Celebrities who've sold up their homes and fled Los Angeles
Westside Estate Agency ; David Livingston / Stringer / Getty Images
Mark Wahlberg is giving up his $87m mansion and turning his back on LA
A hugely successful Hollywood star, Mark Wahlberg has had a varied career, from rapper to model to award-winning actor and producer. Thanks to his multi-faceted talents, Marky Mark is now worth a reported $400 million (£349m) and has lived in this stunning mega mansion in sunny Beverly Hills since 2009. However, joining a wealth of celebrities who have shunned the Los Angeles lifestyle for alternative climes, Wahlberg is selling his estate, which is now on the market for $87.5 million (£76.4m). Click or scroll on and let's take a look around...
A colossal Los Angeles estate
Oscar-nominated Wahlberg snapped up the six-acre lot in 2009 for just under $8.3 million (£7.3m), commissioning renowned architect Richard Landry to build the two-storey mega-mansion. By 2014 it was complete, with 12 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms spread across 30,500 square feet of living space—making it the seventh-largest house currently on the market in Los Angeles County according to the LA Times.
VIP neighbourhood
Stepping inside, you're greeted by a magnificent two-storey foyer with a curving double staircase, perfect for making a grand Hollywood-approved entrance. The château-inspired residence is located in the exclusive gated community of North Beverly Park, a star-studded spot that VIPS such as Sylvestor Stallone, Eddie Murphy, Rod Stewart and Samuel L. Jackson have called home too.
A family man at heart
With a total of twelve bedrooms, the Wahlbergs had plentiful room for their family while living here. Marky Mark and his wife, model Rhea Durham, have four children together: Ella, Michael, Brendan, and Grace. Deciding to leave the bright lights of Hollywood behind, the A-Lister wanted to pursue a “better life” for himself and his kids, according to Page Six.
Luxury wining and dining
Still, it can't be easy leaving behind all the luxury amenities at their Beverly Park estate. There’s a screening room, wet bar, several spectacular reception rooms, a multi-level panelled library and this vast wine cellar, superbly stocked and organised, complete with plush leather chairs and stacks upon stacks of wooden crates.
Impressive alfresco features
Outside is just as impressive, boasting a plethora of enviable features across beautifully landscaped grounds. Not only would the family have enjoyed teeing off on the five-hole golf course, or a spot of tennis in their own court, but they also had access to their own skate park and resort-like grotto pool, alongside numerous terraces and covered pavilions. So what's next for the Wahlbergs?
PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP / Getty Images
Mark Wahlberg's new Nevada parcels
After listing his long-time Beverly Park home in April 2022, the Daddy’s Home actor splashed out on a 2.5-acre block of land in Las Vegas, Nevada for $15.6 million (£13.6m) in July, located within the affluent Summit Club. Massachusetts-born Wahlberg then snapped up another Nevada purchase in August—a $14.5 million (£12.6m) bungalow at the same elite, gated community where his building plot is located. While we don’t know their exact plans, the Summit Club provides plentiful amenities that the Wahlbergs are accustomed to across its 555 acres, including an indoor basketball court, a movie theatre and a swimming pool with spa. We wish them well!
Read on to discover more celebrities leaving the bright lights of LA behind
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READ MORE: Celebrities leaving Tinseltown for the quiet life
As the glamorous epicentre for Hollywood and a beacon for the rich and powerful, the majority of movie and TV stars choose to live in the bustling city of Los Angeles. But what happens when life in the fast lane loses its shine? With LA's punishing pace of life or its ever-increasing wildfires, it seems that some celebrities are definitely over it. From a quiet life in a remote location or a change-up to another city, Hollywood stars are leaving Los Angeles in their droves. Click or scroll to see where they are buying...
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Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne
With a combined net worth of $440 million (£348m), Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne have called the US their home for the last 25 years. After pursuing multiple career opportunities in the bright lights of Los Angeles, it is with a heavy heart that they left their adopted home, but they claim the LA taxes are just too high for them. Luckily The Osbournes stars already have a Grade II-listed house in Buckinghamshire, England that they moved into on their return. Let's take a look around the mansion they left behind...
