Celebrity Style

NBA Star Anthony Davis Sells Bel Air Mansion for $32 Million

NBA luminary Anthony Davis has recently finalized the sale of his opulent Bel Air residence for a significant $32 million. This transaction marks a substantial personal real estate move for the athlete, who previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers. The immense property, encompassing 17,254 square feet, features eight bedrooms, twelve bathrooms, and a wealth of premium amenities, catering to an extravagant lifestyle. Although the final sale price was below the initial asking figure of $39.9 million, it still represented a gain over the $31 million Davis paid for the estate in April 2021, though considering substantial renovation and closing expenses, the net financial outcome might be more complex. The estate's lavish offerings, including a resort-style outdoor area and meticulously designed interior spaces, underscore its grandeur.

The mansion's interior and exterior elements are designed for ultimate comfort and entertainment, featuring a primary suite with panoramic views, dual walk-in closets, and a newly upgraded bathroom. A striking 35-foot glass dome illuminates the entrance, complementing a modern kitchen equipped with a fireplace, a central island, and glass pocket doors that facilitate seamless indoor-outdoor living. The exterior of the property is equally impressive, offering an Olympic-sized swimming pool with cabanas, a tennis court, an outdoor kitchen, a batting cage, a children's playhouse with its own climate control system, a vegetable garden, multiple fire pits, a cold plunge, a sauna, and a motorcourt capable of hosting over 30 vehicles. The lower level extends the entertainment possibilities with a tiered movie theater, a game room, a wet bar, a wine cellar, and a fitness center complete with a massage room and hair salon, making it an ideal venue for social gatherings.

Lavish Living: Anthony Davis's Bel Air Estate Sale

NBA star Anthony Davis has officially divested his magnificent Bel Air estate for $32 million, concluding a significant chapter of his Los Angeles residency. This transaction follows his move from the Lakers, reflecting a shift in his personal ties to the city. The expansive property, measuring an impressive 17,254 square feet, was acquired by Davis in April 2021 for $31 million and was initially placed on the market in August 2025 with an asking price of $39.9 million. While the sale price fell short of the initial ambitious listing, it nonetheless yielded a profit on the purchase price, albeit with the caveat of extensive renovation costs and closing fees likely impacting the overall gain.

The residence, constructed in 2010, embodies modern European architectural influences and is situated on a vast 3.5-acre parcel. Its luxurious interiors comprise eight bedrooms and twelve bathrooms, with a standout primary suite located upstairs. This suite features dual walk-in closets, sweeping vistas of Los Angeles, a cozy fireplace, and an exquisitely updated Four Seasons-quality bathroom. The common areas are equally grand, highlighted by a majestic 35-foot glass dome that crowns the main entry and a recently renovated kitchen. The kitchen boasts a fireplace, a contemporary center island with a breakfast bar, and glass pocket doors that merge the indoor culinary space with the outdoor entertaining areas.

Resort-Style Amenities and Entertainment Hub

The outdoor domain of Anthony Davis's former Bel Air mansion truly epitomizes a resort-like experience, offering an extraordinary array of amenities designed for both relaxation and lavish entertaining. The meticulously landscaped 3.5-acre grounds feature an Olympic-sized swimming pool accompanied by elegant cabanas, a professional-grade tennis court, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen for alfresco dining. For recreational enthusiasts, there's a dedicated batting cage and a charming children's playhouse, complete with its own HVAC system, ensuring comfort year-round. Practical additions include a vibrant vegetable garden, multiple fire pits for evening gatherings, a refreshing cold plunge, and a serene sauna, all contributing to a comprehensive wellness and leisure environment.

Beyond the extensive outdoor facilities, the estate includes a spacious motorcourt capable of accommodating more than 30 vehicles, underscoring its suitability for large-scale events. The theme of entertainment seamlessly extends to the dwelling's lower level, which is purpose-built for hosting guests. This area boasts a state-of-the-art tiered movie theater, a lively game room, a sophisticated wet bar, and a climate-controlled wine cellar, perfect for connoisseurs. Additionally, a comprehensive fitness center, complete with a massage room and a hair salon, provides exclusive wellness and grooming services, ensuring that the property serves as a self-contained luxury retreat.

Architectural and Design Business Growth Strategies

Achieving both success and financial prosperity in the architecture and design sector requires a tailored approach, as a universal blueprint simply doesn't exist. This month, AD PRO’s “Grow Your Business Month” focuses on the intricate world of operations, exploring how to construct robust teams and implement management frameworks that foster innovation rather than disarray. The event will feature a conversation with Senior Editor Mel Studach and distinguished professionals: architect Bryan Young, alongside interior designers Corey Damen Jenkins and Cheryl Eisen. They will share their experiences in expanding their respective practices and delve into the evolving dynamics of team structures, especially in light of advancements in artificial intelligence.

