Publisher Benedikt Taschen Lists a Fully Restored 1950s Beverly Hills Home for $25 Million
Benedikt Taschen, renowned art book publisher, is listing his meticulously restored 1956 Adelman Residence in Beverly Hills for $25 million. This mid-century modern gem, designed by Thornton Abell and O'Neil Ford, was acquired by Taschen and his wife Lauren in 2018 and has undergone a complete refurbishment, preserving its original architectural integrity while incorporating contemporary art and design elements. The property spans nearly an acre and boasts approximately 5,000 square feet of living space, blending historical significance with modern luxury.
Gavin Newsom's Childhood San Francisco Home on the Market for $4.5 Million
The mid-century San Francisco residence where California Governor Gavin Newsom spent part of his early life has been listed for sale at $4.5 million. Located in the Upper Cole Valley neighborhood, the property was originally owned by his maternal grandfather and later his mother. This two-story home, covering approximately 1,400 square feet, features a recently updated interior and scenic views, offering a glimpse into the governor's family history before his political career.
Diana Jenkins Relists Hidden Hills Estate for $23 Million
Diana Jenkins, known from "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," has relisted her Hidden Hills mansion for $23 million. After a previous attempt to sell for $20 million, the Bosnian refugee-turned-philanthropist is now moving back to Sarajevo to be closer to her mother. The contemporary estate, completed in 2019, boasts luxurious amenities and expansive views, offering a lavish lifestyle in a prime California location.
Revolutionizing Staff Accommodation: A New Era of Employer-Provided Housing
A Visionary Investment in Staff Welfare and Proximity
In 2023, Oracle's co-founder, Larry Ellison, undertook a significant real estate venture, discreetly acquiring eight properties within a secure Boynton Beach, Florida, community. This collection of homes, purchased for a sum approaching $10 million, was intended to house his domestic employees, including educators for his five children. The strategic location places these residences approximately a thirty-minute drive from Ellison's expansive Manalapan property, facilitating convenient commutes for his team. Public records indicate that a limited liability company associated with Ellison finalized these transactions between May and June of the same year.
Unveiling the Mystery Buyer: The Palm Meadows Estates Acquisition
The properties are situated in Palm Meadows Estates, a residential enclave boasting 288 homes, round-the-clock security, and a community clubhouse. Initially, the identity of the buyer orchestrating this extensive purchase remained undisclosed. Local real estate agent Kimmie Cruz recounted how a fellow broker approached her with an unusual request: to secure about ten homes, primarily single-story residences, some of which were not publicly listed. This led Cruz to directly engage with homeowners in the community.
Ellison's Personal Involvement and Community Reaction
The mystery surrounding the buyer dissipated with Ellison's personal arrival, accompanied by bodyguards, to tour the potential properties. Following his visits, contracts were signed, and subsequent property records confirmed the acquisition of all eight homes by an LLC linked to Ellison. This significant purchase, however, sparked discussions among Palm Meadows residents, with some expressing reservations about a single owner accumulating such a large number of properties. Consequently, the homeowners' association later revised its regulations to prevent similar large-scale acquisitions in the future.
The Evolving Landscape of Wealthy Households and Staff Housing
Peter Mahler, representing Mahler Private Staffing, noted to the Journal that a growing number of affluent clients are now providing housing for their domestic employees. This trend is particularly evident in expensive markets where securing affordable and conveniently located housing for staff can be challenging. Such arrangements offer dual benefits: staff can reside close enough for quick access to their workplaces without occupying the family's primary residence, addressing both logistical efficiency and privacy considerations for all parties involved.
Contrasting Estates: Ellison's Modest Staff Homes Versus His Lavish Portfolio
The homes procured for Ellison's staff, typically around 3,000 square feet with three or four bedrooms, stand in stark contrast to his primary Manalapan estate, Gemini, which he acquired for a staggering $173 million in 2022. These Boynton Beach residences are but a small fraction of Ellison's vast and diverse real estate empire. His impressive portfolio also encompasses nearly the entirety of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, several beachfront properties along Malibu's exclusive Carbon Beach, a Japanese-inspired estate in Woodside, California, and a collection of historical homes in Newport, Rhode Island. Furthermore, he transformed the former Porcupine Creek golf estate in Rancho Mirage into a luxurious wellness resort, showcasing the breadth and ambition of his property investments.