Luxe Living

Hold the presses! This may be one of the biggest celebrity real estate purchases this year. According to the Palm Beach Daily News, Howard Stern has snapped up an expensive piece of South Florida real estate this week in a private sale. Reportedly, the infamous shock jock isn’t just making headlines for stirring up controversy on the airways, he’s also shocking America by paying an alleged $52 million for the beachfront property in Palm Beach, FL. The estate was sold to Stern by American businessman Martin Trust and his wife, Diana.

Custom built in 1992 on 3.25 waterfront acres on the North End of Palm Beach, the property boasts an impressive 39,094 square feet of living space, including a five-bedroom, 11-bathroom, 18,673-square -oot main house. The estate also features a swimming pool and spa, and well-manicured landscaping.

Stern and his wife, Beth Ostrosky Stern, currently calls New York City home, where he produces and hosts The Howard Stern Show for Sirus Radio. Now, the couple will now be neighbors with fellow radio personality, Rush Limbaugh, and conservative political commentator, Ann Coulter.

Legendary NBA coach Pat Riley is making a play in the real estate game by putting his longtime beachfront Malibu home up for rent for $18,500 a month. Riley and his wife purchased the oceanfront abode on July 14, 1989 for $1,600,000, back when ‘Riles’ was still winning championships with the Showtime Lakers in L.A. Since then, Riley has moved onto more NBA titles in Miami, first as head coach and more recently as Team President of the Heat, which might mean he’s spending less time on the West Coast.

The home is located within an exclusive gated enclave off of Broad Beach Road, and has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,  plus an office where Riley likely spent many late hours breaking down the Celtics defense or writing plays for the likes of Magic Johnson, while waves crashed a few feet away.

The floor plan includes a large living room with fireplace, open kitchen, and walls of glass for great, natural light. Outside, expansive patios have limitless views of the Pacific Ocean. Riley and his wife won’t be missing the summer in Malibu, though, as the rental isn’t available until September 1, 2013.

Even when they do rent it out, they won’t be going far. They also own the house two doors down, which has 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2,088 square feet. They paid $7,000,000 for it in February 2007.

Images via the MLS.

Before you know it, summer will be here! And if you’re looking for a new home in Malibu before summer arrives, then you must meet Chris Cortazzo, the #1 agent for Malibu, California, nationally and internationally for Coldwell Banker.  Since 2000, Chris has sold more than $1.5 billion in real estate, establishing him as Malibu’s #1 agent for the past decade.

Chris has changed the face of real estate in Malibu, and is in a league of his own. He credits his success to hard work, extensive networking, having integrity, and putting his client’s interest first. He makes deals happen, always trying to be a part of the solution; facing challenges head on, and focusing on the positive.

Chris was born and raised in Malibu; He grew up on Point Dume, where he currently resides. Chris is passionate about surfing, collecting art, travelling, and keeping close to his family. He consistently gives back to his community, donating to over 40 charities per year. He’s been on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu since 2007, and is chairperson for several local annual fundraising events.

Quite the career! Let’s get to know Chris Cortazzo a little bit better!

How did you get your start in real estate?

Getting one of the most expensive houses in Malibu as my first listing and the  top agent at the time asking the client ‘why would you give it to a nobody.’

What sale or career milestone are you most proud of?

Buying my first home which was next door to my parents, who are my best friends.

What is your dream home location?

Anywhere in Malibu.

What kind of car do you drive?

Range Rover.

iPhone, Android or BlackBerry?

iPhone

What site/app do you check first when you wake up?

Trulia, of course!

What was the last book you read?

“Proof of Heaven,” by Eben Alexander

Name your favorite guilty pleasure.

Popcorn, popcorn and more popcorn.

What’s one thing someone would never guess just by looking at you?

Passion, for my family, friends, work, animals and life.

Let’s check out some of Chris Cortazzo’s current for-sale listings!

• $54,000,000 - 26848 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
• $28,500,000 – 6970 Wildlife Road, Malibu, CA
• $22,500,000 – 22446 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
• $22,500,000 – 26900 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
• $15,995,000 – 29000 Cliffside Drive, Malibu, CA

Daisy Fuentes, the Cuban-American model, television host and budding fashion mogul, has just purchased a beachfront Malibu home for $5,750,000. According to property records, Fuentes purchased the beachfront estate on April 12, 2013 for $5,750,000. It has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 3,836 square feet.

The newly-built oceanfront home sits on over fifty feet of sandy Las Flores Beach. Inside and out, there is a perfect blend of design and function created by world-renowned designer Michael Lee. Fuentes’ new home comes complete with the finest amenities, from French hand carved limestone fireplaces to gorgeous Mahogany doors and windows, coral stone decks to French oak flooring. Perfect for a fashionista like Fuentes, the home radiates style and grace throughout the open, flowing floor plan.

