a beach-sharing agreement with gulf-front homeowners, giving exclusive access to the private beach on Beach Lane.
Access to 1,000+ feet of private beach frontage
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
“The three expansive outdoor decks, professional interior redesign, and the striking blue hood in the kitchen are some of the unique features that make this home stand out,” Maria McKenna shares, before highlighting the home’s other standout features, including access to over 1,000 feet of private beach frontage.
“The primary suite includes a private deck with breathtaking gulf views, and the upstairs loft serves as a cozy media room. With access to over 1,000 feet of private beach frontage, this property offers full access to community amenities, including a private beach attendant and chair setup.”
The ever-evolving luxury market along 30A
Photo credit: Dune Vacation Rentals
This off-market transaction not only set a new record for WaterColor but also showcased the increasing demand for luxury properties in the area. With its stunning design and prime location, this beachside home found a way to stand out among the community’s pastel-colored homes and well-maintained gardens, all designed to complement the stunning natural surroundings of WaterColor’s Gulf District.
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Located between bustling Miami and ritzy Palm Beach, the once-sleepy Boca Raton, Florida, is experiencing an unprecedented economic boom.
Known for its coastal lifestyle, upscale restaurants, and vibrant business community, Boca Raton is rapidly becoming a magnet for high-net-worth individuals and companies alike.
The city’s rapid growth is highlighted by major developments like the $100 million Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC) and the new Brightline train station, while Midtown Boca is seeing a resurgence with new restaurants and office spaces.
Luxury residential projects are popping up across the city, responding to the growing demand for upscale living, while real estate prices inch higher and higher — with million-dollar mansions selling for record amounts.
To get a better sense of the robust development activity and impressive price growth the area has been experiencing recently, we’ve touched base with Jay Phillip Parker, the CEO and Florida Region President of Douglas Elliman. And Jay summed it up best: “The world has caught on to the appeal of Boca Raton. Everyone wants to live here.”
Economic growth and business expansion
Photo credit: Lacey Lin Photography / Shutterstock.com
With half of Palm Beach County’s corporate headquarters now based in Boca Raton, the city is attracting businesses and residents with its tax advantages, warm climate, and numerous outdoor activities.
One significant driver of this growth is the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC), which is undergoing a $100 million transformation. This campus continues to lease more office space to prominent companies, fueling further economic expansion.
Midtown Boca is also seeing a resurgence, with new restaurants and Class A office spaces in development. Restaurant Row, adjacent to the Town Center Mall, has become a dining hub with establishments from renowned hospitality groups like Pubbelly Sushi, El Camino, and Fiolina Pasta House. The area also welcomes New York’s iconic Gallaghers Steakhouse and the popular Meat Market.
Additionally, the Community Redevelopment Agency and the City Council have approved a 94-year land lease for The Center for Arts & Innovation (TCAI) in Mizner Park. TCAI aims to provide a venue for local and national dance, theater, music, and cultural organizations, enhancing Boca Raton’s cultural landscape.
Enhanced connectivity
Photo credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com
The new Brightline train station and parking garage, which opened in downtown Boca Raton at the end of 2022, provide easy access to Miami, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.
This high-speed rail service is a game-changer, connecting Boca Raton to major hubs in South Florida and beyond, including a new route to Orlando launched in 2023. This enhanced connectivity makes Boca Raton an even more attractive destination for residents and businesses.
Luxury real estate developments
Photo credit: ALINA Residences Boca Raton
As Boca Raton’s population grows, the demand for luxury residential real estate is booming.
New developments are nearing completion, and more projects are launching to accommodate this influx.
ALINA Residences Boca Raton
Photo credit: ALINA Residences Boca Raton
One of the standout projects is ALINA Residences Boca Raton, developed by El-Ad National Properties. This award-winning residential destination is located in downtown Boca Raton, and features a collection of resort-inspired indoor and outdoor amenities with a focus on wellness.
ALINA 210 is expected to be delivered ahead of schedule in summer 2024, with ALINA 220 following at the end of 2024. Once completed, ALINA Residences will consist of three buildings: ALINA 200, ALINA 210, and ALINA 220, offering a total of 303 residences. Phase one, ALINA 200, was completed in 2021 and sold out quickly.
At the time of writing, phase two of the development — comprising ALINA 210 and ALINA 220 — is already nearly 80% sold.
Glass House Boca Raton
Photo credit: wearevisuals / Glass House Boca Raton
Another notable development is Glass House Boca Raton, announced in January 2024.
This project marks the first modern glass building in downtown Boca Raton, featuring 28 spacious residences with stunning ocean, Intracoastal, and golf course views.
The 10-story development launched sales in February 2024, with groundbreaking slated for the first quarter of 2025 and completion expected in Q4 2026. In addition to upscale amenities, Glass House Boca Raton offers a limited number of preferredmembership opportunities to residents with the iconic The Boca Raton (formerly Boca Raton Resort & Club), subject to availability (golf excluded).
Insights from industry experts
Photo credit: wearevisuals / Glass House Boca Raton
Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Brokerage, Florida Region and President of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, shared his insights on Boca Raton’s rapid growth with us.
He highlighted the impressive price growth and robust development activity, stating, “We’re seeing an array of exciting residential and mixed-use projects bringing new opportunities to live, work, and play in the area.”
The introduction of the Brightline train station has been particularly impactful, according to Parker. “The new high-speed rail station, The Brightline, connecting Boca to Southern Florida and Orlando is a game-changer. We’re also seeing the positive impacts of strategic investment downtown, elevating Boca from a vibrant community to a world-class destination for an unmatched quality of life.”
An influx of new residents
Photo credit: ALINA Residences Boca Raton
Parker also emphasized the influx of new residents, noting, “The world has caught on to the appeal of Boca Raton. Everyone wants to live here.
