While many A-listers welcome the attention that comes with being a celebrity, others shun the limelight and prefer privacy. From secretive musician Frank Ocean to the ever mysterious Robert Pattinson, these paparazzi-swervers probably wouldn’t want you snooping around their homes. But we've snuck you an inside scoop, click or scroll on to explore…

This mega-talented rapper and singer / songwriter is well known for his unique, compelling sound and lyrics, as well as being notoriously private. Worth $13 million (£10.5m), the Grammy Award winning musician hails from Long Beach, California. He relocated to New Orleans with his family aged five. So, where does the solitude-seeking solo star reside now?

Referred to as ‘clandestine’ by Dirt, Ocean’s Malibu house-purchase wasn’t reported on until two years after he quietly snapped it up in 2017. Splashing out $6.4 million (£5.2m) on the ranch-style mid-century home, the secretive star enjoys a 1.5 acre spread off a discreet private road above Carbon Beach, California.

The five-bedroom home spans 2,802 square feet of sun-filled living space and boasts white water ocean views from large floor-to-ceiling glass sliders and a terrace. Reportedly, the water-front property had not graced the real estate pages for over 50 years before Ocean splashed out on his private pad.

Built in 1955, the previous owners were said to rent the home to Real Housewives of New Jersey star, Dina Manzo for $10,500 (£8.5k) per month for one year—just before it hit the market in 2017. The primary suite faces the pacific ocean and boasts a fireplace, while elsewhere the Pyramids singer can enjoy an indoor hot tub and huge walk-in closet.

Sitting on 1.5 acres in central Malibu, the estate also includes the guest house with a kid’s play area and fruit trees, while a full tennis court with lights and in-ground basketball area awaits. The secretive singer probably won’t update us with interior updates, but aerial shots at the time reportedly showed major renovations taking place to the estate. Watch this space…

The world-renowned 'Queen of Country Pop' has had an illustrious forty-year career, selling over 100 million records to date, winning five Grammy awards and still going strong today. Originating from Canada, publicity-shy Shania Twain is a longtime resident of Switzerland whilst also owning an array of homes in New Zealand, New York and Florida—shunning the bright lights of LA. Let’s take a look around her confidential Caribbean crib…

Having recently shared the stage with Harry Styles at Coachella 2022, the Man! I Feel Like a Woman! singer songwriter regularly retreats to her Bahamas-based getaway, boasting a reported 7,000 square foot of living space and panoramic beach views from a wealth of windows.

Sitting on one acre of idyllic white sand, the country pop singer’s five-bedroom manse was built in 2004 and has popped up on the market in 2019 and 2020 for $10.9 million (£8.8m) and $13 million (£10.5m), respectively. Although unsuccessful in selling, we’re sure Shania enjoys unwinding in privacy with such glittering ocean views from light-filled living areas.

Coastal-inspired furniture made from reclaimed wood can be found throughout, complemented by fresh blue and white furnishings. Bedrooms boast private terraces with more exquisite sea-views, and surrounding palm trees. It is said that Lionel Richie flew to the Bahamas to convince Shania to re-record his 1981 Endless Love duet with him in 2012, resulting in a huge success for them both.

Outside, the Come On Over singer can enjoy alfresco meals in blissful privacy, poolside. Numerous poolside lounges frame the swimming pool and plunge pool, basking in the Caribbean sun and just moments from the call of the turquoise Atlantic Ocean.

Hollywood superstar Sandra Bullock is a household name and one of the world’s highest-paid actresses. After finding her private life plastered all over the tabloids during her messy divorce from celebrity motorcycle mechanic Jesse James, we’re not surprised she prefers to keep her affairs to herself nowadays. So where does she retreat when the bright lights get too much?

Snapped up for a healthy $2.7 million (£2.2m) in February 2021 and set in the heart of Beverly Hills, this charming mid-century bungalow spans 2,800 square feet. Set behind a curtain of tall trees and shrubbery, the property is both unassuming and conveniently private.

Worth a reported $250 million (£202m), Bullock has invested heavily in real estate and built up quite the property portfolio. This particular abode, with its rather interesting interior décor, was said to have been bought as an investment—with the blockbuster star aiming to rent out the bungalow following some much-needed renovations.

Built in 1946, the three-bedroom and three-and-a-half bathroom house on Bowmont Drive hosts bold interiors throughout. The library is a riotous symphony in red, from the ruby chandelier to the clashing plum Chesterfield sofa and red-striped blinds. In other living areas, multiple animal print fabrics draw focus, while the dark wood-stained floors impress.

Outside, a calmer atmosphere prevails, with a trickling waterfall cascading into the custom-cut pool, kept private behind a wall of mature trees. According to the New York Post, the proposed rental property is Bullock’s 17th home purchase. Her portfolio is worth a reported total of $13.7 million (£11.1m).