The discussion also introduces the esteemed panelists who will contribute their expertise. Bryan Young, the visionary principal behind Brooklyn's AD100 studio, Young Projects, is celebrated for his unique, detail-oriented style in residential architecture and interior design. His firm's work, which blends meticulous craftsmanship with innovative materials and spatial experimentation, has garnered significant acclaim. Cheryl Eisen, the driving force behind Eisen Design House and Interior Marketing Group (IMG), has revolutionized high-end home staging. Since 2007, her integrated practice has facilitated billions in residential property sales, leading to the establishment of her eponymous design studio in 2024. Corey Damen Jenkins, founder and CEO of Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, is an AD100 interior designer renowned for his vibrant and sophisticated interiors that marry classical aesthetics with modern flair. Based in New York, his global design portfolio and bestselling book, “Design Remix,” underscore his significant influence in the field.

These experts collectively demonstrate that strategic operational excellence, embracing innovation, and a keen understanding of market demands are crucial for thriving in the competitive architectural and design landscape. Their journeys highlight the importance of adaptability and forward-thinking leadership in fostering a creative and profitable enterprise.

See More

The Seminary: A Historic Vermont Building Transformed into a Unique Hospitality Destination

In the picturesque region of Old Bennington, Vermont, an establishment with a rich past, initially erected as a seminary in 1829, has been given a new lease on life. This stately Colonial-style structure transitioned through roles as a country club and faculty housing before serving as a private family residence for six decades. Its multifaceted history captivated architect Rafe Churchill, who, alongside co-founder Casey Sunderland, has reimagined it as a charming pastoral retreat under their new hospitality and preservation endeavor, Place in Mind.

The Seminary represents a visionary approach to heritage conservation, offering a unique lodging experience that diverges from traditional hospitality models. Churchill’s motivation stemmed from a desire to contribute to his alma mater, Bennington College, and to provide a distinctive venue for its community. Facing a career crossroads, he decided to leverage his extensive experience in restoring historic properties to create an accessible space for a broader audience. This initiative underscores a commitment to architectural integrity, ensuring that while the building's functionalities are updated, its historical essence remains untouched and celebrated.

A Historic Renaissance: The Seminary's Transformation

The Seminary, an establishment built in 1829 in Old Bennington, Vermont, has undergone a meticulous transformation from a former seminary, country club, and private residence into a distinctive hospitality destination. Architect Rafe Churchill, in partnership with Casey Sunderland, launched this ambitious project as part of their Place in Mind venture. Their goal was to create a lodging experience that feels both sophisticated and intimately familiar, described by Churchill as akin to visiting an "eccentric aunt's home." The project emphasizes historical preservation and thoughtful redesign, aiming to inspire and enrich the lives of its guests while respecting the building's deep-rooted heritage.

This unique guesthouse, softly launched in late May, meticulously revitalizes the Colonial-style edifice. The restoration process involved converting the original five bedrooms into elegant suites, ingeniously carving out cozy bathrooms from existing oversized closets. A standout feature is the attic's transformation into a sixth, showstopping suite, crowned by a re-created bell tower based on archival images, a task that involved local Bennington College students. Throughout the building, floorboards have been expertly refinished, millwork repaired, and hidden architectural details brought back to life. This careful approach to renovation, as Churchill articulates, focuses on enhancing the house without overtly altering its historical character, a sentiment echoed by Sunderland, who notes that "leaving no mark is just as much work as leaving a big mark." The project also showcases a symbiotic relationship with its future neighbor, The Walloomsac, a former 1771 inn, from which salvaged elements like sinks have been repurposed, and existing design motifs reproduced, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic across both properties.

Visionary Design and Future Endeavors

The design philosophy behind The Seminary is both deeply personal and a subtle commentary on contemporary trends. Churchill and his team, including hospitality partner Terry Sanford and brand director Conor Brady, curated every aspect of the interior, with Churchill's wife, Heide Hendricks, selecting vintage furnishings. Noteworthy collaborators like AD100 talent Grace Fuller, who is overseeing the gardens, and fashion designer Alex Casertano, developing uniforms and a capsule clothing line, further enrich the project's unique character. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in shaping an environment that fosters creativity and reflection, embodying the transformative experience Churchill envisions for his guests.

Churchill expresses concern over the impact of digital platforms like Instagram and AI on design, arguing that they often lead to superficial aesthetics that disregard historical context. Place in Mind seeks to counteract this by offering an authentic, idiosyncratic experience rooted in architectural history, challenging conventional hotel business models that prioritize occupancy over individuality. The team's future plans include expanding their preservation efforts to other historic properties across New England and beyond, driven by a passion for rescuing and celebrating neglected architecture. This commitment to historical integrity and thoughtful design ensures that Churchill, who once considered retirement, remains actively engaged in a mission to preserve and re-envision America's architectural heritage, promising a future of continued innovation and dedication.

See More