“Combining beautiful beaches with a cosmopolitan yet charming downtown, Boca is a go-to destination for those who want a laid-back Florida lifestyle but with all the daily conveniences and luxuries in a place that is a true community.”
Real estate market trends
Inside the Glass House Boca Raton development. Photo credit: wearevisuals
The demand for luxury resort-style condominiums in Boca Raton is soaring, trumped only by the appetite for single-family homes. Buyers are looking for exceptional design and amenities in prime locations.
Parker observed, “Soaring prices are a reflection of insatiable demand for luxury homes in Boca. We saw a 31% increase in average sales prices for single-family homes in the first quarter and a 17% jump for luxury condos.”
New record-breakers
Photo credit: LivingProof Real Estate Photography / Coldwell Banker Realty
Further highlighting Boca Raton’s explosive growth, million-dollar homes are trading hands at a sped-up rate, with record-breakers pushing the upper $$$ limit to new heights.
In Boca Raton proper, spec developers Steve and Scott Dingle of SRD Building — one of the top homebuilders in the gated Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club community — paid a record $36 million for the longtime home of the late financial publisher Glen Parker and his wife, Sandy Parker.
In nearby Highland Beach, a $59.9 million mansion is on track to beat its own record set in 2022, when it sold for $45 million in an off-market deal that made it the most expensive home ever sold in the greater Boca Raton area.
Ushering in a new era for Boca Raton
Photo credit: wearevisuals / Glass House Boca Raton
Boca Raton’s economic boom is transforming the city into a thriving hub for luxury living and business.
With significant investments in infrastructure, real estate, and cultural amenities, Boca Raton is growing beyond its traditional roles as a travel destination or retirement spot. It is a vibrant, growing community that offers an unmatched quality of life for its residents.
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Burrell countersued earlier this month, arguing that he shouldn’t have to pay the bank back since it knew he was using the business credit for personal expenses.
The bank has asked an Aspen judge to let it foreclose on six of Burrell’s properties as collateral.
Public records show that the businessman owns two homes in Basalt, Colo. and a 190-acre ranch in New Mexico, valued at $21.1 million, which is currently up for auction.
However, per a report on luxury real estate listings site Mansion Global, only one of Burrell’s five children are still living at home, so Burrell and his wife, Nikola, have decided to downsize.
Millionaire investor Dan Burrell, 45, was sued by First Western Bank for defaulting on $56 million in loans. Jason Sean Weiss/BFA.com/Shutterstock
First Western reportedly wants to foreclose on Burrell’s home in Aspen and ranch near the affluent ski town, as well as a property in Nantucket and land in Vero Beach, Fla., according to The Denver Post.
In his countersuit, Burrell argued that if First Western forecloses on his properties, “Burrell, Burrell’s wife, and Burrell’s minor children are at risk of losing their primary residence and have incurred emotional distress,” according to the countersuit, The Denver Post reported.
In a bizarre twist, Burrell also argued that it was “improper” for the bank to give him business loans when it was well aware most of the funds would be spent on his personal life — such as his divorce payments, buying a yacht and building a house in Basalt, Colo.
First Western wants to foreclose on a handful of Burrell’s properties as collateral on his defaulted loan. Pictured is one of Burrell’s properties in Basalt, Colo. Aspen Glenwood/MLS
“Additionally, First Western did not make a reasonable and good faith determination at or before consummation that Burrell had a reasonable ability to repay,” his countersuit states, per The Denver Post.
The bank also didn’t allow him to refinance, didn’t consistently provide him with paperwork for the loans and wrongly accepted his personal homes as collateral, Burrell alleged, the outlet reported.
Burrell’s counsel, attorneys Sarah Auchterlonie and Courtney Bartkus in the Denver office of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
The Post has also sought comment from First Western Bank.
First Western’s CEO Scott Wylie referred to “a client we’ve had since 2018” who is “facing a liquidity crunch and becoming delinquent on their payments,” during an earnings call in October.
He noted that the bank had to declare the loans in default in order to seek the collateral, but assured: “We think we’re going to have a full recovery.
The real estate collateral that we have is in some very desirable markets. It’s in Aspen, it’s in Nantucket, it’s in (Florida),” he said.
Though Wylie didn’t name the borrower, Burrell argued that analysts listening to the call were able to figure it out, according to The Denver Post.
Burrell said that one listener even called him to ask about his personal finances.
This has caused Burrell and his investment company “reputational harm and public disgrace,” he argued.
Last month, Burrell and his second wife opened an auction for an 8,400-square-foot estate located on Aspen’s Red Mountain — the Burrell family’s “primary home,” according to Mansion Global — and a nearby, 4,200-acre ranch in Carbondale as part of an $86.5 million package.
Burrell countersued First Western earlier this month, arguing that foreclosures would leave him, his wife Nikola and his children without a primary residence.
Two of his children from his first marriage with Australian jewelry magnate Katherine Jetter are in college, while his third child with Jetter is set to head off to college next year.
Burrell also has two kids with Nikola — one of which is at a boarding school in Boston, leaving just one at home, according to Mansion Global.
Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions led the bidding, and has since marked the ranch on its website as “sale pending,” while the Red Mountain home’s bid deadline has been extended to Feb. 15.
According to public records, Burrell owns multiple properties across Colorado — including this home on 969 Willitis Lane — as well as in Nantucket, Florida and New Mexico. Aspen Glenwood/MLS
Burrell, the founder of investment firm The Burrell Group, claimed that First Western’s lawsuit violates federal lending laws as it interferes with the auction of his Red Mountain estate, a property valued at $38.5 million.
He is also seeking damages for what he claims was an invasion of privacy and public outing of his financial situation by First Western, The Denver Post reported.
Florida’s luxury real estate market is heating up like a jet ski on a hot summer day. And three smart South Florida neighbors decided to cash in on that.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Jorge Luis Garcia, former owner of Orlando Family Physicians, and his adjoining neighbors, Juan Miguel Almeida and Adria Adrian Almeida are listing their Palm Island properties for a combined $150,000,000.