Though no stranger to a controversial interview or a very public breakup, this heartthrob still hides from the press where possible. Famed for his lead role in Twilight and for playing Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter franchise, Robert Pattinson managed to keep his engagement to FKA Twigs a secret from the media—until they broke up. But are his property investments just as hush-hush?

In 2011, Pattinson splashed out on this rather famous abode for $6.3 million (£5.1m) from retired basketball star, Kareem-Abdul Jabbar. The 100-year-old Los Angeles residence sits in the rolling hills above Los Feliz and has housed other celebrities such as Tim Curry and The Aviator cinematographer, Robert Richardson.

Known as The Seyler House and described as one of the first private residences in its neighbourhood, the Spanish-style estate was designed by architect Stiles O. Clements. Spanning 4,026 square feet, this stunning three-bedroom manse features this striking checkerboard floor, which leads to a fantastic geometric-patterned staircase.

Original beams and handprinted ceilings are evident throughout, while an arched main suite boasts floor-to-ceiling French doors on both sides, with one hosting a Juliet balcony and the other welcoming you onto a full-size balcony overlooking the terrace and grounds below.

A large wraparound eat-in kitchen, ideal for entertaining plentiful VIP guests, takes centre stage downstairs and spills out onto an outdoor dining patio. The central courtyard even boasts its own kitchen, along with a multitude of seating areas, water features, a koi pond, and even an amphitheatre. Pattinson sold up in 2013, perhaps turned off by the queues of celebrity-hunters who wanted to visit the historic house.

Natalie Portman has preferred privacy over media exposure since her career sky-rocketed in the 1990s. The Black Swan star recently rejoined the Marvel universe with Thor 4. But where does she relax when the cameras stop rolling?

This steel, glass and concrete pad is Portman’s contemporary residence, resting in the Montecito foothills with stunning ocean views. Sold to Portman and husband Benjamin Millepied in 2017 for $6.5 million (£5.3m), the Santa Barbara abode sits on 10.4 acres of vibrant green land.

Super open-plan living areas stretch out across almost 4,000 square feet and benefit from exquisite ocean vistas, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, which roll up like garage doors to reveal gallery-esque views.

The modern Montecito pad boasts magnificent views from every room, including the cosy master bedroom with a chic ensuite that beckons via sliding doors. A standalone bathtub and floral sofa sit adjacent to the bed, offering the opportunity for sublime relaxation while absorbing the breathtaking mountain views via sliding floor-to-ceiling glass walls. 

The exterior doesn’t disappoint either, with palm and eucalyptus trees providing shade across the patio and lawn areas, while the large rectangular pool awaits around the corner from this designer metal fireplace and seating area. Although never officially listed on the market, as per the secrecy-loving star, Portman’s Santa Barbara home sold to a cash buyer for $8 million (£6.5m) in February 2021.

This multi-talented Hollywood polymath is no stranger to the limelight, starring in and writing a myriad of blockbuster films. Though one of Tinseltown’s most sought-after actors, Matt Damon prefers to shy away from the attention. But where exactly does he hide?

Nestled in the heart of the exclusive Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California, Damon’s peaceful retreat stretches across 13,500 square feet of living space, boasting seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The private Hollywood star parted ways with $15 million (£12.1m) for the pad in 2013.

An impressive 35-foot high entranceway welcomes you inside, where a stunning mahogany ceiling takes focus across the open-plan living areas below. The honey wood staircase leads down into more areas for entertaining guests, including a wet bar, media lounge and huge family room with luscious green views beyond floor-to-ceiling walls of glass.

More exquisite vistas beckon via the main suite’s private terrace, looking out over the grounds below. The bedroom also boasts its own expansive bathroom, with two large walk-in closets, while elsewhere on the property you’ll find a climate-controlled wine cellar with its own tasting room, a high-end fitness centre and a massage room, no less.

Listed as one of the most spacious homesites in the Upper Riviera neighbourhood, the zen-inspired retreat features a children’s play area, large pool, cascading waterfall, koi pond, and Hawaiian-inspired Lanai with a covered lounge and an alfresco dining terrace. Phew! We can’t imagine why Damon decided to sell up, but in 2021 it sold for $18 million (£14.6m).

Star of the silver screen, Julia Roberts is undoubtedly a mega talent, having played the lead in scores of box office smashes. While she's used to taking centre stage in front of the camera, Roberts is notoriously private when it comes to her family life. But where does her family call home?

The Notting Hill leading lady has an impressive property portfolio, thanks to her illustrious career and reported net worth of $250 million (£202m). One of Roberts' more modest residences is this historic San Francisco townhouse.

Bought for a less than modest $8.3 million (£6.7m) in 2020, the unassuming abode was built in 1907 by architect Sylvain Schnaittacher and later remodelled by John Wheatman. Decked out with hardwood floors and white panelled walls, the light-filled pad spans across an impressive 6,200 square feet of living space.

