For luxury buyers, there’s a certain appeal to knowing that well-heeled celebrities have come before them. Mansion Global recently reported that a connection to high-profile personalities can elevate the status of a home or neighborhood, representing a certain level of taste and quality. Sometimes, that celebrity pedigree leads to a bump in pricing for a home or the neighborhood as a whole.
“There’s this almost intangible value, that ‘if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me,’” Emil Hartoonian, Managing Partner of The Agency Calabasas and Sherman Oaks tells Mansion Global. The article highlighted the celebrity effect on the rise in demand and pricing of the once sleepy L.A. suburb of Calabasas, now a favorite for celebrities, such as Drake, Justin Bieber and the Kardashians.
“A [previously low-profile] area has turned into this name on the map, because it has a reputation as a haven for security, quality of life, being away from traffic and congestion,” Emil told Mansion Global, which noted that while it’s difficult to quantify the effects on prices, over time, big-ticket transactions from well-known buyers and sellers tend to buoy the rest of the market. The celebrity effect extends beyond the prime Los Angeles markets to destinations throughout the country. Below, we highlight properties with celebrity connections on the market now.
THE IREDELL ESTATE | STUDIO CITY, CA
One of TV’s most recognizable homes, The Iredell Estate has appeared on Keeping Up with The Kardashians, True Blood, American Horror Story and Chelsea Lately. While the Kardashians never resided at the abode, the façade of the Mediterranean masterpiece doubled as Kris Jenner’s home. Represented by Kevin Nguyen and Gregory Moncure, the estate represents the coveted L.A. lifestyle, located in the gated Fryman Canyon enclave, featuring panoramic views, park-like grounds, a pool, wine cellar, seven ensuite bedrooms and a lavish office/library. Read more about the home here.
The California estate of Mӧtley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx is nestled behind guard gates at the North Ranch Country Club Estates in Westlake Village. Represented by Emil Hartoonian, the five-bedroom residence is fit for rock royalty, surrounded by remarkable grounds and offering the utmost privacy, grandeur and style. A dramatic entry gallery opens to a stately library/game room, private office, theater and lounge, while the primary suite boasts a private living room, two fireplaces and spa-like bath.
Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton put her personal stamp on this historic, adobe desert retreat with origins dating back to 1879. The architecturally savvy Keaton, who has bought and flipped numerous high-end homes, purchased the four-bedroom property in 2018, completing its modern revitalization. Aileen Comora and Paul Lester are working with a local Tucson agent to emphasize the home’s blend of historic and modern features including private courtyards, a sparkling pool, pool house, media room and guest house. Read more about the home’s history here.
No tie necessary at this private, Spanish sanctuary above the Sunset Strip, owned by Billy Miller, star of the hit show Suits, Apple TV+’s Truth Be Told and the film American Sniper. Represented by Sam Plouchart, the three-bedroom retreat captures sweeping views from Downtown L.A. to the ocean, fusing classic 1920s Spanish character with an industrial rustic vibe. Private terraces and expansive windows frame the views, while features include a custom kitchen with marbles countertops, French doors, and a covered loggia with TV and lounge.
NHL star Wayne Gretzky and his wife recently listed their sprawling, 6.5-acre estate in Thousand Oaks, situated in the gated Sherwood Country Club Estates. Represented by Arvin Haddad, the timeless estate was originally designed by architect Richard Landry, showcasing a red brick exterior with classic white columns. The estate boasts an approximately 13,000-square-foot main residence, several outdoor verandas, a swimming pool, billiards room, gym, championship tennis court and expertly manicured gardens, set amidst sweeping views of Lake Sherwood and the Santa Monica Mountains.