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne's Hancock Park Mansion
Spanning over 11,000 square feet of living space, the Hancock Park estate was built in 1929. Sharon and Ozzy spotted the beautiful home in a magazine photoshoot and made the previous owner—Saw film producer, Oren Koules—an 'unsolicited offer he couldn’t refuse’, according to Dirt. Koules, who bought the estate in 2010 for $4.2 million (£3.7m), wasn’t looking to sell and the house wasn't even on the market but the Osbournes paid a reported $12 million (£10.5m) to persuade him. The Osbournes then listed the legendary Hancock Park estate for a whopping $18 million (£15.7m) with Hilton & Hyland in July 2022, which was reduced to $17.5 million (£15.3m) in October 2022.
An imposing hallway
Although it had been fully renovated by Koules, Ozzy and Sharon set to work remodelling the Mediterranean-style villa to their own tastes. Awaiting behind the hand-carved front door, a double-height foyer welcomes you inside, with a handpainted ceiling and gold chandelier seen hanging above the sumptuous wooden staircase. Alongside a chef’s kitchen, wood-panelled library, plush home cinema and breakfast room, the Osbournes had multiple living areas to congregate—including a main living room complete with imposing artworks, a fireplace, luxury furnishings and yet more chandeliers.
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne's Hancock Park Mansion
Outside, Italian cypresses, manicured boxwoods and perfectly manicured lawns lead onto a dining loggia that boasts its own fireplace, pizza oven and built-in barbecue. To the left of the house, a driveway connects to a detached garage, where a self-contained guest/staff apartment sits above. But where did the Osbournes end up after moving on from their LA life?
David Goddard / Contributor / Getty Images
Sharon and Ozzy's Buckinghamshire House
Nestled deep within the British countryside, approximately one hour outside of London, the Osbournes' longtime Buckinghamshire estate awaits. As taxes rise in the US, the couple moved across the pond back to Welders House, their Grade II-listed mansion which they have owned since 1993. The red brick, two-storey home resides within a national historic location and dates back to the 1800s.
David Goddard / Contributor / Getty Images
Sharon and Ozzy's Buckinghamshire House
Back in 2004, just one year after the A-list couple originally moved to the area, it was reported that two burglars broke into the Buckinghamshire property and stole a large amount of jewellery. But that didn't shake the rocker duo from their long-term home. Ozzy and Sharon are said to be regulars in the town or at local pubs, including the Royal Standard of England—reportedly the oldest freehouse in the UK.
REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo
Sharon and Ozzy's Buckinghamshire House
Almost twenty years later, as rockstar Ozzy deals with Parkinson's and spine damage, the Osbournes reportedly applied to the council to install a rehabilitation wing within the mansion, as well as non-slip surfaces, handrails and a self-contained flat for a nurse. We’re sure they’ll be happy to be back on UK soil.
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Calvin Harris
Scottish-born DJ, music producer and singer Calvin Harris may have had humble beginnings stacking shelves in a supermarket, but today, aged 38, is one of the richest DJs in the world, with a reported net worth of $300 million (£262m). Having bought and sold a whole host of Los Angeles pads over the years, many of which he hasn't made a profit from, the DJ upped sticks to a more rural location after putting his Beverly Hills home on the market.
Calvin Harris' Beverly Hills compound
The DJ snapped up this home in one of Beverly Hills' most secluded and sought-after streets for $15 million (£13.3m) in 2014. However, eight years later he decided to part ways with the property for a quieter life and parted with the property for a whopping $25 million (£21.8m). Having renovated the home to the highest of standards, the singer is saying goodbye to a whole host of amenities that are spread throughout the 10-bedroom home, including a movie theatre, two recording studios and a basketball court.
Calvin Harris' Ibiza farm
Instead, the chart-topping star has swapped the glitzy LA lifestyle for something a little more rural. According to reports, he snapped up a ranch on the Spanish island of Ibiza. Named locally as Terra Masia, the organic farm is the perfect place for Calvin to relax in the middle of his busy schedule.
Calvin Harris' Ibiza farm
Spread over 138 acres, Terra Masia is reported to be the biggest organic farm on the island, and is the perfect location for the DJ, as he had a summer residency for 2022 at island hotspot, Ushuaïa Ibiza. Dotted with sprawling farmland and rustic builds, we wouldn't mind spending our days here either!
