13 celebrities' very unusual homes

Yahoo

4 days ago

The weird and wonderful homes of the rich and famous
For Hollywood's elite, huge mansions, yachts and private pools are pretty much a given. But when the world is your oyster and every whim is catered for, some stars hanker for something more than your average mega-mansion.
From Celine Dion's waterpark and Rihanna's high-security fortress to Will Smith's palace on wheels and Johnny Depp's entire village in the South of France, there is nothing ordinary about these exceptional homes.
Click or scroll on to discover the adventurous celebrities who've thrown out the real estate rule book…
Naomi Campbell's Eye of Horus eco-house
With a reported net worth of around $80 million (£62m), supermodel Naomi Campbell owned some stunning properties during her time, including an apartment on Park Avenue and a Zaha Hadid-designed home in Moscow.
One of the most unusual designs, however, was the ultra-modern eco-home, which was reported to have been a gift from her then-boyfriend, Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin, to her on her 41st birthday in 2011.
Naomi Campbell's Eye of Horus eco-house
Designed by Spanish architect Luis de Garrido, an expert in sustainable architecture, the holiday home on Sedir Island off the coast of Turkey was designed to be entirely off-grid with its own energy and water supply.
From above, the home's main dome resembles the Eye of Horus, the 'all-seeing eye', which is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection.
Naomi Campbell's Eye of Horus eco-house
Also known as Cleopatra Island, the beaches surrounding the home are some of the most beautiful in the world and have been a sought-after destination since Roman times.
According to legend, the Roman general Marc Antony gifted the island to Cleopatra as a symbol of his love and had the sand shipped over from his queen's homeland as she refused to set foot on any land that was not Egyptian.
Naomi Campbell's Eye of Horus eco-house
The 25-bedroom house was said to be encased in a glass-covered dome, creating a micro-climate inside the property.
Plans revealed an indoor garden, terrace and several eco-friendly features, including rooftop solar panels and underground volcanic water heaters.
But all was not quite as it seemed. According to a report in fashion bible Vogue, the couple denied knowing anything about the house. And there appears to be no trace of the unique property on the legendary island, says Luxury Property Turkey. Still, it makes for a romantic tale.
Flea's retro-futuristic California pad
Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea, whose real name is Michael Peter Balzary, is known to be a pretty far-out showman, and his taste in property is just as show-stopping.
Looking like something from outer space, his retro-futurist home in the heart of La Crescenta, California, is one-of-a-kind. Let's take a look around…
Flea's retro-futuristic California pad
Most recently listed at $7 million (£5.4m) in 2024, Flea snapped up the estate for a song in 2018 for the cut-down price of $4.3 million (£3.3m).
One of the compound's two houses, seen here in this Architectural Digest video, resembles a spaceship that's just landed on the hillside.
This extravagant seven-sided pad was built by AD100 architect Michael Maltzan in 2009.
Flea's retro-futuristic California pad
Inside, the interiors are just as unusual as the striking exterior.
The primary suite features this futuristic, curvilinear penny-tiled bathroom, which has views across the courtyard and the breathtaking hillside beyond. It's certainly a bathroom fit for a rock star!
Flea's retro-futuristic California pad
The 5.7-acre (2.3 ha) compound's second house dates all the way back to the 1950s. The original structure was designed by acclaimed modernist architect Richard Neutra as a home for his secretary, Dorothy Serulnic.
Its interior is still bursting with 1950s-era mod cons, such as a sofa with a built-in record player and a rather handy sliding breakfast nook.
Flea's retro-futuristic California pad
The grounds offer a 50-foot (15m) Johnston Vidal lap pool, as well as an outdoor movie pavilion and a catering kitchen, so it's the perfect place for the Red Hot showman to entertain guests.
Nevertheless, the rock star clearly wanted a change of scenery, as he listed the magnificent estate in February 2022 for $9.8 million (£7.6m).
Johnny Depp's French village
Never one to go for the ordinary in life, Johnny Depp bought his most unusual piece of real estate in 2001 during his relationship with Vanessa Paradis, when he purchased a beautiful old French village filled with quirky buildings and amenities.
The 19th-century Provençal hamlet is just a short drive from the glamorous celebrity magnet of Saint-Tropez.
Johnny Depp's French village
The 37-acre (15 ha) hamlet was completely dilapidated when Depp acquired it.
He spent $14 million (£10.8m) on restorations, which included the preservation of the original stone and wood beam structures throughout all the buildings, as well as the addition of a skate park.
