In 2022, Southern California real estate once again lived up to its reputation as one of the weirdest, wildest, most dramatic markets in the country.
While the lower end of the market cooled as interest rates forced buyers and sellers to rethink their strategies, the luxury market raged on with significantly more blockbuster sales than last year.
Celebrities, tech moguls and CEOs spent fortunes on their dream homes. Battles were waged over the profits of mega-mansions. Here are the top sales of the year.
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$58 million
Sylvester Stallone kicked things off by selling his 21,000-square-foot mega-mansion in Beverly Park for $58 million — a blockbuster deal, but not quite a knockout for the “Rocky” star, who originally wanted $110 million for the trophy home.
The high-profile sale included a high-profile buyer: pop star Adele. She joins a bevy of stars in the affluent enclave including Denzel Washington, Magic Johnson and Mark Wahlberg.
$70 million
Michael Rubin, the chief executive of sports e-commerce company Fanatics, set an all-time record in Hollywood Hills when he shelled out $70 million for a property once owned by Ronald Reagan.
The sale redefined what a home could fetch in Hollywood Hills, which has historically seen sales top out in the $30-million range. The staggering price was due to the estate’s rare size and scale. Newly rebuilt, it sits on three-quarters of an acre above the Sunset Strip with unobstructed views of the city.
Records show the seller was Francesco Aquilini, a Canadian businessman best known as the chairman of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team. A regular in real estate headlines, he set the neighborhood’s previous price record when he sold a spec mansion for $42.5 million in 2020.
$70.4 million
Kim Kardashian got in on the action as well, buying yet another home in Southern California. The reality TV star has owned properties in Hidden Hills and Calabasas but picked up one in Malibu this time, spending $70.4 million on a bluff-top mansion once owned by Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber.
Set on more than 3 acres overlooking the ocean, the coastal estate centers on a 7,450-square-foot villa surrounded by a swimming pool, tennis court and meditation deck.
It was sold by hedge-fund manager Adam Weiss and “Yellowstone” actress Barret Swatek, who originally asked $99.5 million for the place.
$75 million
For months, rumors swirled on where Drake — perhaps the world’s biggest hip-hop star — would buy a home. The rapper toured the finest estates of Southern California but eventually settled for something off-market, quietly paying $75 million for a Beverly Crest mansion owned by fellow music star Robbie Williams.
Drake’s new place is comically large, clocking in at more than 20,000 square feet on more than 20 acres — a rarity for the area. Across those 20,000 square feet, it manages to squeeze in 10 bedrooms and a staggering 22 bathrooms, as well as an elevator, wine cellar, gym, game room and 11-car garage.
$91 million
Malibu’s massive year continued thanks to video game designer Jon Burton, who sold his 6.6-acre spread in Paradise Cove for $91 million — a nice improvement on the $36.5 million he paid for it in 2012, but a bit less than the $125 million he originally wanted.
The price jump is mainly thanks to a face-lift Burton gave the place during his decade-long stay. Listing photos show he remodeled the living spaces with rich woods and large windows, as well as amenities such as a movie theater, tennis court, swimming pool and mini golf course.
The biggest highlight comes out back, where the 17,000-square-foot mansion descends to 340 feet of beach frontage.
$100 million
Only three sales surpassed the $100-million threshold this year, and one of them belonged to Tamara Gustavson, daughter of late Public Storage founder B. Wayne Hughes. She wanted $127.5 million for her sprawling compound on a Malibu bluff and sold it for $100 million.
The buyer, records show, is Byron Allen, the billionaire media mogul who founded Entertainment Studios.
The stunning spread has the usual laundry list of amenities but adds a few custom spaces such as a wood-and-glass guesthouse outfitted with a gym and yoga studio.
The profits are a drop in the bucket for Gustavson, who has a net worth of $7.59 billion, according to Bloomberg.
$120 million
Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel finally closed his deal in Holmby Hills, spending $120 million on a property across the street from the Playboy Mansion. The sale process started last year, but he couldn’t close until the summer because the house wasn’t yet finished.
With the move, Spiegel joins one of the ritziest pockets in the country. The Playboy Mansion is the neighborhood’s most famous estate, but the area also holds iconic homes such as Owlwood and the Manor, which set the L.A. County price record at the time when it traded hands for $119.75 million in 2019.
$141 million
What more can be said of “The One”? When the country’s largest modern home was auctioned off for $141 million to the founder of Fashion Nova, it brought an end to a years-long saga of ambition and greed, a battle that’s been documented over and over again but remains hard to believe.
Once touted as a $500-million home, then listed as a $295-million home, then sold at a foreclosure auction as a $141-million home, the still-unfinished mega-mansion comes in as both a crowning achievement and utter disappointment. It ranks as the top sale of the year, and one of the priciest home sales ever in California, but couldn’t fetch anywhere near its original price, and leaves the buyer with millions more to spend to finish up the place.
In many ways, The One is the perfect encapsulation of Southern California’s luxury market, where developers chase bigger and bigger price tags for bigger and bigger homes until, oftentimes, it all blows up in a dramatic display for all to see.
Discover the quintessence of luxury and style by exploring life in a city that embodies glamor like no other. Whether you have been a long-time resident, exploring homes for sale, or renting an apartment in Beverly Hills, CA, this Redfin guide unveils the myriad facets of living in this incredible city
From the illustrious shopping scene that hosts renowned global labels to a dynamic dining landscape featuring world-class culinary delights, the city delivers an unparalleled lifestyle.
Get a taste of day-to-day life, encompassing fitness, leisure, neighborhoods, and health facilities, that the city thoughtfully curated. And for those times when you play host to visitors or wish to have a staycation yourself, delve into the iconic hotels that provide a taste of the celebrity lifestyle. So let’s get started. Whether you are a connoisseur of fashion, a lover of fine dining, or a seeker of unforgettable experiences, here are some of the top things to do in Beverly Hills.
Luxury Shopping
Beverly Hills is home to a plethora of shopping destinations that cater to every style and budget, each offering a unique experience.
The Albright Fashion Library
The Albright Fashion Library, for example, is an exquisite gem for fashion enthusiasts—this curated fashion haven houses designer clothing and accessories.
The Golden Triangle
The most iconic shopping area is The Golden Triangle, with Rodeo Drive at its heart. It’s easy to lose track of time while meandering through high-end shops like Saks Fifth Avenue, Zegna, Chanel, Stegano Ricci, and Richard Mille, to name just a few. From the latest fashion collections to luxury timepieces, these boutiques present the best of what the fashion world has to offer.
Beverly Center
For those seeking a mix of high-end and more accessible brands, the Beverly Center is a must-visit. Here, you can explore a range of retail stores, including Burberry, Sephora, Steve Madden, and Tumi. With its vast selection and modern design, the Beverly Center ensures a pleasant shopping experience for every visitor.
The Grove and Park La Brea
Though not directly in Beverly Hills, The Grove and Park La Brea are just a short drive away and offer even more shopping opportunities. With its open-air layout, the Grove is renowned for its mix of popular retail stores and restaurants, while Park La Brea’s shopping district caters to a more eclectic crowd.
Exquisite Dining
When it comes to dining, Beverly Hills is a gastronome’s delight. The city offers an eclectic array of dining options, from world-class establishments to quaint cafes.
The Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is more than just a hopping haven – it’s also a dining hotspot. The area’s restaurants offer a broad range of cuisine, from traditional Italian dishes to exotic Asian fare. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a light snack between shopping sprees, The Golden Triangle has many options to satisfy your culinary cravings.
Beverly Drive
Meanwhile, Beverly Drive is a treasure trove of foodies. Lined with a diverse selection of restaurants, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing brunch, a business lunch, or a dinner date. As you stroll along Beverly Drive, the tantalizing aromas wafting from the restaurants will whet your appetite.
Beverly Hills Hotel
Another delightful dining destination is The Cabana Cafe at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Known for its al fresco dining, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy California cuisine amidst palm trees and sunshine. From their famous McCarthy Salad to their pizzas made with seasonal ingredients, The Cabana Cafe offers a unique, fresh, and enjoyable dining experience.
Honorable mentions
Famous MICHELIN Star restaurants in Beverly Hills include Nozawa Bar, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, and Maude.
