Architecture News

Actress Angelina Jolie has finalized the sale of her grand Los Angeles property, fetching $24.75 million. This transaction comes after her public declaration in 2024 of intentions to relocate from Los Angeles once her twin children turned 18, signifying a personal shift for the Oscar-winning star. She had initially listed the luxurious compound in May for a slightly higher price.

The estate's allure is undeniable, previously belonging to the iconic filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, a pivotal figure in early Hollywood cinema. Jolie acquired this residence in 2017 for $24.5 million, drawn by its historical significance and opulent features. The expansive property boasts an 11,000-square-foot main house, six bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a private gym, and a library—a space Jolie particularly cherished for its quiet pathways and opportunities for reflection rather than entertainment. Additional amenities include a wine cellar, a primary suite with breathtaking views of the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Observatory, a guest house, swimming pool with a pool house, a tea house, and even a secluded treehouse, all nestled within the exclusive Laughlin Park neighborhood of Los Feliz.

The residence, originally conceived by architect B. Cooper Corbett in 1916, became DeMille's in the 1920s. He later expanded the property by purchasing the adjacent home, once occupied by Charlie Chaplin, and integrating the two with a glass conservatory. This historic compound remained with the DeMille family until Jolie's purchase. As for her next destination, Jolie has expressed a desire to spend more time in Cambodia, where she owns another home, and to journey globally to be with her extended family members. The identity of the estate's new owner has not yet been disclosed.

This sale represents a significant milestone in Angelina Jolie's life, as she transitions from a long-standing residence that embodied both personal and cinematic history. Her move reflects a commendable desire for new experiences and a deeper connection with her global family and humanitarian interests, showcasing a commitment to personal growth and exploration beyond the confines of Hollywood.

Serena Williams, the tennis icon with a remarkable record of 23 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, possesses an extensive collection of luxurious properties across various locations. Her residences range from custom-designed Florida estates, where she collaborated with her sister Venus Williams, to an opulent Bel Air mansion and a chic Parisian apartment. Each of these homes tells a unique story, reflecting significant phases and personal preferences throughout her illustrious career, notably her desire to create a clear division between her professional life on the court and her private sanctuary.

Williams' real estate journey began with a shared vision with her sister, Venus, focusing on creating homes that catered to their evolving lifestyles. Their collaborative efforts on several properties, particularly in Florida, highlight a blend of modern aesthetics and personal touches. Later, Serena ventured into individual property acquisitions, expanding her portfolio to include residences in prime locations such as Bel Air and Paris. These homes often feature high-end amenities and bespoke designs, reflecting her dynamic taste and commitment to creating spaces that offer both comfort and privacy, far from the competitive world of professional tennis.

A Glimpse into Serena Williams' Florida Residences and Early Ventures

Serena Williams' real estate journey in Florida began with a collaborative project alongside her sister Venus. In 1998, they acquired a one-acre plot in Palm Beach Gardens for $525,000, where they custom-built an 8,500-square-foot Spanish Mediterranean-style mansion over two years. This extensive property featured six bedrooms, including individual main suites for each sister, multiple lounge areas, a home theater, an eat-in kitchen, and a resort-style backyard complete with a pool, spa, gazebo, and private lake. This initial venture into property ownership established a foundation for their shared and individual real estate endeavors, providing a luxurious retreat during their burgeoning careers.

Following their shared home, Serena continued to invest in Florida, demonstrating a clear affinity for the Sunshine State. In 2013, she purchased a 2.4-acre vacant plot in Jupiter for $4.12 million, later profitably selling it for $6 million in 2018 without development. Her acquisitions also include a Georgian-style mansion in Palm Beach Gardens in 2015 for $2.5 million, a new build in the Steeplechase community, which she sold for approximately $2.8 million in 2020. Her most significant Florida project is arguably her custom Miami-area mansion, acquired in 2017 for $5.7 million. This 14,500-square-foot Spanish Mediterranean-style residence underwent a three-year renovation with Venus's design firm, V Starr, transforming it into a modern haven with a gym, sauna, wine cellar, infinity pool, karaoke room, and a massive 620-square-foot closet, all designed to separate her home life from her demanding tennis career.

Serena's Diverse Real Estate Holdings Beyond Florida

Beyond her significant presence in Florida, Serena Williams has strategically diversified her real estate portfolio with properties in other key locations, reflecting her global lifestyle and personal preferences. In 2005, Serena and Venus jointly acquired an 1,800-square-foot loft apartment in Midtown Manhattan for roughly $1.3 million. Although it is unclear if they ever truly resided there, the apartment, featuring oak floors and 12-foot ceilings, was sold in 2015 for $2.1 million. This urban acquisition showcased their early foray into diverse metropolitan markets, offering a potential base in one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Serena's residential investments also extended to the West Coast and Europe. In 2006, she purchased a 2.7-acre Bel Air estate for over $6.6 million, a Mediterranean-style property spanning approximately 6,100 square feet with six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and lush gardens, featuring a hair and makeup salon and a poolside loggia. She sold this home in 2019 for $8.1 million. Further cementing her international presence, Serena acquired a two-bedroom pied-à-terre in Paris's 7th arrondissement in 2007. This Parisian apartment, which she affectionately called her "Paris outpost," was extensively renovated, with Serena personally overseeing the redesign of the kitchen and establishing a neutral palette throughout. Her most recent notable acquisition in Florida was a waterfront estate in Jupiter in September 2020 for $8 million, under an LLC, with plans to demolish the existing structure and build a new custom residence, underscoring her continuous pursuit of creating ideal living spaces that cater to her family's evolving needs.