Word on the street is that large homes are no longer considered chic. Not only is this trend influencing nouveau riche McMansion owners to unload their properties at highly discounted prices, celebrities are also going with the flow. Penelope Cruz, Mel Gibson, Brittney Spears and Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne are just a few of the rich and famous who have recently listed luxury homes for sale, however they are not the only contenders fighting for the attention of home buyers backed by jumbo mortgages.
Candy Spelling's, "The Manor" Los Angeles, CA
Those who make it big in the entertainment industry can end up larger than life, and Aaron Spelling was no exception to the rule. During his lifetime the American film and television producer generated over 200 credits to his name including Melrose Place, 90210 (starring his daughter, Tori) and Hart to Hart.
It was that continued success that led him to finance and build his French chateau-style mansion dubbed "The Manor" in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California. "The Manor" has 123 rooms, 56,500 square feet and sits on 4.6 acres and is the largest home in Los Angeles County. Some additional features of the sprawling property include three rooms dedicated to gift-wrapping, a movie screening room, tennis courts, gym, bowling alley, four two-car garages, tennis court, pool and a parking lot that can accommodate 100 vehicles.
Aaron passed away in 2009 and his wife Candy became the official owner of the little shack. She has officially listed the house at an asking prices of $150,000,000 making this home the most expensive piece of private real estate in the nation. She is selling the home in order to downsize and move into a condominium with approximately 16,000 square feet of living space.
Greta Garbo's "La Esperanza" Malibu, CA
Swedish born actress Greta Garbo made a name for herself during the silent film era and subsequent "golden age" of cinema. Garbo only made 27 films (by choice) and ended up earning the recognition of being the one of the greatest and most impenetrable movie stars of the studio system of the time. Garbo welded unyielding power in the industry that allowed her to amount masses of wealth and a slew of luxury properties coast to coast.
One property, dubbed "La Esperanza" in Malibu, California is currently on the market at a listing price of $12,600,000. This spacious home has approximately 5,350 square feet, five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms and an amazing beachfront view. The Mediterranean villa features a spacious outdoor wooden deck, 200 feet of beachfront and outdoor bar. Currently Jason Ventress of Action Now Realty, Santa Monica has the exclusive listing.
Jason Lee's Los Feliz California Home
American actor and former professional skateboarder Jason Lee is currently selling his Los Feliz, California home. While old-timers may not be familiar with his work, Lee has been professionally acting for several years and has had great success with his lead role in the TV sitcom "My Name is Earl" and his the new movie versions of "Alvin and the Chipmunks."
Although he has been extremely successful in a multitude of careers, real estate is not one of them. The 2,205 square foot house has views of the Hollywood sign and Griffith Park Observatory, pool, spa, guesthouse, office, and wine cellar. However, the property is currently listed at $3.25 million dollars featuring a $100,000 discount off of the original purchase price.
If any of the above properties are tickling your fancy, securing a low mortgage rate can help you finance your version of the American dream regardless of what it entails.