Ethereal Living
Living in Beverly Hills is an experience that encompasses much more than its glamorous reputation. While luxury indeed abounds, a wide array of lifestyle amenities and activities are available.
Gyms and fitness centers
Fitness enthusiasts will be thrilled with the city’s selection of gyms and fitness centers. Ranging from private boutique studios to larger, more comprehensive facilities, there are plenty of options to help you stay active and fit. Equipped with top-of-the-line equipment, classes for all levels, and skilled trainers, these gyms offer an inviting atmosphere that promotes health and well-being.
Beverly Hills parks
Beverly Hills boasts a collection of well-maintained parks for those who prefer outdoor activities, providing a refreshing oasis amidst bustling city life. Whether you’re looking for a serene spot for a picnic, children’s playgrounds, or a tranquil setting for a leisurely walk, the city’s parks cater to all.
Stroll through the various green spaces such as Beverly Gardens Park, Coldwater Canyon Park, Will Rogers Memorial Park, Roxbury Memorial Park, and more.
Beverly Hills neighborhoods
The neighborhoods in Beverly Hills each possess their distinctive charm. Whether you’re in the exclusive residential streets of The Flats, the lavish mansions of Trousdale Estates, or the hillside homes in the Beverly Hills Post Office area, you’ll find that each community exudes a unique blend of sophistication, tranquility, and charm.
Healthcare facilities
Lastly, world-class healthcare facilities are a notable aspect of life in Beverly Hills. Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, one of the most renowned hospitals in the nation, is located nearby. Offering a wide range of services from primary care to specialized treatments, it’s reassuring to know that quality healthcare is just around the corner.
Unparalleled Hotels
Beverly Hills is home to some of the most iconic hotels in the world, each providing an unrivaled level of luxury and service. So high-quality options are abundant whether you’re in town for a stay searching for your next home, have visitors, or are seeking a venue for various events and activities.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel, affectionately known as the ‘Pink Palace,’ epitomizes timeless Hollywood glamor. More than just a place to rest, the hotel hosts various events, from star-studded galas to intimate weddings. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a memorable stay coupled with the chance to be part of the city’s vibrant social scene.
The Maybourne Beverly Hills
The Maybourne Beverly Hills, renowned for its elegance and refined service, is a favored venue for business meetings and conferences. The hotel’s meeting rooms and event spaces have state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a seamless experience for every corporate event. Meanwhile, the hotel’s prime location provides easy access to the city’s business and entertainment districts, making it a perfect base for business travelers.
The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills exemplifies modern luxury. Besides its stunning rooms and suites, the hotel regularly hosts fashion shows, cocktail receptions, and other high-profile events, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic lifestyle. Its rooftop lounge also provides a fantastic spot for socializing while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
The Beverly Wilshire
The Beverly Wilshire, made famous by the film “Pretty Woman,” blends historic charm with modern sophistication. Apart from being a great place to stay, the hotel is also a popular spot for upscale charity events and glamorous balls, providing opportunities for guests to engage with the community and contribute to worthy causes.
Cue up your favorite girlboss anthem, because the high-powered female brokers at the Oppenheim Group are back!
And along with them come more million-dollar deals, some fresh new faces, and all the drama you’d expect from the Netflix series best described as ‘Real Housewives meets Million Dollar Listing.‘
Spicing things up this season are two new additions to the Selling Sunset cast, joining familiar faces like Chrishell Stause, Mary Fitzgerald, Emma Hernan, Heather Rae El Moussa, Amanza Smith, and Chelsea Lazkani.
O Group veteran Nicole Young steps into the limelight (after she’d only made brief appearances in past seasons, including a memorable one in Season 2 when she officiated Mary and Romain’s wedding), alongside model-turned-real estate agent Bre Tiesi.
For those of you keeping up with celebrity news, Bre might already be a familiar face, as the ambitious real estate agent was holding headlines last year after having a baby with Nick Cannon.
We also get to meet Jason Oppenheim’s new girlfriend, Marie-Lou Nurk, and Chrishell Stause’s partner (later turned wife), G Flip. But despite the show’s new additions, what we’re most excited to see more jaw-dropping mansions and multi-million-dollar homes — and there’s no shortage of those in the new season.
So we took it upon ourselves to track down all the spectacular houses in Selling Sunset Season 6, and give you a breakdown of their impressive features, endless lists of amenities, and upscale features.
The spectacular houses in ‘Selling Sunset’, Season 6
Selling Sunset doesn’t disappoint when it comes to real estate eye candy. From sprawling penthouses to massive mansions, Season 6 brought us plenty of million-dollar homes to daydream about — and even had us revisit some past favorites, like Chrishell Stause’s beautiful home in Hollywood Hills.
And since luxury real estate is our obsession, we couldn’t help ourselves and tracked down all the Selling Sunset houses that graced our screens in Season 6 of the hit Netflix show.
With the exception of Chelsea’s Santa Monica listing, which we couldn’t find as there weren’t many details available (or maybe Chelsea didn’t land the listing?), and Nicole’s West Hollywood listing, here’s a quick update on all of the houses featured this season, along with property photos and videos that allow you to take a closer look at these phenomenal estates.
Bonus: before we go into the houses that made their way on-screen, we’d like to take a second to applaud the Netflix production crew’s choice when picking the shooting location for promotional images.
The posters for Selling Sunset‘s sixth season were shot at the iconic Sheats-Goldstein Residence, an architectural marvel and Hollywood landmark designed by lauded architect John Lautner.
Saint Ives Place, West Hollywood – Harry Styles’ former house
An impressive property with celebrity pedigree, this West Hollywood manse was the perfect location to kick off Season 6 of Selling Sunset.
Previously owned by As It Was hitmaker Harry Styles (who bought and sold quite a few Los Angeles-area mansions over the years, including one that later became Lizzo’s house), Emma’s listing has a phenomenal location and all the luxury amenities you’d expect from a former celebrity pad.
With 4 bedrooms, 6 baths, and 4,401 square feet of living space, the Netflix-features Saint Ives Pl. is ideally located behind private gates right above the Sunset Strip — which means it offers beautiful panoramic views that extend from Downtown L.A. to the ocean.
At the time Selling Sunset filmed its Season 6 episodes, the property was listed for $7,995,000. Not to spoil anything for Netflix fans (as Harry Styles’ former house may make a comeback in the next season), but the property is still on the market, with a slightly reduced price.
We’ve also learned that the property is available as a rental asking a whopping $1,500 PER DAY.
Lloydcrest Drive in Beverly Hills, Emma’s $18,995,000 listing
We’re suckers for striking modern mansions, and the Lloycrest Dr house on Selling Sunset is right up our alley.
The 5-bed, 9-bath house, which comes with a coveted address (it’s set in the prestigious Crest Streets in Beverly Hills), was listed for just under $19 million.
Hardworking Emma had already secured a buyer for the modern Beverly Hills spread, but the sale fell through as the buyers were not happy with how much they’d have to pay for fire insurance, which ran high even for a property this size (the show mentions that the cheapest fire insurance for the house would be 200,000/year – yowza!)
(Spoilers ahead) Fast-forward to now, Lloydcrest Drive is still on the market, though at a significantly lower price point. The property — which offers 10,359 of living space, a massive 2,000 sq. ft. primary suite with a private glam room and hair salon, a gourmet kitchen, and a 20-person home theater with a bar, among others — is currently listed for $12,995,000.
Jason Oppenheim’s two $7.5M penthouses on Hollywood Boulevard
After his Season 5 breakup with Chrishell, O Group co-founder Jason Oppenheim threw himself into work — specifically, converting four condo units on Hollywood Blvd. into two spectacular penthouses with massive rooftop decks and the finest luxury finishes.
As mentioned on the show, Jason sunk nearly $10 million of his own personal money into the project, and he’s looking to cash out by listing each of them for a whopping $7.5 million.
(Spoiler) The two penthouses are still on the market following Selling Sunset‘s Season 6 premiere, though the smaller of the two — both units have 3 beds and 4 baths, but one is slightly larger at 3,820 square feet versus 3,580 sq. ft. — has seen its price drop by $500,000. It’s now listed for $6,995,000 (and as a rental for $49,900/mo), while the larger unit retains the original $7,495,000 asking price and a $49,900/mo rent price.
