The Celebrity Beat: Relocation.com's Celebrity Real Estate Report

By Serena Norr

The biggest home sale this week on the Beat – in both price and size – was the massive mansion purchased by Tyler Perry aka the man behind the sassy Madea. The mansion, called Dean Gardens, was created in the early 90s by software developer Larry Dean and his wife, Lynda, who certainly had their wild imagination come to life in this overly done 58-acre mansion. From a carousel-themed nursery to art deco-inspired bedrooms, the Deans personal taste is not for everyone, and some may even say that the home is more famous for the time it has been on the market. Listed on the market since 1993 (following the couples split), Perry plans to remodel and tear several rooms in order to create an environmentally-friendly home made out of concrete. To shift from extreme homes to an aesthetically pleasing one,  Bradley Whitford and Jane Kaczmarek have placed their 6,769-square-foot Italian-inspired villa on the market. The couple, who also separated, is seeking $6.7 million for their six bath, six-bedroom home.  Courtney Love’s public real estate plight has been reported on Curbed NY, the New York Post, and even here on Relocation.com.  Searching for a home next to Anna Wintour proved unsuccessful (Love was rejected by the condo board) and we guess living in Soho’s posh Mercer Hotel had its days numbered as Love is now leasing Milla Jovovich’s townhouse (which has been on the market since 2008). We’re interested to see how that living arrangement plays out…From extreme homes to peaceful abodes, we have you covered on the Celebrity Beat.

•    Tyler Perry Buys Georgia Mansion for $7.6 Million
Entertainment maven (comedian/actor/director/producer/playwright), Tyler Perry recently purchased the massive Dean Gardens estate in the suburban outskirts of Georgia for $7.6 million. The 58-acre estate, located along the Chattahoochee River, has been on the market for 17 years (Michael Jackson was once an interested buyer), which was conceptualized by software developer Larry Dean and his wife, Lynda. The 32,000 square foot mansion was designed by the Dean’s 21-year-old that took four years to create a massive wonderland of themed-bedrooms and grandiose chandeliers. The Deans, though, never did enjoy their overactive mansion. Shortly after the construction of the home (in 1993) the couple separated and placed it on the market, which it has been on for 17 years. It was recently listed for $13,900,000 for the home and its furnishings (carousels, an entry way with massive-sized Italian paintings, custom murals and a room with Peacock décor were some features); however, Perry declined that offer and paid $7.6 million solely for the home. The home has been recognized (both praised and scoffed) for its unique décor options, formal gardens, outdoor band shell, 18-hole golf course, 12-car garage, 12 fireplaces, eight themed-bedrooms, nine bathrooms and on-site wedding chapel. We’re not sure what to make of some of these odd features and perhaps Perry wasn’t either as he plans to tear down the house and “… build one that is environmentally friendly and made of concrete,” according to Zillow.com. Zillow broke down even further, “this will include paying $25 million to build it, $18 million to pay for staff, taxes and utilities over the years and $1 million in annual maintenance.” Perry also owns homes in Los Angeles, an 11.4 acre home in Fairburn, Georgia and a mansion in Atlanta, Georgia. It sure pays to be a quadruple threat…

•    Jane Kaczmarek, Bradley Whitford Place San Marino Villa on Market for $6.7 Million
Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford filed for a divorce in 2009, and sadly selling their gorgeous San Marino Villa was also involved in their separation. Located in San Marino (near Pasadena, California), the 6,769-square-foot home is described as an “Italian Renaissance Revival estate.” Designed in 1924, the home is situated on more than an acre of land that includes an outdoor swimming pool, original formal gardens, a spa, six bedrooms and six bathrooms, a library, hardwood flooring and a private guesthouse. The home, which underwent a massive renovation in 1997, was originally purchased for $5.9 million in 2004.

•    Emeril Lagasse Sells Midtown Loft for $4.6 Million
Emeril Lagasse, famous for the catch phrases (“Bam” and “Lets Kick it Up a Notch), and of course for his Cajun cooking, recently sold his loft at the Beekman Regent NYC condo for $4.6 million. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the 4,000-square-foot apartment is a combination of two adjacent apartments that includes two kitchens – both of which have modern and stainless steel appliances, a formal dining room, a media room and two master suites. The apartment also features views of the skyline and the East River whose building’s interior includes 24-karat gold hardware and mahogany wood. According to the New York Post, Emeril won’t have to worry about his living situation that much longer since he reportedly just closed on a 6,900-square-foot Upper East Side townhouse. His new $11.5 million pad is recently renovated and includes two terraces, six fireplaces and a chef’s kitchen.

