Back in 2016, hedge fund manager Todd Lemkin paid trailer park landlord Jeffrey A. Kaplan $27.6 million for what was once an elegant Paul Williams-designed mansion in the prime lower Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. Though the 1930s home had been less-than-stylishly modified by its former owner through the years, Lemkin and his wife Katie undertook an extensive renovation and expansion of the premises during their tenure.
Now the chief investment officer of Canyon Partners — one of L.A.’s largest hedge funds, with over $20 billion in assets — and his wife Kasey are hoisting the lavishly revamped estate back onto the open market, asking a whopping $65 million for the Bel Air Country Club-adjacent property. The listing is held by Drew Fenton and Linda May of Hilton & Hyland, and the all-white structure is found at the end of a gated driveway that spills into a circular motor court boasting a striking fountain as its focal point.
Once inside the 10-bedroom, 17-bath home, 19,000-plus square feet of living space displays classic European architecture mixed with stylish modern elements and custom furnishings, plus grand-scale rooms that open to outdoor decks and picturesque grounds. Among the copious amenities: a movie theater, wine cellar and not one but four kitchens, just to name a few.
Other highlights of the three-level residence include a family room and gourmet kitchen outfitted with high-end Viking, Sub-Zero and Bosch appliances, as well as a caterer’s kitchen — with both rooms lined with floor-to-ceiling pocket doors that open to terraces overlooking the golf course’s 16th green. Elsewhere in the house is a handsome wood-paneled office featuring audio-visual capabilities, and casual and formal dining rooms.
Armed with a cozy fireside sitting room, the swank upstairs master retreat comes complete with dual showroom-style closets and a luxe marble bath. Four additional bedroom suites and two staff/guest suites also can be found on this level. The lower level, meanwhile, includes a plush media/entertainment room, an expansive glass-encased wine cellar, an exercise room and access to a private guest/security suite.
Perhaps the most exquisite aspect of this massive property, though, are the lush manicured grounds. Spanning 1.2 acres, they include an infinity-edge pool, fire-pits, lounge areas, a putting green and numerous pocket gardens. There’s also a guesthouse with its own kitchen.
In addition to their Bel Air mansion, the Lemkins reportedly maintain a home in Aspen’s exclusive West End enclave that they paid nearly $23 million for in 2020.