Micah’s Hillside Ave house
Micah, the developer behind the impressive Lloydcrest Drive property we mentioned earlier, was also selling his original home — and had enlisted Emma to be his agent for this one too.
Set on the same prime Hollywood Hills street as the unforgettable $40 million Hillside house from Season 1 and 2, the 5-bedroom, 5-bath home comes with 4,840 square feet of luxurious living space, an open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, and a King Kong statue(?) guarding the pool area.
Remember when Emma said how flattered she was that Micah was entrusting her with the sale of this home? Well, turns out he was right to do so (Warning, spoilers ahead): The Hillside Ave house from season 6 of Selling Sunset sold for more than the asking price.
Listed for $5,495,000 in August 2022, the 5-bedroom spread sold for $5,726,000 a few months later, in November 2022 per public records. Way to go, Emma!
N Stanley Ave, the black house on Billionaire’s Row
For this one, we didn’t have to do much research, as we extensively covered this beauty when it came to market last year.
Definitely one of the most impressive houses featured on Season 6 of Selling Sunset, the newly-built N Stanley property that Heather and Bre visit together is nestled in the hills above Sunset Strip, in the coveted ‘Billionaire’s Row’.
Priced at a cool $24.995 million, the plush property offers all the bells and whistles you’d expect from an ultra-luxurious L.A. listing. And a few extras that probably wouldn’t have crossed your mind.
Offering panoramic views of DTLA, the Pacific Ocean, and the canyon, the spec house offers 6 beds, 9 baths, and nearly 10,365 square feet of living space. It also has a custom home theater, fitness center, wine cellar, second living room, and all the finest custom finishes.
The sophisticated smart home also features museum-quality crystals sourced from around the world and placed with extraordinary care throughout the home to energetically enhance the luxury residence. Take a closer look at this stunning Hollywood Hills mansion.
Now, while on the show we see Bre and Heather touring the property (and later, Bre showing the house to her client, Adam), the black N Stanley house from Selling Sunset‘s season 6 was never listed with the Oppenheim Group.
The listing agents for the property are Camellia Yeroomian of The Agency (the other luxury brokerage that has its own Netflix series, Buying Beverly Hills) and Monty Abramov of The Beverly Hills Estates. Which means it isn’t a spoiler if we reveal that the fabulous mansion is still on the market, boasting a slightly altered listing price of $22 million.
300 The Strand, Chelsea’s $22M listing in Manhattan Beach
Set on a corner lot facing one of California’s best beaches, 300 The Strand is a rare oceanfront listing with all the bells and whistles its high price point commands.
With 4 bedrooms, 9 baths, and 4,440 square feet of modern coastal living space — plus a Strand-front patio, and a sports court with basketball hoop and a private, heated entertainment terrace with in-ground spa, fire pit and BBQ — Chelsea’s 300 The Strand listing is definitely one of the most impressive properties featured in Season 6 of Selling Sunset.
Related: Manhattan Beach’s priciest listing is a $36M modern mansion with luxury resort vibes
A few months after the season filmed, the oceanfront home in Manhattan Beach is still on the market, looking for either a buyer (it’s still listed on the O Group’s website for $21,999,000, though it’s worth noting that other industry websites no longer have it listed for sale) or a renter (it also appears as a $55,000/mo rental on popular real estate websites like Zillow or Realtor.com).
The Woodvale Road property in Encino
Heading over to Encino, new O Group agent Bre Tiesi is hoping to land a phenomenal listing set on Woodvale Road.
The newly built, 8-bedroom, 14-bath property is the pinnacle of luxury, offering over 21,000 square feet of meticulously crafted and designer done living space.
With stand-out features like a chef’s prep kitchen, home theater, professional gym, full spa, hair salon, elevator, temperature-controlled wine storage, 14-car garage that doubles as an event space, outdoor basketball court, and fabulous detached two-story guesthouse, the Woodvale Road property was priced at $25 million, and Bre was eyeing the ultra-generous $750,000 commission she would make from the sale.
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(Spoiler ahead) However, a little bit of research shows that Bre did not in fact land the Encino listing. Public records for the property show that it did find a buyer though — even if the O Group was likely not involved in the transaction.
The Encino mansion ended up selling in February 2023 for a cool $17,500,000, a price point that made it one of the biggest transactions in the family-friendly Encino neighborhood.
The Benedict Canyon house Mary was eyeing for one of her clients
For one of her clients — a couple from the UK who works in events and needs plenty of space and a large backyard — Mary was touring a stunning Beverly Hills property aptly dubbed Jardin de los Suenos (the House of Magical Gardens).
The newly designed Benedict Canyon house on Selling Sunset comes with 6 bedrooms, 7 full baths and one half-bath, and a generous 7,000 square feet of living space.
With extra tall ceilings (14-foot ones for the common spaces, and a 23-foot ceiling in the formal entry foyer) paired with equally tall windows and sliding glass doors, the property perfectly embodies the indoor-outdoor Cali living.
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2231 Benedict Canyon Dr Beverly Hills from Barcelo Photography Inc. on Vimeo.
Also featuring a total of 5 fireplaces, a 200-bottle temperature-controlled all-glass wine storage room, and a media/screening room, plus a one-bedroom guest house, it’s no surprise that the property didn’t linger on the market for too long.
(Spoiler alert) Listed for $8,999,995 in late July of last year, the property was sold a couple of months later for almost full ask: $8,956,000. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like Mary’s clients were the lucky buyers. Public records show that a different brokerage was attached to the sale.
The Oak View Drive house in Encino that Chrishell visits
On Episode 5, S06 of Selling Sunset, we join Chrishell for a property visit that brings us back to Encino to tour a 7-bedroom, 9-bathroom house on Oak View Drive.
Boasting the “best views in Encino”, the 7,003-square-foot home had been completely re-imagined by the developers, who invested about $1 million in property upgrades before listing it themselves.
Featuring beautiful cedar and oak detailing, a perfectly-appointed kitchen, a 1,000-square-foot primary bedroom with a large bathroom, and an infinity pool (plus a quirky neon sign that says “I Licked It So It’s Mine”) the Oak View Drive house also got Amanza and Heather’s seal of approval.
What happened to it since that episode was filmed? (Potential spoilers ahead) While Chrishell mentions that she does have a client that’s looking for something in this price range (especially if the developers/listing agents are willing to adjust the price, if needed), it seems that the property may have not been a good fit after all.
Listed for $7,895,000 million at the time of filming, the Encino house is still on the market — but has recently been re-listed at a revised price of $6.5 million. Take a closer look (swipe for more pics):
The sleek $33M Londonderry Place mansion Bre tours with her client
Bre means business! Her drive to sell eight-figure properties leads to her showing a striking $33 million mansion to one of her clients, Telli Swift, the fiancée of championship boxer Deontay Wilder.
One of the most bonkers mansions we’ve seen this season, the Londonderry house blends black and gold finishes throughout its 14,000 square feet of living space.
With 6 bedrooms, 8 baths, and soaring 30-foot ceilings, this sleek Selling Sunset mansion has an endless list of amenities, including a spa wellness retreat with a cryo chamber, hot yoga and salon, and a two-level glass-bottomed pool.
The striking property was also featured on Architectural Digest a few years back, with its unique amenities and aesthetic appeal attracting over 4.5 million views on YouTube.
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(Spoilers) At the time of writing, shortly after Season 6 of Selling Sunset aired, the Londonderry house is no longer on the market, per public records. However, since no sale was recorded in the meantime, it could very well be that the property is still up for grabs but held as a pocket listing by one of L.A.’s top luxury brokerages.
Poo Bear’s house at Zorada Court
Once again courting her many famous friends, we see Bre touring music producer Poo Bear’s house in Los Angeles, a 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath modern retreat overlooking Nichols Canyon.
Poo Bear and his wife, Ashley, are looking to list the property as they’re moving to Miami and Bre is hoping to get the listing, which could potentially earn her a $297,000 commission.
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Beyond the property’s many attributes, Poo Bear’s house is also where music history has been made. The music producer/songwriter has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Usher, Skrillex, and J Balvin, with many of their famous songs being written in this house.