The three waterfront properties — adjacent to each other — are located on the 82-acre gated Palm Island, a man-made island in Biscayne Bay, Florida famous for its Latin Quarter nightclub, which was owned by Barbara Walters’ father, Lou, and is said to have been frequented by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Jane Russell.
Photo credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami Beach
Garcia reportedly owns two of the $50 million properties, with his neighbors owning the other, and they’re selling them as a package deal. But even if they were to list independently, the asking prices stand out for the area, as Palm Island’s record sale price for a single-family residence is $32 million.
But combining the properties definitely adds to the appeal of the offering.
Beyond bringing their ocean frontage up to 300 feet, the offering allows the right buyer to acquire several existing, already-built properties together — an option that’s becoming increasingly rare in greater Miami.
So let’s take a closer look at each of the three South Florida properties, currently offered as a package deal for a whopping $150 million.
#1 190 Palm Ave, Miami Beach
Photo credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami Beach
The largest of the three residences, 190 Palm Avenue offers 12,386 square feet of luxuriously appointed living space.
With a total of 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and 3 half bathrooms, the stately house pairs Mediterranean-style architecture with elegant, modern interiors.
Photo credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami Beach
#2 198 Palm Avenue, Miami Beach
While just a tad smaller than the neighboring house, at 11,650 square feet, 198 Palm Avenue is equally luxurious.
This one comes with 8 bedrooms, 9 full baths and 2 half baths, and sits on a 30,000-square-foot lot.
Photo credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami Beach
#3 210 Palm Avenue, Miami Beach
The third and last house has similar characteristics, clocking in at 11,349 square feet, with 6 bedrooms, 8.5 bathrooms, and a 30,000 sq. ft. lot.
Just like its neighbors, it has 100 feet of ocean frontage and has been meticulously appointed with the finest luxury finishes.
Photo credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami BeachPhoto credit: Become Legendary courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty Miami Beach
And while the trio of properties currently stands as one of the priciest residential listings in all of Florida, surpassed only by $187 million newly built mansion in Palm Beach, they wouldn’t set a new state record even if they were to sell at full ask.
The record for the most expensive home sale in Florida is held by billionaire Larry Ellison’s $173 million purchase of the Gemini mansion, the former Ziff family estate in Manalapan.
Nevertheless, the future sale will likely set a record for Palm Island, and bring this Miami Beach enclave into the spotlight, alongside more hyped areas like Star Island or Indian Creek, both holding headlines recently due to notable sales. Spearheading the efforts to make that a reality is Cesar Powell with Coldwell Banker Realty Miami Beach, who holds the listing.
And while the sellers aren’t at all interested in splitting it into three separate listings, we’d be remiss if we didn’t ask: Which one of the three properties do you like the most?
The article Three neighboring properties in Miami Beach eye $150 million sale first appeared on Fancy Pants Homes.
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Southern California’s luxury real estate market never sleeps. But this past year, it collectively caught its breath.
Luxury sales slowed down in 2023 — a combination of soaring interest rates, a newly introduced “mansion tax” and an inevitable drop-off from a pandemic market when megamansions flipped like hotcakes.
In 2022, there were 17 home sales above $50 million and 48 over $30 million in L.A. County, according to the Multiple Listing Service. In 2023, there were only five sales over $50 million and 23 over $30 million.
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But even in a down year, there were still plenty of headlines. Jay-Z and Beyoncé set the all-time price record in the state of California, while other celebrities sold homes and left L.A. just in time to avoid paying taxes under Measure ULA.
Here are the top sales of the year.
$200 million
Bought for $200 million, the 40,000-square-foot mansion overlooks the ocean in the affluent enclave of Paradise Cove.
(Google Earth)
History was made in May when Jay-Z and Beyoncé shattered California’s price record, paying $200 million for a concrete compound in Malibu.
The L-shaped house, which topped the previous record of $177 million, looks more like an airplane hangar or supervillain’s lair than a home. It was built by Tadao Ando, a decorated Japanese architect who also designed a home for Kanye West a few miles down the coast. Ando brought in 7,645 cubic yards of concrete to erect the 40,000-square-foot home.
It never officially hit the market, so photos are scarce. The property is perched above Malibu’s Paradise Cove and features concrete hallways and walls of glass that open to a swimming pool and lawn overlooking the ocean.
$60.85 million
Another power couple — Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck — claimed the second-highest home purchase of the year when they shelled out $60.85 million for a five-acre spread in Beverly Crest. High interest rates weren’t a problem; they didn’t need a 30-year-fixed. The pair paid in cash.
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The deal marked the end of a year-long house hunt for Lopez and Affleck, and the house boasts an array of amenities that few other mega-mansions can match. Across 38,000 square feet are 12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, 15 fireplaces, a movie theater, wine cellar, nail salon and sauna, as well as a 5,000-square-foot sports facility with a boxing ring and pickleball court.
The $60.85-million sale actually came at a discount; the home originally hit the market with a gargantuan price tag of $135 million.
$55 million
Built in 2014, the European-inspired mansion comes with 12 bedrooms, 20 bathrooms, a skate park, movie theater and grotto.
(Anthony Barcelo)
Some scratched their heads when Mark Wahlberg unloaded his Beverly Park mega-mansion for $55 million in February. The movie star spent years designing the French-inspired palace, and he originally asked $87.5 million when he first listed it in 2022.
But Wahlberg was a motivated seller. He moved to Nevada last year, and by selling the home in February, he avoided Measure ULA, a transfer tax that took effect April 1 and would’ve charged a 5.5% tax on the sale. At $55 million, Wahlberg’s tax bill would’ve been more than $3 million.
The European-inspired showplace is truly one of a kind, featuring amenities such as a five-hole golf course, driving range, grotto-style swimming pool and skate park. Wahlberg, a native of Massachusetts, also added a Boston Celtics-themed basketball court during his stay.
