A very big house will no longer suffice for celebrities with wads of dollars to burn. There’s just got to be something else, something big other than the mansion itself to make a celebrity house stand out among the usual mansions.
Sometimes, that something can be as unusual as a moat (just get a security alarm system); but in many cases, it’s a personal hobby or fancy that the celebrity must have been toying with in childhood. Only this time, that toy is real.
Here are ten celebrity houses with outlandish amenities that can make you wonder at times if we’re all truly born equal.
1. Will Smith’s own zip code
Will Smith’s house in Calabasas, CA is big enough to accommodate basketball courts and golf courses. But what makes this $20-million home unique is that it enjoys its own ZIP code, giving him the moniker, “Fresh Prince” of Calabasas.
2. Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen’s moat
The supermodel and Super Bowl star seem to think that a moat is a good home security buffer in the twenty-first century. In reality, the moat is an added chutzpah to their $20-million house, nay, castle, in Los Angeles, CA. They can’t be faulted when the couple can easily pass for royals in status, looks, and riches.
3. John Travolta’s jet runway (and jet)
Some celebrities have an entire parking lot to leave their fleet of automobiles; but not the Grease star; he has a runway built for his private jet. The house in Ocala, FL is not that much (just over $4 million) compared to megastar houses. But the runway is a giveaway this is a house of the rich and famous. Travolta is a licensed pilot and owns a fleet of planes including a Boeing 707.
4. Jerry Seinfeld’s baseball field
The standup comedian has been a baseball fan since he was a kid. Now that he’s a grownup, he thought it’s nice to own not just a baseball bat, glove, or cap, but the entire diamond. The funnyman bought the $32-million home in Hamptons, NY from Billy Joel in 2000.
5. Billy Joel’s pier
He just sold this Miami Beach, FL mansion for $13.75 million last year. That looks like a lot of money, but when you consider that he bought the house for $13.5 million in 2006, that’s a measly $250,000 gross profit in four years. The property has its own pier with 165 feet of waterfront, a wine cellar, and several bedrooms.
6. Hugh Hefner’s waterfalls
Some people build their rest houses near natural landscapes such as springs, lakes, and waterfalls. And some build waterfalls in their house. Hugh Hefner’s $54-million mansion in Los Angeles, CA includes simulated waterfalls as part of the property’s sprawling features that include a zoo and aviary. It’s a perfect backdrop for the mogul’s exotic taste, aptly naming his home the Playboy Mansion.
7. Oprah’s lake
When a pond or moat won’t do, a lake it has to be. Oprah’s $85-million mansion in Montecito, CA has its own lake for a landscape. When the lake gets too cold for a dip, it means the weather is getting chilly. No problem, just light up the estate’s ten fireplaces for a warm, cuddly night. Oprah’s house is often cited as one of the three most expensive celebrity houses today.
8. Richard Branson’s private island
When owning a house in a tropical island is not enough, owning the whole island can be tempting. Richard Branson bought the island when he was just 28, and transformed it into a private resort to the tune of $10 million. However, the original house burned down in 2011 when lightning struck it during Tropical Storm Irene. No worries for the British magnate owner of the Virgin Group of Companies, the island is back in its true luxurious form today.
9. Bill Gates’ Xanadu fortress
It’s a home. No a castle. Nope, it’s a fortress. Bill Gates’ Xanadu estate in Medina, Washington is the largest private residence in the U.S. worth a whopping $120 million. Expectedly, it’s loaded with high-tech, geek stuff, notably, that guests wear smart pins to monitor their movement inside the property and adjust lighting, music and climate settings according to the person’s preferences.
10. Mark Zuckerberg’s $7M house
It’s outrageous in a sense that this tech mogul could have afforded a celebrity-level mansion than his $7-million house in Silicon Valley. It has neat porch, big windows, a yard, and all the nooks and crannies of an upper middle-class house. With all his money as among the richest men in the world, this guy seems to tell us that it’s not all about how big your house. Okay, maybe just your bank account.
How do these celebrity homes influence real estate trends?
Celebrity homes with extraordinary features often set real estate trends, inspiring unique design elements and luxurious amenities for high-end properties. Their influence extends beyond luxury markets, affecting home design, landscape choices, and even home technology in wider real estate sectors.
- Unique Design Trends:
- Innovative Landscaping: Features like moats, lakes, and private islands seen in celebrity homes inspire upscale landscaping in luxury real estate.
- Home Privacy and Security: Amenities like gated entrances, exclusive ZIP codes, and secluded properties drive demand for private, secure locations.