In fact, the white piano (that comes with the house) is where Justin Bieber’s Yummy was created, Poo Bear shares.
Related: Where does Justin Bieber live? His many houses — both past and present
As for what happened to the property after its Selling Sunset appearance (warning, spoilers ahead): after first being listed in November 2022 for $8,900,000, Zorada Ct’s price was dropped to $7,995,000 in early February 2023, only to sell less than two months later for $6,850,000. No O Group agent was involved in the transaction, neither on behalf of the seller nor of the buyer.
Chelsea’s listing at 15th Street in Manhattan Beach
Taking us back to dreamy Manhattan Beach, Chelsea walks us through her 3-bed, 4-bath listing with easy beach access.
While the first offer Chelsea got for the property was fairly low ($3.6 million), she knew she priced the house right and wasn’t going to budge until she got the offer up for her client.
And she stayed true to her words, selling the 3-story for $3,900,000 — just $50k shy of the initial asking price of $3,950,000. Way to go, Chelsea!
The Beverly Boulevard condo Heather tours for Heather and Terry Dubrow
Leading the home search for Real Housewives of Orange County star Heather Dubrow and her husband, plastic surgeon and Botched co-host, Terry Dubrow, Heather tours a $17,500,000 condo at 8899 Beverly Boulevard, hoping she will land her biggest sale to date.
Accompanied by Brett, Heather walks us through the 4-bed, 4.5-bath condo with jaw-dropping views and resort-level amenities.
However, we learn later on that Terry and Heather Dubrow didn’t purchase the place, but they did ‘settle’ on an equally expensive penthouse set in the coveted Century building known as the Cavalli Penthouse (due to its many upscale furnishings that bear the signature of Roberto Cavalli).
Heather wasn’t the only one to land a killer commission though. (Potential spoiler) The $17.5 million penthouse from Selling Sunset was sold a few months later (at full ask), with none other than Brett Oppenheim repping the buyer.
Elvis’ honeymoon house
Okay, so this isn’t an O Group listing, we know. But how can we write an article about all the phenomenal luxury listings featured in this season of Selling Sunset without at least mentioning Elvis and Priscilla’s honeymoon house?
An iconic Palms Springs property, the futuristic residence was actually built in 1960 by pioneering Modernist architect William Krisel.
At the time, its spaceship-like design earned it the moniker “The House of Tomorrow”, but that didn’t last long, as Priscilla and Elvis Presley famously celebrated their honeymoon here in 1967 — after which it became widely known as “Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway”.
Related: Graceland, Elvis Presley’s house in Memphis – everything you’ve ever wanted to know
Last year, the property had a brief stint on the market, listing in early October 2022 for $5,650,000. Unsurprisingly, a month later, the King’s honeymoon house was already sold at full ask.
The Brentwood house Bre shows Saweetie
Heading over to celebrity-friendly, suburban Brentwood, Bre takes us — and her friend, rapper Saweetie — on a tour of a 7,401-square-foot beauty priced at a cool $8,800,000.
The 5-bedroom, 7-bath home at 19th Helena Drive sits on a quiet cul-de-sac and boasts beautiful architectural details. With an expansive open floorplan on the main floor, inviting (and ultra-private) bedrooms shielded by the lush landscaping, and a lower level designed for entertainment — featuring a plush theater and deluxe wet bar, opening directly to the impressive pool with spa, green lawns, barbecue area, and built-in firepit — the house does seem to be a perfect fit for Saweetie.
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(Potential spoilers) However, despite Bre’s excellent match-making, it wasn’t a done deal. Public records show that the property did indeed sell, but the sale closed in late March 2023 and doesn’t show Bre or any other Oppenheim Group agents associated with the transaction.
The selling price was $7,000,000, considerably lower than the $8.8 million ask mentioned on the show. Fun fact: the property was actually first listed for a whopping $12,949,000.
The house Heather and Bre visit on Sunset Plaza Dr
The last property of this season takes us to Sunset Plaza Dr, where a new-to-market 3-bed, 4-bath listing needs to be assessed by Bre and Heather, to see if it’s a good fit for their clients.
Listed for $4,995,000, the 3,364-square-foot bachelor pad has a massive primary bedroom suite that gets several “Oh my gosh” out of Heather, which isn’t an easy feat given the type of properties she’s used to.
This sleek contemporary home located above the Sunset Strip showcases jetliner panoramic views from Downtown to the ocean. It then comes as little surprise that the home also has multiple outdoor decks and a rooftop deck to capitalize on those extraordinary views, as well as an infinity edge pool with a private Baja deck and swim-up bar.
As for what happened to it (Potential spoilers), the Sunset Plaza Dr property sold in April 2023 for $3,150,000. While it may not have been a good fit for any of Heather or Bre’s clients, the O Group did get a significant commission out of the sale, as Jason Oppenheim was the listing agent for the property.
Admittedly, while watching the show, I felt like there were fewer properties and considerably more drama than in previous seasons. However, after writing about each Selling Sunset house that graced our screens in Season 6 of the hit Netflix docu-soap, I realize there were quite a few show-stopping mansions for us to daydream about. Hope we’re going to get to see some of them return in Season 7.
Editor’s note: While we did our best to identify all the properties featured on Selling Sunset, there’s always a possibility that we’ve missed something. If you spot anything that’s off, or you have an inside tip on one of the properties, drop us a line anytime at hello (at) fancypantshomes.com
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Being mayor of New York City comes with a lot of responsibilities, challenges and a great deal of stress.
However, this high-profile job does come with some pleasant perks, too. One of the privileges of being mayor of the city that never sleeps is that you get to reside in a historic mansion in the very heart of Manhattan — also known as Gracie Mansion.
Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the mayor of New York City
The Archibald Gracie Mansion, better known as Gracie Mansion, is the official residence of the Mayor of the City of New York, and it has held on to that title since 1942.
It is located in Carl Schurz Park at East End Avenue and 88th Street in Yorkville, overlooking the Hell Gate channel in the East River.
The site has a long history; it originally housed merchant Jacob Walton’s Belview Mansion, and was commandeered by George Washington during the American Revolutionary War.
The property was an excellent strategic outpost, given its location overlooking Hell Gate, where the East River, the Harlem River, and the Long Island Sound intersect.
Belview Mansion was unfortunately destroyed by the British during the war, but the location was too good to sit vacant for too long.
In 1799, a businessman/career U.S. army officer by the name of Archibald Gracie constructed Gracie Mansion on the same site and used it as his country home up until 1823.
Gracie Mansion throughout the years
In 1896, Gracie Mansion was seized by the municipal government and integrated within the grounds of Carl Schurz Park. It housed the Museum of the City of New York from 1924 until 1936, and after that, it was shown as a historical house.
Then came 1942, when the U.S. was fighting in World War II. New York developer Robert Moses suggested to Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia to turn Gracie Mansion into a mayoral residence.
Moses thought that the waterfront location would be an advantage in case of a Nazi attack, offering a quick evacuation option for the NYC mayor. La Guardia agreed, and so he became the first in a long line of NYC mayors to reside at Gracie Mansion during his term.
Nobody is sure who the architect was at Gracie Mansion. The two-story Federal-style design is attributed to either Ezra Weeks or John McComb Jr., who designed the New York City Hall and Hamilton Grange.
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Other sources report Archibald Gracie came up with the design of the property himself.
Did you know that Alexander Hamilton died at Gracie Mansion?
Fun fact: Gracie Mansion hosted a historic meeting of the New York Federalists, including Alexander Hamilton, held in 1801 with the goal of raising $10,000 to start a newspaper. That newspaper was called the New York Evening Post, which eventually became the New York Post we know today.
Alexander Hamilton made his last visit to the mansion in July 1804, after being wounded in a duel with Aaron Burr, his political rival at the time.
The duel took place in Weehawken, New Jersey, and Hamilton was shot by Burr and was then transported to Gracie Mansion, where he met his end.
The original fireplace by which Hamilton died has been carefully preserved and can still be admired at Gracie Mansion.
Who lives at Gracie Mansion now?
Gracie Mansion is to be used solely for official city business, and only visiting public officials and family members of the mayor can reside at the property.
