The late Paul Allen’s California mansion listed at a whopping US$55.5m

Leaving behind a multitude of luxurious real estate collections after his death in 2018, the late Paul Allen’s mansion in the exclusive neighbourhood of Beverly Hills Post Office (BHPO) has entered into the market accompanied by a big price tag of a whopping US$55.5 million (RM234.5 million).

Allen, who was the co-founder of Microsoft, purchased the property from American film and television actor Rock Hudson in 1997. According to a report by DIRT, extensive renovation works were done on the property with an inspired 1920s Spanish-hacienda style following the purchase.

A massive 3.2-acre land tucked in an exclusive neighbourhood known for its luxury and privacy, the property is well guarded with gates around its boundaries, complete with a security building for guards to monitor the premises at all times.

Within the gated property lies several structures and the main mansion. The main mansion measuring 8,000 sq ft consists of five bedrooms, a living room with beamed ceilings, library, family room, professional chef’s kitchen, gym with massage room, home theatre that can fit at least 11 people, and luxurious main bedroom suite with large walk-in closets and a limestone bath.

Besides the main mansion, the estate also boasts a two-bedroom guest house, a two-bedroom staff quarters, a recording studio and a private office with a private entrance. Overall, the indoor living space amounts to a total of 24,000 sq ft space.

While the essential elements of a Californian home may be outdoor facilities like a swimming pool and a tennis court, these lavish facilities pale in comparison to the funicular in Allen’s home. A show-stealer, the glass funicular transports residents and guests to the tennis court below from the pool deck. 

As the property is situated on a hilltop estate above Beverly Hills, the mansion also features several patios where one can enjoy a landscape scenery that stretches from Downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean.

The property has its own notorious past that concerns its prominent previous resident. Before Allen, the property used to be the former home of Rock Hudson – Hollywood’s golden age movie star. Hudson died in the same premises in 1985 after suffering from AIDS.

Having owned some of the finest luxurious properties across the country, some of Allen’s portfolios include a 4,000-acre Idaho retreat worth US$50 million, a US$50 million penthouse in Manhattan and hundreds of acres in San Juan Islands, Washington that is estimated at US$130 million.   

Since Allen’s death in 2018, his properties have been managed by his sister, Jody Allen, with some of his properties having been listed for sale. Among them, it was reported last year Amazon founder Jeff Bezos almost purchased Allen’s 120-acre undeveloped land in Beverly Hills for US$90 million. The land was later seen listed in the market for US$110 million.

Allen co-founded Microsoft in 1975 alongside Bill Gates. He left the company eight years later after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease. Besides Microsoft, Allen also delved into philanthropy and was a sports team owner of NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. 

This story first appeared in the EdgeProp.my E-weekly on July 23, 2021. You can access back issues here.

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