Dreams And Dollars
What do you get when you combine unlimited wealth with unlimited imagination? Something extraordinary. These celebrity houses might be beyond our reach, but we can surely fantasize about their luxurious features. Let’s get started.
Drake’s Hidden Hills Estate ‘The Embassy’
Did you know that Drake spent years staring at a photo of this Hidden Hills mansion as his computer wallpaper? He then finally bought it in 2012 for $7.7 million. Talk about manifestation. The place is about 12,500 square feet and has seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
The Come Up Show, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Drake’s Hidden Hills Estate ‘The Embassy’ (Cont.)
There are waterfalls flowing into a pool that is lined by statues. This leads to a grotto that would make even Hugh Hefner jealous. Also present is a tennis court, sand volleyball court, and equestrian facilities, with a horse stable and riding ring.
Inside Drake’s $20 Million Dollar YOLO Estate by TheRichest
Jordan McGraw’s Los Angeles House
You might feel like Tim Burton threw up on a canvas because that’s exactly what Jordan McGraw (Dr. Phil’s son) did with his Hollywood Hills home. He created an unconventional “twisted wonderland” with a foyer featuring a stairway that has twisted railings.
Jordan McGraw’s Los Angeles House (Cont.)
The dining room is decked out in black and gray, highlighted by an “anti-gun art installation” with guns mounted on the wall. The home also has a billiards table with lion-head legs. When McGraw moved on from his Gothic phase, Dr. Phil put it up for sale at $5.75 million.
Alicia Keys’ Razor House
Think white concrete, stainless steel, and walls of glass capturing endless ocean views. Could it get any better? With 10,653 square feet of Brutalist beauty, it’s a residence that takes the term “living on the edge” quite literally. The house was completed in the year 2007.
Alicia Keys’ Razor House (Cont.)
Alicia Keys and her partner, music producer Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean), purchased the home in 2019 for about $20.8 million. The Razor House has been noted for its influence on popular culture, especially as an inspiration for Tony Stark’s mansion in Iron Man.
The Razor House bought by Alicia Keys by SD Aerial Media
Bill Gates’ Xanadu 2.0
Gates’ Medina, Washington home, nicknamed Xanadu 2.0, features a 2,500-square-foot trampoline room with 20-foot ceilings. When you’re worth billions, apparently, a regular home gym just doesn’t cut it. At over 66,000 square feet, the mansion is quite large.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Bill Gates’ Xanadu 2.0 (Cont.)
This makes it one of the largest private residences in the United States. One of the standout characteristics of Xanadu 2.0 is the trampoline room, which has a 20-foot ceiling. Gates confirmed that this element was primarily for his children to enjoy.
Inside Bill Gates' Xanadu 2.0: The Ultimate Smart Home by Omni Home Ideas
Bill Gates’ Xanadu 2.0 (Cont.)
The home includes a 2,100-square-foot library that houses Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester, a manuscript Gates purchased for $30.8 million. Gates spent approximately $63 million to build and customize the home, which is estimated to be worth around $124 million today.
Kuhlmann /MSC, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nicolas Cage’s Bel Air Mansion
Cage’s massive 11,817-square-foot mansion in Bel Air (also dubbed the Pink Palace) was allegedly his wild museum packed with all sorts of mythical creatures and incredible decor. He bought this house in 1998 for $6.5 million, and it had 9 bathrooms and 6 bedrooms in all.
Gerald Geronimo, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nicolas Cage’s Bel Air Mansion (Cont.)
But the main attraction? It’s the biggest private geode collection in the world, shining everywhere you look. However, when money issues hit and they had to sell in 2010, the price fell from $35 million to just $10.4 million, and still, nobody wanted it. Cage currently resides in Las Vegas.
nicolas genin, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Celine Dion’s Jupiter Florida Home
Who needs a water park membership when you can hang out in Celine Dion’s backyard? The singer made her beachfront place in Jupiter Island, Florida, into the ultimate playground for kids. There is a private water park with a lazy river that holds around 500,000 gallons of water.
Celine Dion’s Jupiter Florida Home (Cont.)
If that’s not enough, there are two massive water slides and a swim-up bar near the fire pit. The house is like a Bahamian-inspired estate, covering approximately 11,000 square feet. It also has 13 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. This luxurious haven was sold in the year 2017.
CELINE DION’S FORMER JAW-DROPPING ESTATE | Secret Lives Of The Super Rich by CNBC Ambition
Robert Downey Jr.’s East Hampton House
At $11.9 million, this beach house in East Hampton is definitely not your typical getaway, but then again, RDJ is not your everyday homeowner. It seriously has a real 1800s windmill in the center. The house was also featured in an episode of Architectural Digest’s “Open Door” series.