The long list of NYC mayors who called Gracie Mansion home over the years includes William O’Dwyer, Robert F. Wagner, John V. Lindsay, Edward Koch, Rudolph Giuliani, and Bill de Blasio. Current NYC mayor Eric Adams and his family reside at the mansion.
Michael Bloomberg was the first Mayor of the City of New York to refuse to stay in the mansion for the duration of his term. Instead, he used it for meetings and official events, and invested in a major restoration effort to bring the property to modern standards.
Restoring the iconic mansion to its former glory
Gracie Mansion underwent a number of changes throughout its long history. In 1966, a new west wing was completed, and that was when the fireplace from the Bayard home, where Alexander Hamilton died, was installed in the ballroom.
The library and the main two floors of the mansion have been impeccably preserved. The mantel and dentil molding in the library have been there since the construction of the house in 1799.
Numerous prestigious guests have attended events or visited the mansion over the decades, including Leonard Bernstein, who once played the historic piano in the yellow room, Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, and even the Dalai Lama.
The mansion is a New York City Landmark and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
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The Gracie Mansion Conservancy
In 1981, Mayor Edward I. Koch and his charter Board Chair, Joan K. Davidson established the Gracie Mansion Conservancy.
The private not-for-profit organization was created to preserve, maintain, and promote Gracie Mansion, and to raise funds to restore and upkeep the historic structure. The Conservancy is constantly working on improving the mansion, acquiring furnishings, caring for the surrounding gardens and grounds, and educating the public.
Under the guidance of the Conservancy, the first major restoration took place between 1981 and 1984. Since then, the historic mansion has been upgraded, repaired, and restored several times throughout the years, with all efforts overseen by the Conservancy.
Gracie Mansion was carefully restored and redecorated in 2002 during Michael Bloomberg’s mandate – even though he was the first NYC mayor who did not live there.
It was the first time that the family quarter on the second floor opened to the public, and the entire structure was redesigned to be fit for official meetings and events. The entire effort cost $7 million and was one of the most significant restorations undertaken at the historic estate.
Former mayor Bill de Blasio also made efforts to improve and enhance Gracie Mansion, and his focus was on bringing the historic mansion into the 21st Century.
Blasio and his wife, Chirlane McCray, enlisted the help of Brooklyn-based company West Elm to add a modern touch to Gracie Mansion, while still preserving its history under the guidance of the Conservancy.
Can you visit Gracie Mansion?
Gracie Mansion’s two main floors are open to the public, and the property also houses a small museum. So, if you’re visiting New York City, or maybe you’ve lived there your whole life but didn’t know about Gracie Mansion, be sure to plan a future visit.
General Tours of the estate take place on most Wednesdays at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm.
General admission is $7 for adults, $4 for seniors, while students are admitted free of charge. There are also Tea Tours available for groups of 25-50 people, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These tours cost $25 per person and include a selection of tea sandwiches, scones, and teacakes.
The Gracie Mansion Conservancy strives to educate the public on the historical significance of the property. To this end, School Tours are also held Tuesdays and Thursdays, catering to local school students, particularly those studying in New York State’s 7th grade social studies curriculum. School Tours are free of charge.
If you’re planning a visit to Gracie Mansion or want to support the Conservancy, email [email protected] or call 311 for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gracie Mansion located?
Gracie Mansion was built in 1799 and is located in Carl Schurz Park, at East End Avenue and 88th Street in Manhattan’s Yorkville neighborhood. The Mansion overlooks Hell Gate channel, where the East River, the Harlem River, and the Long Island Sound intersect.
Does the mayor live in Gracie Mansion?
Gracie Mansion has been the official residence of the Mayor of New York City since 1942. Various NYC mayors have called Gracie Mansion home, including Robert F. Wagner, Edward Koch, Rudolph Giuliani, Bill de Blasio, and Eric Adams. Michael Bloomberg was the first NYC mayor to not reside at Gracie Mansion.
Why is it called Gracie Mansion?
Gracie Mansion was originally built in 1799 by Archibald Gracie, a Scotland-born magnate, Army officer, and American businessman. He built the mansion and used it as his family home until 1823, when he sold it to pay off debts. But the property retained his name.
Is Gracie Mansion open to the public?
Yes, Gracie Mansion can be visited by the public, although some rooms are off-limits to the general audience. General Tours, School Tours, and Tea Tours can be scheduled by emailing [email protected].
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It’s been a little over five years since the tragic passing of both Carrie Fisher and her mother, Debbie Reynolds, who died within 24 hours of each other.
Both A-list actors with thriving careers that spanned decades, the mother-daughter duo were also BFFs and roomies.
Best known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in George Lucas‘ epic Star Wars franchise, Carrie Fisher was born in Burbank, California, to actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher.
And while their family didn’t stay together, as Eddie famously moved on to marry another Hollywood icon, Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie and her mom, Debbie, remained inseparable to the very end.
The two even lived next door to each other for close to 15 years.
But before they moved back to the West Coast, the mother-daughter duo, along with Carrie’s brother, Todd, lived in a beautiful brownstone in New York City — that has recently hit the market for $11.5 million. And it’s a stunner!
Here’s the full scoop on the Upper East Side townhouse that has the perfect blend of custom updates, skilled craftsman details, and a history of illustrious past residents.
The Reynolds-Fisher beloved family home
Located at 154 East 74th Street on the Upper East Side, the stunning townhouse is a New Yorker’s dream come true.
And it was well-loved and lived-in by the Reynolds-Fisher family.
Reynolds’ son, and Carrie’s younger brother Todd Fisher, wrote about the beautiful brownstone in his 2018 memoir, My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie.
“My first birthday away from Greenway Drive. A car was waiting at JFK to take me and my luggage to 154 East 74th Street, the four-story brownstone between Third and Lexington where I’d be living with Mom and Carrie,” he wrote.
He added: “There were two bedrooms on the fourth floor. One was Carrie’s. The other, when she was in town, was Joan Hackett’s,” referencing one of Carrie’s closest friends, Oscar-nominated actress Joan Hackett.
But there’s more to this upscale city residence than its star-studded past.
Built in 1910, the beloved family home oozes timeless charm and the perfect updates for today’s distinguished buyer.
And it’s now up for grabs, asking $11.5 million (Compass’ Steve Halpern holds the listing).
A look inside the beautiful brownstone
Every square inch of the townhouse offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.
Spanning 4,275 square feet, the 4-story home features 5 bedrooms and 5 baths.
Upon entering the brownstone on the ground floor, you’ll find a generously sized soundproof media room including a projector and movie screen.
In addition to a fully functional second kitchen, French doors lead to the spacious backyard featuring a comfortable sitting area, complete irrigation system, and basketball court.
As you go up the stunning staircase to the parlor level, you’ll find a grand chef’s kitchen including double sinks with garbage disposal, a Gaggenau induction cooktop, dual Miele dishwashers, microwave/convection combo, subzero fridge, and recently refinished countertops.
The north end of the floor features a formal living room and a stylish powder room.
As you ascend to the next level, you’ll find the primary bedroom featuring a gas fireplace, heated flooring, double vanities, and a separated wash closet and shower. On the other end of the floor is another bedroom.
The top floor features a fantastic skylight that fills the entire center of the home with all-day sun exposure. This level also offers 2 large bedrooms both including en-suite bathrooms and radiant heated floors.
The townhouse also offers a basement level with a laundry room, an 800-bottle wine cellar with a new Wine Guardian D025 cooling unit, and a fully functional home gym.
Steve Halpern, head of The Halpern Team at Compass holds the listing, which can be viewed in more detail here.
The mother-daughter duo moved next to each other on the West Coast
Of course, the famous mother-daughter acting duo also had roots in Los Angeles.
The iconic actress’ also lived in California, in side-by-side mansions located in Beverly Hills.
For more than 15 years, they lived in the upscale neighborhood of Coldwater Canyon, Mansion Global reports.
Together, the posh properties span 3.5 acres and included Reynolds’ Spanish-style home and Fisher’s secluded, tree-filled abode.
Famous for her portrayal of Princess Leia in Star Wars, Fisher first moved into the swanky neighborhood in 1993. And her mother, who was well known for many movies including her breakout role in Singin’ in the Rain, moved next door in 2000.
