Former teen idol Zac Efron buys a grown-up house
Zac Efron, who seems to be in every other movie these days, still found time to pick up a home in Hollywood Hills recently for $3.995 million.
The former teen idol, who owns another house nearby in Hollywood Hills West, bought a two-story Zen-inspired contemporary behind gates at the end of a long driveway.
The 5,644-square-foot home, built in 1964, features panoramic city-to-ocean views, expanses of glass, an open floor plan, a wine cellar, a gym and a fountain inside the entry. Including the guesthouse there are five bedrooms and five bathrooms.
The more than three-quarter-acre lot contains a pool and spa area with a waterfall.
Efron, 26, became a teen heartthrob in the films “High School Musical” and “Hairspray,” as well as the TV series “Summerland.”
His recent work includes the current historical drama “Parkland” and last year’s “At Any Price” and “The Lucky One.” He will be in “That Awkward Moment,” baring most of his physique, and “Neighbors,” a fraternity-moves-in-next-door flick, both set for release next year.
James Crane, Connie Blankenship and Michele Oliver of Coldwell Banker were the listing agents. Kathrin Nicholson of Westside Estate Agency represented Efron.
Finishing up her home work
Jessica Simpson, who earlier this year bought a Hidden Hills estate from Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, has sold her home in a guarded enclave in the 90210 ZIP Code for $6.4 million.
The custom-built Hamptons-inspired traditional was built in 1991 and recently renovated by Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture. Features of the house include crown and base moldings, high ceilings, a commercial-grade kitchen, a home theater, an office/library, a gym, five bedrooms, six bathrooms and 5,500 square feet of living space. There is a stone courtyard with a koi pond and a swimming pool.
The singer and television personality, who launched numerous beauty and accessory lines, has a net worth estimated at $100 million. The 33-year-old starred in the films “Major Movie Star” (2008), “Blonde Ambition” (2007) and “The Dukes of Hazzard” (2005).
She bought the property in 2005 for $5.275 million. Simpson, 33, paid $11.5 million for the Osbourne home.
Jory Burton of Sotheby’s International Realty was the listing agent. Rayni Romito and Branden Williams of Hilton & Hyland/Christie’s International Real Estate represented the buyer.
Ready for another adventure
Orlando Bloom has listed his compound in Hollywood Hills West for sale at $4.5 million or for annual lease at $16,500 a month.
Set behind wood gates, the house was the target four years ago of the so-called Bling Ring burglars, who focused on celebrities including Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.
The four-bedroom, four-bathroom house, built in 1940, features a walnut double-door entry, three fireplaces, a den/office, a library and 3,248 feet of living space.
The wooded three-quarter-acre lot has a swimming pool with spa and is equipped with security cameras.
Bloom, 36, will star in “Zulu,” set for release in December. He starred in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Lord of the Rings” movies.
The actor bought the property in 2007 for $2.75 million, according to public records.
Venessa Blair of Coldwell Banker is the listing agent.
He must be mad to sell
Michael J. McDonald of “MADtv” fame has put his Hollywood Hills West home on the market at $3.495 million.
He remodeled the 3,250-square-foot villa, adding a new kitchen, a second master suite, a custom-built eight-person spa, an outdoor kitchen and a cabana. There’s a solarium entry, a lower-level kitchenette, three bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms.
The canyon-view property also features a swimming pool.
The actor-comedian-writer, 48, starred with Sandra Bullock this year in “The Heat” and appears on the TV show “Web Therapy.” He was a cast member of “MADtv” for a decade and contributed as a director and writer.
McDonald bought the property in 2004 for $1.979 million, public records show.
Kenneth “KJ” Marmon of Hilton & Hyland/Christie’s International Real Estate is the listing agent.
Castle catapults onto the market
Shari Belafonte’s home is a castle — or at least parts of it look like one. She recently listed the unusual West Hills home at $1.26 million.
The distinctive residence, built in 1956 and set amid boulders on a hillside, is imbued with feudal fortress embellishments. There’s a roofline battlement, should one need to seek protection from a bow-and-arrow attack, and a turret that houses a gym.
Set on six acres, the 3,465-square-foot home features steeply pitched roofs, three fireplaces, three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a breezeway that leads to a covered patio. There is a swimming pool.
Actress-model-singer Belafonte, 59, is the daughter of singing legend Harry Belafonte. Her work in television included a regular role in the 1980s series “Hotel.”
She bought the property in 2001 for $630,000, according to public records.
Jane Kellard of Westside Estate Agency’s Malibu office is the listing agent.
Twitter: @LATHotProperty
