‘Dynamite’ Singer Taio Cruz Lists Modern Beverly Hills Home to the Tune of $8.5 Million

While the swank recording studio in this newly listed home provides a hint to the identity of its current owner, you might not be all that familiar with the English musician peddling this contemporary Beverly Hills oasis. The somewhat reclusive fellow in question? Singer, songwriter, rapper and record producer Taio Cruz, who seems to have done pretty well for himself through the years as evidenced by this striking property now on the market for an eye-popping $8.5 million.

At $1,494 per square foot, that’s seemingly high for this particular section of the Beverly Hills Post Office area bordering Benedict Canyon, where the median list price is recorded at $7.17 million. Not to mention the fact that Cruz himself purchased the 1950s home for $4.05 million in 2012, although it is said to have undergone a major renovation in 1995 and has clearly been continuously upgraded since.

Largely off the radar since he had a couple of smash hits back in the 2009-2011 timeframe — including “Dynamite” and “Break Your Heart,” remember those? — the 35-year-old entertainer has a net worth of more than $12.5 million. And while he’s managed to live a life largely outside of the spotlight’s eye, he also has launched his own music label, and a clothing and accessory brand (with his obvious affinity for fashion readily apparent in the “to-die-for” master suite’s massive designer showroom closet).

Given the star’s proclivity toward privacy, it’s no surprise that the estate is secluded behind gates on a sprawling and wooded half-acre parcel of land resting at the end of a long and winding driveway, and it just so happens to have the latest in security and camera systems.

Once inside the floor-to-ceiling glass door entrance, more than 5,000 square feet of luxe, light-filled living space affords stunning canyon views. Among the first-floor highlights: a massive family room with soaring vaulted ceilings, a stone fireplace and walls of sliding glass doors that open seamlessly to an outdoor lounge area, along with a chic professional chef’s kitchen outfitted with a sizable marble-topped island and high-end appliances. A guest suite and office area occupies an entire wing by itself.

A glass stairwell overlooking a bamboo forest ascends to the opulent master retreat. Comprising the entire second floor, it includes a seating area, private balcony, walk-in closet to rival that of the finest department stores, and spa-inspired bath bedecked with reclaimed wood finishes, dual vanities, a relaxing soaking tub and rainforest-like shower.

And as for the amenities — think a plush media room/lounge (with a fully integrated sound system, course), massage room, mirrored gym and the aforementioned soundproof music studio that opens to the outdoors, plus a resort-style backyard hosting a highly inviting infinity pool and spa, and a stylish cabana.

Coco Shelburne of Keller Williams Beach Cities serves as the listing agent.