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      Rihanna’s First Ever California Home Sells for $15 Million

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      It’s no hopeless place, but yet another buyer has found love in Rihanna’s former Beverly Hills house. Occupied by the Barbadian superstar from 2009-2011, the boxy and very contemporary structure was the first Los Angeles residence she ever owned. In the 12 years since, the property has changed hands several more times.

      The most recent deal was inked just last month, when the house sold for $15 million to an entity linked to 35-year-old Jeremy Troxel, an attorney and founder of the Troxel Law firm. Over the past few years, Troxel Law has earned widespread recognition for filing numerous class action lawsuits against major companies such as Tylenol, Coinbase, Juul and Major League Baseball.

      While $15 million is certainly a large amount of money, it’s also a significant financial loss for the sellers, Canadian healthcare entrepreneur Dr. Sheldon Elman and his wife, Dr. Meryl Elman. The Elmans had acquired the former Rihanna estate for $16.8 million from John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, who owned the place from 2016-2021.

      Originally built in 1966 and located high in the mountains above Beverly Hills’ Coldwater Canyon, the house was completely rebuilt and expanded in the 2000s. During their ownership, Legend and Teigen also remodeled the estate, adding a unique patterned ceiling imported from Thailand, painting the exterior and interior walls, upgrading the bespoke kitchen and refinishing the wide-plank oak floors.

      A chunky double-sided fireplace bisects the spacious family and living rooms, while the upstairs primary suite — one of five bedrooms in the 8,500-square-foot house — flaunts a handmade brass fireplace and private balcony, plus what the listing calls a “glam room” and dual showroom closets. Outside, the dark-bottomed saltwater pool is heated and has spectacular canyon views. A vine-wrapped pergola additionally offers a built-in BBQ grill and wood-burning oven. Elsewhere on the property are a gym and movie theater.

      Rihanna, now a billionaire thanks to her Fenty cosmetics and fashion brand, currently maintains another home in Beverly Hills and two lavish condos in Century City’s The Century skyscraper, including one valued at $21 million. As for Troxel, he and partner Kristi Piacentile currently lease a luxury home in L.A.’s Beachwood Canyon neighborhood and own a second mansion in Scottsdale, Arizona. More

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      Liberace Once Owned This L.A. Townhouse. Now It Can Be Yours for $3.6 Million.

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      In 1937, MGM built The Shoreham, an elegant, Hollywood Regency-inspired complex just above L.A.’s Sunset Strip. Built to house the studio’s stable of up-and-coming ingenues, leading men, and visiting stars, the long list of silver screen residents reads like a who’s who of Golden Age Hollywood: Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, Fernando Lamas, Ava Gardner, Veronica Lake, and Olivia de Havilland.

      Though he bought a 28-room mansion in Beverly Hills in the early 1960s that was once described as “a combination Versailles Palace and Vic Tanny Gym,” the famously flamboyant entertainer Liberace later owned a much more modestly proportioned townhouse condo at The Shoreham that has popped up for sale with an asking price of almost $3.6 million.

      It’s not known if Liberace dressed the almost 2,400-square-foot condo, one of the largest of the 15 townhouses and apartments within the tranquil gardens of the half-acre complex, with the same sorts of feathers and sequins he favored for his showy stage performances. However, the townhouse certainly retains much of the original architectural flair that was no doubt appreciated by the fleet fingered pianist. 

      Period details include herringbone-pattern walnut floors, French doors and mullioned windows that look out to a walled courtyard, Doric columns in the entryway between the living and dining rooms, a chateau-style marble fireplace in the living room, and staircase railings that resemble the swooping lines of a velvet theater curtain.

      The main entrance gates at The Shoreham in West Hollywood.

      Daniel Dahler for Sotheby’s International Realty

      Once occupied by Barbara Marx Sinatra, the former Las Vegas showgirl who became the fourth and final wife of Frank Sinatra, the later owners of the three-story townhouse condo include interior designer Dan Zimmerman and Beverly Hills ophthalmologist Joseph Sidikaro. The townhouse last changed hands only about a year ago, when it was sold for $2.6 million to veteran entertainment executive Glenn Geller, the former president of CBS Entertainment, now President of TV at Skybound Entertainment.

      Among the many improvements Geller has made over the last year, the lattice that adorned the double-height porch was removed, bookshelves were added to the fireside living room, mirrored tiles were affixed to the walls of the dining room, and the galley kitchen was updated with new paint, new countertops, and new high-end appliances.