The final estate includes two swimming pools, a local bistro and 15 bedrooms and six guest homes.
Johnny Depp's French village
One of the guest homes is housed in the former village church, which was carefully renovated and even features the former confessional box, that's now a wardrobe.
With beautiful stonework and soaring ceilings, who wouldn't want to stay in a converted church?
Depp put the village up for sale in 2015 following his split from Paradis, but failed to attract a buyer.
Johnny Depp's French village
The home has been on and off the market ever since, with varying asking prices ranging from $27 million (£20.8m) to $63 million (£48.8m). In 2021, it was listed at $55.8 million (£43m).
The interiors are as rustic and charming as you would expect, with some quirky touches, like the wine cellar converted into a Pirates of the Caribbean den, complete with skulls and brightly coloured scarves.
The latest news is that Depp has changed his mind about selling and has embarked on another round of renovation works, so prepare for the unexpected.
Kat Von D's ghoulish Gothic mansion
Famed tattoo artist Kat Von D has been capturing our imaginations with her creative flair and unique style since starring in the reality TV show, Miami Ink, from 2005.
Now worth around $25 million (£19m), it's her historic Victorian mansion that's really caught our eye…
Kat Von D's ghoulish Gothic mansion
After purchasing this three-storey Queen Anne property in 2016 for $6.5 million (£5m), the star quickly got to work putting her eclectic stamp on each room.
From golden ceilings to a blood-red swimming pool, the Gothic mansion's transformation took six years to complete.
Kat Von D's ghoulish Gothic mansion
Once used as the set for the 2003 comedy Cheaper by the Dozen, the 11-bedroom home has certainly seen its fair share of cosmetic changes.
Here we can see the medieval-inspired kitchen, complete with dark mahogany cabinetry, hand-carved walls and ornate fittings.
What you might not spot, however, is the hidden bar and a secret door to the garden beyond...
Kat Von D's ghoulish Gothic mansion
Outside is the artist's pièce de résistance, her very own blood-red swimming pool, which matches perfectly with the mansion's vampirish rouge hue.
While we can't imagine she'd want to live anywhere else, Kat decided to up sticks to the town of Vevay in Indiana and put the striking home on the market for $15 million (£11.6m) with The Sher Group in January 2022, finally selling it for $7.8 million (£6m) in March 2023.
Jimmy Fallon's whimsical New York townhouse
In March 2021, American comedian and talk show host Jimmy Fallon listed his unbelievable family home in New York City's illustrious Queen Anne-style apartment block, 34 Gramercy Park East, for $15 million (£11.6m).
Packed with period features and some seriously cool extras that only a VIP could afford, Fallon's home is one of the most unique we've ever seen...
Jimmy Fallon's whimsical New York townhouse
Once four separate apartments, Fallon and his wife, Nancy Juvonen, who owns production company Flower Films with Drew Barrymore, undertook an extensive renovation, turning it into one huge 4,950-square-foot (460 sqm) family home.
While the exterior offers plenty of brownstone kerb appeal, the interior is decorated with vintage wallpapers, eclectic furnishings and colourful accessories that make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Inside, you'll find a warren of rooms and corridors over three floors, including six bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Jimmy Fallon's whimsical New York townhouse
The kitchen dining room, seen here is packed full of colourful quirky adornments and vintage finds, including these atomic starburst light fixtures above the six-seater breakfast bar.
A secret door, disguised as under-stairs shelving, leads to a fantastical playroom for Fallon's two daughters, born via surrogate in 2013 and 2014.
It's fitted with monkey bars, a toy kitchen, secret hatch doors, a chalkboard wall for scribbling on and a fake jailhouse intercom system that connects with upstairs.
Jimmy Fallon's whimsical New York townhouse
On the home's eighth floor, there's even an incredible saloon bar, complete with illuminated liquor shelves, high stools and low-level lighting. This living room, meanwhile, could not be brighter, with turquoise couches, green carpeting and plenty of colourful art.
Not for everyone, but it was just right for model and actress Cara Delevingne, who snapped up the home in July 2022 for $10.8 million (£8.4m).
She revealed on Fallon's show that it was her dream home and just how she would have decorated it herself, if she had the know-how.
Rihanna's super-secure LA fortress
Singer and Fenty founder Rihanna is no stranger to awe-inspiring real estate, but one property really stands out.
In June 2014, the 'Umbrella' singer began renting out new digs in Los Angeles for a villa that is now thought to command around $135,000 (£104k) per month.
