Los Angeles is the second largest city in the US and has been referred to as the entertainment capital of the world. Home to Hollywood and many of the stars made famous by the movie industry, the city is a haven for some of the most luxurious homes in the country. Situated between Hollywood and the coast are the glamorous neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Brentwood, where the average home value exceeds $2 million. Along the coast are prominent communities such as Malibu and Santa Monica, embellishing the beachfront with magnificent homes amidst fabulous views of the ocean. Among these stunning homes is the most expensive house in Los Angeles.
1. 10236 Charing Cross Road, Los Angeles, California 90024
The most expensive house in Los Angeles is Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion. The Gothic Tudor mansion was built in 1927 and rests on 5 acres of the most expensive property in Los Angeles. The 20,000 square foot mansion includes 6 bedrooms, 6 baths and 2 half baths. One of the bedrooms is a two level master suite. A large catering kitchen includes a walk-in refrigerator and freezer and a wine cellar with a secret door. The great hall features 22 foot high ceilings and custom hand carved oak panels, and the theatre has a built in pipe organ. In addition, there are 4 offices, a pool, tennis court and separate game house. Inside the game house are pinball machines, poker and pool tables and an old-fashioned Wurlitzer jukebox. The game house includes a 4 bedroom, 3 bath guest house with solarium, tennis court, pool, 4 separate hot tubs, a gym, sauna, bathhouse, koi pond, grotto and outdoor kitchen. A zoo that is home to albino peacocks and monkeys is also located on the property, and the zoo license transfers with the sale. The Playboy Mansion includes a roommate, whereas the 89 year-old Mr. Hefner’s continued residence there is non-negotiable. The Playboy Mansion is listed at $200 million.
2. 9505 Lania Lane, Beverly Hills, California 90210
The second most expensive home in Los Angeles is the Palazzo di Amore, owned by real estate investor, Jeff Greene. The 35,000 square foot main house is situated on 25 acres and includes 12 bedrooms, 23 baths, a Turkish bath and a separate staff wing. It features a 3,000 bottle wine cellar with tasting room, a separate 10,000 bottle wine cellar and a kitchen with a walk in refrigerator. A 15,000 square foot entertainment center houses a bowling alley, 50 seat theater with dressing room and a ballroom with a laser light system and revolving dance floor. A vineyard that produces 400 to 500 cases of wine each year is also located on the property. Other amenities include a tennis court, reflecting pool and formal gardens. The house was originally listed at $195 million, but has since been reduced to $149 million.
3. 1187 Hillcrest Road, Beverly Hills, California 90210
The Trousdale Estates was formerly owned by late comedian Danny Thomas and was sold by his daughter, Marlo Thomas, to the current owner who remains anonymous. The 18,000 square foot home is located on 2 ½ acres that provides 360-degree views of Los Angeles. It includes 7 bedrooms, 10 baths, a ballroom and pool. The interior features $2.5 million worth of Baccarat chandeliers, gold leafed ceilings, custom hand woven carpets and arched windows. The estate is estimated to be listed at $135 million.
4. 22126 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California 90265
At number four on LA’s list of pricey homes is the music/film executive, David Geffen’s, Carbon Beach compound in Malibu. The property consists of five parcels combined into two and numerous buildings, which include a screening studio. A pool and spa are also located on the grounds. Reportedly, there are 9 garage doors, but Geffen had 4 of them installed along Pacific Coast Highway and removed the curb to discourage people from parking on the public road in front of his house. The property is heavily secured and always guarded. It is shown only to pre-screened buyers and is rumored to be priced at $100 million.
5. 172 Bliss Canyon Road, Bradbury, California 91008
Nestled in the San Gabriel Valley on 8 acres, this 32,000 square foot house features 2 master suites, a 2 story library, 40 foot ceilings and hand-painted frescoes. The 6 fireplaces located throughout the home add warmth and a cheerful glow. Its chef’s kitchen, 2,000 bottle wine cellar, poker lounge and 3D theatre provide both casual and formal spaces for entertaining. A cross shaped pool and 15 person Jacuzzi offer outdoor recreation, and a temperature controlled trout pond with a 2-story waterfall adorn the landscape. Other amenities include a subterranean firing range, 10 car garage and an oak paneled elevator. A guest house is located on the property as well. The home is listed at $78 million.
6. 901 N Alpine Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210
Located in Beverly Hills, this 28,000 square foot home stands behind a guard gated entrance on an acre and a half of land. The home includes 10 bedrooms, 17 baths, a library, screening room and ballroom. Double staircases are crowned with an enormous skylight and 11 fireplaces are scattered throughout the home. Other interior features include marble flooring and a commercial grade elevator. There is also a game room, gym, wet and dry saunas and a Roman inspired indoor pool. A 3 bedroom guest house is located on the property as well. The home is listed for $72 million.
2 Point Highlight
Home to Hollywood and many of the stars made famous by the movie industry, the city is a haven for some of the most luxurious homes in the country.
Situated between Hollywood and the coast are the glamorous neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Brentwood, where the average home value exceeds $2 million.
