Quick, what’s one of the first things you’d buy if you won millions in the lottery tomorrow? For many people, buying a better home tops that list and that’s exactly what happens with many celebrities. When cash starts rolling in fairly quickly, it’s human nature to want to overdo things. This leads to the abundant buying of mega-mansions, sometimes for a single celebrity, and that leaves tabloids with plenty of fodder and fans drooling. But how much is too much?
There’s a reason many celebrities have homes on the market, many times unable to rent out or sell. While quality groups like Ashford Realty promote the importance of smart rental strategies, that’s often not an option for celebrities. Their homes are too big (read: expensive) to rent out on a continuous basis and they’re stuck with a property that doesn’t suit their needs.
Here are some of the most expensive celeb homes in history:
1. Brad and Angelina
While they own property around the world, it was the Chateau Miraval purchase in 2007 (located in France) that really sealed the deal. It’s where a number of celebrities have allegedly tied the knot and features an olive grove. It’s estimated that the estate is worth around $70 million, which might be chump change to two of the biggest Hollywood celebrities of our time and they just might need all that space with their bevy of children.
2. Hugh Hefner
You probably need a $50 million mansion when you’re the kind of Playboy. After all, you need the space for all those legendary parties, your polygamist ways and to make sure all those bunnies have room to spread out. With 22 rooms, a zoo, pet cemetery, waterfall and more, it’s what would happen if an 18-year-old boy suddenly found himself with millions. There have been many peeks into the mansion, including when Fox News covered Hef’s son taking over in 2014 for a few tasks.
3. Oprah
When you’re Oprah, nothing is too much or too extravagant including her $55 million massive mansion. Dubbed “The Promised Land,” it’s located on 42 acres and is just one (albeit her largest) property the queen of daytime owns. While it’s likely just her and a couple of her companions, such as her long-term boyfriend and best friend, she’s the exception to the rule. When you have this much money and you’re a noted Forbes big spender, there’s no such thing as excessive.
Unfortunately, not all celebrities have this kind of security. The horror stories of Nicolas’ Cage’s rampant spending, MC Hammer’s bankruptcy and Mike Tyson’s crazy money habits balance things out.
