Don’t be fooled by the estate’s outward appearance. While the East Coast Traditional-meets-Southern Colonial architecture may conjure images of elegantly restrained, stuffily formal rooms, the decor here has been radically eroticized with “premier craftsmanship… and the finest materials,” according to the listing, which is held by Douglas Elliman high-end specialists Josh and Matt Altman of the Altman Brothers Team. Not to mention the custom herringbone-patterned hardwood floors, “floating” bookshelves, exposed brick walls, and quartz staircase.
The current owner, the extremely well-paid DJ Calvin Harris, is responsible for the costly renovations. When he first purchased the property in 2014, it was a shell of its current self, with bland and basic trimmings throughout. But not any longer, thanks to some undoubtedly costly renovations. Harris, on the other hand, can afford it: the perennial hitmaker (Rihanna’s “We Found Love,” “Feel So Close,” “Summer,” “One Kiss”) earned $110 million in 2013 and 2014 alone, plus another $129 million in 2015 and 2016.
The Benedict Canyon estate is a five-building compound tucked high in the rugged mountains above Beverly Hills and hidden behind big gates, tall trees, and a long driveway. Aside from the four-bedroom main house, there is a two-story guesthouse that serves as two separate recording studios. A security building for a full-time bodyguard, a five-car detached garage connected to an upstairs movie theatre, and a standalone gym packed with cutting-edge equipment are also on the property.
Not to mention the large outdoor swimming pool, which is shaded by a lovely grove of eucalyptus trees. According to the listing, the backyard includes a custom pergola with a BBQ center, a sports court, and an outdoor lounge centered around a firepit. The hillside property is 2.7 acres in size, with multiple gardens and a solar dome standing tall out back.
Even with the costly renovations, if Harris gets anywhere near his $25 million asking price, it will be a nice win for him, given that he paid exactly $15 million for the estate eight years ago. Despite his musical success, the Scottish-born DJ, 38, has had some real estate misfortune. He once lost more than $500,000 on the sale of his former Brentwood mansion, and he recently barely broke even on two different Hollywood Hills estates, one near the coveted Bird Streets area and another recently sold to fellow musician Charli XCX.
Harris, born Adam Wiles, has swapped his glitzy Los Angeles lifestyle for a more simple existence on the Spanish island of Ibiza, where he recently purchased a 138-acre ranch that locals describe as “the biggest organic farm on all Ibiza.” The Harris estate employs a large number of people, including farmers and chefs, and produces eggs, wine, a variety of vegetables, and farm-to-table meals.
While there is no word on whether Harris plans to stay in Los Angeles after the sale of the big 90210 estates, the musician still owns a $13.8 million vacant lot in Bel Air’s hills.
