It’s very “pre-Madonna”.
Madonna’s former Los Angeles home is up for sale, priced at $21 million.
Spanning 10,000 square feet, the singer lived in the home from 1993 until selling it to filmmaker and commercial director Joe Pytka in 1996 for $5.3 million, records show.
She lived in the house through the years maintaining her provocative image.
Madonna starred in the 1993 erotic thriller, “Body of Evidence”, which featured scenes of sadomasochism and bondage, and was poorly received by critics.
During her stay in the house, she was crowned “Queen of Pop” for her 1983 debut studio album, followed by all-time bestsellers such as the 1984 song “Like a Virgin” and the 1986 song “True Blue”.
The nine-bedroom, six-bath home was designed in 1926 by John Delarisio.
It is considered “one of the most important Spanish estates ever built in Southern California,” the listing notes.
The current owner is Russian-American fashion designer Leon Max, who purchased the property in 2010 for $7 million.
Max said in a statement, “I had known about Castillo del Lago for many years because it is a beautiful landmark property with a uniquely convenient access to Downtown, West Hollywood and the West Side via a picturesque drive down Mulholland. place.”
“It’s decorated in a way that’s romantic and in keeping with the Spanish colonial style of the structure,” said Max. “A mix of Renaissance and Moorish furniture and art objects create the timeless warmth of a country home that is reminiscent of interiors designed by Renzo Mongiardino.”
Max said he was keen to sell the property as he prepared to return to England for his child’s school.
But before he listed it for sale, he worked for years to perfect it.
“The first order of the day was to repaint the house white and re-open the breezeway so as to achieve something like a mint gallery above the main interior courtyard,” he said.
“The house has several hanging gardens and fountains that were repaired and replanted to create an abundance of climbing plants such as fig ivy, bougainvillea, wisteria and jasmine. There is also a large collection of potted cacti.
The house was briefly used in 1984 for the making of the movie “Beverly Hills Cop”.
Nestled behind private gates, the 3-acre ridgetop property boasts panoramic views of Lake Hollywood, the iconic Hollywood Sign, and expansive downtown-to-ocean vistas.
Architectural highlights include coffered ceilings, custom wrought-iron features, terracotta flooring, period tile, hand-painted artistry, grand fireplaces, exposed wood-beamed ceilings, Spanish archways, and a vintage wood-paneled elevator, the listing states.
A foyer leads to a spiral stair tower, which connects the multiple levels of the house. It includes a two-story formal living room with French doors that open toward the terrace, a wood-paneled library, and a casual breakfast room next to a period-style chef’s kitchen.
A loggia opens onto a central courtyard surrounded by palm trees, a fountain and an outdoor fireplace.
The primary suite has a sitting area, dual baths, and the Signature Tower with lounge seating. The grounds also feature a lap pool, rose gardens, and citrus trees.
Luxe amenities include a media room, a refrigerated wine room, two staff rooms with a kitchen, a separate gym with a spacious terrace, and a guest suite.
Linda May and Brett Lauer with Carrollwood Estates handle the listing.
“The next fabulous owner of Castillo del Lago will have a true appreciation of the romantic architecture, ultra-privacy, and captivating history of our city,” May said in a statement.
“Buyers who live in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood and enclaves tend to seek classic nostalgic homes, especially those that come with sweeping views.”