Calvin Harris' Ibiza farm
As well as producing wine, eggs and vegetables as well as a whole host of other organic products, the farm doesn't go without a little bit of luxury and boasts a stunning farmhouse and swimming pool within the grounds, that so far have been kept largely private by the star.
@calvinharris / Instagram
Calvin Harris' Ibiza farm
However, he has recently taken to Instagram to show off his new rural lifestyle. Spotted here tending to some crops, he has also been seen snapping selfies with some sheep and selling eggs at a small market stall on site.
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Kat Von D
After rising to fame in 2005 as a tattoo artist on the reality TV series Miami Ink, Kat Von D went on to open her own studio in Hollywood, High Voltage Tattoo. A year later, she then went on to launch her own cosmetics line, Kat von D Beauty, and today has an estimated net worth of $30 million (£26.1m). But having spent the last 17 years living life in the limelight, the artist made a big move.
Kat Von D's Gothic mansion
In November 2016, Von D splashed out on this sprawling Gothic mansion, spending $6.5 million (£5.7m) on the purchase. Located in the Hancock Park neighbourhood of Los Angeles, the three-storey Victorian boasts a dark interior that's befitting of the tattoo artist's quirky sense of style. However, after five years in the home, Von D and her family decided to put it on the market for $15 million (£13.1m) and upped sticks to a state where they feel more at home.
Zillow / Lohmiller Real Estate
Kat Von D's Indiana mansion
In 2020, before she'd considered selling in Los Angeles, Von D snapped up this Victorian mansion in Indiana for $1.5 million (£1.3m). At the time she posted on her Instagram account, "Definitely not ever selling our beautiful home in LA". However, her plans soon changed...
Zillow / Lohmiller Real Estate
Kat Von D's Indiana mansion
In October 2021, she posted on the social media platform again saying, "Goodbye California! We plan on selling our beautiful home here, and I will most likely open a private studio in Indiana once we are done with the house remodel there." Since then the tattoo artist, her husband, and their child, Leafar, have relocated from LA to their new home in the town of Vevay in Indiana.
Zillow / Lohmiller Real Estate
Kat Von D's Indiana mansion
Spread over 10,500 square feet, the historic home boasts seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. After realising that she and her young family felt more at home in their Indiana house, they are now spending time renovating the ultimate fixer-upper.
Zillow / Lohmiller Real Estate
Kat Von D's Indiana mansion
Known as the Schenck Mansion, the Italianate-style vintage home was designed by Cincinnati architect George P. Humphries and built in 1874, according to reports. However, it was renovated between 1998 and 2000, so it's livable for the family for the time being.
Post Malone
Bursting onto the music scene in 2013, Post Malone has since gained huge popularity for his chart-topping hits. After being born in Syracuse, New York and growing up in Texas, the singer eventually moved to Los Angeles, renting out a number of stunning homes along the way. Now with a reported net worth of $45 million (£39m), the rapper has made an investment elsewhere...
Post Malone's rental house
While staying in the City of Angels and carving out a successful career, Malone stayed in this 11,200-square-foot mansion perched high in Beverly Hills. The award-winning rapper lived in the home until 2019, according to Architectural Digest, and moved to a western state. With six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, we can't be sure how much Malone paid for his stay at the stunning home, but it was most recently sold for a whopping $23 million (£20m) in May 2021.
Post Malone's apocalypse hideout
According to TMZ, the rapper snapped up this home in Utah at the beginning of 2018 for $3 million (£2.6m). Hidden away in northern Utah in Salt Lake City, Malone bought the home to hide out in when the apocalypse hits. Not shy on speaking out about the future of America, in 2017, Malone revealed he would turn the home into an apocalypse-proof shelter and build underground quarters, according to the New York Post.
Post Malone's apocalypse hideout
The perfect place to wait out the end of the world, Malone's new home is spread out over 12,700 square feet and boasts a whole host of luxury amenities. The grand steel entrance leads through to a number of living spaces, including a basketball court, wine cellar and a home gym just to name a few. With rumours that he is also set to build 30 bunk beds and a recording studio, the home will be the perfect place to hunker down.
