Angelina Jolie Prepares to Sell Historic Cecil B. DeMille Estate in Los Angeles: An Insight into a Hollywood Icon’s Home
In a development that has caught the attention of both fans and real estate enthusiasts alike, actress and filmmaker Angelina Jolie is reportedly preparing to sell the iconic Cecil B. DeMille estate located in the picturesque Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. Acquired by Jolie in 2017 for a staggering $24.5 million, the property has a rich history that dates back to its construction in 1913, serving as the residence for the legendary filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille for nearly four decades until his passing in 1959.
Angelina Jolie Prepares to Sell Historic Cecil B. DeMille Estate in Los Angeles: An Insight into a Hollywood Icon's Home
Angelina Jolie Prepares to Sell Historic Cecil B. DeMille Estate
The estate, sprawling over two acres, boasts an impressive 11,000 square feet of living space, comprising six bedrooms and ten bathrooms. Noteworthy features of the property include four ornate fireplaces, a vast wine cellar, a charming tea house, and expansive views of the iconic Griffith Observatory. The beautifully landscaped formal gardens and a swimming pool adorned with cascading fountains further enhance the estate’s allure.
Sources have indicated that Jolie utilized the estate as a sanctuary during the pandemic, providing a safe haven not only for her six children but also for friends who found themselves displaced by the devastating wildfires that swept through the area earlier this year. In a 2021 interview with British Vogue, Jolie expressed her desire to remain close to her ex-husband, Brad Pitt, who resides just five minutes away. The couple, who famously split in 2016, have since been embroiled in a lengthy and complex legal battle concerning asset division and custody arrangements for their children. Although they reached a settlement last year, disputes over the ownership of their $500 million French winery, Château Miraval, continue to linger.
Reflecting on her time in the DeMille estate, Jolie conveyed a sense of connection to the past, stating, “I felt a little pressure moving in. Like I had snuck into where DeMille and [Charlie] Chaplin would hang out.” She expressed appreciation for the home’s design, highlighting the absence of a traditional entertainment room in favor of numerous pathways conducive to introspection and contemplation. Jolie remarked, “I feel very fortunate we have that at this time,” underscoring the home’s role as a refuge during uncertain times.
The Los Angeles Times noted that the estate has undergone significant restoration and renovation, meticulously designed to preserve its original vintage character. Delicate molding, elegant wainscoting, and expansive formal areas characterized by arched French doors reflect the artistry and craftsmanship of the early 20th century, making it a quintessential representation of Hollywood’s storied past.
The impending sale of the DeMille estate raises intriguing questions about the future of such historic properties in Los Angeles, where the intersection of celebrity culture and real estate development often leads to significant transformations. As the real estate market continues to evolve, the fate of iconic homes like the DeMille estate serves as a reminder of the rich legacies that define Hollywood and its inhabitants.
As Jolie prepares to part ways with this storied residence, the estate stands as a testament to both her personal journey and the enduring legacy of one of cinema’s founding figures. Whether it will find a new owner who appreciates its historical significance and architectural beauty remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the DeMille estate will forever be etched in the annals of Hollywood history.
As the sale moves forward, the property will undoubtedly attract considerable interest, both from potential buyers looking for a slice of Hollywood history and from those fascinated by the lives of the stars who have called it home. The combination of its historical significance, luxurious amenities, and the celebrity status of its current owner ensures that this estate will remain a topic of conversation well into the future. The real estate world will be watching closely as Jolie navigates the process of selling this remarkable property, which has become synonymous with her own personal narrative in the public eye.
In the grand tapestry of Los Angeles real estate, the DeMille estate represents not just a luxurious dwelling but a chapter in the ongoing story of Hollywood—a place where dreams are born, and legacies are built. As Angelina Jolie embarks on this new chapter, the world will eagerly await what comes next for both the actress and the historic estate that has housed so many stories over the decades.
