Zach LaVine, a Chicago Bulls All-Star who began his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, is rumored to be the mysterious buyer who recently paid $34 million for a home in Newport Coast, a prestigious neighborhood in Orange County. Last month, the Orange County Register speculated that LaVine may now hold the keys to the palatial house, which is the most expensive estate ever sold in prestigious Pelican Crest — the same gated community where Vanessa Bryant and Hot Pockets inventor Paul Merage also reside.
Despite the slowdown in the real estate market, qualified purchasers reportedly flocked to the expensive home when it was first listed in March. According to the listing agents, the residence received three offers within the first two weeks on the market, in addition to numerous showings. The sellers initially accepted an offer closer to the asking price of $40 million, but when that escrow fell through, they turned to LaVine’s fallback offer of $34 million.
It comes as no surprise that LaVine is searching for a large new residence. In fact, the $215 million man recently sold his first Newport Coast property, a similar-looking but lesser estate in the nearby community of Crystal Cove. Additionally, the 28-year-old Seattle native recently listed his suburban Washington state residence for sale.
The 2010 residence at Pelican Crest, described as “timeless” and “irreplaceable” in its listing, was constructed in 2010. Two years ago, the Tuscan-style mansion was purchased for $14.7 million by the married couple Rob and Ami Douk, who subsequently renovated it meticulously. The property is situated behind gates at the end of a cul-de-sac on a 0.79-acre lot, which is large for the area.
According to the listing, LaVine and his wife Hunter will have access to nearly every imaginable residential amenity at their new O.C. palace, including a state-of-the-art gym, an infrared sauna, wine cellar, games room, golf simulator, gourmet kitchen with two marble-topped islands, and a “Yves Saint Laurent-themed” walk-in closet in the master suite. As anticipated, the interior spaces are opulently proportioned and flooded with natural light due to the foldable glass doors.
The property’s finest feature, however, is its pie-shaped lot, which offers expansive, southwest-facing Pacific Ocean views and unobstructed sunrise and sunset vistas. In addition to the $34 million purchase price, LaVine will be responsible for $843 per month in HOA fees.