Post Malone's apocalypse hideout
With canyon, mountain and city views from pretty much every room, the producer can keep a keep eye on any apocalypse proceedings from his state-of-the-art living room complete with a bar. Elsewhere there's a chef's kitchen and a family room with an informal dining area.
Post Malone's apocalypse hideout
Malone can spend his days relaxing in the expansive master suite or he can chill out in front of the firepit in the back garden that looks out over 6.7 acres of sprawling land. Hidden away and backed by thousands of acres of conservation land, we hope Malone doesn't have to prepare for the apocalypse anytime soon!
Busy Philipps
American actress Busy Philipps is most known for her roles in Dawson's Creek and ER. After marrying screenwriter Marc Silverstein in 2007, the couple decided to live full-time in Los Angeles where they had two children, Birdie and Cricket. However, in 2020, after being pushed out by the wildfires, the family fled to New York for clean air. Busy told Shondaland that she felt physically ill living in Los Angeles, suffering from headaches, a cough and sinus infections. However, thanks to her net worth of $12 million (£10.4m), the family now live in a sprawling hideaway in the Hudson River Valley.
Busy Philipps' former LA pad
Busy sold her long-time home in the historic Whitley Heights neighbourhood in an off-market deal in 2020 for just under $4 million (£3.5m). Set on just over a quarter-acre, the 'boomerang-shaped' pad boasted 4,600 square feet with four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The property also included a one-bedroom guest or staff apartment. Despite the stylish interiors, it wasn't enough to keep the family in LA.
Realtor / Mid Hudson Homes
Busy Philipps' New York hideaway
In January 2021, Busy headed to the East Coast and splashed out just over $1.6 million (£1.4m) on this home in the Hudson River Valley. On the market for the first time since it was built in the late 1970s, the actress bought the home for $475,000 (£413k) more than the asking price.
Realtor / Mid Hudson Homes
Busy Philipps' New York hideaway
Hidden away in a stunning woodland setting, the mid-century home is spread over two floors and sits on a private four-and-a-half acre plot. The open-plan living space boasts numerous seating areas with hardwood floors, fresh white walls and a whole host of glass windows and doors that look out over the terrace and grounds below.
Realtor / Mid Hudson Homes
Busy Philipps' New York hideaway
The kitchen, which sits conveniently next to the dining area boasts ample storage space and stainless steel appliances, making it the perfect entertaining space. With just over 4,000 square feet of living space, the home is the ideal family home for Busy, her husband and their two daughters.
Realtor / Mid Hudson Homes
Busy Philipps' New York hideaway
The lower level also houses the master bedroom, while the other two bedrooms sit on the upper floor. The upper loft-like space on the second floor could also be an independent living space with a kitchenette, bathroom, living spaces and a dining area, which are centred around a fireplace.
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner
After putting their glamorous mansion in Encino, Los Angeles on the market, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner made a surprise move to Miami with their daughter Wila. While it came as a surprise move for the famous couple, they aren't strangers to Miami. In June 2021, Joe was spotted handing out pizzas to the community after the tragic Surfside condo collapse, and The Jonas Brothers have performed in Florida numerous times during tours. With a combined net worth of $31 million (£27m), it's no surprise that the pair went all out when it came to their new home.
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner's former Encino home
Reportedly, just a few days after shelling out for a glass mansion in Miami, the couple sold their Encino abode for $15.2 million (£13.2m). The contemporary pad was designed by Jae Omar and the property boasts nine bedrooms and 11 bathrooms in a palette of glass, stone and natural wood.
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner's Miami retreat
Having lived in their Los Angeles mansion since 2019, Joe and Sophie left California for Florida and bought this new jaw-dropping home in Miami's Bay Point for $11 million (£9.6m). Previously owned by Cuban-born singer Willy Chirino, the home sits a short distance from 'billionaire bunker' Indian Creek Island, which is home to the likes of Tom Brady and Ivanka Trump.
