For those chosen few with $33 million to spare, this promontory estate makes a pretty good investment case for itself. Comprised of two adjacent parcels spanning 1.5 acres in what is arguably the most desirable neighborhood pocket of Beverly Hills, with spectacular views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline, the Pacific Ocean and everything in between, the land itself will draw wows from visitors.
Then there are the two side-by-side homes; combined, the structures span more than 10,000 square feet of living space. There’s a large contemporary mansion, built in 1999, with a backyard infinity pool. The smaller house is a circa-1951 Tudor that could probably use a decorative sprucing-up, though it’s also imbued with more great views and privacy. Both properties are owned by Jeff Skoll, who has a personal net worth approaching $6 billion, according to both Forbes and the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Skoll, 57, joined eBay in the mid-1990s and was the company’s first president, which brought the Canadian tech titan much of his billions. But today, the general public may know Skoll more for Participant, the L.A.-based film production and media firm he founded in 2004. Over the past 18 years, Participant (and Skoll, by extension) has produced and/or financed upwards of 100 films, including 2015’s “Spotlight” and 2018’s “Green Book,” both of which won Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
As for the real estate, it’s not yet clear why Skoll is selling his longtime L.A. home base. But the $33 million asking price is for both structures together; buyers may also opt to purchase either of the homes separately from the other. The contemporary estate carries a nearly $25 million price tag, while the humbler Tudor pile is asking a hair under $8 million. Skoll acquired the former property in early 2005, paying $11 million, and added the latter in 2014 for an additional outlay of $6 million.
Fred Bernstein and Ethan Peskowitz of Westside Estate Agency hold the listings.
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Image Credit: Redfin Built in ’99, the larger contemporary house spans about 7,500 square feet with five ensuite bedrooms.
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Image Credit: Redfin Towering palms and a sizable magnolia tree stand in the backyard, which boasts some of the best views in Beverly Hills.
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Image Credit: Redfin Inside, open-plan living spaces include dozens of recessed LED lights and a central great room with a wet bar, fireplace and multiple sitting areas.
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Image Credit: Redfin While it does have a distinctly late ’90s, early 2000s vibe to it, the kitchen is lavishly equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, plus beautiful custom stone and woodwork.
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Image Credit: Redfin The five-star primary bedroom suite is fit for a king — or a multibillionaire tech mogul — and comes equipped with a lounge area, built-in bookshelves and a massive fireplace. And those views, too, naturally.
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Image Credit: Redfin The primary suite also boasts dual bathrooms and closets.
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Image Credit: Redfin Other pandemic-necessitated amenities include a home gym, wine cellar and a wood-paneled study.
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Image Credit: Redfin Outside, there’s a built-in BBQ and multiple terraces for al fresco dining and entertaining.
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Image Credit: Redfin As aforementioned, Skoll acquired the smaller Tudor house next door to his main residence back in 2014, though it doesn’t appear he’s changed much — if anything — about the property in the seven years since.
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Image Credit: Redfin Although it seems likely that a buyer ponying up $8 million for the property will want to knock the 3,000-square-foot house down, the structure appears livable and includes an attached two-car garage.
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Image Credit: Redfin Inside, the gingerbread-esque place has hardwood floors inspersed with wall-to-wall carpeting. Hidden amid the rafters is a loft accessible only by a wooden ladder.
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Image Credit: Redfin