The imposing 12,000-square-foot (1,115 sqm) house, which has been variously nicknamed 'The Fortress' and the 'Hollywood Hills Skycastle' has a unique steel and concrete façade and plenty of security features, making it an ultra-safe hideout for the star.
Rihanna's super-secure LA fortress
Truly built like a fortress, the home's exterior is a real architectural statement, and the interior is just as fascinating.
With 60-foot-high (5.6m) ceilings and towering glass windows, the entryway leads through to an array of cave-like living rooms that are finished in stone, concrete and steel, resulting in a unique visual aesthetic.
Rihanna's super-secure LA fortress
The luxurious master suite not only features opulent dual bathrooms but also an incredible panic room that's hidden behind a bulletproof door, which slides down from the ceiling.
Individual rooms within the seven-bedroom home also require a security fob to gain entry, ensuring residents are safe at all times.
Rihanna's super-secure LA fortress
Built in 1994, the residence also boasts a whole host of amenities, such as a two-bedroom guesthouse, a movie theatre and a gym.
It's not clear how long Rihanna rented the property, but if you fancy a few nights to find out what all the fuss was about, it can be booked through Privé Luxury Rentals.
Meanwhile, Rihanna, who is a mother of two sons with fellow musician A$AP Rocky, has several homes in Los Angeles and Barbados.
Robert Downey Jr.'s historic Hamptons windmill
Why live in a regular mansion if you can live in a windmill? Or at least, that's probably what Robert Downey Jr. was thinking when he purchased a former playhouse in the shape of a windmill.
Located in the wealthy town of East Hampton, New York, the pad offered the star style and safety.
Robert Downey Jr.'s historic Hamptons windmill
The historic building, which is also known as the Edward DeRose Windmill, seen here in images from Architectural Digest's 'Open Door' tour, dates back to 1885. It has lots of beautiful original features and quirky vintage style.
It's the perfect family home for the Iron Man actor and his wife, Hollywood producer Susan Downey, as well as their three children, Exton, Avril and Indio.
Robert Downey Jr.'s historic Hamptons windmill
The house spreads out over 8,500 square feet (790 sqm) and offers lots of space for the family to enjoy.
The couple used interior designer Joe Nahem to help them with the décor, and a focal point of the house is this beautiful living room with its huge wraparound fireplace wall by ceramic artist Peter Lane.
Outside, there's a large swimming pool, outdoor living room and bar, plus an alfresco dining table and huge cinema-style TV screen.
Robert Downey Jr.'s historic Hamptons windmill
The colourful house is filled with statement furnishings and eye-catching artworks, like this framed photograph of the couple by Davis Factor and Shepard Fairey, which hangs over a Modloft bed in the master bedroom.
'We just enjoy a bit of whimsy and fun. And we definitely don't like boring," explained the actor to Architectural Digest.
He snapped up the property for $11.9 million (£9.2m) in 2017, investing time and money into making it their own.
Rufus Wainwright's Hollywood Hills fairytale cottage
American-Canadian singer, songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright revealed his love of fairytales when he bought an otherworldly property in California.
With turrets, balconies and romantic architecture, it's your typical storybook castle brought to life.
Rufus Wainwright's Hollywood Hills fairytale cottage
The stunning storybook property set high in the Hollywood Hills looks like it's been plucked straight from the Brothers Grimm.
Shrouded in greenery and lush landscaping, the 1920s home has a brick façade, picture windows with diamond grilles and a steep stairway that leads up to the front door.
Rufus Wainwright's Hollywood Hills
The singer-songwriter bought the Laurel Canyon property back in 2016 for just less than $1.5 million (£1.1m).
He gave us a glimpse of the quirky décor in January 2024 when he announced it was time to move on.
Posting a series of images of the interiors, including this quirky shot of the octagon-shaped library with its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, he said he and his family had shared many happy memories in the magical fairytale home.
Rufus Wainwright's Hollywood Hills
The singer certainly left his mark on the 2,119-square-foot (197 sqm) property during his time there, including in this cosy bedroom, which is one of three in the house.
The home was listed at $2.2 million (£1.7m) and had, he revealed, been a source of inspiration to him during his time there.
'I wrote 'Unfollow the Rules' here, including one of my favourite pieces, ' Peaceful Afternoon' … We have had many of those here and I hope that the next tenants enjoy it as much as we did,' he wrote on Instagram.
Shaquille O'Neal's luxe Florida mega-mansion
A revered cultural icon with a career in the NBA spanning two decades, it's not surprising that former basketball player Shaquille O'Neal has owned some incredible homes in his time.
