It’s very ‘before Madonna’.
Madonna’s former Los Angeles house is up on the market for $21 million.
Spanning greater than 10,000 square feet, the singer lived in the home from 1993 until it was sold to filmmaker and promoting director Joe Pytka for $5.3 million in 1996, records show.
She lived in the home for years, reinforcing her provocative image.
Madonna starred within the 1993 erotic thriller “Body of Evidence”, which contained scenes of sadomasochism and bondage, and was poorly received by critics.
While living at home, she was already crowned “Queen of Pop” for her 1983 debut studio album, followed by all-time bestsellers reminiscent of the 1984 song “Like a Virgin” and the 1986 song “True Blue”.
Consisting of nine bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, the home was designed by John DeLaricio in 1926.
It is taken into account considered one of “essentially the most significant Spanish estates ever in-built Southern California.”
The current owner is Russian-American designer Leon Max, who bought the property for $7 million in 2010.
“I actually have known about Castillo del Lago for a few years because it is an attractive, distinctive property with an exceptionally convenient location to downtown, West Hollywood and the West Side via a scenic drive along Mulholland,” Max said in a press release.
“It is decorated in a romantic and Spanish colonial style,” added Max. “A combination of Renaissance and Moorish furniture and art objects creates the timeless warmth of a rustic house, harking back to interiors designed by Renzo Mongiardino.”
Max noted that he was willing to sell the property as he was as a result of return to England for his child’s school.
But before putting it up on the market, he spent years working on perfecting it.
“The first task of the day was to repaint the home a faded white and reopen the vestibule to get well what looked like a minstrel gallery overhanging the principal inner courtyard,” he said.
“The house has many hanging gardens and fountains which have been repaired and replanted to create generous overhangs of climbing plants reminiscent of fig ivy, bougainvillea, wisteria and jasmine. There can be a big collection of potted cacti.
The house was also used briefly for the filming of Beverly Hills Cop in 1984.
Set behind private gates, the 3-acre ridge property offers panoramic views of Lake Hollywood, the long-lasting Hollywood Sign, and expansive views from downtown to the ocean.
Architectural highlights include coffered ceilings, custom wrought iron features, terracotta floors, period tile, hand-painted artwork, grand fireplaces, exposed beams, Spanish arches, and a vintage wood paneled elevator.
The foyer results in a tower with a spiral staircase that connects the various levels of the home. This features a two-story formal lounge, French doors opening onto a terrace, a wood-panelled library, and an off-the-cuff breakfast room next to a period-style chef’s kitchen.
The loggia opens onto a central courtyard surrounded by palm trees, a fountain and an outside fireplace.
The basic suite features a seating area, a double bathroom and a particular tower with seating. The grounds even have a swimming pool, rose gardens and citrus trees.
Luxurious amenities include a media room, a calming wine cellar, two staff rooms with kitchens, a separate gym with expansive terrace, and a guest suite.
Linda May and Brett Lawyer of Carolwood Estates lead the list.
“The next great owner of Castillo del Lago will truly appreciate our city’s romantic architecture, ultra-privacy and fascinating history,” May said in a press release.
“Buyers who live in Hollywood Hills neighborhoods and enclaves are on the lookout for classic, nostalgic homes, especially those with stunning views.”