Already in love with her new home, Fuentes posted a picture of herself on Facebook on the beachfront deck last week!

Aside from her brand new Malibu beach abode, Fuentes owns a house in the Hollywood Hills that she purchased on September 1, 2005 for $4,500,000. According to sources, Fuentes sells about $300 million worth of goods, including hair care, fragrances, clothing, sunglasses, and accessories at Kohl’s department stores each year. With an empire like that, it’s no surprise she’s building a luxury real estate portfolio!

A-list director Judd Apatow, famous for movies like ’40 Year Old Virgin,’ ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Knocked Up,’ and his actress wife Leslie Mann have just purchased a Malibu Colony home for $10,825,000 from the estate of late ‘Pretty Woman’ producer Laura Ziskin. Property records show that the deal closed on March 19, 2013.

The Apatow/Mann family’s new oceanfront contemporary cottage is theirs just in time for summer! The home is situated in the exclusive guard gated and celebrity-laden community of Malibu Colony. A romantic 1930′s bungalow, the home is tranquil yet chic and comfortable and sits directly on the beach. A gourmet kitchen and cozy family room open to a private, lush courtyard entry. The living room, dining room and cozy sunroom all feature expansive ocean views and lead to patios and the private Colony Beach. The second floor features 3 ensuite bedrooms.  The large master bedroom overlooks the Pacific Ocean through a wall of glass. The master also includes a wood-burning fireplace and a spacious patio leading to the sand. The property also features a two-car garage and a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom guesthouse.

According to other plugged-in real estate sources, the Apatow/Mann family are looking building a massive custom home on a lot they purchased in Santa Monica last year for $8,600,000. Their forthcoming custom digs must be something amazing, because they’d be decamping from a home in Brentwood that they paid $18,250,000 for in 2009. Apatow also still owns a 4,356 square foot Beverly Hills Post Office-area home that he purchased in 2005 for $1,656,000.

Pamela Anderson, the iconic sex symbol who etched herself into the American psyche by donning the famous red Baywatch swimsuit, is slightly underwater when it comes to her finances. For months and months, the blonde bombshell has been plagued with negative news stories about unpaid taxes and out-of-control spending on her home remodel. And despite being a household name, Pam is now doing what any other American in her situation must do –  downsize! The blonde beauty often rented out her longtime Malibu Colony home, but now, the property that was once her sanctuary is a money pit, and she’s officially put it on the market for $7,750,000. Property records show that she purchased the home on December 29, 2000, for $1,800,000. There’s no telling how much Pam poured into the home’s construction and multiple remodels over the years, but with the listing price almost $6 million more than what she paid for it, here’s hoping she’ll make a profit so she can put her financial woes behind her.

Pam’s amazing home is within walking distance from all things Malibu. Finely crafted, the teak-sided home is perfect for enjoying quiet beach days, while still being close to the action. According to listing information, you “enter through the front Barb Wire stone gate, cross the small courtyard of olive trees and lavender, and push open the ultra-wide swinging glass door, and find yourself in an open living room and kitchen design with a top-of-the-line home theater and black baby grand piano.”

Philip Vertoch was the home’s architect and Josh Chryssanthou and Pamela Anderson herself are responsible for the design.

Chris Cortazzo holds the listing.

Barbie, the most glamourous homeowner in the world, has just listed her incredible and iconic Malibu Dreamhouse for $25 million! The 8,500-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom, sits on a 23,456 square foot lot and includes an ultra-private entrance to 150 feet of pristine Malibu Beach. And while Malibu may be magnificent, after more than 40 years living there, Barbie’s ready for a change – so this doll’s moving!

The three-story home has ample living space, including a master bedroom complete with a balcony overlooking the ocean. The property also features clean lines, super-sparkly finishes, luxe details, and soaring ceilings that perfectly frame the famed Malibu sunsets.

The one-of-a-kind entertainer’s floor plan offers generous, 119-centimeter ceilings, pink crown molding, custom Pantone 219C hardwood floors, and a pink elevator equipped with a state-of-the-art pulley system. The elevator even has doors emblazoned with Barbie’s signature silo head — a feature that can be easily customized with any occupant’s own personal monogram!

The Barbie Dreamhouse is the only property in Malibu with truly unobstructed views of the ocean — after all, it only has three walls — creating a supremely Californian atmosphere with year-round indoor/outdoor living and exquisite views from Point Dume to the Queen’s Necklace.

The pink Poliform kitchen is fit for a culinary queen, with pink granite countertops, chef-worthy appliances, and plastic food that never spoils.

The master bedroom suite encompasses an entire floor and features enough amenities to pamper a gal from bath to bed: a steam shower, heated pink marble flooring, and of course, a never-ending custom closet that holds over 2 billion pairs of heels, thousands of designer dresses, and plenty of pink power suits.

