Madonna’s Former L.A. Home Is Up for Sale for $21M

The former Los Angeles estate of Madonna located beneath the renowned Hollywood sign, has recently been made available for purchase for $21 million, listed by Linda May and Brett Lawyer of Carolwood Estates.

Images: ©2023 Jim Bartsch for Carolwood Estates

The property formerly owned by Madonna in Los Angeles is now available, with an unbelievably high asking price of $21 million.

The recording artist occupied the property with a floor area of 10,000 square feet from 1993 up until selling it, for the amount of $5.3 million, to Joe Pytka, a film director and commercial director, according to records.

Throughout the period of her career when she was establishing her bold persona, she resided in the house.

In 1993, Madonna featured in the erotic thriller “Body of Evidence,” which included scenes of sadomasochism and bondage. Unfortunately, it was not well-received by critics.

While residing in her residence, she was anointed the “Queen of Pop” due to the success of her debut album in 1983. This was followed by smash hits such as “Like a Virgin” in 1984 and “True Blue” in 1986.

John DeLaricio was the architect behind the nine-bedroom, six-bath house that was built in 1926.

The listing indicates that this is viewed as one of the most substantial Spanish style mansions ever constructed in the south of California.

In 2010, Leon Max, a Russian-American fashion designer, acquired the property for $7 million and remains the owner as of today.

In his statement, Max said he had been familiar with Castillo del Lago for a long time. It is a stunning landmark with an ideal proximity to downtown, West Hollywood and the West Side, making it accessible through a stunning drive down Mulholland.

Max remarked that the decor was romantic, and consistent with the Spanish Colonial style of the building. He further said that the combination of Renaissance and Moorish furniture and artworks create an atmosphere that invokes a classic country house, similar to the designs of Renzo Mongiardino.

Max stated that he felt compelled to put the property on the market due to his need to go back to England in order to provide education for his offspring.

He devoted many years to improving it before he finally put it up for sale.

He asserted that the first task was to repaint the house to a faded white hue and to revive the breezeway in order to recapture the sight of a minstrel’s gallery extending over the main interior courtyard.

The domicile has a plentiful amount of hanging gardens and fountains that were mended and replanted with climbing plants such as fig ivy, bougainvillea, wisteria, and jasmine, resulting in a luxuriant overhang. Additionally, there is also a sizable collection of potted cacti.

In 1984, the house was also used for some of the filming of “Beverly Hills Cop”.

This 3-acre estate is located behind gates and provides a breathtaking outlook of Lake Hollywood, the renowned Hollywood sign, as well as a stunning view of the city and the ocean.

The property showcases a range of classic architectural elements, including coffered ceilings, custom wrought-iron details, terracotta flooring, period tilework, hand-painted artwork, grand fireplaces, exposed wood-beamed ceilings, Spanish archways, and a vintage elevator with wood paneling, according to the listing.

The entrance area gives way to the winding stairwell tower, which links the areas of the house together. This includes an expansive two-story living area, outdoor access through French doors, a wood-lined library, and a cozy breakfast area adjacent to the chef-inspired old-fashioned kitchen.

The loggia gives access to the courtyard, which is encircled by palm trees, a fountain, and an outdoor fireplace.

The primary suite is complete with separate sitting areas, two bathrooms and the signature tower with comfortable lounge seating. The grounds consist of a lap pool, rose gardens and citrus trees for a picturesque view.

Luxe features include a media room, a cooled wine cellar, two staff quarters with a kitchen, a separate fitness area with a wide terrace, and a visitor suite.

To get an unaltered opinion of the home, designers were consulted about what they appreciate about it and the changes they would make.

John DeLario designed the Spanish-style home Castillo del Lago property in 1926. According to Christopher Ciccone’s memoir, Madonna purchased the residence with nine bedrooms and six bathrooms in 1993, paying around $5 million. Records reveal that fashion designer Leon Max of Max Studio owns the 10,500+ square foot home now, which Madonna sold three years after her acquisition, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Designer Daniella Villamil told House Beautiful that the Castillo del Lago has all the features a designer would adore. She said, “It’s like being taken to a medieval Spanish village. As soon as you walk in, you can feel the craftsmanship and the thought that was put into the design and assembly of the house – it’s as if it’s part of the estate’s spirit.”

Villamil underscores the importance of preserving the distinct identity of any home. To further this aim, she advocates changing the lighting “from elaborate wrought-iron sconces and chandeliers to more tasteful, straightforward fixtures.” She further reveals that while certain areas of the home have been modernized, they have not been done justice. A prime example of this is the kitchen, which she notes “appears to be out of sync with the rest of the house and too generic for a residence with so much character.”

Shaolin Low, a designer, finds the home beautiful in its existing form due to its antique atmosphere and lack of contemporary elements. With an inclination towards combining styles, they would appreciate a lighter color palette and reinvigorated art to maintain the vintage essence while at the same time offering a youthful vibe.

Designer ​​ Michelle Boudreau specifically praised the lush landscape for its “imperfect perfection,” featuring a variety of plants and pots as well as an open lawn. To reduce the abundance of patterns in the interior, Boudreau introduced textiles, furniture, and artwork to create a rejuvenated atmosphere.

Designer Susan Wintersteen’s primary suggestion when redecorating a home is replacing any out of date window treatments. She states, “It’s best to remove all curtains and cornices, because these are not necessary if you aren’t looking for extra privacy or protection from the sun.”

Gonzalo Bueno, a co-founder of Ten Plus Three, believes that the current drapery is too weighty and is restricting the fabulous views of the house. To match the style of the house, he suggests that lighting should be more sophisticated. He also states that “the shades of wood in the house should be more consistent and not so cluttered.”

If you are looking to acquire this property for yourself or you simply appreciate the design of the space, these designer ideas should be taken into consideration. We are very jealous of whoever will move in to the house next!