Richard Simmons' home has hit market for $10 million

News.com.au

2 days ago

Richard Simmons' longtime Los Angeles mansion has hit the market for $US7 million ($A10.7 million) just one year after he died inside the home.
The fitness guru, who shot to fame in the 1970s, passed away in July 2024, days after he celebrated his 76th birthday.
The weight loss guru had become increasingly reclusive in the 10 years before his death, Realtor reports.
Despite his once-prominent Hollywood profile, from 2014, Simmons was seen outside of his home on just a handful of occasions.
Yet, the fitness expert maintained a close connection with his fans through Facebook updates in which he would offer glimpses of his life — while also sharing inspirational messages.
The reason behind his disappearance became the source of intense media scrutiny.
A TMZ documentary, titled 'What Really Happened to Richard Simmons' claimed that his decision to step away from public life was the result of a longtime ailment that he had suffered since birth.
'Something that happened to him at birth is directly connected to his disappearance — a birth defect that significantly affected one of his legs,' TMZ editor Fabian Garcia claimed in the documentary, according to the New York Post.
'He was born without a full set of bones in his foot, and it causes physical and emotional problems.'
In 2024, before his death, Simmons addressed the speculation about his disappearance in a social media post, urging his fans to pay no attention to the rumours.
'Don't believe everything you read. I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful,' he wrote.
Still, Simmons' family faced continued scrutiny in the wake of his death, particularly after it was revealed that they had become embroiled in a bitter legal battle with the fitness guru's longtime housekeeper, Teresa Reveles.
Two months after her boss' death, Reveles filed a petition with a Los Angeles court in which she claimed that she had been pressured into giving up her role as a co-trustee of his estate, accusing Simmons' brother, Lenny, and his wife, Cathy, of carrying out a 'nefarious scheme' to remove her from all future decisions about his finances.
Lenny and his family quickly hit back at the claims, insisting that their only desire was 'protecting and maintaining' Simmons' legacy — while accusing Reveles of 'greed.'
Simmons 'would be heartbroken to learn of Teresa's greed and insulted that she would diminish their three decades of supposed friendship in such a public way,' family spokesperson Tom Estey told People in a statement.
'Her actions threaten to harm Richard's incredible legacy, which we are working hard to preserve.'
Lenny issued his own statement: 'First, I am solely interested in protecting and maintaining my brother's legacy.
'It was never my intention to play this out in public, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I have been forced to do so.
'Second, we have filed papers with the court that address and refute 'what Teresa has claimed.
'They also provide a brief summary of the reasons I declined Teresa's request to serve as co-trustee and my concerns about why she is proceeding with this litigation.'
Lenny also accused Reveles of 'refusing to vacate' his brother's home — stating in court papers that she remained in the dwelling for 76 days after his death and alleging that, when she did finally leave the property, she took $US1 million worth of jewellery and 'other valuable pieces of fine art' with her.
'Although Teresa has her own home, she had a room in Richard's house that she refused to vacate after his death' the court papers read, according to NewsNation.
'When she finally did leave, 76 days later, she took almost $US1 million of Richard's jewellery and other valuable pieces of fine art, which she has refused to return
'And, as discussed below, she participated in the effort to misappropriate the Trust's intellectual property.
'Teresa's counsel has not informed the Trustee whether Teresa intends to keep this property or return it.
'If she decides to try to keep it, the Trustee will have no choice but to file a petition to recover it, which is a clear reason she should not be Co-Trustee.
'The Trustee and his counsel need to appraise any property to be sold and may need to sell it to pay the taxes.
'Teresa should not be permitted to interfere with this process absent serious, legitimate concerns about the administration of the estate that do not exist here.'
Now, Simmons' family appears ready to move on from the legal drama — and are parting ways with his expansive dwelling.
According to property records, Simmons purchased the home in the 1980s and it is understood to have served as his main residence until he died.
However, the dwelling, which was built in 1937, was transferred to a trust of which Lenny is the trustee, after Simmons' death.
The online listing calls attention to the property's illustrious history, describing it as the 'Richard Simmons Estate.'
However, the images reveal that almost every trace of its former owner has been cleared out — with just a few unique murals left in memory of its famous prior resident.
Despite its impressive heritage, the listing also concedes that the property may well be viewed by prospective buyers as a teardown, stating that it presents 'a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a landmark home or construct a new masterpiece.'
The home features a number of unique amenities — not least the sensational views that can be enjoyed from its hilltop perch above the Sunset Strip.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the home comes equipped with a private gym, although the listing notes that this space could be converted if a buyer desires, while a maid's suite and additional guest suite provide ample rooms for guests.
Outside, the home's 0.56-acre plot features beautifully landscaped gardens, as well as a swimming pool that is surrounded by trees and a white picket fence for ample privacy.