Abandoned celebrity mansions: the deserted homes of the rich and famous (2024)

Keller Williams Realty

Left eerily vacant for years, these former celebrity homeshavefascinatingtales to tell. Once the luxury retreats of the rich and famous, an extraordinary series of events lead each one to be abandoned including reports ofcorruption, protracted legal battles and even an allegedcult takeover.

Click or scroll toreveal thestories behind these abandoned celebrity houses, including Bruce Lee's last family home,Boris Becker's squatted villa and Prince Andrew's dilapidatedestate that was once a gift from the Queen...

Virgil Adams Real Estate

Courtney Loveput her grungy three-bedroom, two-bathroom country retreat in Olympia, Washington stateon the market in 2018 with Virgil Adams Real Estate for £256,000 ($320k).

According to aVarietyreport, the seven-acre property had been unoccupied for years and was in a state of extreme disrepair at the time of sale.

Michael Loccisano / Getty Images

Virgil Adams Real Estate

Virgil Adams Real Estate

Virgil Adams Real Estate

Virgil Adams Real Estate

While the former rock star's homewas decrepit, to say the least, the guest cottage was in the worst state, having succumbed to fire damage some time ago.

Fortunately, a buyer was found and an offer was made in August 2018. Now off the market, the estate appears to have been sold at long last and is no doubt in the midst of a major refurb.

Georg Berres / Facebook

Flush with cash at the time, Boris Becker bought the idyllic Finca de Son Coll on the Spanish island of Mallorca in 1997. The German tennis ace purchased the property for a reported £478,000 ($598k)and proceeded to spend a fortune on it, adding a pool with a Moroccan-style pool house, a guesthouse, a basketball courtand more.

But thedream homesoon turned into a nightmare…

Andreas Rentz / Getty Images

Georg Berres / Facebook

The Grand Slam singles champion struggled to afford the upkeep. In 2011, Becker was sued by his gardener who was owed £283,000 ($354k).

As ordered by the Spanish court, the property was confiscated until the outstanding bill was paid. It was confiscated again in 2014 when Becker failed to settle an invoice for building work.

Georg Berres / Facebook

Becker eventually paid the invoice and recouped the property, only to lose it for good following his bankruptcy in 2017. The finca passed to the administrators but was commandeered by German ex-pat Georg Berresand members of the so-calledIntergalactic Auxiliary and Rescue Command.

While living there, Berres documented the state of the once-beautiful home. It had clearly been abandoned midway through building works, with piles of furniture left in the overgrown garden and the interior stripped almost bare.

Georg Berres / Facebook

In October 2019, a local court ruled against the squatters and ordered them to leave, with the crewremoved by police in January 2020. Now crumbling and decidedly grubby, the decadent abandoned mansionfaces an uncertain future.

Becker may have had the law on his side when it came to squatters, but according toThe Guardian, he was jailed for two and a half years in April 2022 for hiding millions of poundsof assets following his bankruptcy – including his share in a £1 million ($1.2m) property in Germany. The former tennis star served just eight months of his sentence and was released from prison in December 2022 and deported from the UK.

David Cooper / Alamy Stock Photo

Despite Prince Andrew's many high-profile troubles, it's said he was thelate Queen's favourite child. In fact, in1986,she gifted her now-disgraced son and his wife, Sarah, duch*ess of York, a 665-acre parcel of land on the Sunninghill Park Estate in Berkshire following their wedding that same year.

Completed in 1990, thisproperty was dubbed 'Southyork' and the 'Dallas Palace' due to its uncanny resemblance to the ranch house in the 1980s TV show of the same name. Other commentators likened it to an out-of-town Tesco supermarket.

Tony Harris / PA Archive / Getty Images

A 12-bedroom mansion was designed featuring grand reception rooms, stables and a swimming pool, and construction work began on the site in 1987.

Far from a stately home, this was to be a modern mansion with all the mod cons toaccommodate their growing family in style. Princess Beatrice, who is currently ninth in the line of succession, was born in August 1988and was two years old when they moved into the sprawling house.Her sister, Eugenie, who is eleventh in line to the throne, arrived in March 1990. Sunningdale was the only home she knew until she was 16 years old.

Tim Graham Photo Library / Getty Images

Andrew and Fergie divorced in 1996, yet the duo continued to live under the same roof with their two daughters. Following the Queen Mother's passing in 2002, the Duke decamped to the Royal Lodge in Windsor, her former residence, and Sunninghill Park was put on the market. The duch*ess and their daughters followed in 2006, leaving the property vacant.

The Dukeis said to have remortgaged the park to cover the cost of renovating the Royal Lodge. A peek inside the mansion in 2008, just two years after Fergie and the two young princesses moved out, gives us an idea of the grandeur in which they lived. Let's take a look...