Robert Downey Jr.’s East Hampton House (Cont.)
This one is filled with artwork and sculptures, like a 15-foot praying mantis sculpture by Andrius Petkus in the front yard. The interiors were designed by Joe Nahem of Fox-Nahem Associates, while the living room displays a wraparound fireplace designed by ceramic artist Peter Lane.
Penn Jillette’s “The Slammer”
The magician’s “Slammer” pad in the Vegas desert looked pretty wild with its astroturf and prison-like fencing. When new owners snagged it for $1.9 million, they didn’t just call in some regular demo crew—they rolled in a Russian military tank to smash the place up.
Penn Jillette’s “The Slammer” (Cont.)
Apparently, Penn Jillette was inspired by an infectious disease research center for his home design and collaborated with his friend Colin Summers to create it. Inside, there is a private recording studio named studio that was planned by Outside The Lines Studio.
Save Penn Jillette's Home - The Slammer Full Version by John Whiteside
Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch
Michael Jackson’s crazy 12,600-square-foot pad totally changed what home entertainment means. It was practically its own amusement park, with a private zoo, a little train system, and even a movie theater. It is found in Santa Barbara, California, and the ranch covers 2,700 acres.
David Valdez and Jw4nvc, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch (Cont.)
Even its own firefighting team couldn’t save its value, which dropped from $100 million to $31 million, with still no takers. Also, Neverland wasn’t really open to everyone. Michael Jackson only brought in groups of kids who were underprivileged or had disabilities to enjoy his place.
Jw4nvc, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dick Clark’s Malibu Residence
This home looked like it was carved right out of solid rock. But, it is a small, one-bedroom, two-bathroom home set on about 23 acres of land. After Clark’s passing, the “Flintstone-style house” was listed for a price of $3.5 million.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
Dick Clark’s Malibu Residence (Cont.)
Initially, the house was designed to be a relaxing retreat for Clark and his wife Kari, who owned multiple properties in California but chose this location for its seclusion and outdoor beauty. The architects who did a great job were Robert Altevers and Phillip Jon Brown.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
John Travolta's Jumbolair Home
Most celebrities build helipads but John Travolta built an entire airport terminal. His Jumbolair home near Ocala, Florida, is around 7,000 square feet. It has a private control center and covers parking for two planes, which are the Boeing 707 and Boeing 737.
John Travolta's Jumbolair Home (Cont.)
With this, Travolta could roll out of bed and onto his private runway. After all, the property has a huge runway that extends to his back door. Travolta purchased this property for $3.5 million in 2001. The mansion also has a 16-car garage, providing ample space for vehicles.
Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bob Hope’s Palm Springs Estate
When comedian Bob Hope commissioned architect John Lautner, he got more than a house. This is a 23,000-square-foot Palm Springs masterpiece with a central oculus and concrete curves. Hence, the house is often likened to a mushroom, a volcano, or a spaceship.
Bob Hope’s Palm Springs Estate (Cont.)
Initially asking $50 million, it eventually landed at $13 million in 2016. The beginning of construction faced setbacks, including a fire in 1973 that destroyed part of the building. But, after legal disputes were settled, the construction resumed in 1977.
Inside Bob Hope's $50 Million Palm Springs Mansion by Ever Luxurious
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Montecito Haven
Looking for Zen? Paltrow’s peaceful escape feels like “a Parisian apartment set within an old European barn.” The actress turned wellness guru, who is also known for her lifestyle brand Goop, focused on family patterns and emotional experience while designing the place.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Montecito Haven (Cont.)
Paltrow has made use of eco-friendly elements, such as organic cotton slipcovers, linen draperies, and sustainable fabrics throughout the space. Apparently, after acquiring the property for $4.9 million, she renovated the existing structures to make way for her dream home.
Cara Delevingne's Wonderland
Saint-Tropez meets Coney Island meets Monte Carlo. Welcome to this house in LA. But, the real showstopper is the presence of a hidden tunnel behind a low, painted panel that leads to a secret bunk room. Inside the house, you will even find a Gucci heron wallpaper.
Cara Delevingne's Wonderland (Cont.)
Delevingne teamed up with architect Nicolò Bini from Line Architecture to design a house that matches the feel of places like Saint-Tropez, Coney Island, and Monte Carlo. The house also has exciting features like a ball pit and a games room.
Travis Barker’s Zen Palace
This house, created by Waldo Fernandez, showcases custom furniture that takes cues from midcentury styles. It has comfy linen upholstery, vintage wood accents, and even a recording studio. The beautiful house, situated in California, was sold in 2023 for $9.5 million.