      The view from the private roof terrace.

      Daniel Dahler for Sotheby’s International Realty

      Besides its show business provenance, the feature that really sets the townhouse apart from the other units at The Shoreham is the 2,000-square-foot private roof terrace. A tented dining area takes up a portion of the landscaped space that also has a built-in grill, a projector for alfresco movie nights, and a glittery city lights view beyond the neon lights and billboards along Sunset Boulevard.

      The townhouse is listed with Chris Laib and Michael Remacle of Sotheby’s International Realty—Los Feliz Brokerage.

      Click here for all the photos of Liberace’s former townhouse.

      Daniel Dahler for Sotheby’s International Realty More

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      Rick Ross Just Dropped $35 Million on a Waterfront Mansion on Miami’s Star Island

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      Rick Ross may have a track entitled “I’m Not a Star,” but he is the newest resident of Miami’s Star Island.

      Last month, it was reported that The Boss had his eyes on a waterfront estate on the exclusive island, and this week, the “Hustlin” rapper officially closed on the residence in question. Rozay threw down a whopping $35 million for the 40,000-square-foot mega-mansion that’s located near the middle of the star-studded and guard-gated enclave. From Diddy to billionaire Ken Griffen to Jennifer Lopez and Gloria Estefan, scads of high rollers maintain opulent abodes here. And, with only 30 homes on the island, it’s pretty impressive that the record exec was able to snag himself a coveted piece of the Star Island pie.

      “We are so excited to have hit a high note in finding the right buyer for this spectacular property so quickly after listing it,” said Jill Eber of The Jills Zeder Group, who represented the seller alongside colleagues Jill Hertzberg, Felise Eber, and Fabio Lopes. “There is only one Star Island, and we know the buyer will be so happy with his new residence on the much-sought-after island.” Kimberly Knausz with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty and Tawanda Roberts of Florida Realty of Miami represented Ross.

      Rapper Rick Ross just dropped $35 million on a mansion on Star Island in Miami

      The Jills Zeder Group/1 Oak Studios

      “He instantly fell in love with the grand entry, it has a very long driveway stretching towards the mansion that creates an air of real luxury,” added Knausz. “The architecture also played a part as it’s far beyond the ordinary modern home and he plans to enhance it to reflect his personal style.”

      The 12,374-square-foot spread offers up six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, plus a generous 100 feet of water frontage on Biscayne Bay. Currently, there’s a two-car garage on-site, but the Maybach Music Group founder will need way more room than that to fit all of his prized cars. And, when he decides to travel by boat, there’s a 40-foot dock equipped with an electric and water pedestal. Maybe he’ll get that Lamborghini yacht after all—if he hasn’t already.  

      The waterfront estate has views of the ocean and Biscayne Bay

      The Jills Zeder Group/1 Oak Studios

      The record exec is known for throwing his fair share of celeb-laden parties, so the spacious swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and massive stone terrace should definitely come in handy. Inside, the two-story estate is decked out with a glass-enclosed foyer, a living room with 30-foot ceilings and a custom mahogany fireplace, a media room, and a library. Nearby, the chef’s kitchen is outfitted with granite counters, top-of-the-line appliances, a butler’s pantry, and a separate breakfast room.

      Ross clearly has a taste for the finer things in life so, naturally, the primary suite is fit for rap royalty. Think remote-controlled shutters, a wet bar, two walk-in closets, and dual marble bathrooms.

      Click here to see all the photos of Rick Ross’s Star Island mansion.

      The Jills Zeder Group/1 Oak Studios More

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      Tom Ford Pays $52 Million for Jackie Kennedy’s Childhood Home in the Hamptons

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      Barely eight months ago, Tom Ford paid private equity guru Rob Heyvaert an eye-popping $51 million for a sleekly designed contemporary mansion in Palm Beach. But just weeks ago — as part of an off-market deal that’s expected to top $100 million, per The Real Deal — the fashion mogul traded that place to Brian Kosoy, CEO of the real estate private equity firm the Sterling Organization, in exchange for his even larger South Florida spread.

      Now Ford has turned his attention toward New York, having forked over an equally impressive sum of cash for a historic East Hamptons estate that once served as a summer getaway for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

      Records show Ford paid media producer David Zander $52 million for the home, which was originally listed for $55 million. The residence was previously owned by fashion designer and retail executive Reed Krakoff and his wife Delphine, who sold it to Zander for $24 million in 2018. And way before that, the property known as Lasata—a Native American word meaning “Place of Peace”—was owned in the 1920s by the former First Lady’s paternal grandfather John Vernou Bouvier Jr.