- Luxury Amenities Demand:
- Personalized Recreation Spaces: Interest in custom sports facilities, such as private gyms and courts, is rising due to the influence of homes with private baseball fields or jet runways.
- Technology Integration: Bill Gates’ tech-advanced home popularizes smart home systems, pushing buyers to seek properties with integrated tech for convenience and security.
- Influence on Property Values:
- Location as a Luxury Feature: Proximity to exclusive areas, like Silicon Valley for tech moguls or secluded islands, is highly desirable, with premium price tags reflecting celebrity influence.
The features of these homes significantly impact real estate design and value, making unique amenities a hallmark of modern luxury properties.
Key Insights
- Unique Amenities: Celebrities often add unique and outlandish amenities to their homes, making them stand out. These amenities range from private jet runways to personal lakes and even entire private islands.
- High Investment Properties: Many celebrity homes are worth millions of dollars, reflecting their high net worth. For instance, Oprah’s mansion is valued at $85 million, and Bill Gates’ Xanadu fortress is worth $120 million.
- Personal Interests: The amenities often reflect the personal interests or hobbies of the celebrities. Jerry Seinfeld has a baseball field, reflecting his love for the sport, while John Travolta has a jet runway due to his passion for flying.
- Significant Property Features: These properties are not just about size but also about the distinct features they offer. Hugh Hefner’s mansion includes waterfalls and a zoo, while Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen’s house has a moat.
- Investment vs. Lifestyle: While some celebrities like Mark Zuckerberg opt for relatively modest homes despite their wealth, others invest heavily in creating luxurious and unique living spaces that cater to their lifestyles and interests.
FAQ
- What makes Will Smith’s house unique among celebrity homes?
Will Smith’s house in Calabasas, CA, is unique because it is large enough to have its own ZIP code. This $20-million home includes amenities like basketball courts and golf courses.
- Why did Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen add a moat to their home?
The moat is an added feature to enhance the castle-like appearance of their $20-million home in Los Angeles, CA. It serves more as an aesthetic element rather than a functional one.
- What is the standout feature of John Travolta’s home?
John Travolta’s home in Ocala, FL, includes a private runway for his fleet of planes. Travolta, a licensed pilot, has a unique setup that accommodates his passion for aviation.
- What personal interest does Jerry Seinfeld’s home reflect?
Jerry Seinfeld’s home in Hamptons, NY, features a full-sized baseball field. This reflects his lifelong love for baseball and provides a unique recreational space.
- How does Hugh Hefner’s home stand out among other celebrity homes?
Hugh Hefner’s $54-million Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, CA, includes simulated waterfalls, a zoo, and an aviary, making it a sprawling property with unique features.
- What makes Oprah’s mansion in Montecito, CA, notable?
Oprah’s $85-million mansion includes its own lake and ten fireplaces, making it one of the most luxurious celebrity homes. It is often cited as one of the three most expensive celebrity houses.
- What is the unique feature of Richard Branson’s property?
Richard Branson owns an entire private island, which he bought at the age of 28. The island was transformed into a private resort and reflects his luxurious lifestyle.
- What makes Bill Gates’ Xanadu estate unique?
Bill Gates’ Xanadu estate in Medina, Washington, is the largest private residence in the U.S., valued at $120 million. It features high-tech amenities like smart pins that adjust lighting, music, and climate settings according to guests’ preferences.
- Why is Mark Zuckerberg’s home considered modest compared to other celebrity homes?
Mark Zuckerberg’s $7-million home in Silicon Valley is relatively modest compared to his wealth. It has the features of an upper middle-class house, indicating that he prioritizes a comfortable yet unostentatious lifestyle.
- What are some common themes in the amenities of celebrity homes?
Common themes include personal interests, high investment in unique features, and a blend of luxury and functionality. Celebrities often add elements that reflect their hobbies, such as sports fields, private runways, and extensive outdoor features.
Why is FinancesOnline free?
Many of these celebs don't stay in these houses. I'd like to think they bought these properties as an investment than a place of residence. But even that doesn't fly with me. It's difficult to find buyers at this level of real estate, much less buyers who'll pay in full cash. Just ask Billy Joel. A more plausible reason is just to show off and Mark Z. is not buying any of that cra...p. In fact his property is the only thing that has the look and feel of a real house with real people living in it.
You're looking at it wrong. Think of all the people that made money off the building of those homes. This is the Redistribution of Wealth. When they Buy Yachts they are providing for 100s of families from the person that made the water fascet to the person that installed it.
What they failed to mention is that zuckerberg also bought the 7 houses around his. And has knocked them down.....just wait
Leave a comment!