A few years ago, Jesse Buss bought a $10 million contemporary mansion on the very same Brentwood street where superstar baller LeBron James holds residential court. At the time, the basketball scion — he’s the youngest of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss’s six children — was a single dad who had recently ended a long-term relationship. Fast forward to 2021, and the Lakers assistant GM has a new romantic partner, a new baby, and a new family-friendly residence situated in the mountains between Brentwood and Encino.
Records reveal Buss paid $5.9 million for a palatial Mediterranean-style estate in an exclusive but little-known gated community off Mulholland Drive. Built in 2001, the place is luxe but ripe for a more contemporary remodel. Nestled on 1.6 acres of land, the house offers a double front door topped by a decorative arched window and three smaller clerestory windows opening to a foyer. Accents include an elaborate staircase and enough space to house a grand piano, as evidenced in listing photos.
The home’s 6,800 square feet of mansion-sized living space are punctuated by soaring tray and wood-beamed ceilings, white oak hardwood flooring and arched doorways throughout. On the main level, the professional chef’s kitchen is largely white — sans for an oversized, gray-accented center island, high-end stainless-steel appliances and tile flooring — and it’s separated from a casual dining area by a walk-in bar with seating for at least six.
An adjacent family room sports a trio of French doors opening to the outdoors, while a formal dining room overlooks the lush grounds and a solarium-like living room with fireplace also opens to the backyard. Also, on this floor: an office space, and a cozy den with ebony-stained shelves flanking a fireplace.
Upstairs, an opulent master retreat boasts a separate seating area with fireplace and glass doors that open seamlessly to a spacious balcony dressed with an ornate wrought-iron railing. Back inside, the bedroom holds a spa-inspired bath as well, replete with a soaking tub and an adjacent shower, and dual vanities separated by a makeup area.
But the star of the real estate show are those lavish grounds, a big change from Buss’ former postage-stamp backyard, at .19 acres. A romantic trellised area is ideal for entertaining, with several patios, a barbecue and a bar, plus a tennis court. An infinity-edged pool stuns with views that spill out onto 100-plus acres of scenic hillside land rife with walking trails.
There’s also a three-car garage, not to mention hefty HOA dues that amount to $533 per month.
Aaron Kirman and Tay Hasselhoff of Compass served as the listing agents; Jennifer Beron of Compass repped Buss.