$52.056 million
Malibu’s second entry on this list comes via attorney Stuart Liner and his wife, Stephanie Hershey Liner, who sold their beach house on Point Dume for just over $52 million.
The Liners have made a fortune flipping houses over the years, including doubling their money on a house they bought from actor Danny DeVito. They scored a hefty profit here as well; records show they paid $21.758 million for the oceanfront home in 2020 before extensively remodeling the place.
The 6,000-square-foot house comes with a swimming pool and tennis court. It sold to Tom van Loben Sels, a partner at Bay Area tax firm Apercen Partners.
$52 million
Built in 1998, Villa Firenze combines three lots across nearly 10 acres and centers on an Italian-inspired mansion.
(Hilton & Hyland)
For years, Villa Firenze was a cautionary tale, an extravagant reminder that while fortunes can be won in Southern California’s lucrative real estate market, you have to be strategic in how you sell to truly cash in.
Hungarian billionaire Steven Udvar-Hazy was not. The airplane mogul built the Italian-inspired mansion in 1998 and listed it for $165 million in 2017, which at the time was one of the most ambitious asking prices in California history.
Clearly overpriced, the house sat on the market for years until it was auctioned off for $51 million in 2021 to biotech entrepreneur Roy Eddleman, who, for some reason, tried the same thing as Udvar-Hazy.
Eddleman quickly attempted to flip the house for a massive profit, putting it back onto the market for $120 million just a year after he bought it. Unsurprisingly, there were no takers, and he died before it sold.
His estate slashed the price on the luxurious villa, which features 40-foot palm trees, 20-foot ceilings and a two-story library complete with a secret passageway that leads to a bedroom and bar.
After a year of price cuts, it finally sold in February for $52 million, just $1 million more than Eddleman paid for it at auction two years prior.
An L.A. County judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging L.A.’s “mansion tax” on Tuesday, marking the end of a months-long legal challenge from the luxury real estate community that looked to declare the measure unconstitutional.
The transfer tax known as Measure ULA was passed in November and took effect April 1, bringing a 4% charge on all residential and commercial real estate sales in the city above $5 million and a 5.5% charge on sales above $10 million, pumping millions into housing and homelessness-prevention efforts.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Barbara Scheper issued a tentative ruling dismissing the challenge on Monday after hearing arguments from both sides, and she officially dismissed the lawsuit on Tuesday, according to court documents.
The ruling is a big win for housing activists, who say that L.A. desperately needs the money raised by the tax.
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“This is a great day for Los Angeles,” said Joe Donlin, who serves as director of the United to House LA coalition, which brought the measure onto the ballot in November. “The judge’s ruling confirms what we knew all along: ULA is the law of the land and it’s the will of the people. And it reminds us of the power of the people to shape our city’s future for the good.”
Donlin said he was surprised the ruling came out so soon.
“Before the hearing, we thought it might take weeks or months, but this was a positive sign that the judge didn’t feel compelled by the plaintiff’s arguments,” he said.
Advocates for Measure ULA gather outside Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown L.A. on Monday. A judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit challenging the measure.
(United to House LA)
Greg Bonett, senior staff attorney for the Public Counsel who worked to defend the measure, applauded the decision, calling it “a resounding victory for the power of the people to initiate transformative solutions to address our city’s housing and homelessness crises.”
The judge’s ruling is a blow for many in the luxury real estate community, who claim that the transfer tax has frozen the market and stifled development.
Keith Fromm, an attorney for Newcastle Courtyards, one of two groups challenging the measure, said he plans to appeal the decision.
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“The order contains numerous errors of law which the appellate courts will hopefully recognize and correct,” Fromm said. “The ruling is simply one step in a very long journey to justice.”
The legal battle — which was headed by two main groups: Newcastle and Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. — became a national conversation, as other cities looked to L.A. to see how it would implement such a tax.
Other cities such as San Francisco, New York City and Culver City have implemented transfer taxes, but L.A.’s is unique in scope and scale, not just taxing home sales but all property sales above $5 million.
Voters approved the measure with a 57% majority in November, and the tax became a hot-button issue immediately after.
Advocates argue that the tax is a way for luxury property owners to contribute to solving L.A.’s housing crisis, while opponents say it discourages development and pushes owners out of L.A. and into cities that don’t have the tax, such as Beverly Hills, West Hollywood or Santa Monica.
“With Measure ULA, we are now going to lose billions of dollars every year in economic development and property tax revenue in order to raise less than $500 million through the tax,” said Jason Oppenheim, a real estate agent with the Oppenheim Group and star of Netflix’s “Selling Sunset.”
The luxury real estate market froze in the months after the measure took effect, as many luxury homeowners looked to find loopholes to avoid paying the tax. Many hired accountants to find workarounds, such as dividing their homes into three parcels and selling them separately to stay under the $5-million threshold at which the tax kicks in.
Many homeowners held off on selling their homes, hoping the lawsuit would overturn the tax. As a result, funds raised by the tax have fallen dramatically short of original projections since sales have slowed.
In November, proponents of the tax estimated it would raise roughly $900 million a year. In March, a report from the city administrative officer lowered that number to $672 million. Then in April, Mayor Karen Bass’s first budget proposal, a $13.1-billion plan, included only $150 million in projected revenue from Measure ULA.
The number was chosen out of caution, as the city wanted to funnel as much money as possible toward housing and homelessness issues but not so much that it wouldn’t be able to pay it back if the measure were ruled unconstitutional.
But with the court’s latest ruling, spending will likely increase.
On Wednesday, the L.A. City Council’s budget, finance and innovation Committee will meet to discuss the implementation process, and the ULA coalition will propose that $12 million be reallocated to short-term emergency assistance for renters.