•    Courtney Love to Lease Milla Jovovich’s NYC Townhouse
Much has been reported about adventurous tales of grunge rocker Courtney Love and her search for an apartment in NYC. Seems this tale has a happy ending, at least temporarily, as it was reported that Love is leasing a townhouse from actress/model Milla Jovovich. Love has been living in the luxurious Mercer Hotel in Soho for the past year while searching for a home in the West Village. Love has been looking to live next to Anna Wintour whose board rejected her request. Seems like a perfect situation for both parties as Jovovich has been trying to sell her Greenwich Village townhouse since 2008. Listed for sale at $7.5 million, the four-floor home includes four bedrooms, a private garden, a dining room and a rooftop deck. Curbed NY reported that Jovovich was seeking $24,000/month for rent. However, there was no word if this is what Love will be paying.

•    Max Weinberg Asking $3.3 Million for Flipped Home
Max Weinberg, resident drummer on the “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and former member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band recently listed a Hollywood Hills home for sale. Purchased in February 2009 for $2,888,000, Weinberg and his wife, Rebecca, renovated the home and is now looking to make a profit by listing it for $3,399,000. The contemporary five bedrooms, three bathroom home – previously owned by the parents of Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal – includes views of the city, a swimming pool among a lush garden and angled stairs and 2,916-square-feet of living space. An infamous house flipper, Weinberg has been purchasing homes in California and New York, renovating them and selling them since the early 2000s.

Which home sparks your interest?

The Celebrity Beat: Relocation.com's Celebrity Real Estate Report

By Serena Norr

This weeks “Celebrity Beat” is packed with exciting real estate reports from New York to California. Starting in New York, Bill and Hillary Clinton have reportedly been eying a home in Bedford Hills (a mere eight miles from their Chappaqua estate). The Bedford Hills home will be quiet the upgrade for Bill and Hillary with 20 acres of land, 7,000-square-foot of living space and more importantly will provide the couple with “privacy and security.” In California, Dr.Phil (of the “Dr. Phil” show and “Oprah”) recently listed his Mediterranean villa for sale at $16.5 million for a larger casa in the Hollywood Hills. It was also reported that Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martins’ home was “stripped down” and recreated by the New York City design team, Roman and Williams — resulting in a space filled with shimmery textures and pastels. Lady Gaga also made this weeks Beat for reportedly leasing a Bel-Air home for $25,000 a month — an amount many of us would pay for a years worth of rent.

•    Lady Gaga Renting Bel Air Home
The ever provocative pop star, Stefani Germanotta – better known as Lady Gaga – recently leased a Bel Air home for $25,000 a month. This rock star-style pad is situated on an acre of land that is both walled and gated and fully furnished, featuring a number of Marilyn Monroe pictures that don the walls. According to Zillow.com, the home is owned by real estate developer, “Lorne Leibel who purchased the home in 2004 for $3,150,031 that was later listed for $4,750,000 in 2009.” The 6,143-square-foot pad also features six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, marble flooring, fireplaces and an outdoor and raised pool next to a spacious deck. There is also an office, a library and a modern kitchen with a separate breakfast nook. There has been much speculation whether Gaga would be buying in New York, but it seems she is testing out a few places before she decides where she will relocate.

•    Dr. Phil Lists Beverly Hills Home for $16.5 Million
TV Psychologist, Dr. Phil McGraw and his wife, Robin, have recently listed their gated Beverly Hills, California home for $16.5 million. This massive Mediterranean-style villa – covering a little over 11,000 square feet – includes eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a screening room, a pool room, a music room, a library, staff quarters, a beauty salon, fitness center and guest quarters with two bedrooms. The landscaped pool and massive backyard aren’t too shabby either. According to the Real Estalker, property records indicate that Dr. Phil “purchased the property in 2002 for $7,500,000…in cash.” Reports indicate that the home is for sale because the couple purchased another California property that they have “been admiring for years,” according to the Chicago Tribune.

•    Gwyneth Paltrows’ $5.1 Million Dollar Home Redesigned
Hot designers, Roman and Williams, recently redesigned Gwyneth Paltrow’s and Chris Martin’s 4,400-square-foot TriBeCa penthouse. Purchased in 2007 for $5.1 million, the designing duo revamped the home by completing a “total strip down to stud and redesign” of the interior space to create a space filled with “light, moldings, glassy paint and fuzzy nap zones,” according to the designers blog. They also used shimmering silvers, whites and pastels throughout the space to create a romantic and elegant home for the actress, hubby musician and two kids. The space features three bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a terrace and an impressive modern kitchen.