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner's Miami retreat
Having recently been renovated, the interior design of the home was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. With indoor gardens, soaring ceilings and walls of windows, his style is clear to see. Spread over 10,400 square feet, the house boasts open living spaces and a dining room complete with a climate-controlled wine cellar, making it perfect for entertaining.
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner's Miami retreat
The couple can also enjoy hosting the rest of The Jonas Brothers in their state-of-the-art kitchen. With a sleek design that features a marble centre island with bar seating, the home also boasts hardwood floors that run throughout the rest of the lavish interior.
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner's Miami retreat
Their stunning new six-bedroom, eight-and-half-bathroom home is the perfect sanctuary. The master suite is the ideal place to get away from it all with glass doors that lead out to a private balcony, a comfortable seating area and designer wardrobes. Heading outside, the young family can enjoy some of the Florida sunshine in the 10-foot-deep swimming pool, spa, patio and built-in BBQ area.
Elisabetta A. Villa / Getty
Matt Damon
In 2012, Jason Bourne actor, Matt Damon, bought a home in the Pacific Palisades for $15 million (£13m). However, some nine years later in 2021, he sold it for $17.9 million (£15.6m), leaving the Los Angeles lifestyle behind. With a net worth of $170 million (£148m), the star decided to move across the country to New York City with his family. The New York Post spoke to his listing agent, Eric Haskell of The Agency, who said, “They really love it there, even with everything going on with COVID".
Matt Damon's long-time Pacific Palisades pad
The actor initially listed his glorious Pacific Palisades home for a whopping $21 million (£18.3m) in January 2021 so he could move back to the East Coast for good. But after dropping to $17.9 million (£15.6m) in September 2021 he found a buyer. Despite the sprawling zen-inspired home's many assets, Damon decided to sell the family's home of nearly 10 years reportedly because they weren't spending that much time on the West Coast anymore.
Matt Damon's New York City penthouse
At the end of 2018, Matt and his wife, Luciana, spent a whopping $16.7 million (£14.5m) on an ultra-luxurious penthouse in the Brooklyn Heights neighbourhood of New York, according to the New York Post. Taking up the 11th and 12th floors of the historic building known as The Standish, the Hollywood star didn't move into the lavish home until recently. In July 2020, Page Six reported that Damon has closed an entire block to move his furniture into the residence.
Matt Damon's New York City penthouse
Attracting its share of posh residents, the building, which was built in 1903, is also home to Emily Blunt and her husband John Krasinski. Super-exclusive with a 24-hour doorman and just 32 units, it's the perfect home for privacy-loving Matt. However, the perks don't come cheap as the actor is now the owner of one of the most expensive apartments ever sold in Brooklyn.
Matt Damon's New York City penthouse
With details on the penthouse few and far between, Robb Report suggests that the luxury penthouse is spread over 6,218 square feet and boasts a 3,366-square-foot terrace with sweeping views over the city. Created in 2016, the apartment was created by combining three smaller units.
Matt Damon's New York City penthouse
Little is known about the interior detail, but reports suggest that it boasts state-of-the-art Bosch appliances, as well as bathrooms with rain showers, travertine, and natural brass Fantini fixtures.
Brad Barket / Stringer / Getty
Kanye West
Amid divorce proceedings with Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, who legally changed his name to Ye, upped sticks to his Wyoming ranch after the news hit the press. With Kim previously saying that his dream was to live in Wyoming, and reports swirling that he would never live in Los Angeles again, the home has been described as his 'therapy ranch', where he wrote his latest album, Donda. However, having most recently snapped up a Hidden Hills property across the street from Kim, will we see Ye back in Los Angeles?
Kanye West's former Hidden Hills family home
After marrying Kim Kardashian, the pair splashed out $20 million (£17.4m) on this Hidden Hills home, plus an additional $20 million (£17.4m) on extensive renovations to meet Kanye's minimal aesthetic. Kim has now taken ownership of the mansion and bought Kanye out for a reported $23 million (£20m). Kim was said to own the land and Kanye the house itself according to Realtor, and as such a huge asset valued at around $60 million (£52.3m), it was always set to cause trouble in their settlement negotiations.