In August, the City Council passed a $150-million spending plan for funds raised by Measure ULA. It was the first time funds were specifically allocated since the tax was passed in November, and the plan sent money to six programs: short-term emergency rental assistance, eviction defense, tenant outreach and education, direct cash assistance for low-income seniors and people with disabilities, tenant protections and affordable housing production.
A fairytale-esque Atlanta mansion is being offered for sale for the very first time, and one lucky buyer will soon be living lavishly like a king — as long as they have $8 million to dish out.
Set less than 20 minutes away from downtown Atlanta, 4660 Jett Rd. embodies a luxury retreat, somehow balancing both coziness and grandeur effortlessly. Except, unlike exotic European resorts, this is a sanctuary you can come home to every night.
The castle-like property sits on a lush three acres of pristine forest, ensuring maximal privacy and discretion — all without compromising world-class metropolitan amenities.
Photo courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty Atlanta
Practically in its backyard lies the posh neighborhood of Buckhead, complete with upscale malls, restaurants, and art galleries — not to mention Atlanta’s recreation and entertainment haven, Chastain Park.
And future owners will be hobnobbing with some quite high-profile celebrity neighbors.
Rapper Cardi B lives less than a mile away, while funnyman Steve Harvey’s house is roughly 7 minutes away from the palatial Sandy Springs house.
Location and sprawling size aside, it’s easy to understand why 4660 Jett Rd. racks up its multi-million price tag.
Photo courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty Atlanta
Back in 2005, architect Bill Harrison built the home with unparalleled attention to detail. All 16,000 square feet of this 7-bed, 11-bath estate exude class and timeless taste.
Featuring all the bells and whistles of a classy European estate but with a contemporary twist, this opulent home leaves no desire unaccounted for.
Unrivaled craftsmanship comes to light as soon as you approach the jaw-dropping exterior, constructed of hand-cut Tennessee limestone and topped with a 100-year slate roof that marries luxury with long-lasting quality.
Photo courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty Atlanta
The estate’s interior is just as impressive as its dramatic facade, with warm wood paneling and blazing fireplaces throughout that provide the right atmosphere to unwind in lavish luxury.
Photo courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty AtlantaPhoto courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty Atlanta
Boasting a spacious floorplan, the kitchen — which features a walk-in pantry and an additional prep kitchen — seamlessly flows into the living area allowing for uninterrupted socialization among guests and family.
Soaring vaulted ceilings generously let in natural light while providing views of the luscious landscaped grounds beyond.
Photo courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty AtlantaPhoto courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty AtlantaPhoto courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty AtlantaPhoto courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty Atlanta
The future owner can get the princess (and prince) treatment with an opulent master suite complete with a lofty upscale bathroom with its own sauna along with his and hers walk-in closets.
Photo courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty AtlantaPhoto courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty AtlantaPhoto courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty AtlantaPhoto courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty Atlanta
The estate exudes ‘party host’ appeal with a fully finished basement boasting an additional kitchen, billiard room, and wine cellar.
See also: The Biggest Celebrities that Live in Atlanta & their Million-Dollar Mansions
Whoever wants to burn off the festive calories can do so in the home gym and second sauna.
Photo courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty AtlantaPhoto courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty AtlantaPhoto courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty Atlanta
It’s easy to shift gatherings outdoors, as the basement opens to a covered outdoor entertainment area with a hot tub and massive pool beyond.
Meanwhile, the estate’s wraparound daylight terrace provides a more relaxed and private way to bask in the enchanted outdoor scenery.
Photo courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty AtlantaPhoto courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty AtlantaPhoto courtesy of Debra Johnston / Coldwell Banker Realty Atlanta
The modern-day castle conveniently features state-of-the-art technology like a comprehensive home automation system and an elevator for the days when you don’t feel like taking the three-story spiraling staircase.
A separate guest apartment along with four garages, a workshop, and spacious parking, can effortlessly accommodate all the king’s horses and all the king’s men.
Debra Johnston, Coldwell Banker Realty’s luxury real estate expert specializing in the Buckhead area, holds the keys to the move-in ready multi-million dollar dream home and serves as listing agent for the palatial abode.
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Don Jr, Eric, and Ivanka Trump have taken out a combined $22M in mortgages on their new swanky homes in Florida since relocating from New York over the last two years
DailyMail.com can reveal Ivanka and Jared Kushner lead the siblings with the highest mortgage, borrowing $15M against their $24M Indian Creek Island home which was finally completed last month
In Jupiter, about 85mi north on Florida’s east coast, Don Jr, 45, and fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle, 54, snapped up a $9.7M pad with a $4.8M home loan, while Eric, 39, and wife Lara borrowed $2.4M on their $3.2M house
By Chris White For Dailymail.com
Published: 07:12 EST, 26 November 2023 | Updated: 19:02 EST, 26 November 2023
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He has an estimated net worth of $2.6billion according to a Forbes report last month – but Donald Trump’s fortune is pitted against $200million worth of debt from his portfolio of luxury real estate, resorts, and golf courses.
And just like their famous father, Don Jr, 45, Eric, 39, and Ivanka Trump, 42, have followed suit in taking out massive loans to invest in their own swanky mansions and property.
DailyMail.com can reveal the three oldest Trump siblings took out massive mortgages, all at virtually the same time two years ago, totaling over $22million.
The hefty investments came when the family left New York and began putting down roots in Florida – where Trump relocated after losing the 2020 presidential election.
DailyMail.com can reveal Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner took out a $15million mortgage on their $24million fixer-upper on Indian Creek Island in April 2021, a few months after they moved from Washington, D.C. to Miami. The couple’s monthly payment on their home loan is around $111,000
Miami Beach’s exclusive Indian Creek Island is known as ‘Billionaire Bunker’. The couple spent two years and spared no expense when they gutted and redesigned their new residence, which boasts six bedrooms and eight-and-a-half bathrooms
Jared and Ivanka finally moved into their newly renovated mansion with their three children, Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore in October.