Yet one really stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons…
Shaquille O'Neal's luxe Florida mega-mansion
Located inside a gated golf community in Isleworth, Florida, the sports star's home takes full advantage of its stunning natural surroundings and comes kitted out with a 95-foot-long (29m) pool, hot tub and cabana overlooking Lake Butler.
The stunning estate also includes a huge showroom-style garage, which houses O'Neal's impressive car collection.
Shaquille O'Neal's luxe Florida mega-mansion
Spanning an astonishing 31,000 square feet (9,448 sqm), the mega-mansion has 12 bedrooms, a grand foyer with a Cinderella staircase and polished marble floors, a two-storey great room that covers 1,170 square feet (109 sqm), a formal dining room for 14 people and a home cinema.
There's an entire wing for guests, equipped with five ensuite bedrooms, a large sitting room and a bar. The 900-square-foot (84 sqm) master suite boasts a circular bed, private balcony, mirrored wall, gilded ceiling and expansive lake views.
Shaquille O'Neal's luxe Florida mega-mansion
The star's home has its very own 6,000-square-foot (557 sqm) indoor basketball court, emblazoned with the words 'Shaq Center'. O'Neal also has an entire room dedicated to his basketball trophies and jerseys.
O'Neal bought the house in 1993 for just shy of $4 million (£3m) and first put it on the market in 2018 for an inflated $28 million (£22m).
Proving hard to shift, he gradually dropped the price to $16.5 million (£13m) before selling for $11 million (£8.5m) in October 2021.
Lady Gaga's quirky Laurel Canyon compound
A lover of quirky design, Lady Gaga is no stranger to unique homes, and over the years, she has bought and sold some interesting pieces of real estate.
Yet nothing is quite as eye-catching as the characterful compound she snapped up in 2016.
Lady Gaga's quirky Laurel Canyon compound
Gaga splashed just under $5.3 million (£4.1m) on the historic home in Laurel Canyon, California, just a few months before releasing her fifth studio album, Joanne.
Once owned by 'Valley Girl' singer Frank Zappa, Gaga was the first person outside of the star's family to call the Tudor-style property home.
Zappa purchased the six-bedroom home in 1968 for just $75,000 (£58k) and went on to transform it into a treasure trove of quirky décor and memorabilia.
Lady Gaga's quirky Laurel Canyon compound
The 6,700-square-foot (622 sqm), old-world residence offers a kitchen with a vaulted ceiling and exposed wooden beams, a recording studio curiously named the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen, a secret vault and even an art gallery with a double-height ceiling.
Every space is decorated with weird and wonderful touches, including dragon murals, porthole windows and doors salvaged from vintage submarines.
Lady Gaga's quirky Laurel Canyon compound
Outside in the grounds, there's a swimming pool, a rooftop tennis court, various mosaic-embellished patios and an elaborate stone courtyard.
In November 2021, the House of Gucci star quietly sold the house to model Lizzy Jagger, the daughter of rock star Mick Jagger and actress Jerry Hall for $6.5m (£5m).
Celine Dion's waterpark estate in Florida
Not many mansions come equipped with a 500,000-gallon outdoor waterpark, but Celine Dion's Florida property is not your average celebrity home.
For starters, it took Dion and husband René Angélil two years to build, plus it sits on 5.7 acres (2.3 ha) of land and features over 400 feet (122m) of coastline.
Celine Dion's waterpark estate in Florida
The property was intended to be a vacation home for Dion and her family to avoid the paparazzi, yet it's anything but low-key.
The waterpark includes multiple pools, a footbridge and slides, while the property benefits from a tennis court, beach house and numerous guest houses.
Celine Dion's waterpark estate in Florida
Inside the main house there are five bedrooms, five bathrooms, multiple living rooms and huge walk-in wardrobes, plus a gym in the beach-side cabana.
So, it's a little more kitted-out than your average celebrity hideaway…
Celine Dion's waterpark estate in Florida
But it's the home's grounds that make it truly iconic. The famous waterpark can be seen in the background, making this Peter Pan home truly unforgettable.
When Dion took up residency in Las Vegas in 2013, she put the property on the market for $72 million (£56m). However, it struggled to shift with such a hefty price tag, finally selling four years later for just over half the price.
Bob Hope's Palm Springs spaceship home
Legendary stand-up comedian and actor Bob Hope must have been in a seriously spacey mood when he commissioned his iconic house in Palm Springs, California.