David Cooper / Alamy Stock Photo

In this formal reception room, an elegant carved marble fireplace is flanked by two enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, swathed in reams of gold-tasselled brocade.

The chevron wood flooring would look at home in a ballroom, which this room could very well have been.At the very least, it must have been a room in which the couple entertained important guests.

David Cooper / Alamy Stock Photo

The library may have been Prince Andrew's private office or study, judging by the rather masculine design choices of olive green walls, burgundy carpets and heavily carved wood fire surround. The books left behind on the shelves look brand new and include classics such as Hard Times by Charles Dickens, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo and Ian Fleming's Bond classic You Only Live Twice.

Over the years, the empty house fell into disrepair, so it came as a surprise when it sold in 2007 for £15 million ($18.8m), £3 million ($3.8m) over the asking price and £24million ($30m)today, in a deal viewed by some as suspect.The rumoured buyer was Kazakhstani investor Kenes Rakishev, at a time when Prince Andrew represented British business in Kazakhstan.

Sunninghill Park / Facebook

The ultimate owner was later revealed to be billionaire oligarchTimur Kulibayev, son-in-law of long-time Kazakh leader and Putin ally, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Despite the former president reportedly running a totalitarian state, Prince Andrew is known to have gone goose hunting with him.

Despite having an owner, by2009Sunninghill Parklayabandoned. In December 2013, planning permission was granted to replace the rundown royal residence with a sprawling manor,but demolition work didn't begin until 2015. A far cry from the British royal family's grand private homes, the eyesore was eventually reduced to rubble in 2016. Ashiny new mansion has taken shape in its place.

Hilton & Hyland

You may already be aware of Mohamed Hadid’sdoomed mega-mansion, since the colossal spread has been in and out of the news for over the lastdecade. Owned by the multimillionaire real estate developer,the extensive estate could – at one time – be found on ahillside plot in Bel Air, Los Angeles.

Since construction began in 2011, Hadid has been locked in a fierce legal battle with the Los Angeles authorities. The rather ambitious self-build project has caused plenty of controversy due to its scale and location.

Daniele Venturelli / Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival

Hilton & Hyland

Hadid apparently intended to build a 14,000-square-foot mansion on the lot, but by 2014 the property had grown significantly in size, without the necessary permits from the city of Los Angeles.Pictured here by Billionaire Drone, the local authorities discovered that Hadid's new home covered 30,000 square feet across sevenfloors.

They immediately revoked the developer's building permits, which should have drawn any construction work to a close. Yet Hadidcarried on regardless, adding a third floor and pool deck, all without a license. The LAauthorities decided to take action and Hadid was sentenced to 200 hours of community service for illegal construction.

Billionaire Drone / YouTube

Then, in 2018, Hadid's neighbours, who dubbed the huge manse 'Starship Enterprise', rallied together and, according to theLA Times,brought a lawsuitagainst him over fears the hillside home was on the brink of collapse.

After a lengthylegal battle, the developer lost his case in June 2020 when, as reported by theDaily Mail, theSupreme Court ofCaliforniadeclared the property,pictured here byBillionaire Drone, a 'clear and present danger'.

The Hollywood Fix / YouTube

Captured here byThe Hollywood Fix, the property sat unfinished and abandoned for 10 years, and after a failed attempt to stop the destruction by declaring bankruptcy, the unbelievably expensive abandoned mansion hit the real estate market in January 2021, for£6.8 million ($8.5m) which is a huge loss, considering the real estate tycoon hoped to sell it for £80 million ($100m).

Labelled only as a development opportunity, theHilton & Hylandlisting stated that the current structure would be demolished following the closure of escrow, at no additional cost. After failing to find a buyer, the price was lowered to £4.4 million ($5.5m), before it was auctioned off for £4 million ($5m) by Premier Estates Auction Co. The dilapidated manse was purchased in December 2021 by Sahara Construction, according to theLA Times.

Barry King / Alamy Stock Photo

Demolition of the property finally started in March 2022, and because of the property's hilltop locationoverlooking other homes, the property has been carefully dismantled.

It's now been totally razed to the ground, according to the most recent reports by theDaily Mail. This will likely be a big relief for neighbours – Hadid’s own architect reportedly feared the building would ‘slide down the hill and kill someone’. By 2023 Hadid had settled with his neighboursstating: "I've moved on with my life — that's all behind me now."

Des Blenkinsopp / Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Destined to become the UK home of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, the Elizabethan manor in Oxfordshire known as Hook End was built in 1580 for the Bishop of Reading.

Over the years, the 11-bedroom mansion haspassed through theproperty portfolios of therich and famous, from Selfridges' owner Sir Charles Clore to Alvin Lee, lead singer of the band Ten Years After, who purportedly snapped up the house in 1972 and built a recording studio in the barn.