And now, DailyMail.com can reveal that Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner took out the highest mortgage out of all the Trump kids for their new Florida digs.
The couple borrowed $15million for the $24million property they purchased in April 2021 on Miami Beach’s exclusive Indian Creek Island, known as ‘Billionaire Bunker’.
The home loan was obtained from Bank of America through an LLC linked to Kushner’s general counsel, Christopher Smith.
The deal is for 15 years and at the time would have been secured at a 3 per cent going interest rate, working out to a payment of around $111,000 a month.
Trump and Kushner, both 42, took more than two years and spared no expense when they gutted and redesigned their new residence, which boasts six bedrooms and eight-and-a-half bathrooms.
The extensive renovation project on the 1.3-acre estate was finally completed last month, just in time for Ivanka to celebrate her 42nd birthday with a dinner party at the palatial property.
Donald Trump Jr. and fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle took out a $4.8million mortgage on the 11,000-square-foot mansion they snapped up in the exclusive gated community of Admirals Cove, in Jupiter, for $9.7 million in March 2021
The home loan for the six-bedroom, 11-bath mansion was obtained by Valley National Bank for 30 years and breaks down to approximately $29,500 a month, plus property tax
The political power couple joined the list of rich and famous residents in Admirals Cove, located just 20 miles from Mar-a-Lago
New aerial images of the resort-style property show its expansive sun deck, perfect for enjoying the balmy Florida heat year-round.
The private 300-acre Indian Creek Island’s wealthy residents include retired NFL legend Tom Brady and, most recently, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who purchased two neighboring mansions for $79million and $68million in the last three months.
The island has 34 homes, around 42 residents, and its own private 13-person police force that guard the single bridge to get on and off the estate, as well as a 24-hour marine patrol.
Meanwhile, about 85 miles north on Florida’s east coast, Ivanka’s older brother Donald Trump Jr, 45, and fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle, 54, snapped up a $9.7million pad in March 2021 in the celeb-enclave of Jupiter, home to numerous sports stars such as Tiger Woods and Serena Williams.
Documents obtained by DailyMail.com show the pair took out a $4.8million mortgage on the property.
The home loan is with Valley National Bank for 30 years with the first 20 being at 3.25 per cent before increasing to the Federal funds rate. This is approximately $29,500-a-month plus property tax.
Younger sibling Eric, 39, and wife Lara, 41, picked up a $3.2million estate also in Jupiter near his older brother, in March 2021
The couple’s $2.4million 30-year mortgage from Valley National Bank works out at just over $10,000 a month plus taxes. The 7,715-square-foot home has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and is in his dad’s gated Trump National Golf Club
Just like his older siblings, Eric had been mainly based in New York before he and wife Lara followed his family down to Florida in March 2022 (pictured in April 2023)
Eric and Lara Trump’s $2.4million mortgage
The 11,000 square foot mansion is in the exclusive gated community of Admirals Cove, 20 minutes from his father’s primary residence of Mar-a-Lago, and boasts six bedroom, 11 bathrooms, pool, gym and games room.
Meanwhile, younger sibling Eric, 39, and wife Lara, 41, picked up a $3.2million estate, also in Jupiter in March 2021. It comes with a $2.4million mortgage from Valley National Bank.
Like Donald Jr, his mortgage is over 30 years, initially at a 3.125 per cent rate for 20 years, then at the Federal funds rate. This works out at just over $10,000 a month plus taxes.
The 7,715-square-foot home has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and is in his dad’s gated Trump National Golf Club.
The only grown up sibling not to have made an real estate investments in Florida just yet is Tiffany, 30 – Trump’s daughter from his second marriage to Marla Maples.
She was reported to have been house hunting in Miami Beach a couple of years ago, but it’s not clear if she ever went through with a purchase. She married
Prominent YouTube content creator Jimmy Donaldson — best known as MrBeast — took on the world of luxury real estate, and hundreds of millions of viewers tuned in to watch him tour upscale properties with some of his most famous friends (Justin Timberlake, Mark Cuban, and Miranda Cosgrove).
The YouTuber, who holds the title of the most-subscribed individual on the platform (and also has the second-most-subscribed channel overall), is famous for his viral videos centered around expensive stunts, challenges, and donations.
And he’s set quite a few records since launching his channel in 2013.
In 2017, he released his “counting to 100,000” video — which became his breakthrough viral video — and he has become increasingly popular ever since, with most of his videos gaining hundreds of millions of views.
By 2021, MrBeast was making headlines for breaking the record for the fastest non-music video to reach 100 million views, thanks to his Squid Game-themed video. That video now has over 500 million views.
He’s also known for his charitable endeavors, and for the fact that the more popular he gets, the more money he gives away.
While many have claimed that his monetary giveaways could be the primary reason why he accrues millions upon millions of video views, one of his most recent viral hits debunks this theory.
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On October 14, MrBeast released a new video titled $1 vs $100,000,000 House!, where the YouTuber — alongside his crew and several famous pals — tour homes of different price points, from a $1 shack to a $100 million mansion in Los Angeles (that’s actually worth $139 million).
The video garnered more than 100 million views in its first 10 days and shattered the previous record for the most views within 24 hours — a record that MrBeast himself had set with his “7 Days Stranded at Sea” video — proving to naysayers that giving money away is not the reason behind Donaldson’s success.
Now, since the content crossed the threshold into our turf — the world of luxury real estate — we wanted to provide some background info on the properties featured in MrBeast’s video — including specs, updated prices, photos and more.
And we also got some behind-the-scenes tidbits that the listing agents shared with us, including how long ago the property tours took place, and what type of response they saw after the video launched.
