A luxurious property in the Hollywood Hills, which was previously owned by Madonna, is being put up for sale at a price of $21 million. The house, which dates back to the 1920s and is called Castillo del Lago, is located on a hillside just below the iconic Hollywood sign, as stated by Linda May and Brett Lawyer of Carolwood Estates, the agents handling the listing. Madonna acquired the property for approximately $5 million in 1993, but sold it in 1996, as documented in a memoir authored by her brother, Christopher Ciccone.

According to records, the current owner of the Spanish-style Holly woodland home is fashion designer Leon Max of Max Studio. Mr. Max, who was born in Russia, stated that he is selling the property as he plans to move to England for his child’s education. The house, which was designed by the renowned architect John DeLario, was among the first homes built in Hollywood land, a 1920s real estate development that became a neighborhood. It is considered a local landmark, having reportedly served as a gambling den operated by gangster Bugsy Siegel during the 1930s. Additionally, it was featured in the movie “Beverly Hills Cop” in 1984.

Madonna did not provide a response to the request for comment. However, according to Mr. Ciccone, who worked as an interior designer on the project, the pop star invested approximately $3 million on refurbishments and interior design for the property. This included painting the turrets and retaining walls with red stripes to create a resemblance to a church in Portofino. Mr. Ciccone also mentioned that with his sister’s approval, he flew to London and spent a considerable amount on furniture and fabrics, including 16 chairs designed in the William and Mary style. Additionally, a painting originally commissioned for the Palace of Versailles was hung in the living room.

According to records, Madonna sold the property to Joe Pytka, a commercial director, who later sold it to Mr. Max in 2010 for $7 million. Following the purchase, Mr. Max restored the turrets and retaining walls to their original weathered-white appearance. Additionally, he opened a breezeway to create a “minstrel’s gallery” overhanging the main inner courtyard and replanted the hanging gardens with climbing plants like fig ivy, wisteria, and jasmine.

this paraphrase According to the description, the nine-bedroom home, which is around 10,500 square feet, includes views of Lake Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles. It comprises two towers, one of which serves as the entrance and includes a striking spiral staircase and an old-fashioned elevator with wood paneling. In the main suite, there is a second tower with lounge furniture. Throughout the home, there is rich architectural detail including terracotta floors, coffered ceilings, vivid tilework and Moorish arched doors. The two-story living room has elaborate wood beams, and the central courtyard has a fountain and an outdoor fireplace. The house also boasts various terraces, a wine room, a media room, and an outdoor lap pool.

In 1979, Mr. Max established his initial Max Studio shop for women’s sportswear. He purchased a 550-acre estate in the English countryside for nearly £15 million in 2005.

During the fourth quarter, luxury single-family home sales in Los Angeles fell 51.9% compared to the same period in 2021, partially due to insufficient stock, as per real estate valuation firm Miller Samuel. During the quarter, the average sale price increased by 18.8% year over year.