Stevie Wonder Just Snapped Up This $14 Million Bel Air Mansion From a Saudi Prince
Ooh, baby! Stevie Wonder has signed, sealed and delivered himself to “Higher Ground” in Bel Air, where records reveal he’s dropped nearly $14 million on an elephantine hillside mansion. With views over the rugged surrounding mountains and shadowy canyons, the Mediterranean-style house is located in Bel Air Crest, the exclusive guard-gated community where other current and former residents have included NBA star Anthony Davis, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.
Astute real estate watchers and Wonder fans may recall that the 71-year-old music icon is not new to the Bel Air Crest community. For the last several years, he and wife Tomeeka Bracy have been leasing another huge mansion in the same enclave—a house that happens to sit right next door to the main L.A. residence of one Gordon Ramsay. The Bracy-Wonders frequently stop by to sample their neighbor’s cooking, according to Ramsay himself.
More from Robb Report
Home of the Week: Inside a $295 Million Bel-Air Mega-Mansion With 21 Bedrooms and 30-Car Garage
James Bond's Long-Lost Aston Martin DB5 Has Finally Been Found After 25 Years
A Gang of Women Known as the 'Rolex Rippers' Is Stealing Watches From Rich Men in the UK
While Wonder’s newly purchased mansion is further away from Ramsay, it’s still within walking distance of a world-class meal. And with nearly 20,000 square feet of living space, it will certainly require enough walking to work up a healthy appetite. There are 11 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms, plus attached staff quarters and a 2,550-bottle wine cellar. Though the place was built in 2009, its yellowish-beige stucco exterior harks back to a distinctly ’90s, suburban sort of vintage.
In 2012, the massive home was sold for $13.3 million to HH Prince Mohammed bin Faisal bin Saud Al Saud, a son of Princess Etab bint Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a maternal grandson of Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, who was crown prince of Saudi Arabia from 2005-2011. His Highness bought the house as a single man, though in 2013 he married Princess Madawi bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The couple apparently didn’t spend much time in Bel Air—over the last few years, the giant house has been leased out, most recently at a princely monthly rate of $75,000, per listings.
Here’s a virtual spin through the Wonder-ful house, which is one of the largest and likely one of the most lavish homes in Bel Air Crest.
Zillow
Positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, the Tuscan-influenced house stands tall behind iron gates. There’s a front-facing three-car garage and additional driveway space for a couple more vehicles.
Zillow
Inside, the double front doors open into a hanger-sized foyer that soars two—or possibly three—stories tall, and it topped by skylights for a more ethereal vibe.
Zillow
Linestone flooring extends to the multiple lounge areas and sitting rooms. This living room is serviced by a mahogany wet bar.
Zillow
There’s also a formal dining room with two chandeliers and seating for 12.
Zillow
The library/executive office is also beige, though it additionally sports intricate wood paneling and lavish built-in bookcases.
Zillow
The family room, which offers a large fireplace.
Zillow
The oversized kitchen is capable of catering large events and features high-quality stainless appliances and an island with beige granite countertops.
Zillow
Numerous terraces and loggias offer shady space for dining and lounging.
Zillow
The wood-paneled interiors go for an antique, vaguely museum-like appearance.
Zillow
The primary bathroom features a central soaking tub — grandly raised with steps up, naturally — underneath a giant glass skylight.
Zillow
The master suite also has a private terrace with enough room for intimate dinner parties and views over undeveloped hills.
Zillow
For convenience, a wood-clad elevator services all of the home’s three levels.
Zillow
The infinity-edged pool features an inset spa. While the property spans more than a half-acre, the house takes up a substantial part of the lot. Still, there are plenty of grassy play areas and a park-like collection of beautifully mature trees.
Zillow
Emanouel Ourshano of Platinum Estates held the listing; Nick Segal and Rick Ojeda of Avenue 8 repped the buyer.
Zillow
In addition to his new Bel Air digs, Wonder’s sizable property portfolio still includes commercial property in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley, two houses in the Hollywood Hills and an estate in Alpine, New Jersey.
Best of Robb Report
Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