Travis Barker’s Zen Palace (Cont.)
So, Barker describes the vibe of his home as “zen,” as he aimed to create a restful environment where he could unwind after long tours or studio sessions. The yard has native California plants and a Mediterranean-style courtyard with some nice water features.
Giorgio Armani’s Caribbean Retreat
The name itself tells us something fashionable is coming. Armani’s two-property setup has the five-bedroom Villa Flower and the three-bedroom Villa Serena in the Dominican Republic. The retreat was designed by Juan Montoya, a famous interior designer known for his architectural genius.
Jan Schroeder, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Giorgio Armani’s Caribbean Retreat (Cont.)
True to Armani’s signature style, it’s all neutral tones and clean lines inside the house. Besides, the roofing has a combination of cedar shingles and traditional palapa-style roofing, that is made from palm leaves. He has owned these villas since 2006, and are now listed for rent.
Obatala-photography, Shutterstock
Kourtney Kardashian’s Guest Suite
Custom bed? Check. Oversized Moroccan rug? Obviously. Oh, and a black-and-white Andy Warhol photograph because it wouldn’t be a Kardashian styled home without it. The gorgeous guest room was decorated by Martyn Lawrence Bullard who is known for his sophisticated style.
Toglenn, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kourtney Kardashian’s Guest Suite (Cont.)
It includes art books and Taschen coffee-table books for guests to enjoy before sleeping. The room rightly has bedding from Legna, a vintage Moroccan rug from Mansour, and black lacquer table lamps from Oluce. Some of the bedside tables were even gifted to her by Kris Jenner.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Taylor Swift’s Beverly Hills Estate
In 2015, the singer bought the legendary Samuel Goldwyn Estate for $25 million. This Georgian Revival mansion is 10,982 square feet and has seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms. It also had some modern amenities, like a recording studio called Kitty Committee Studio.
Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons and Taylor Swift's LA home | Look At This! by KCAL News
Taylor Swift’s Beverly Hills Estate (Cont.)
The estate was built back in 1934 for film producer Samuel Goldwyn and his wife, actress Frances Howard. Additionally, it was designed by architects Douglas Honnold and George Vernon Russell, who gave it a Georgian Revival style.
Taylor Swift's LA home | Look At This! by KCAL News
Beyoncé And Jay-Z’s Malibu Mansion
Beyoncé and Jay-Z are living in an incredible mansion in Malibu that they bought for a whopping $200 million in 2023. The place has an intriguing L-shaped design made of concrete and glass, which fits right in with the beautiful nature around it.
Joella Marano, CC BY-SA 2.0 and Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Beyoncé And Jay-Z’s Malibu Mansion (Cont.)
The estate covers about 40,000 square feet and sits on an 8-acre bluff with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean in the exclusive Paradise Cove area. This is often called “Billionaires’ Row.” The mansion used to belong to art collectors William and Maria Bell.
Inside Jay-Z and Beyonce's $200 MILLION Malibu Mansion by LuxeVault
Lady Gaga’s Gypsy Palace
This oceanfront property in Malibu, inspired by European design, has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. There are other elements that include a professional bowling alley in the basement, an 800-bottle wine cellar, and a stable complex. She purchased it in 2014 for $22.5 million.
Carlos M. Vazquez II, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lady Gaga’s Gypsy Palace (Cont.)
Lady Gaga has described the Malibu compound as her “sanctuary,” a place where she can hide from the spotlight and focus on her music. There’s also plenty of space for horse riding and training on the property here, with a retro-style bowling alley.
Lady Gaga | House Tour | $22.5 Million Malibu Compound & More by Famous Ent.
Bruce Willis’s Bedford Hills Estate
A notable component of this expensive house is the property’s custom outdoor kitchen and entertaining space designed for gatherings. It also has a tree house made for Willis’s kids. Similarly, the yard has a veggie and herb garden along with a stunning outdoor pool.
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bruce Willis’s Bedford Hills Estate (Cont.)
In 2019, he listed the home for sale at $12.95 million, but it sold for about $7.66 million. Going back, Bruce Willis and his wife, Emma Heming, had purchased the property in 2014 for $12 million. Built in the year 2009, it showed off beamed ceilings and oversized windows.
Move into Bruce Willis’ home for $6 million-Luxury Living: Episode 1 Part 1 by News 12
Will Smith’s Calabasas Estate
Talk about a 25,000-square-foot adobe-style mansion located on a sprawling 150-acre lot in the Santa Monica Mountains. This one’s got everything from a recording studio and a chill meditation lounge to a basketball court that can also be used for tennis.