•    Bill and Hillary Clinton Looking to Buy in Bedford Hills, New York
Bill and Hillary Clinton are looking to move from their Chappaqua, New York home a mere eight miles north to Bedford Hills. According to the New York Post, the Clinton’s have been seeking more space, along with a home that has “privacy and security,” which has been lacking in their Chappaqua, New York abode. This prospective Bedford Hills home nicknamed “Clover Hill” is described as an English country cottage with five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, numerous fireplaces, wood-beamed ceilings, horse stables, a heated pool, massive gardens and two guest houses all of which are situated on a lake. The Clinton’s will reportedly pay $10.9 million for this space – that also features an impressive 20 acres of land and 7,000-square-foot of living space.

The Celebrity Beat: Relocation.com's Celebrity Real Estate Report

By Serena Norr

Welcome back to the Celebrity Beat. This week, you can rent Charlize Theron’s home for $50K or purchase Carol King’s Idaho ranch for $16 million. Alicia Keys is also selling her Long Island home; while Patrick Dempsey recently purchased one in Malibu for $7 million. And in the news of extreme homes, a mansion — whose construction was started by David Siegel — is currently being sold “as is” for $75 million. This uncompleted home is ready for the next owner who can finish this massive complex that includes space for 23 bathrooms, 13 bedrooms and 10 kitchens – and that’s just a sample of the many rooms the new homeowner will have to tackle. Anyone up for the challenge?

•    Massive 90,000-Square-Foot Mansion on the Market for $75 Million
An unfinished 10-acre mansion nicknamed “Versailles” is currently on the market for $75 million. Construction of the Orlando home began by billionaire and Westgate Resorts owner, David Siegel, however further work on the home was stopped in 2008 due to the recession that greatly affected Sigel’s businesses. The mansion is currently being sold “as is” and listed as a “monument to unparalleled success.” Towering at 67 feet, the new owner will certainly have enough space with its 23 bathrooms, 13 bedrooms, 10 kitchens, a 20-car garage, a bowling alley, an indoor rolling rink, a gym and a two-story movie theatre. For an extra $25 million, the new owner can have a completed home, along with an extra $1.45-$1.74 million dollars in taxes a year – we are thinking that a sale of this nature may take awhile to complete.

•    Charlize Theron Renting Malibu Beach Home
If you ever wanted to live in a celeb’s home, now’s your chance. Actress Charlize Theron has recently listed her cottage-style home for rent at $50,000 a month. Not exactly standard rental prices (even for Malibu), but her 2,095-square-foot home can be yours (temporarily), along with its three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms (one of which has a hot tub and spa), a fireplace and a private deck right on the ocean. The home also comes furnished whose pictures can be seen here. The posting did not indicate how long the rental terms would last.

•    Patrick Dempsey Buys Malibu Home for $7 Million
Patrick Dempsey, one of the Mc’s on “Gray’s Anatomy,” recently purchased a home in Malibu, California for $7 million. This 5,547-square-foot home includes three bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, two offices, wood flooring, fireplaces and a private garden. The gated home, leads up to a cobblestone driveway whose property also includes a barn, a riding ring, a chicken coop and a garden.

•   Singer Carol King Lists Ranch in Idaho for $16 Million
The 7,300-square foot ranch of Singer Carol King is currently on the market for $16 million. Located in Idaho, the ranch was first listed on 2006 and then taken off in 2008 for upgrades and renovations. On the market again, the home is sure to please nature lovers that is surrounded amongst a national forest and mountains. The 128-acre ranch includes five bedrooms, a deck overlooking a creek, two pools, eight guest cabins, barns and a log cabin recording studio that King herself built.

•    Alicia Keys Selling Home for $3.85 Million
Singer/songwriter and sometimes actress, Alicia Keys recently put her 9,000-square-foot Long Island home on the market for $3.85 million. The single-family home—situated on 2.2 acres— includes seven bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, a den, a piano room, an office area and a three-car garage. The two-story Mediterranean home is well-secured by a gated fence and surrounded by trees. The home also features an outdoor area with a flourishing garden, deck, pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

The Celebrity Beat: Relocation.com’s Celebrity Real Estate Report

By Serena Norr

Another week of the Celebrity Beat, your weekly celebrity real estate report and this is certainty a luxurious one. From Jenny Garth’s family-friendly mansion for sale to Madonna’s home renovations reportedly costing $1.7 million, and not to mention a $27 million dollar Miami palace (yes, a palace) for sale owned by Netscape founder, Jim Clark. These real estate listings never cease to amaze us, and after reading about them (and taking a peak at these jaw-dropping pictures) we’re sure you will think so, too.