Kanye West's Wyoming escape
In November 2019, Kanye bought his second ranch in Wyoming for $14.5 million (£12.6m). Having sold his first ranch, this sprawling estate is now his escape from the land of the rich and famous. Located near Greybull, Wyoming and surrounded by stunning landscapes, it's where Kanye retreated to when his split from Kim hit the headlines.
Kanye West's Wyoming escape
With plenty of property to go around, the ranch is made up of three small cabins and a main residence called The Lodge at Bald Ridge. With five bedrooms and four bathrooms, there's plenty of space for his four children to come and stay when they aren't with Kim at their family home in Hidden Hills.
Kanye West's Wyoming escape
The perfect escape from the pressures of Los Angeles, the ranch provides Kanye with access to hiking, skiing, hunting and climbing. Kanye is also said to keep animals in the expansive grounds, including 14 Friesian horses, which are reportedly worth $20,000 (£17.4k) upwards.
@kimkardashian / Instagram
Kanye West's Wyoming escape
After Kim claimed the couple's Hidden Hills mega-mansion in their divorce settlement and bought a buffer home between her property and Kanye's, Kanye has claimed the ranch as his own. Ye is also said to have earmarked the property as a site for his technology, design and innovation epicentre.
Chris Hemsworth
In 2014, Chris Hemsworth made a big move from bustling Los Angeles back to Australia. Telling GQ that he felt in the "eye of the storm" living in Hollywood, he went on to splash out $7 million (£6.1m) on a home in the Byron Bay area, only to then spend a reported AUS$18 million ($11.5m/£10m) building a new mansion from the ground up.
Hemsworth brothers' former abode
The star sold off the modern Malibu home he owned together with his brothers for just under $4.3 million (£3.7m) in May 2021. The three celebrity brothers owned the property together as a vacation spot, according to information from the listing. The four-bedroom white-stucco home is located at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains and boasts an open floor plan, but Byron Bay was calling...
Chris and Elsa's current home in Byron Bay
Chris Hemsworth and his wife, Elsa Pataky, bought a parcel of land in 2014 overlooking Australia's famous Gold Coast near Byron Bay. The six-bedroom house build was a mammoth project from the off. Plans were approved by Byron Shire Council in 2017 and it's thought that work was only fully completed in January 2021.
@chrishemsworth / Instagram
Chris and Elsa's current home in Byron Bay
Chris and Elsa kept the details of their house build very much under wraps but we can get glimpses of it from the candid off-duty snaps they share on Instagram. Here Chris shows off a birthday cake made for him by his children, standing in their stunning cream and blonde wood kitchen. Natural stone countertops and pearlescent tiles create a soft neutral space that's both hardwearing and very chic.
Chris and Elsa's current home in Byron Bay
Their Byron Bay mansion, which includes solar panels, a gym, steam room, media room, games room and even its own bowling alley, is now worth an estimated AUS$30 million ($19.1m/£16.7m). The open-plan living space continues the neutral tones with gorgeous real wood flooring, a cream sofa and rattan light shades.
@chrishemsworth / Instagram
Chris and Elsa's current home in Byron Bay
Named the second-highest paid Hollywood actor in 2019 by Forbes, Hemsworth can afford to splash the cash and this bathroom has a lot of luxury materials, such as the curved stone bathtub and built-in vanity units.
New horizons?
According to Daily Mail Australia, Chris and Elsa have also made plans to build a second mansion on a 35-hectare site less than a kilometre from their current home. It's expected to cost the couple AUS$4.4million ($2.8m/£2.5m), but there have been numerous planning setbacks on the project as there is a huge backlog of planning applications in their area.
Daniele Venturelli / Getty
Julia Roberts
After selling her 'spare' Malibu home in March 2020, Julia Roberts upped sticks to San Francisco for a change of pace. After rumours swirled about why Julia and her husband Daniel Moder left, Closer Weekly reported that they were looking to raise their three children in a more diverse neighbourhood after growing tired of Hollywood. With a net worth of $250 million (£218m), the Oscar winner's huge property portfolio also includes another rental home in Malibu and at least one apartment in New York.