Equipped with sensors and sounds throughout, this is the only home in Malibu with a self-flushing toilet and fire that crackles even when it’s not on. Diamond-encrusted accents, crystal chandeliers, custom mirrors, reclaimed exotic woods, natural stone, and concrete compliment the pink-infused, modern decor.

To top it off, this home’s complete with enough storage to hold an array of beach toys, from surfboards to jet skis, as well as plenty of space to park a private pink jet – all sold separately.

Josh Altman of Hilton & Hyland and Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles”  holds the ultra-exclusive listing.

Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett has outgrown his Malibu beachfront estate and has relisted the property for $10,995,000. The deep-voiced, 6-foot-8 actor/comedian purchased the Spanish villa in 2007 for $8.81 million and originally put the home on the market in the summer of 2011 for $13.95 million. Unable to find a buyer, Garrett is now relisting the property two years later with a $3 million price chop. The house is stunning and should have no problem attracting attention with the recent price reduction. Perhaps a Garrett-voiced-over virtual tour of the home could reel in a buyer? Wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Located on the bluffs of Malibu, the five-bedroom, six-bath home is approximately 5,152 square feet and sits on a one-acre lot. Designed by local architect Douglas W. Buredge, the standout property features breathtaking ocean views and lovely custom details and molding inside and out. The home also boasts vaulted, beamed ceilings, wooden floors, a fireplace and custom mosaic tiling throughout. The gourmet chef’s kitchen comes with stainless steel appliances, a beautifully tiled center island, and wooden cabinetry. Additional posh amenities include a spacious home theater, two beachfront balconies, a heated pool, and a large living room with elongated sliding glass doors leading to the backyard and patio.

In the wake of a recent break up from Victoria Secret model girlfriend Erin Heatherton, Leonardo DiCaprio is also now officially “departing” from his seven bedroom, six bath Malibu beachfront home. Today, the hunky actor listed the property for a whopping $23 million.

We thought DiCaprio would “never let go” of his Cape Cod inspired home as he listed it for lease with a $150,000 price tag earlier this summer. Now that we’re caught in limbo between the end of California’s Indian Summer and the beginning of Fall, the beachfront is seeking a new buyer in hopes of catching one before next year’s summer months.

Purchased on October 9, 2002 for $6 million, the unique property is made up of three separate houses sitting on one coveted, 2,633 square-foot lot. A four-bedroom main house sits on the stunning Malibu ocean-front, and a two-bedroom detached guest house and third detached loft with gym, media room, seventh bedroom and office area follow behind. Completely renovated from head to toe, this unique home also includes private parking, maid quarters, gardens, lawns and private beach entry making it one luxurious beachfront compound.

Katie Bentzen of Arete Estates in Malibu is the listing agent. Images via the MLS.

Talk about a high tech, high dollar deal! Former Yahoo! CEO Terry Semel has sold his compound on Malibu’s Carbon Beach for $37M to none other than Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, who has been dubbed “The Nation’s Most Avid Trophy-Home Buyer.” This real estate transaction between Semel and Ellison is strictly a B2B deal. No, we don’t mean business-to-business. We’re talking about billionaire-to-billionaire here!

Malibu’s Carbon Beach has been dubbed “Billionaire’s Beach,” and Ellison already owns numerous properties along that strip of sand. Perhaps he only lives on streets named exclusively for billionaires, because his primary residence in San Francisco sits on “Billionaire’s Row” in Pacific Heights.

The seller, Terry Semel, was at the helm of Yahoo! from 2001-2007 and made quite the nice stash of cash from the gig. Since leaving Silicon Valley behind, Semel has resided in Los Angeles and has gobbled up some exceptional real estate in the area. Just last year, Semel and wife Jane listed and sold their swank Beverly Hills mansion.

The Malibu home that just transferred hands from Semel to Ellison sits on a three-quarter-acre lot includes three structures, creating a compound just steps from the sand. The main house is entered through a three-story skylit rotunda. Aside from the main home, there is also a two-story guesthouse for a total of nine bedrooms, 13 bathrooms and 10,317 square feet of living space that stretches along 151 feet of beach frontage.

We’re not surprised to hear Ellison was the buyer in this big deal. Since becoming one of the biggest earners in America while at the helm of Oracle, Ellison has spent hundreds of millions of dollars acquiring incredible properties across the globe. Ellison’s known property roster includes five adjacent lots in Malibu, a Newport, R.I., mansion formerly owned by the Astor family; a historic garden property in Kyoto and an estate in Rancho Mirage, Calif., with a private, 19-hole golf course. He’s currently adding a Lake Tahoe compound to that incredible line-up and is rumored to be on a buying spree in his native San Francisco.