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While on the West Coast, homes in the $20 million range compete in cutting-edge amenities and intricate home design, heading to the Rocky Mountains introduces us to a whole new type of ultra-luxury: the type that comes with massive acreage and tons of history.
That’s the case with Colorado’s iconic Redstone Castle — a 153-acre property known as one of the state’s most storied monuments — which was listed for sale back in 2020 with a $19.75 million price tag and sold in April 2022 for $11,975,000.
Set in the town that inspired its name, Redstone Castle (also known as the Ruby of the Rockies, Cleveholm, or Osgood Castle), the massive estate is 48 miles away from Aspen.
The property includes a carriage house, garages, and horse arena, plus early water rights and the right to build 20,000 square feet of additional cabins or cottages in private, wooded areas on the estate’s grounds.
“Redstone Castle is one of the most regal and oldest mansions in the Colorado Rockies,” said Chris Souki with Coldwell Banker Mason Morse, who represented the property when it came to market.
“It’s a true piece of history. The irreplaceability of the castle, combined with the acreage, pristine setting and value created through the mindful stewardship of the current owners, make this property an incredible opportunity.”
Built in 1902, the historic property was brought to modern standards by its former owners, identified by The Denver Post as April and Steven Carver.
With visions of returning the castle to its original glory, they took meticulous care to preserve the 42-room, 24,000 square-foot home, bringing it into the modern era with all-new bathrooms, updated kitchen and infrastructure.
The renovated interiors today reflect the same air of European opulence from a century ago: leather embossed walls, Tiffany-designed chandeliers, aluminum leaf ceilings and frieze, linen-lined walls by Italian artists, and 14 fireplaces with imported marble and tile.
The history of Redstone Castle, Colorado
Perched on the edge of the Crystal River and surrounded by dramatic red cliffs, cascading waterfalls and 100-year-old pine trees, Redstone Castle (also known as Cleveholm or Osgood Castle) has maintained a towering presence in Colorado history — and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The iconic Tudor-style mansion was built by coal magnate John Cleveland Osgood in 1902 and became a beloved hunting and gaming destination for America’s most powerful dignitaries of the day, including Teddy Roosevelt, J.P. Morgan and the Rockefellers.
Osgood, at the time one of the country’s richest men, based the castle’s design on the ancestral home of his wife, Alma, and fitted its lush interiors with antique European furniture and work by Gustav Stickley and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
When John Cleveland Osgood’s prosperity ended, the coal magnate moved away from the area, only to return to Redstone Castle in the late 1920s, to spend his remaining years there.
After Osgood’s passing, his wife tried to convert the house into a resort, but the Great Depression made that economically unviable; however, later owners were able to run it as a hotel into the 1990s.
By 2003, the property ended up in the possession of the state, and the IRS auctioned it off online in March 2005.
Locals feared that a developer might buy the property and demolish the existing structure, but the winning bidder, Ralli Dimitrius, restored it and reopened it for tours, bringing much-needed tourist traffic to Redstone.
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Redstone Castle on the big screen: the house in ‘The Prestige’
Now, if you’ve never even been to Colorado, but the house still seems oddly familiar, there’s a good reason for that.
Redstone Castle has had quite a memorable big screen presence, as the home was used in Christopher Nolan’s 2006 movie, The Prestige.
The $40-million movie about turn-of-the-century rival magicians starred a stellar cast that included the likes of Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, and David Bowie.
According to the Post Independent, the Colorado scenes were filmed mostly at the Redstone Castle and along the road toward Marble, bringing together a 110-people crew to the area to shoot the scenes on location.
The Colorado castle’s future as a wellness center
In April 2022, Redstone Castle finally found its buyer — after nearly two years on the market.
Stephane De Baets of RC Ownership LLC bought the property for Elevated Returns and announced plans to open a wellness resort at the 25,127-square-foot property, according to The Aspen Times.
The $11.9 million sale ushers in a new chapter for the 120-year-old property, which will live on as a hideaway wellness retreat.
According to Redstone Castle’s new owner, an agreement has been reached with Thailand-based RAKxa Wellness, and the hospitality company will be opening an upscale spa retreat on the property known as the Ruby of the Rockies.
*Note: This article was originally published in September 2020, when the Colorado castle was first listed for sale. It was later updated to reflect the recent sale and to include information on the new owner’s plans for the property.
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One of the most magnificent mansions in all of California, Hearst Castle has a rich history that captivates audiences just as much as its striking architecture.
Built more than a quarter mile above the Pacific Ocean, the California castle that was formerly known as La Cuesta Encantada (Spanish for The Enchanted Hill), is a historic estate in San Simeon, Calif.
Perched on a hill halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the Central Coast of California, Hearst Castle was originally built as a private home for publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst.
Hearst, who was one of the wealthiest people alive at the time, is said to have been the inspiration for Orson Welles’ iconic Citizen Kane movie — whose protagonist lived in “the world’s largest private estate,” called Xanadu.
While Welles’ portrayal of Hearst was less than favorable, Xanadu — a name inspired by the ancient city of Xanadu, known for its splendor, and later picked up by Bill Gates as a moniker for his longtime home near Seattle, WA — captured the grandeur of the publishing magnate’s palatial estate.
Now, one century after W.R. Hearst started building his opulent home, Hearst Castle is registered as a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark — and is welcoming visitors who want to revel in its illustrious past.
So we thought we’d delve into the storied history of one of the grandest private homes ever built in the Golden State.
The history of Hearst Castle
Construction of Hearst Castle took nearly thirty years, from 1919 until 1947.
Conceived by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst and his trusted architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle would become a mansion worthy of one of the wealthiest men alive at the time (named Casa Grande).
The main estate was surrounded by three guesthouses (called Casa del Mar, Casa del Monte and Casa del Sol).
But the property traces its history all the way back to 1865, when William Randolph Hearst’s father George Hearst purchased the original forty thousand acre estate and Camp Hill, the site for the future castle.
In 1919, William Randolph Hearst inherited $11 million and the family’s estates — including the land where his future castle would sit on.
With his fortune, Hearst created a publishing empire of newspapers, magazines and radio stations.
To this day, the Hearst family remains involved in the ownership of Hearst Communications. Some of their common-day magazines include ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, O, the Oprah Magazine,and Men’s Health, as well as newspapers such as San Francisco Chronicle and The Advocate, and websites such as Delish.com and BestProducts.com.
But, back to the castle.
Due to the popularity of his publishing empire, Hearst was financially able to build his dream house. And with the help of “America’s first truly independent female architect,” Hearst and Julia Morgan began dreaming up Hearst Castle.
Morgan was a pioneer.
The first woman to study architecture at the School of Beaux-Arts in Paris and the first to have her own architectural practice in California, she was also the first female winner of the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal.
For over twenty years, Hearst and Morgan collaborated as close friends and business equals on the grand castle, making it her most well-known creation.
Hearst Castle’s many rooms and endless amenities
The end result was beyond spectacular: when it was finally completed, the Hearst estate had a total of 42 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, and 19 sitting rooms.
The sprawling grounds of the castle spanned 127 acres, encompassing gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, its own private theater (a rarity back in the day), and an airfield.
The pools alone are so magnificent they’d warrant a visit to the castle just to revel in their beauty.
The Roman Pool — the castle’s indoor pool — was built to mimic an ancient Roman bath.
Featuring shimmery glass mosaic tiles inspired by the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, Italy (created by British muralist Camille Solon, according to Architectural Digest), the pool resembles a mesmerizing sea of blue and gold.
The outdoor Neptune Pool — which has its own Wikipedia page — was built and rebuilt three times, each version a larger size.
In its now final form, the pool is 104 feet long, surrounded by Ancient Roman Revival and Greek Revival style pavilions and colonnades with 17th-century bas-reliefs.
During Hearst’s lifetime, the property was also home to the world’s private zoo.
Even today, visitors who tour the castle are taken aback by its grandeur.
A tour of the grand rooms of the Hearst Castle will have you walking 2 to 3 miles to visit just the essential places, like the Assembly Room, Refectory, Morning Room, Billiard Room and Theater. But the effort would be worth it, as you’d be stepping in the footprints of some the most well-known people of the 20th century.