The heart of the home boasts rich wood flooring and rustic green cabinetry, with marble kitchen worktops and stainless steel fixtures that glisten under the spot lighting above. Elsewhere in the homely five-bedroom manse you’ll find a walk-in pantry, dressing area, and private terrace in the main suite, as well as a wine cellar, and a cinema room in the basement.

Outside, a charming, modest terrace area awaits, with mature trees and walled surrounds for extra privacy. Thanks to the abode’s exclusive hilltop location, views of the Golden Gate Bridge abound, which the star no doubt enjoys from the privacy of her own room.

Private islands, private jets, and private families—this A-list couple sure know how to keep things on the down-low. Wisely choosing to shield their children from the public eye, George and Amal Clooney's hefty property portfolio is weighted towards stunning real estate, which places a premium on privacy. One pad in particular has caught our eye…

The international human rights lawyer and her actor husband reportedly snapped up this idyllic 18th-century farmhouse in Provençe, rural France for €7.9 million ($8.6m/£6.9m) in 2021. Domaine le Canadel boasts 10,000 square feet of living space and sits on 425 acres, approximately one hour's drive from celebrity-loved Saint Tropez.

Traditional interiors occupy the three floors, having been remodelled in 1993 by Bruno Lafourcade, said to be the most sought-after restoration specialist in the South of France. Many of the original features remain, alongside beautiful fireplaces, stone floors, and ceiling beams.

Cosy farmhouse interiors feature throughout the property, with low-slung ceilings and curving stairways leading down into the bedroom areas. Should the Clooneys tire of the rural lifestyle, however, actor friend Brad Pitt is said to live just a few miles away in Château Miraval, where he makes his own wine.

Stepping outside, the historic mansion makes the most of the French sunlight with a 72-foot-long swimming pool, a tennis court with a sitting area, a lavender garden, and even a boules pitch. The formal gardens are said to be among the most beautiful in Provençe and have featured in two books.

This next movie star is an Academy Award-winning machine, who has accrued plentiful accolades for her work, while her films have grossed over $6 billion (4.9bn) worldwide to date. But while Jennifer Lawrence works hard at her job, she's also no slouch at protecting her own space, telling Vanity Fair: "privacy is a full-time job and I work very hard at it.” So where does the seclusion-centred star hole up during her downtime?

Covered in ivy and nestled in the bosom of an exclusive gated community of Beverly Hills, the Hunger Games star’s 5,500-square-foot home had previously been owned by Jessica Simpson and Ellen Degeneres before she snapped it up in 2014 for $8 million (£6.5m). Privacy-loving Jennifer's celebrity neighbours include Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Cameron Diaz.

Before the X-Men star moved in, the entire five-bedroom house was reportedly renovated. A grand foyer and sweeping staircase welcome you inside the manse, with an elegant living room beckoning to the right, offering cosy touches and a roaring fire to curl up next to.

Jennifer’s principal bedroom provides further cosy vibes, with a huge king-sized bed, decorative rug, and a seating area next to the French windows that lead out to the garden beyond. Elsewhere, the limelight-shunning star can enjoy whipping up culinary treats in the gourmet kitchen, complete with chef-grade stovetop and ovens, and a breakfast nook.

Outside, a charming flagstone path leads down to an outdoor sanctuary where a lap pool sits at the bottom of the garden. Surrounded by mature trees and built-up walls, the Silver Linings Playbook star can swim a length or two away from fans and paparazzi.

From her breakout role in 2001’s Princess Diaries to parts in acclaimed action films, musicals and comedies (including her Oscar-winning turn in 2012's Les Miserables), Anne Hathaway has built an impressive career. The busy actress has also managed to keep her ten-year marriage and two children out of the spotlight as much as possible. Having listed her New York residence for sale in 2020, let’s take a look inside the Colossal star’s city penthouse… 

Having splashed out on the Upper West Side apartment in 2016 for $2.5 million (£2m), Hathaway and husband Adam Shulman set to work renovating the neo-Georgian townhouse pad into a chic and classic family home.

Known as the Clark Estate Houses, the mansion was built between 1902 and 1904 as part of a row of 18 structures by architect Percy Griffin. Inside, original mouldings have mostly been preserved, though the star’s renovation works have included sumptuous herringbone oak floors. Plentiful natural light fills the space via the south-facing terrace beyond.

Soaring 18-foot ceilings abound in the kitchen area, a coup for a New York City residence, while quartzite countertops and state-of-the-art fittings can be found alongside a handy ladder for reaching upper shelves. According to the floor plan, two bedrooms are located at the front of the property, including the owner’s suite, complete with a walk-in wardrobe and sumptuous ensuite bathroom. 

More entertaining spaces can be found to the rear of the abode beyond the six-seater dining room, with a second dining space and lounging areas on the covetable south-facing terrace. Hathaway and her husband listed the penthouse for $3.5 million (£2.8m) in 2020 after four years together at the private pad. How much they sold it for and where they moved next, however, is another secret this private star is keeping on the down low...

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