All the luxury homes featured in MrBeast’s “$1 vs $100,000,000 House!” video
While there’s not much to say about the $1 shack that kicked off the video (that one might even be best summarized as “what you see is what you get”), there’s lots to learn about the other striking homes that made the cut. We’ll also skip the $1 million house, as that price point doesn’t necessarily fall into luxury territory in many of the real estate markets we cover.
We talked to some of the agents in charge of the listings featured in the viral video, and they shared their excitement about being part of the project.
“It was a cool experience to be affiliated with Mr. Beast,” says Rachael Williams with Revel Real Estate, who holds the listing for the $15 million property featured in the video. “Apparently this video broke the world record for most views in 24 hours. So essentially being a part of history is pretty awesome! 😎“
Wondering whether it was MrBeast’s team that sourced the houses? We were thinking the same, and it turns out that “Mr. Beast’s team reached out to us to be featured,” Ben Bacal, Founder and real estate agent at Revel Real Estate tells us. “We were told our property might, or might not make the final cut, but it did! And we’re so happy that they included it. “
The agents also told us that filming — at least for some of the properties — took place back in August, despite the final cut being released in October.
Naturally, that also means that some of the prices have changed in the meantime.
The $45 million house was most recently listed for $29.888 million, while the art-filled Malibu home dropped its asking from $69 million to $59 million. And the $100 million house is actually far more expensive in real life. So let’s take them one at a time.
The $100 million house, LA FIN
The focal point of the video, the striking $100 million house MrBeast tours alongside celebrity guest Justin Timberlake is actually a $139 million mega-mansion in Bel Air, California.
Newly built in 2021, the spec mansion is dubbed LA FIN, and is touted as “the pinnacle of homes designed for entertaining at a scale comparable to the best hotels in the world.” And for good reason.
Featuring an impressive total of 12 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, and a guest penthouse, the luxury abode has an entire array of amenities that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else, including a 6,000-square-foot nightclub, a unique 6-car elevator that displays the car collection above the nightclub, and an ice-cold vodka-tasting room furnished with fur coats.
Other notable features include a cigar lounge, a cutting-edge gym equipped with Peloton equipment and a rock-climbing wall
The primary bedroom suite of the luxury Bel Air mansion is nestled in its private wing.
Cloaked in Italian oak, the bedroom’s centerpiece is a striking fireplace crafted from Portuguese marble, and has an adjoining bathroom reminiscent of a world-class spa with Calacatta gold marble, a sweeping 100-square-foot shower, and a bathtub sculpted from a singular marble block.
With so many unique features, we could talk about this property all day. But since pictures are worth a thousand words, why not take a closer look inside the ultra-luxurious Bel Air mansion instead (Swipe for more pics):
Price & property history: The $139 million mansion was first listed in February 2022, with Jon Grauman and Adam Rosenfeld (The Agency). And while it has retained its asking price, representation for the property has since changed, with Shawn Elliot or NestSeekers International.
The art-filled $69 million house
Joined by iCarly actress Miranda Cosgrove, MrBeast tours the second most expensive home, a Malibu architectural gem that bears the signature of lauded architect Ed Niles.
The art-filled glass-and-steel house — which we’ve covered in depth here following its recent price adjustment, that brought it from $69 million down to $59.5 million — is propped up on a hill just 75 feet away from water and pairs its excellent oceanfront location with a distinct architecture that makes it one of Malibu’s most impressive real estate offerings.
The avant-garde abode is defined by sharp geometric angles, varied shapes, and out-of-the-box materials like glass, steel, and concrete, all thoughtfully executed and flowing beautifully together.
Photo credit: Simon Berlyn courtesy of Compass
Featuring 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms with a detached one-bed, one-bath guesthouse on 8,206 square feet, the glass-and-steel house incorporates many Feng Shui principles.
Price & property history: Originally listed in March 2023 with an ambitious $68.8 million price tag, the Ed Niles-designed home recently had its price re-adjusted to $59.5 million.
Madison Hildebrand and Jennifer Chrisman at Compass and Wendy Wong and Katherine Quach of Treelane Realty Group are spearheading the home sale.
The $45 million Brentwood house
Our favorite property on this list — though we might be a bit biased, as we’ve written extensively about this mansion before — is a newly built spec mansion in Los Angeles’ family-friendly Brentwood neighborhood.
Toured alongside billionaire Mark Cuban (who lives in an equally impressive luxury mansion), the spectacular property known as Allure is a 14,000-square-foot mansion that’s been carved into the mountainside — an arduous process that included the removal of approximately 680 truckloads of dirt to create over an acre of flat land.
Photo credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm Visuals
First listed for $45 million (price later dropped to $29.888 million) ‘Allure’ is inspired by “The Greats” across various domains — including elite athletes, top Hollywood stars, influential C-suite executives, and international business tycoons.
And its long (and creative) list of amenities reflects that.
The 7-bedroom, 8-bath home has a movie theater with a Rolls Royce starlight ceiling, two striking living moss walls, a dedicated regulation-sized pickleball court, an NBA-sized half-court sporting a Michael Jordan design, a putting green, and a sanctuary spa with a fitness center and sauna.
Photo credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm Visuals
The upscale Brentwood mansion was developed by Ramtin “Ray” Nosrati of Huntington Estates Properties, the mastermind behind some of LA’s most affluent homes.
Price & property history: The 14,000-square-foot house was first listed for $45 million. With a revised price of $29.888 million, Allure is listed with Sally Forster Jones and Nicole Plaxen of Sally Forster Jones Group at Compass, Santiago Arana at The Agency, Shauna Walters at Beverly Hills Estates, and Josh and Matt Altman of The Altman Brothers at Douglas Elliman.
Take a closer look inside: This $29.888 million Brentwood mansion is the Michael Jordan of homes
The $30 million mansion with an indoor water park
While most of the houses in MrBeast’s videos are located in California, the $30 million mansion takes us on a trip to Leverett, Massachusetts, to visit a highly unique property likened to “a candy store for adults.”