Who lived (and socialized) at Hearst Castle?
Hearst Castle was originally built as a family home for Hearst, his wife, vaudeville performer Millicent Willson, and their five sons.
But after years of Hearst’s longtime affair with actress Marion Davies, the couple separated.
With Millicent out of the picture, Davies moved into the castle and the couple hosted A-list parties with some of Hollywood’s elite stars, including Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, the Marx Brothers, Mary Pickford, Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo, Buster Keaton and Clark Gable, to name just a few.
Politicians such as US President Calvin Coolidge and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, as well as other notables including Charles Lindbergh, P. G. Wodehouse, and Bernard Shaw were also guests at the castle.
Typically, guests gathered at Casa Grande for beverages in the Assembly Room and dinner in the Refectory.
During the day, guests were left to fend for themselves and enjoy the elaborate grounds. They played tennis, went horseback riding, and played croquet or golf while enjoying the views.
Of course, everyone packed their swim trunks for a dip in the outdoor pool. And in the evening, guests watched the latest Hollywood films in the private theatre before retiring to the luxurious accommodations provided by the guest houses of Casa del Mar, Casa del Monte, and Casa del Sol.
None other than Charlie Chaplin once commented on the impeccable hospitality he experienced at Hearst Castle.
“Dinners were elaborate, pheasant, wild duck, partridge and venison,” Chaplin reportedly said. “[Yet served] amidst the opulence, we were served paper napkins, it was only when Mrs. Hearst was in residence that the guests were given linen ones.”
During the elaborate social gatherings, Morgan continued to build the castle until its completion in 1947.
Hearst died in 1951 at the age of 88.
What happened to the castle after Hearst’s death?
As they say, all good things must come to an end.
After Hearst’s death, his longtime lover, Marion Davies (who was excluded from his funeral) was forced to move out.
And his trusted architect and close friend, Julia Morgan, closed her San Francisco office after a successful 42-year career and reportedly became a virtual recluse until her death in 1957.
In 1958, the Hearst Corporation donated Hearst Castle — including the gardens and most of its contents — to the state of California.
That same year, Hearst Castle was opened to the public for the first time.
In 1972, Hearst Castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1976 it became a United States National Historic Landmark.
Currently, at Hearst Castle…
You’d think Hearst Castle would be a hot location for Hollywood films.
However, commercial filming at the castle is rare. Since 1957, only two big projects have been granted permission to film here.
In 1960, Stanley Kubrick’s film Spartacus used the castle to stand in as Crassus’ villa, and in 2014, Lady Gaga‘s music video for G.U.Y. was filmed at the Neptune and Roman Pools.
Since its opening in 1958, Hearst Castle has become a major California tourist attraction, attracting crowds of close to one million people every year.
Who owns Hearst Castle?
While the Hearst family maintains a connection with the castle, the estate is now a historical landmark owned and operated by the California State Park system.
In 2019, socialite Amanda Hearst, W. R. Hearst’s great-granddaughter, married Norwegian film director Joachim Rønning at the castle (which was closed to the public only for that one day).
But the castle is now a museum open to the public as a California State Park and registered as a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark.
And it’s quite a spectacular spot.
From a north-facing terrace, visitors can look out into the Santa Lucia Mountains and as far as Junipero Serra Peak.
Not to mention the art.
There are four original 16th-century tapestries from the Deeds of Scipio Africanus series hanging on the walls of the Assembly Room, CNN reports.
With most of the original objects on display, Hearst Castle is a magnificent museum not to be missed if you’re in the San Simeon area.
And if you happen to be planning a visit to San Simeon, with the Hearst Castle as the main attraction, here’s a handy map with all your accommodation options nearby:
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The more time we spend indoors, the more we feel a need (read: itch) to update our spaces.
And while we might not have a budget to set aside for costly renovations right now, that doesn’t mean we can’t use some handy tricks at our disposal to freshen up our interiors — maybe even add a touch of elegance and luxury without the costs that normally come with that.
Sure, in an ideal setting, you would probably have a renowned designer at your fingertips to make your rooms exude comfort, luxury, and elegance.
But until that lucky day comes, let’s look at some alternatives that are more within reach. With some clever techniques of strategic design, you can create a space on a shoestring budget that still feels regal.
So what are some of the easiest ways to incorporate a touch of lavish life into your home? Read on below and adapt these suggestions to add a touch of luxury to your interiors:
#1 Work with what you already have
Many times when decorating our homes, we’re so focused on what they lack that we completely forget to pay attention to the lovely little details that are already there.
If you plan on adding to the luxury feel of your home, start by making an inventory of what is it that already makes your house special.
Details like crown molding, planks of wood, wooden floors, bookshelves, and backsplashes made of decorative tiles are all deserving of attention. Keep them as prevalent as possible — keep them alive, free of clutter, and make sure they are the room’s focal point.
Sometimes, simply updating an exquisite — but slightly ignored — staircase with some polish and a new paint can breathe new life into a room. Same goes for neglected fireplaces or striking wooden bookshelves.
As you go on with your changes to achieve that lux-feel, remember that you don’t have to overspend on pricey additions. Instead, you can make do with what you have. Most times, we get so accustomed with our homes (or lust for bigger, more expensive ones), that we completely forget why we fell in love with them in the first place.
#2 Adopt variation
I know what you’re going to say; there’s a certain beauty that comes from simplicity, and uniformity gives a sense of tidiness to a room.
But when it comes to luxury, bold is beautiful, and it’s difficult to make a space stand out if you don’t have the courage to adopt variation.
A couch, throw pillows, side table, rugs, and curtains that have the same pattern and style will almost definitely make your space lose steam.
Swap out plain throw pillows to conveniently add dimension to a range of shapes and sizes, and bring in some luxurious velvet curtains to really light up a space.
Even if you’re opposed to color, throwing in a few shades that are a different version of the natural glow can make the environment more vibrant.
As for your bedroom, when you can’t stick to a lighter color choice, seek soft mustard, rusty violet, or gentle lilac.
These hues are pleasing to the eye and add a soothing ambiance on top of all the luxury. As a tip, head on to BedAdvisor.com for some bedroom styling tips and bedroom essentials that you can incorporate.
#3 Try layered lighting
Very few things bring a room together quite like proper lighting. We don’t often give it the credit it deserves, but proper lighting (and bold choices when it comes to light fixtures) sets the mood and tone of your space — and preps everything else to be properly admired.
Ideally, you’ll want a selection of light sources to add diversity and dimension to the space. Layered lighting is said to be the most effective — not to mention appealing — way to light up a room.
It consists of overall lighting (your main source of light), task lighting (the one you use for specific tasks, like reading or applying make-up), and accent lighting (meant to add to the appeal of your decor).
A well-placed table lamp can be a great focal point for the room, or you could also hang a lovely pendant light with a striking design — or opulent feel.
Note that, with so many options for light fixtures nowadays, you don’t have to pick an expensive one; sometimes, simply replacing a dull, outdated one with a more modern version can do wonders.
Another inexpensive trick that should take little work is plug-in light fixtures. Placing such accessories next to furniture may be an inexpensive way to upgrade a room without needing to carry the burden of electrical rewiring.
Using lamps is also another less expensive renovation since it helps you change the light setting so that the room feels nice, cozy, and luxurious. And don’t forget about some luxury candles to pepper around the house.
#4 Always have fresh flowers
Now onto one of the easiest — and most enjoyable — tricks on the list; stacking up on fresh flowers every week, and using them to complement your decor for a more vibrant and inviting feel.
There’s a reason high society dames always had fresh flowers in the house. Elegant, colorful, and delicate, flowers are one of nature’s most precious and exquisite gifts; when you add them to your home (especially coupled with eye-grabbing vases), they give a note of sophistication, while making the space come alive. Doesn’t hurt that they also make your home smell amazing.
And the best part: that’s one of your design elements that can be forever changing, and you can adapt every week to your mood. You can also opt for seasonal flowers, giving your home a theme for the month you’re in.
#5 Hanging art on walls
One more affordable and straightforward concept for interior design for your living room is to hang exciting pieces of art on the walls.