Andy MacLarty / Wikimedia Commons [CC BY 2.0]

DavidGilmour bought the property in 1980 and several of his band's albums were recorded in the studio. He sold up in 1986 and Hook End eventually passed to record producer Trevor Horn, who transformed the property into a luxe recording venue.

An impressive line-up of musicians cut singles and LPs there, including Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Rod Stewart, the Manic Street Preachers, Seal, and the Smiths.

Trevor Bishenden / TrevBish Photography

Trevor Bishenden / TrevBish Photography

Tragedy struck the historic homein 2006, when Trevor Horn's wife, Jill Sinclair, wasaccidentally injured by their son, Aaron, who was practising with his air rifle, unaware his mother was nearby.

Sinclair never fully recovered. Horn decided to sell up following the accidentand the property was bought by producer Mark White in 2009 for £13.6 million ($17m).

Trevor Bishenden / TrevBish Photography

Trevor Bishenden / TrevBish Photography

Robert Mora / Getty Images

Built in 1925 and subsequently redesigned by noted Hollywood Regency architect, John Elgin Woolf, this Spanish Revival mansion in LA's Beverly Hills was purchased in the mid-1950s by Oscar-winning director Vincente Minnelli, following his divorce from Judy Garland.

During her childhood, the former couple's daughter, Liza, spent much of her time at the house.

Mike Flokis / WireImage / Getty Images

Minnelli and Garland married in June 1945 and, less than a year later in March 1946, they welcomed Liza into the world. Unfortunately, the couple's marriage quickly fell apart. Minnelli's star was rising and he would go on to win the Best Director Oscar for his filmGigiin 1958.

However, Garland's career was going in the opposite direction. She was fired after 15 years at MGM and her mental health took a turn for the worst. The pair divorced in 1951.

Robert Mora / Getty Images

The post-split home on Crescent Drive was lavishly decorated by Vincente Minnelli, with numerous chandeliers and opulent fabrics and furnishings.

When the famed director passed away in 1986 at the age of 83,the house was left toLiza, now a big-time Hollywood star in her own right,on one condition…

Robert Mora / Getty Images

While Liza was granted ownership, Mr Minnelli instructed that his fourth wife, Lee, should be permitted to live in the house as long as she desired.

The arrangement worked out fine until 2000 when Liza decided to sell the property. Lee was offered acondo but turned it down and resolutely stayed put, even whenthe house was sold in 2002.

Robert Mora / Getty Images

Adamthewoo / YouTube

Lee died there in 2009 butthe home was seemingly leftto languish and decay, attracting urban explorer Adam The Woo there in 2014.Inpicturescaptured on his YouTube channel, thedilapidatedhomewasn't looking its best. Holes peppered the ceilings, the wallpaper was peeling awayand shabby furniture and debris were scattered on the floors.

Sadly, the home appears to be abandoned to this day.

dpa picture alliance archive / Alamy Stock Photo

Carl de Souza / AFP / Getty Images

dpa picture alliance archive / Alamy Stock Photo

The singerhad two railways and a station built to complement the six-bedroom Tudor-style mansion that came with the property and installed a petting zoo and numerous amusem*nt rides.

Neverland had everything from a Ferris wheel and pirate ship ride to a carousel and bumper cars.

dpa picture alliance archive / Alamy Stock Photo

dpa picture alliance archive / Alamy Stock Photo

Neverland was ransacked by police when allegations came to light and the singer was charged with child abuse in 2003. Jackson was eventually cleared of all charges, though 2019's harrowingLeaving Neverlanddocumentary has raised fresh allegations.

Drowning in debt, the disgraced singerstruggled to hold on to the property and Neverland Ranch was shut down in 2006.

Suzanne Perkins / Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

After Jackson defaulted on the ranch's mortgage, investment firm Colony Capital bought a majority stake in Neverland in 2008 for £18 million ($22.5m).

Following Jackson's passingin 2009, the property fell into disrepair. It’s clear that Neverland is deemed toxic real estate because the controversial home has been put up for sale several times over the past few years but has proved, unsurprisingly, impossible to sell.

Johnny Joo Photography

Mike Tyson snapped up this glitzy confiscated mansion in Southington, Ohioat a sheriff's sale in 1989 for the bargain price of £240,000 ($300k).

The 25,000-square-foot pad was built in 1979 by local politician Ted Vannelli, who was later jailed on corruption charges. Capturedby photographer,Johnny Joo, these images were featured on theArchitectural Afterlifewebsite.

