As she embarks on the U.S. Open, Sloane Stephens is also only just wrapping up a whirlwind real estate tour in Los Angeles. The former World No. 3 — she’s perennially one of the biggest earners in tennis, thanks to lucrative endorsements from the likes of Nike, Under Armour, Rolex and Mercedes-Benz, to name a few — has bought, sold and/or rented out at least four Southern California properties over the past couple of years.
Last summer, Stephens sold a $1.3 million Sherman Oaks bungalow and simultaneously bought a $2.2 million modern farmhouse build in Studio City. She also continues to own a $2.4 million home in the family-oriented Little Holmby neighborhood, which has previously popped up for rent at $11,500 per month. And in her most recent transaction, the 28-year-old has laid out a hefty $6.9 million for a notably large estate in the best pocket of Sherman Oaks.
Weighing in with nearly 2.3 acres of land, Stephens’ new compound is one of the largest properties in the surrounding area. The main house, a single-story classic California ranch type of affair, sits behind gates on a high knoll above the street. There are six bedrooms and six full bathrooms in 8,600 square feet, plus a wee poolhouse out back.
The house was sold by cult classic TV series creator Josh Schwartz (“The O.C.,” “Gossip Girl”), who bought the place barely a year ago for $8.1 million. At the time, the freshly renovated property was essentially all-new and upgraded with a basement-level movie theater, recessed LED lighting and white oak flooring, in addition to other high-end amenities. But Schwartz wanted to make some renovations of his own, and so he hired famed L.A. architect Barbara Bestor to complete a “studs-out remodel” of the property. Contracts were signed, plans were drawn up, and construction work began before Schwartz ultimately pulled the plug on the project, dumping the house at a $1.2+ million loss to Stephens.
It’s not yet clear whether Stephens plans to continue with the Bestor project or whether she’ll hire a different architect and design team, but the sizable estate is certainly ready for her custom signature. Jeff Yarbrough of Keller Williams held the listing; Jade Mills of Coldwell Banker repped the buyer.