Open House: Holmby Hills Edition

Touring The Fleur de Lys Mansion 

The Fleur de Lys (Source: Variety)

Today, we're going to be exploring the Los Angeles suburb of Holmby Hills! Holmby Hills is part of what is called the "Platinum Triangle." The Platinum Triangle consists of three adjacent neighborhoods- Beverly Hills, Bel Air and Holmby Hills. These three neighborhoods are arguably where the largest concentration of wealthy people reside within Los Angeles. Holmby Hills is known not only for its mega-mansions but also for its famous residents. The home which we'll be touring today set a nationwide sales record-the Fleur de Lys sold for $102 million in 2014 and the buyer paid cash!

The Fleur de Lys has a very scandalous back story! The mansion was originally owned and commissioned by David and Suzanne Saperstein in 1996. David accumulated his wealth by founding Metro Networks, a broadcast outsourcing company. David and Suzanne wanted to make their "humble abode" the most beautiful home in Los Angeles. To do this, they sought out architect Richardson Robertson III and asked him to essentially rebuild the palace of Versailles. The Sapersteins spared no expense when it came to building their home. The couple took countless trips to France to get some inspiration, purchase specific types of building materials, and even bid against museums at auctions for pieces of art and furniture. The house was completed in 2002 and 18 months later the Sapersteins divorced. For now, that's enough about the previous owners-let's talk real estate!

The Fleur de Lys is on a 4.18 acre lot and contains:

• 12 bedrooms/15 bathrooms
• a formal ballroom that fits 200 people
• a library
• multiple kitchens
• staff quarters for 10
• a nine car garage
• 3/4 quarter mile jogging track
• formal dining room
• 50 person screening room

This house has everything you could possibly ever dream of and will make you feel as though you are a part of the lineage of the French monarchy.

Here is a special segment done by HGTV on the home:

In addition, here are some of my favorite parts of the home:

What a way to wow your guests! (via Southeby's)

We begin at the entrance of the home which is located on Carolwood Drive. The home's exterior was made out of imported limestone. The handpicked French limestone "encloses on a massive steel frame, set on rollers in the foundation, to safeguard the structure in an earthquake" (Curbed LA). 

Courtesy of Curbed LA

This pool is perfect for entertaining and having guests over! I'm sure Ms. Saperstein was celebrating here when she was granted ownership of the home and all of its contents after the divorce!

Courtesy of Daily Mail UK

This is the famous ballroom where Ms. Saperstein was known to host guests and throw extravagant parties. She was even rumored to throw a Marie-Antoinette party, what a fitting theme! 

I hope you've enjoyed your tour with me-happy house hunting!