Phillip Faraone / Getty Images

Johnny Joo Photography

Johnny Joo Photography

Up to his eyeballs in debt thanks to his spendthrift lifestyle, the ex-con sold the property in 1999 to infomercial tycoon Paul Monea for £1 million ($1.3m), making a tidy profit on the transaction.

Like the former owners of the property, Monea also ended up in the clanger – he was jailed in 2007 for money laundering.

Johnny Joo Photography

Johnny Joo Photography

Many of the fixtures and fittings were removed but some, including Tyson's bathtub, reportedly worth £1.6 million ($2m), remained untouched. Hemelgarn never lived at the mansion but did manage to restore part of the property.

The estate was passed on in 2014 to the Living Word Sanctuary Church and now serves as the religious community's base and principal place of worship. Much like these abandoned stately homes, we're sure this pad harbours plenty of secrets...

Keller Williams Realty

During the early noughties, you couldn't turn on the radio without hearing Nelly's huge hits 'Dilema' and 'Hot In Here'. The rapper is still thought to be wortharound $70 million(£55.2m).

Back in 2002, during the height of his fame, the star bought this lavish Tuscan-style mansion in St. Louis, Missouri for an estimated £1.6 million ($2m).

Paul Archuleta / Getty Images

Reports suggest that Nelly never actually wanted to live in the house. Instead, he purchased it with the intention of flipping it, much like some otherwell-known celebrity house developers. But for some unknown reason, the 10,799-square-foot mansion has remained emptyfor the past two decades.

Though it's unclear why the'Ride Wit Me' singer ditched his makeover plans, the house is likely to be expensive to restore. Sitting on a prominent 12-acre plot, the home benefits from fantastic landscape views from almost every room.

Keller Williams Realty

Keller Williams Realty

Keller Williams Realty

Outside, the huge garden offers an abandoned basketball court and pool, as well as woodland trails that wind down towards the Meramec River valley.

It wasreportedin June 2022 that the house had been bought by theKingdom of God Global Church, based in St. Louis. Headed up by the controversial leader David E. Taylor, who once claimed he could bring people back to life, the church has allegedly bought up a number of statement properties in the last couple of years.

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Nearly two years later and it seems that not much has happened to the house since it was sold. A report in February 2024 by St Louis-based Riverfront Times said that the house is still empty, according toa YouTuberwho had visited the property. Who knows whether this long-abandoned suburban mansion will ever be brought back to its former glory...

Stanley Bielecki Movie Collection / Getty Images

Widely consideredthe most influential martial artist of all time, Bruce Lee had already carved out a moderately successfulHollywood careerwhen he moved back to Hong Kong in 1971. But, tired of being offered theusual supporting roles and typecast TV characters, he had big plans to make his own kung-fu movies.

Bruce and his wife Linda Lee Cadwelllived in a two-storey townhouse in one of the most expensive residential districts with their two children Brandon and Shannon. In the short time that they lived there, Leemade a series of films in quick succession that would guarantee his cinematic legacy:Fists of FuryandEnter the Dragon, the latter of which was released in Hong Kong just six days after his death.

MIKE CLARKE/AFP / Getty Images

The home on Cumberland Road, affectionately known as 'The Crane's Nest', was in Kowloon Tong an exclusive neighbourhood of mansions on streets with distinctively English-sounding names.

When Bruce Lee died in 1973 at the age of 32, his Hong Kong home (seen here in 2009) was quickly purchased by Chinese philanthropist Yu Pang-lin in 1974. After some years itwas converted into a "love hotel" where rooms could be rented by the hour.

MIKE CLARKE/AFP / Getty Images

Pang-lin later said he was planningto sell the property to raise funds for victims of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, according toThe South China Morning Post.However, Lee's fans wanted to see the home preserved in Lee's honour but Pang-lin's request to turn it into a museum was rejected by the government.

Pang-lin died in 2015, leavingthe mansion and his entire estate to charity.In 2019, theSouth China Morning Postreported that it was going to beconverted to a Chinese studies centre, butfaced too many structural problems by this point. Maintaining it was almost impossible.

MIKE CLARKE/AFP via Getty Images

@Illsight / YouTube

In 2017, the urban explorer known as Illsight gained access to the abandoned buildingand found, to his surprise, that the power and water were on and working and that the property was largely untouched.

It was said that certain original elements were to be preserved in the planned Chinese studies centre including four window frames and the colourful 3D mosaicmade by Lee that once adorned the wall.However,the original house was demolished in September 2019.

@Illsight / YouTube

In the video, he discovers a lot of bedrooms and bathrooms, as you would expect from a hotel, plus a working kitchen with chopsticks, a wok, cleaning products and even cooking oil still on the shelves.

Today an expensive private residence sits on the plot which is worth a fortune in Hong Kong's searing property market. Sadly, a unique piece of Bruce Lee's life and historyhas been lost forever.

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