Inside the US$21 million Hollywood Hills house Madonna once lived in

Pop icon Madonna’s former property is listing for US$21 million in the prime neighbourhood in Los Angeles

Most of us know Madonna as ‘the Queen of Pop,’ but there arguably remains more to the Material Girl singer than her chart-topping hit singles. Beyond her successful music career that has made her a fortune—her net worth is estimated to be around US$850 million as of 2020—the Hollywood icon boasts an impeccable real estate portfolio to her name.

Having owned luxury properties in the US and beyond in countries like England and Portugal, one of her most notable homes making waves is her former Castillo Del Lago house which was under her ownership from 1993 to 1996, located in the prime neighbourhood of Hollywood Hills and is currently listing on the market for US$21 million. According to a published memoir by her brother, Christopher Ciccone, Madonna reportedly bought the property for a selling price of around US$5 million.

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Above A relaxing private pool can be enjoyed by the homeowners

The historic Spanish colonial-style estate was first built in 1926 by architect John DeLario. Standing atop a beautiful ridgetop on Mulholland Highway, the private 10,513 sq ft estate remains one of the most significant Spanish estates ever built in southern California with its generous 130,680 sq ft plot and one-of-a-kind vantage points that take in 360-degree panoramas of Lake Hollywood, the famed Hollywood sign and exquisite views of downtown Los Angeles.

Since the time it was built, the prized nine-bedroom house has a long-standing history in pop culture. From being featured in the original film Beverly Hills Cop (1984), and having undergone numerous renovations, several illustrious homeowners have stayed in the spectacular Castillo del Lago home; this includes its most recent resident, fashion designer Leon Max of Max Studio.

Above A romantic central courtyard in the abode features a water fountain, greenery and an outdoor fireplace

“I had known about Castillo del Lago for many years as it is a beautiful landmark property... Positioned on top of a hill, the house takes advantage of the iconic views of all Los Angeles landmarks and yet it feels like one is somewhere in Southern Europe,” shares the fashion designer Leon Max on what first attracted him to purchasing the unique property.

The abode is as grand as it gets, and its most recent renovation has built upon the work of the late Italian interior designer, Lorenzo Mongiardino. This includes a majestic entrance foyer that showcases rich architectural details that pay homage to the Spanish style and a spiral staircase that provides access to the multiple levels of the house.

Made for entertaining guests, a two-storey living room is designed with ornate stenciled wood beam ceilings, a charming fireplace, period-style artwork, and rows of French doors that open to the terrace and overlook stunning lakeside views. Beyond the living room, the house also boasts a handsome formal dining room, breakfast room, and a central courtyard; the latter features towering palms, a fountain, and an outdoor fireplace.

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Photo 1 of 5 The living space becomes a great place to entertain with its high ceilings, fireplace and renaissance style furnishings

Photo 2 of 5 The grand foyer features ornate exposed wood beamed ceilings and curved Spanish archways

Photo 3 of 5 A classic American-style library is fully furnished with wooden panels and cabinetry

Photo 4 of 5 A romantic central courtyard in the abode features a water fountain, greenery and an outdoor fireplace

Photo 5 of 5 A spacious breakfast room overlooks a view of the backyard

With lush and sprawling grounds, the expansive property offers luxurious sought-after amenities such as a lap pool, fountains, expansive surrounding lawns, a generous motor court, two-car garage, and a beautiful rose garden with sculpted hedges, citrus, and mature specimen trees. There are also several places throughout the home that homeowners can enjoy such as the entertainment room, home office, refrigerated wine room, kitchen, and gym.

The landmark home is made special with its charming nine bedrooms that each feature ensuite bathrooms. This includes the romantic and timeless primary wing that is positioned in the tower and features the master bedroom, mediative sitting areas, indulgent tiled double baths crafted with beautiful tiles and lounge seating where homeowners can take in the stunning views from a bird’s eye angle.