Julia Roberts' former Hollywood home
Julia Roberts and husband Danny Moder sold this Malibu home in a quiet $8 million (£7.1m) deal, after initially snapping up the home back in January 2016. The landlocked house, located in Malibu’s Point Dume, which is popular with celebs, is positioned directly across the street from the couple’s larger, long-time main residence. Records indicate the off-market buyer was Silicon Valley-based hedge fund tycoon Thomas Laffon.
Julia Roberts' San Francisco townhouse
At the beginning of 2020, the Pretty Woman actress spent $8.3 million (£7.2m) through a trust on this townhouse in the family-friendly neighbourhood of Presidio Heights. Quiet and secluded, Julia and her family are still close to all that the centre of San Francisco has to offer. Built in 1907, the home was designed by architect Sylvain Schnaittacher and remodelled by John Wheatman. However, since her purchase, Julia has undertaken some serious renovations on the home.
Julia Roberts' San Francisco townhouse
Situated on a hilltop location, the home has views of the famous Golden Gate Bridge. The light-filled hallway with hardwood floors and leaded windows leads through to just over 6,200 square feet of living space. The main living room features a cosy fireplace and built-in shelving, while the formal dining room boasts wall panelling and a coffered ceiling.
Julia Roberts' San Francisco townhouse
The custom kitchen is the ultimate in country style with marble worktops, a centre island and rustic green cupboards. Stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry and a wine fridge make it the ultimate space for a foodie, while a small dining nook really makes it the heart of the home.
Julia Roberts' San Francisco townhouse
With five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, there's plenty of room for all the family. The master suite, which sits on the third floor, is a private getaway with a dressing area, celebrity-worthy walk-in wardrobe and a balcony. Elsewhere, hidden away in the basement, there's a drop-down screen and projector, a desk space, and a sink space.
Gene Simmons
However, it seems the grass is not always greener. Take, for example, KISS frontman Gene Simmons. Dirt reported that after he sold off his Beverly Hills mansion and moved to Nevada, the rocker and his wife, Shannon Tweed, seemingly changed their minds. At the time, he cited numerous reasons why he wanted out of California, including the noise of the tour buses that frequently rolled past their home, as well as a desire to downsize. Simmons also told the New York Post: “I'm done. There are earthquakes, fires and pandemics every year”.
Gene Simmons' former Beverly Hills estate
Despite amassing a $400 million (£349m) fortune, Simmons bemoaned the rising taxes as much as the Osbournes, telling the Wall Street Journal: “California and Beverly Hills have been treating folks that create jobs badly and the tax rates are unacceptable. I work hard and pay my taxes." Boasting seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, the rocker's former home was the pinnacle of luxury. With a grand double-door entry, it has a fairytale feel that's at odds with the rocker's stage persona. According to TMZ, he finally sold the palatial pad in September 2021 to Max Nobel of Nobel Development Group after dropping the price to $16 million (£14m). Simmons first listed the house for $22 million (£19.2m) and then $25 million (£22m) after carrying out some renovations.
Gene Simmons' Nevada property flip
After selling off their LA home, the couple shelled out $8.2 million (£7.1m) for this "modern desert mansion" in Nevada. Set on a nearly one-acre plot of land, it features a private garden with walking trails adjacent to the house. "This home offers so much, from its incredible sweeping valley views and its contemporary modern architecture to its dedication to privacy and exclusivity," says broker Evangelina Duke-Petroni of The Ivan Sher Group, who represented the sale.
Gene Simmons' Nevada property flip
Six bedrooms and eight bathrooms can be found throughout the home's three levels. The luxury pad also includes an outdoor courtyard with a floating walkway over a koi pond, water features, and 11 garage spaces.
Gene Simmons' Nevada property flip
Many of the home's spaces feature expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that frame a direct view of the city below. However, the property's great room is considered to be the most eye-catching with a striking three-tiered glass wall that overlooks the pool.
Tomer Fridman / The Fridman Group
Gene Simmons' new Beverly Hills pad
However, it appears Simmons didn’t love desert life either—he complained about the extreme summer heat—and they flipped the Las Vegas property back on the market, selling at a hefty $13.5 million (£12m). And, interestingly, they’ve now reportedly picked up this $10.5 million (£9.2m) four-bedroom, five-bathroom super modern pad in California! Only time can tell how long they will stay this time...
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