The property was designed by American modernist architect John Lautner for Hope and his wife, who gained quite a reputation for the remarkable parties they hosted at their UFO home. Let's take a look…
Bob Hope's Palm Springs spaceship home
Built in 1979, the 23,000-square-foot (7,010 sqm) property is the largest and most ambitious private residence designed by Lautner.
Constructed out of concrete, steel and glass, the dramatic residence features a futuristic curved copper roof with a huge opening that reveals the sky.
Bob Hope's Palm Springs spaceship home
The gravity-defying property has 10 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, two pools, a tennis court, its own waterfall and a pavilion with an outdoor fireplace.
Large terraces overlook stunning views of the rugged Coachella desert landscape.
Bob Hope's Palm Springs spaceship home
The property was put on the market back in 2013 with an ambitious asking price of $50 million (£38.8m), but it made headlines in 2016 when it was eventually sold for the more humble figure of $13 million (£10m).
Its subsequent owner investor, Ron Burkle, has since commissioned Lautner protegée Helena Arahuete to undertake a multi-million-dollar renovation project, using John Lautner's original plans and 100 expert craftsmen.
Alicia Keys' Razor House masterpiece
American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys and her record producer husband Swizz Beatz put down a cool $20.8 million (£16.1m) in 2019, for a truly awe-inspiring home overlooking the cinematic landscapes of La Jolla, a coastal neighbourhood in Southern California.
Alicia Keys' Razor House masterpiece
The incredible clifftop home, which was designed by architect Wallace E. Cunningham, was built in 2007 and is said to have been the inspiration behind Tony Stark's Razor Point, Malibu lair in the Iron Man film franchise.
While the main house was not used as a location in the film, its subterranean garage stands in for Tony Stark's infamous basement garage in the film, where Stark's Iron Man suit was created.
Alicia Keys' Razor House masterpiece
The gorgeous glass house has a minimalist and sleek appearance. Sprawling almost 11,000 square feet (1,021 sqm), the main house boasts four bedrooms, six bathrooms, various lounges and a chic kitchen.
Of course, the rooms are lined with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that allow for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. We love Alicia's pink piano and choice of brightly coloured artwork in this living space.
Alicia Keys' Razor House masterpiece
Elsewhere you'll find a library with a glass and steel pool table, a movie theatre, a rooftop entertaining deck, an infinity pool, and a detached two-bedroom guesthouse.
Widely considered an architectural masterpiece for its futuristic design along with its ability to connect with the surrounding nature, we all agree this surreal property is one of the coolest we've had the pleasure of snooping inside.
Derek Jeter's New York castle
One of baseball's all-time greats, Derek Jeter was instrumental in securing five World Series titles for the New York Yankees over his 20-year MLB career with the team.
He earned 14 All-Star selections, five Gold Gloves, and five Silver Slugger awards before retiring from professional baseball in 2014.
But it wasn't because he was sporting royalty that he decided to buy a castle. He'd actually grown up there…
Derek Jeter's New York castle
Jeter bought the four-acre (1.6 ha) property on the New York side of Greenwood Lake in 2002, but it wasn't the first time the Yankees captain had fallen under its spell.
Jeter spent many childhood summers at the castle, swimming and playing sports, as his maternal grandfather, William Connors, had been adopted by former owners John and Julia Tiedemann.
Built in the early 1900s by a New York doctor, Rudolph Gudewill, the New Jersey couple bought the property in 1952, renaming it Tiedemann Castle, and using it as a base for their 13 children, including Jeter's grandfather William, until the estate was sold in 1996.
Derek Jeter's New York castle
Originally two castles, today the master castle has a connected tower and guest castle with many stunning features, including a soaring wood-beamed ceiling in the great room, large stone fireplaces, a stone turret and a stone bridge traversing a lagoon.
There's also an infinity pool, a man-made waterfall, and even a Widow's Walk (a railed, rooftop platform often found on 19th-century North American coastal houses).
The former New York Yankees shortstop spent a fortune renovating the home, which had been partitioned into apartments when he purchased it in the early 2000s.
Derek Jeter's New York castle
Measuring almost 9,000 square feet (836 sqm), the main house has six bedrooms, seven full and five half bathrooms, a great room, four kitchens, a den, a games room, a sun room, a formal dining room, an office, a gym and a family room with a bar.
Despite the time and effort he put into the property, the baseball Hall of Famer listed the castle in 2018 for nearly $15 million (£11.6m), finally selling it in June 2024 for close to the $6.3 million (£4.9m) asking price.