• Jenny Garth’s Toluca Lake Home for Sale for $5,995,000
  Jenny Garth – of “Beverly Hills 90210” fame – and her actor hubby, Peter Facinelli are selling their six-bedroom, seven bathroom Toluca Lake home for $5, 995,000. This 8,416-square-foot Colonial-style mansion was originally purchased in 2005 for $2,850,000 that has been greatly expanded and remodeled for additional rooms and modern amenities. The multi-winged mansion also includes gated and fenced surroundings, two master suites with dual walk-in closets, a breakfast area leading to an outdoor rose garden, a formal dining area, four fireplaces, hardwood floors, a media/kids space, arched doorways and a game room with a poker table, bubble gum dispenser and a pinball machine! Oh, and there is a five-car garage and a swimming pool – among many other amenities the new homeowner will love. Toluca Lake, California is also known as being family-friendly, which may help draw in a new owner.

• Madonna’s Townhouse Will Receive Renovations for $1.7 Million
  We all know who Madonna is and with an impressive 20-plus career as a singer/actor/writer/ sometimes provocateur, she obviously has some money to invest in real estate. Some of that hard-earned dough — to the tune of $1.7 million — is currently being put into the renovation of her $32 million dollar New York City townhouse. According to the New York Post, Madonna is adding another floor in her soon-to-be 13,847-square-foot Upper East Side home to include a gym, two brand-new master suites, a closest solely for luggage, a playroom, a hair salon and a wine cellar in the basement. At the end of the day, Madge will have 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms in her Georgian-style mansion. Not quite the renovations necessary to beef up your home for a sale, but when you have $1.7 mil to add a home hair salon and a wine cellar, we’re pretty sure this is something she is not worrying about.

• Faith Hill and Tim McGraw Sell Beverly Hills Home for $9.55 Million
  Super couple and country/movie stars, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, recently sold their Beverly Hills mansion for $9.55 million. On the market since 2008, the home was originally listed at $14.8 million, reduced to $10.8 million and finally sold for $9.55 million. The 11,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style home is situated on three acres of land and includes six bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms and impressive views of Los Angeles. There is also a home gym, massive gardens, a tree house, tennis courts, a heated pool and a boat dock. For more jaw-dropping pictures, check out the Wall Street Journal.

• The Hawaiian Estate of the Late Author Michael Crichton is on the Market
  According to Zillow.com, the Hawaiian estate of the late Michael Crichton has been recently put on the market for $12 million. Crichton, author of the popular novels “Jurassic Park” and “Congo” (both of which were made into movies) and creator of the television show “E.R.” passed away in 2008, left two homes that have since been listed for sale. Built in 1926 for a local doctor, this Hanalei Bay estate is situated on 1.2 acres of land, resembling a plantation home with three parcels (one is empty). The main parcel is a 3,000-square-foot space features a calming décor with mainly white cabinetry and hardwood flooring. There are also two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open-aired porch, a guest home with two bedrooms and 1.5 baths, along with a yoga studio and detached three-car garage. The property is also surrounded by lovely views of mountains and the beach, as well as a flourishing garden and lush greenery in the backyard.

• Tales from the World of Luxury Real Estate: Jim Clark’s Massive Miami Penthouse Listed for $27 Million
  Jim Clark, founder of Netscape recently listed his uber luxurious home for sale at $27 million. Located in Miami, the multi-level penthouse — or perhaps palace is a better term — is an ode to Thai and Asian cultures that is listed as a “Thai home in the sky,” according to Sotheby’s Realty. The 6,209-square-foot space is filled with ancient statues and artwork, unique architecture, custom wood carvings and dangling gold chandeliers situated throughout the space. Although spirited with an Asian-focus, the home is not short on modern amenities, which includes granite countertops, a billiard room, a high-tech security system, an open-aired deck with a swimming room, bar and a hot tub. Additionally, the property — called the Setai — comes with many on-site amenities such as a valet, room service, a fitness room and spa and three pools. And to top it all off, the new homeowner will have amazing views of Miami Beach and the boardwalk.

Missed a Beat? Check out Relocation.com’s recent blog posts covering the entertaining tales of celebrity real estate:

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• Tiny Fey, Will Ferrell and a “Real Housewives of New Jersey” foreclosure