The United States is home to 14 of the world’s 20 richest billionaires, with 40% of them resident in New York and California. So, it’s not surprising that you’ll find some of the world’s most opulent residences in these areas.
Have you ever wondered how the truly wealthy live? Check out these jaw-dropping California homes for a glimpse of what it’s like to be a billionaire.
1. Will Smith’s Calabasas Mansion
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett built this expansive property over seven years from 2003 to 2010. The mansion occupies 25,000 sq. ft of this 150-acre property and is one of the largest homes owned by any celebrity.
This Pueblo-revival-styled home comprises three stories and several attached buildings, featuring everything the family could desire while in residence. There are six bedrooms and 13 bathrooms on-site as well as a host of luxurious extravagances, like:
- A recording studio
- Basketball courts
- Tennis courts
- Bowling alley
- Tea house
- Crafts room
- Potting room
- Atrium with a bar
The main bedroom has a bathroom that’s equivalent to the average spa, and a private terrace with a garden. The family starts the day in a breakfast room with expansive views through huge windows, alongside an enormous pantry, and state-of-the-art kitchen.
The recreation center includes a steam room, dressing room, and pool, while the cinema wing boasts the following:
- media storage
- A projection booth
- A screening room
- An accolades lounge
- Men’s and women’s restrooms
Interior decor comprises stained-glass windows, wrought-iron railings, adobe-style fireplaces, carved, heavy wood doors, and wooden beamed ceilings. Outside the walls, the Smiths have set aside 70-acres of space for conservation and public access.
Although the couple’s tight-lipped about the value of their property, they listed it briefly for $42 million during 2014.
2. Kim Kardashian’s Hidden Hills Mansion
Kanye West paid $20 million for an expansive mansion in Hidden Hills shortly after marrying Kim Kardashian in 2014. The couple spent several years fine-tuning the property to their exact needs.
Today, this enormous home is a lesson in minimalism, designed by in-vogue designer, Axel Vervoordt with touches by Claudio Silvestrin, Vincent Van Duysen, and Peter Wirtz. It comprises several unique and bizarre features.
For instance, the master bathroom, with its lightbox ceiling, and views over a patio, has no sinks. Instead, it has slits in the marble to drain the water. All the interior surfaces feature beige and off-white coloring, and the furniture is minimalistic in form and placement.
Exterior features include two pools, a 1,050 sq. ft pavilion, and private vineyards. Today, this showcase of unique design has a value of $60 million, and Kim secured it in her recent divorce from Kanye.
3. Bill Gates’s Del Mar Second Home
The on-again-off-again wealthiest man on Earth has several multi-million dollar mansions across the world. His California property, valued at $43 million, is best known for its hot tub that seats 10 people and is one of the most expensive homes in the area.
The house has six bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, four garages, a huge deck, a glass-tiled swimming pool, a theater, a health spa, a tennis court, and a fire pit.
Some other outstanding features of this mansion include 120 feet of ocean frontage, a natural palette, an open-plan design, and wood ceilings everywhere.
4. Dr. Dre’s Home in Brentwood
This sprawling resort-like mansion took over three years to build and even has a moat with Koi fish, and a bridge over it.
Some of the 18,000 sq ft. limestone home’s amenities include customized play space for children, a wooden dock, a cabana, a library, and an underground spa.
The home’s touted as an excellent example of California real estate done right, thanks to its tasteful finishes and homely vibe.
Inside, you step back in time classic old-world European style, with seven marble-framed fireplaces, nine huge bathrooms, reclaimed ceiling beams, and antique hardwood floors and doors. Touches of ceramic brick and bluestone complete the picture.
The rapper bought this property from Tom Brady in 2014, for $40 million.
5. Jeff Bezos’s California Hang Out
The Amazon founder paid $165 million for this 13,000 sq. ft. mansion, which has a 9-hole golf course, is the most expensive of any California houses ever sold.
It also has two guesthouses, a pool, a screening room, a bar, a huge dining room, and a tennis court. As is that wasn’t enough, Bezos recently bought the adjacent property for $10 million.
The estate nestles among several other spectacular Beverley Hills homes in Benedict Canyon. It has eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and tall hedges that promise utmost privacy.
As such, we know little about the interiors of this enclave – only that they must match the exteriors in opulence and excess.
6. Multi-Family California Homes
Apart from these incredible showcases of single-family sophistication, there are also many outstanding luxury apartment blocks in California.
One of the most luxurious of these is Pendry Residences, in West Hollywood. These superbly luxurious apartments feature top-notch interior designs and private elevators.
Each expansive terrace overlooking Sunset Boulevard and Olive Street, has a private pool, outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, and a hot tub. The spa-inspired bathrooms feature hand-picked Arabescato Cervaiole marble, bespoke millwork, polished nickel features, and customized vanities.
Additional luxuries include:
- Full-service courtesy of Montage Hotels & Resorts
- A seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living
- Custom-designed state-of-the-art kitchens
- Privileged access to Pendry West Hollywood Hotel
- A host of resident-only amenities
These amenities offer superb after-hours diversions in the form of Spa Pendry, a rooftop bar and pool, the Britely Social Club, and seven inimitable Wolfgang Puck-managed dining concepts.
In addition, residents also enjoy private owner-only amenities including an exclusive entry and lobby, 24/7 valet service, rooftop pool, fitness center, garden deck, boardroom, resident’s lounge, wine tasting room, and in-residence dining by Wolfgang Puck.
You can find out more about the value of these types of properties on websites like agspanos.com, mbpartners.com, or coldwellbanker.com.
Your Home Is Your Castle
Have these California homes inspired you to go in search of your little piece of paradise? Keen insight into current property trends can help you find your perfect match.
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