In a move that surprised the celebrity real estate world, Canadian-born singer, actor, and rapper Drake made headlines by selling his Beverly Hills property for a whopping $88 million, making it one of the most expensive celebrity real estate transactions of 20221. The estate, once owned by musician Robbie Williams, was bought by Drake for $75 million just over a year ago, and his decision to sell has sparked speculation about the star’s future residential plans23.
The impressive estate, nestled on approximately 19 acres of Beverly Hills land, is a grand display of luxury and opulence4. The sprawling compound boasts several acres of mountain terrain, a tiered hillside, and about 25,000 square feet of living space perched on a flat parcel of land. The Tuscan-style main house, completed in 2001, features 10 bedrooms, 22 bathrooms, and three ensuite bedrooms dedicated to staff. The home is designed for entertainment, with high ceilings, two living rooms, a dedicated dining room, a Tuscan-style kitchen with two islands, a gym, game room, wine cellar, and a sprawling master suite with wide walk-in closets5.
The exterior of the property is equally breathtaking. The estate features a motor court leading to the front door and an 11-car garage. The vast backyard includes two massive, well-manicured lawns, a blue mosaic-tiled pool, a pool house with an outdoor kitchen, and a full-size tennis court, offering a resort-like experience6. Sweeping views of the city skyline, ocean, and mountain ranges add to the grandeur of this stunning property7.
Originally built for Guess co-founder Armand Marciano, the property has a rich history of celebrity ownership. Robbie Williams purchased it in 2015 before Drake took possession in 20218. The sale is jointly held by Branden and Rayni Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates along with Marc Bretter of Maywood Property Group9.
Reports suggest that Drake is leaving America, possibly for his homeland in the Great White North, hence the sale of this estate10. However, the rapper’s decision to sell comes at a time when the housing market is in a state of flux. Despite the slow start to the spring homebuying season and rising mortgage rates, Drake could make a considerable profit if he finds a buyer willing to splash serious cash in this tricky market1112.
While some regions are seeing housing prices rise and others adjust to lower prices, the more expensive areas of the country, like Beverly Hills, are experiencing a cool down in price increases. Yet, as the National Association of Realtors’ chief economist Lawrence Yun points out, Americans with means will continue to see real estate as a solid investment and a hedge against inflation. In this context, the question remains: who will be the next owner of Drake’s luxurious Beverly Hills estate? With the right buyer, this could be the next big move in celebrity real estate13.