      Nestled amid a 7-acre parcel of land, just blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, Ford’s newly acquired compound was designed by architect Arthur C. Jackson and completed in 1917. Recently restored by its current owner, the multi-building property is highlighted by an eight-bedroom main home sporting 8,500 square feet of Pierre Yovanovich-designed living space boasting tall casement windows and beamed ceilings throughout.

      There’s also a two-bedroom guesthouse, caretaker’s cottage, pool house and three-car garage with a workshop, plus Louis Benech-crafted grounds laced with lush lawns, mature specimen trees and a flower meadow.

      Ford, a Texas native who recently sold his eponymous fashion label to Estée Lauder Cos. in a deal valued at around $2.8 billion, also maintains a Holmby Hills estate he paid late socialite Betsy Bloomingdale nearly $40 million for in 2016, as well as homes in New York City, London and Santa Fe.

      The Lasata listing was held by Eileen O’Neill of Corcoran Group and Ed Petrie of Compass; Frank E. Newbold of Sotheby’s International Realty repped Ford. More

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      Elizabeth Taylor’s Palm Springs Getaway Can Be Yours for $5 Million

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      Though Dame Elizabeth Taylor passed away in March 2011 at age 79, the legendary star’s legacy lives on at this modern Palm Springs vacation home that she owned for almost a decade, not to mention the 50-plus films she appeared in throughout her lengthy career. Recently updated by her close friend Kathy Ireland, the Coachella Valley oasis is now on the market in the desert city of Palm Springs, asking just under $5 million.

      Often revered for her seemingly violet eyes, Taylor starred in National Velvet when she was just 10 years old and went on to glam it up in roles such as Cleopatra later in life. Married eight times (twice to Richard Burton), the British-born actress gained more than her share of acclaim along the way, having received two Oscars for BUtterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? She also was a strong advocate in the fight against HIV/AIDS, helping to found The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and launching the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

      The open-concept great room is warmed by a fireplace and opens to the pool area.

      Mark San Agustin

      One of two homes Taylor laid claim to at the time of her death—the other being a 1960s Bel Air estate that was previously occupied by Nancy Sinatra—the Palm Springs property was originally built in 2001 and purchased by Taylor some three years later for $1.4 million. She subsequently enlisted close friend Kathy Ireland to design the place, with the supermodel-turned-entrepreneur also pitching in on a recent remodel of the premises.

      Currently owned by Fred Bin, CEO of Westlake Village-based real estate company Zoom Casa, who bought the house this past March for nearly $3.8 million, the low-slung structure rests on over a half-acre gated parcel in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. Known affectionately as “Casa Elizabeth,” it features four bedrooms and five baths spread across a little more than 4,200 square feet of single-level living space that opens to a pool area providing scenic views of the San Jacinto Mountains.

      Highlights include an entry foyer that flows to an open-concept great room centered around a living area sporting a fireplace encased in a slat-wood accent wall, plus floor-to-ceiling glass doors spilling out to a covered terrace ideal for al fresco entertaining with a barbecue, refrigerator, sink and seated bar. Back inside, an adjacent dining area connects to a kitchen outfitted with sleek wood cabinetry, high-end appliances and an eat-in peninsula.

      The backyard is dotted with palm trees, and hosts a pool flanked by a sundeck and cabana.

      Mark San Agustin

      Sequestered off by themselves are two primary suites, each of which come complete with spa-inspired baths decked out with dual vanities, soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Both baths also are accessible to the secluded palm tree-laced grounds, which are showcased by a waterfall-fed pool flanked by a sundeck on one side and an open-air cabana on the other. There’s also an attached three-car garage out front.

      The listing is held by Sandra Upchurch of Signature Real Estate Group.

      Click here for more photos of Liz Taylor’s Palm Springs vacation home. More

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      Mischa Barton’s Former Beverly Hills Estate Sells to The Chainsmokers’ Alex Pall for $8.8 Million

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      After spending a little more than two months on the market for just under $10 million, this posh Italian-inspired villa high above Beverly Hills has officially traded hands for $8.8 million. Records show the discount-minded buyer is musician Alex Pall, who is probably best known as one-half of the Grammy-winning DJ duo The Chainsmokers.