Known as the Juggler Meadow Estate, the $30 million Massachusetts property is the former home of late Yankee Candle founder Michael Kittredge II and is a local celebrity in its own right (which comes as little surprise after watching the video tour).
With an impressive 120,000 square feet of interior space — split between 8 structures — the compound features a 25,000-square-foot main residence, a 55,000-square-foot spa, an indoor water park, three tennis courts, a three-lane bowling alley, two grotto-like wine cellars, and a 10-seat movie theater, among many other amenities.
Price & property history: The former Yankee Candle founder’s house was listed in the second half of 2022 for $23 million. Popular listing websites like Zillow and Realtor.com still show the same $23 million asking price, while the official listing on the brokerage’s website (the house is repped by Johnny Hatem Jr with The Sarkis Team at Douglas Elliman) says the price is only available upon request.
The $15 million house
While the other luxury houses MrBeast visited strayed a bit from the price point shown in the video, the next property on our list is a true-to-story $15 million home in the Hollywood Hills — with a killer location and spectacular design.
Perched atop the famous Bird Streets (widely known as some of LA’s most desirable streets, (attracting celebrities like Leo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, or Jodie Foster), the 7,217-square-foot contemporary, Ameen Ayoub-designed residence was completed in 2021.
Photo credit: Hunter Kerhart courtesy of Revel Real Estate
Packed with world-class amenities — including a chef’s kitchen with Miele appliances, an aquarium bar that looks into the infinite pool, a custom-built honeycomb quartz wine cellar, a decoupled home theatre, a subterranean garage, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with a sauna and steam shower — the 3-bed, 5-bath home is pure luxury.
Photo credit: Hunter Kerhart courtesy of Revel Real Estate
It also has a jaw-dropping primary suite with a fireplace and private terrace, dual bathrooms, and a designer closet.
Price & property history: Listed for $14,900,000 with by Ben Bacal and Rachel Williams of Revel Real Estate, the $15 million was listed in mid-2023, and hasn’t had any price adjustments since.
After being featured in MrBeast’s $1 vs $100,000,000 House! video, the property’s agents share that the Hollywood Hills mansion already received an offer — for a one-year lease. And more will likely follow, as the viral video keeps accruing millions of views.
Which property did you love the most?
*Featured image credit: Fidias, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, Nils Timm / Nils Timm Visuals & Simon Berlyn courtesy of Compass
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In the world of real estate, where property expertise reigns supreme, it comes as little surprise that the most successful real estate agents own some of the most remarkable and envy-inducing residences.
With their extensive knowledge of market trends and investment potential — not to mention their keenly trained eye for luxury living — real estate pros are the first to spot desirable properties, often before they are even listed for the general public to see.
They then leverage their design expertise and Rolodex of industry connections to turn their homes into personal sanctuaries that serve as living testaments to their industry acumen and discerning tastes.
Such is the case of Billy Rose, realtor to the stars and co-founder of luxury real estate brokerage, The Agency.
Rose, rated as one of the best real estate agents in Los Angeles (and the entire country, once being named the Number 10 real estate agent in the U.S. by The Wall Street Journal), owns an architecturally distinct home in one of Los Angeles’ best areas, which he’s now bringing to market.
Priced at $5,895,000, the elegant abode has served as Billy Rose’s personal residence for 20 years.
Located in the sought-after Westword neighborhood, the property sits on the “first lot bought in highly coveted Westwood Hills”, per the listing, and is known as the Murrow Residence, named after its original owners.
Rose himself provided a little bit of background on the home’s history.
“The Murrows considered the lot to be the trophy of Westwood Hills,” Billy Rose tells us. “Mr. Murrow, for whom the home was built, was (as I understand it) a bit of a “mucky muck” at the Rand Corporation. He had rigged the front door such that he could attach a 35mm projector to the door and project through to the living room.“
But it’s not just the location that appealed to The Agency co-founder.
The home’s distinct design played a big role too. The 1940-built residence is an outstanding example of International Style architecture (post Deco and pre Mid-Century Modern).
Photo credit: The Agency
“I find International Style architecture to be sublime,” Billy Rose shared in an exclusive comment for Fancy Pants Homes. “The style is best described as stripped of all unnecessary ornamentation and about accentuating the strengths of the home (the view, the layout, the light, the circulation, the air flow). Le Corbusier (one of the pioneers of what is now regarded as modern architecture) summed it up best when he called a house a “machine for living”.“
Vintage and collectible lighting, designer finishes, and terrazzo and custom-milled walnut floors complement the home’s unique style, while broad expanses of glass in every direction bring the outdoors in.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
The house has a total of 5 bedrooms — all suites — with the primary being touted as “one of the best primary suites in its class with extremely generous dual closets and baths”, per the listing.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
The inviting chef’s kitchen has its own claim to fame.
“My wife is a chef and she filmed her show “Taste of Melrose” from there,” shared Rose whose wife, model-turned-chef Melissa Rose, has been filming her cooking show in their camera-ready kitchen for years.“It was not only a great exhibition kitchen, but it served us well for our numerous dinner parties.”
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
When prompted to pick his favorite area of the house, The Agency co-founder signaled out the primary bedroom suite, along with “the original stairway, with its two-story Torrance steel window system“, which he says was one of the things that drew him to the property.
Photo credit: The Agency
Heading outside, we find a secluded backyard oasis with a cascading pool, spa, fire pit, grassy yard, dining and lounging areas, with mature landscaping, tall hedges, and privacy walls shielding it from prying eyes.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
Unsurprisingly, Billy Rose holds the listing along with Stefan Pommepuy, also with The Agency.
And while Rose hasn’t yet been part of the cast of Buying Beverly Hills, the Netflix series starring agents from the luxury real estate brokerage he co-founded alongside Mauricio Umansky, we’re hoping his house will — and that the second season of the show will give us a better look inside his inviting abode.
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