Framed pieces, from family portraits to DIY art, will make a room look extravagant. And if you go the extra step and add a little lighting around your art, it will create an inescapable focal point.
However, before installing artwork, you must plan out where and how to put it, and how to fit everything correctly. See that the masterpiece you pick is the perfect height and scale for the wall you’re furnishing. Also, note that you don’t need works of art for every empty wall.
If you feel creative, creating your own is an excellent option to get cheap artwork. Visit your neighborhood craft store, and you might find everything you need to make a stunning canvas or personalized artwork.
#6 Deceive the eye with clever curtains
Most spacious and costly houses have high ceilings that are conveniently overflowing with ambient light. Trick your eyes to achieve the result by hanging curtains that are as high as the ceiling — not just over the window frame.
This will give the illusion of more space, and also opens up a lot of possibilities for picking interesting fabrics and patterns.
With its abundant attractions and diverse landscapes, Florida offers something for everyone. From its white sand beaches, bustling cities, and amazing outdoor activities to its natural wildlife, it’s no wonder so many people choose to call this state home. If you’re considering buying a house in Florida, you might be wondering what types of homes you’re likely to find.
Don’t worry, Redfin is here to help. We’ve collected 11 common Florida style homes, whether you want to rent a home in Venice or buy a condo in Orlando. While home styles vary from city to city, here are some of the most popular home styles in Florida you’re likely to find. Let’s dive in.
1) Key West
Key West style homes are particular to the Key West region of Florida, meaning it’s a unique home style you’re likely not going to find outside of the area. These homes often have a conch-style architecture, characterized by their steep metal roofs and pastel-colored exteriors. You’ll typically find large porches or verandas, as well as shutters or louvered windows, helping provide ventilation and shield from the Florida sun. Additionally, some homes may be elevated off the ground to help protect your home from flood damage.
2) Art Deco
Art Deco homes are known for their striking visual appearance and luxurious design elements. With bold geometric shapes, like zig zag or chevron patterns, and symmetrical designs, materials such as marble, chrome, or glass, Art Deco houses are one-of-a-kind. The exteriors often have a sleek and streamlined look, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. You’ll find bold and vibrant colors such as black, gold, and deep jewel tones throughout the homes, creating a dramatic look. These Florida style homes also may have decorative details like sunburst motifs or stylized floral designs.
3) Contemporary
Contemporary homes typically feature clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on open spaces and natural light. They often have a neutral color palette and incorporate a mix of materials such as glass, steel, and concrete. Contemporary homes also prioritize energy efficient features like solar panels and high-efficiency appliances. Finally, they may feature smart home technology, such as automated lighting and temperature controls.
4) Craftsman
Craftsman style homes in Florida are characterized by their low-pitched roofs and front porches with tapered columns or pedestals. The exterior often features natural materials such as wood siding or stucco, and details like decorative brackets, beams, and rafters. Inside, you’ll find an open floor plan with built-in cabinetry, fireplace, and natural wood finishes such as oak or maple. Craftsman homes typically have large windows that let in plenty of natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
5) Mediterranean
Mediterranean houses take inspiration from the historic architecture located in Mediterranean countries, specifically Spain and Italy. In Florida, many of these homes have a Spanish influence, reminiscent of seaside villas. With their red-tiled roofs, stucco exteriors, metalwork, exposed wooden beams, and blend of indoor-outdoor living it’s no surprise these homes are abundant in Florida.
6) Modern farmhouse
Farmhouses are popular across the country, but in Florida, modern farmhouses are more popular. Modern farmhouses usually feature a combination of classic and contemporary elements. The exterior may include white-painted wood siding and a black or metal roof, along with plenty of windows to let in natural light. Another hallmark of the modern farmhouse aesthetic is the traditional covered front porch. Inside, the farmhouse style is combined with modern elements such as clean lines, reclaimed wood, and metals, creating a unique blend of old and new design elements.
7) New construction
New construction homes often feature modern designs with clean lines and open floor plans. They typically incorporate energy-efficient features and smart home systems. Many of these Florida-style homes also have outdoor living spaces, such as patios and screened-in lanais, to take advantage of the warm weather and tropical views. Additionally, Florida’s new construction homes may feature hurricane-resistant materials and other building techniques to help withstand Florida’s weather conditions.
8) Ranch
Ranch-style homes are popular for their single-story layout, open floor plan, and indoor-outdoor living spaces. They’re designed with a low-pitched roof, wide eaves, and large windows to maximize natural light and ventilation. The homes often feature a U- or L-shaped design that creates a private outdoor space, such as a courtyard or pool area. Some of these Florida homes may have a screened-in porch or lanai. Ranch homes are also known for their stucco or brick exteriors, and may incorporate Mediterranean or Spanish architectural elements for an added Floridian touch.
9) Resort-style
Resort-style homes capture the essence of a luxurious vacation without leaving the comfort of your home. You’ll find large open living spaces that blend with outdoor areas like patios, verandas, and courtyards. With a focus on outdoor entertaining and relaxation, resort-style homes in Florida typically have swimming pools, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits for gatherings.
The homes’ architecture are inspired by tropical and Mediterranean styles with features like expansive windows, high ceilings, and spacious bedrooms with private balconies. The lush landscaping provides a sense of privacy and tranquility that makes everyday living feel like a tropical getaway.
10) Spanish
Spanish-style homes in Florida are known for their distinctive features, including stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and arched doorways and windows. You’ll often find a courtyard or patio, providing a year-round outdoor living space. Spanish-style homes may also include decorative tile work, wrought-iron accents, and ornate carvings or moldings. The interior often boasts open floor plans, high ceilings, and a blend of modern and traditional finishes.
11) Victorian
Victorian style homes in Florida include a wide range of architectural styles, namely, Queen Anne, Second Empire, and Gothic Revival. Queen Anne Victorian homes have colorful exteriors and ornate details. Second Empire Victorians feature Mansard roofs, diamond-shaped dormer windows, and decorative millwork. Lastly, Gothic Revival Victorian houses have pointed arches, steeply pitched roofs, and highly decorative trims.
Marking the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking book, Fear of Flying, novelist Erica Jong has plenty of things to celebrate.
With a lucrative five-decade career in the span of which she published 25 books, a loving, close-knit family that visits often, and an unforgettable novel that secured her a mention in history books, Erica Jong is now actively documenting her well-lived life in a biography that we can’t wait to get our hands on.
Until that one hits the shelves, we’ll peer into another aspect of the celebrated novelist’s life: her longtime New York City apartment, which recently hit the market for $4,250,000 (Maria Daou of Coldwell Banker Warburg holds the listing).
Set on the 27th floor of the highly coveted Imperial House — a white-glove co-op in the heart of the Upper East Side designed by Emory Roth & Sons — the generously sized 3,000-square-foot apartment comes with panoramic views of the city skyline to the west, north, and south.
Unsurprisingly, the novelist’s home is filled with books, with the living room and library both boasting floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that house Jong’s impressive book collection.
The 3,000-square-foot apartment, which we also got a chance to see last year when Jong invited The New York Times inside for an intimate feature into the author’s home life, has 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.
According to our sources, Erica and her husband, Kenneth David Burrows, have been calling the apartment home since 1990, when they bought it for $1.494 million.
SEE ALSO: Stephen King’s House is the Beating Heart of Bangor, Maine
The Imperial House unit comes with a functional kitchen equipped with stainless countertops and appliances, ample storage, an extra pantry, a walk-in closet, and a small office nook.
But what caught our eye is the enclosed solarium, rightfully touted as a “serene space where you can relax and soak in the sweeping vistas of Central Park and the vibrant city skyline,” per the listing.
SEE ALSO: Mark Twain’s houses: From his Connecticut mansions to the NY brownstone known as ‘The House of Death’
The primary bedroom, with its generous size and southern exposure, includes an en-suite bath and provides excellent closet space. The second bedroom is equally spacious, accommodating a king-size bed, a walk-in closet, and an adjacent bathroom.
But the list of perks extends beyond the doors of the celebrated author’s apartment.
The Imperial House co-op offers its residents quite a few fantastic amenities and services, including concierge service, full-time doorman and elevator operators, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga studio, a game room, and tailor/dressmaker services on-site.
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