      Last sold in summer 2021 for just under $9.2 million, the three-building compound is probably best known as the one-time residence of British-born actress Mischa Barton, who paid $6.4 million for the place back in 2005 when she was starring as Marissa Cooper on Fox’s hit TV show The O.C. She went on to list the lavish abode for $8.7 million some five years later, after falling behind on her mortgage payments, before finally managing to unload it in 2016 for a smidge over $7 million to an entity linked to Agoura Hills-based investment firm Strategic Acquisitions Inc.

      Tucked away behind walls and gates, on a 1.2-acre parcel sited in the Beverly Hills Post Office area, the property was completed in 2003. Known as the Bowmont estate, the stucco and terra-cotta-roof structure includes a main house and two guesthouses—for a total of six bedrooms and nine baths in over 10,000 square feet of living space packed with glitzy amenities like a game room, wine cellar, gym and movie theater.

      The main house is introduced via a double-height foyer displaying a curving wrought-iron staircase, which flows to formal living and dining rooms, an office space, and a gourmet kitchen decked out with a marble-topped eat-in island, top-tier stainless appliances and a breakfast nook. Upstairs, a sumptuous master retreat is accessible via double doors, and comes complete with a fireplace, balcony, dual closets, and a bath sporting a soaking tub and pair of steam showers.

      Not to be overlooked are the picturesque grounds, which are laced with greenery and bougainvillea, and spotlighted by a lap pool and covered loggia. There’s also a detached garage for three vehicles, plus a motorcourt equipped with a handy car turntable.

      In addition to his new Beverly Hills home, Pall also maintains several houses throughout the Los Angeles area, including a 1930s bungalow in the Hollywood Hills that he bought in 2013 for $2.7 million and then remodeled. As for Barton, she’s currently set to guest star in an Amazon Freevee reboot of the Australian drama Neighbours.

      The listing was held by Aaron Kirman and Cindy Ambuehl of AKG | Christie’s International Real Estate; James Harris and David Parnes of The Agency repped Pall. More

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      After 14 Years, Cheryl Burke Sells Her Midcentury L.A. Home

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      Looks like Cheryl Burke would be well-suited to take up house-flipping for a living! Barely a month after she hoisted her longtime Los Angeles residence onto the market, the Filipino-American dancer, model and TV host has already handed over the keys to a new owner for a mere speck under her asking price.

      Records show the property went to a non-famous buyer for $2.2 million—or an impressive $900,000 more than the Dancing With the Stars alum originally paid for the place some 14 years ago, back in July 2009.

      A lot has changed since Burke paid almost $1.3 million for her stylish post-and-beam property tucked away in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of L.A. Not only did she make a name for herself on the popular TV dance competition as a two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner, but she also wed and subsequently divorced “Boy Meets World” actor Matthew Lawrence almost a year ago this September after nearly three years of marriage.

      The midcentury modern home is fronted by double entry doors and an attached two-car garage.

      Jeff Elson

      Resting directly off the street, on a compact parcel spanning less than a quarter-acre of land, the two-level structure was built back in the late 1950s and has since been updated with the help of Burke’s actress friend Leah Remini. Inside, three bedrooms and an equal number of baths are filtered throughout 2,100 square feet of open-concept living space boasting new wide-plank floors and high wood-beam ceilings, plus walls of glass providing sweeping canyon and city lights views.

      The main floor centers around a fireside living room that spills out to a balcony hosting a cozy fire-pit with built-in seating, and a wet bar-equipped dining area that opens to a small yet stylish kitchen outfitted with a breakfast bar, double ovens, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and beverage cooler. Elsewhere is a library/lounge area, along with a striking spiral staircase that heads to a lower level holding a spacious primary bedroom sporting a private balcony, walk-in closet, and stone-clad bath with dual vanities, a soaking tub and glass-encased shower.

      The living room is warmed by a large stone fireplace.

      Jeff Elson

      Born in San Francisco to a Filipino mother and American father, Burke, 39, is best known as a longtime professional dancer on ABC’s DWTS. She competed on the show for 26 seasons beginning in 2006, and was the first pro to win twice and consecutively with celebrity partners Drew Lachey and Emmit Smith. She officially retired from the show in November 2022.

      The listing was held by Meredith Schlosser and Jeremy Hensley of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties; Justin Vold of Redfin repped the buyer.

      Click here for more photos of Cheryl Burke’s home. More