Los Angeles, CA - Lebron James pays a whopping $36.8 million for Katharine Hepburn’s former Beverly Hills compound. Basketball star LeBron has closed on his $36.8 million residential upgrade in the 90210, a multi-structure compound packing fantastic views and a storied, only-in-Hollywood pedigree. Built in the 1930s, the colorful Mediterranean-esque villa was owned for years by Charles Boyer, an Oscar-nominated leading man actor of that era. In the late ’40s, Boyer and RKO Pictures, one of the big five Hollywood studios at that time, terminated the actor’s contract. As part of an unusual settlement negotiation, the studio agreed to buy out Boyer’s interest in his 2.5-acre estate; because RKO was owned at that time by Howard Hughes, the reclusive billionaire became the technical owner of the Boyer residence, though he never lived there. Instead, Hughes leased the palatial property to his ex-flame and longtime confidante Katharine Hepburn, who occupied the mansion during the height of her career. At some point after Hepburn moved out, the property fell into the hands of non-famous owners, where it remained until 1986, when soap opera pioneer Lee Phillip Bell bought it for $2.9 million. Lee Bell resided at the property until her death this past March. Back in June, the estate landed on the market for the first time in decades with a $39 million asking price — the $36.8 million James paid represents a 6% discount. Secured by a celebrity-worthy collection of cameras and one of L.A.’s most massive driveway gates in existence, the compound is accessed via a epic long brick driveway flanked on either side by mature cypresses. The lavish interiors include a sunlight-flooded living room with a vaulted ceiling and exposed ceiling beams, an ethereal dining room set beneath a huge skylight — perfect for gazing up at the heavens while enjoying a chef-catered meal — and a carpeted library with built-in bookcases for real books. The cozy movie theater includes a fireplace for sophisticated ambience, one of seven in the main mansion. Elsewhere on the property are two detached guesthouses, multiple al fresco dining and entertaining areas, and a lighted tennis court with viewing pavilion. The oval swimming pool adjoins a pool house and is watched over by a giant gold Buddha. James also continues to own two separate mansions in LA’s posh Brentwood neighbourhood.
*BACKGRID DOES NOT CLAIM ANY COPYRIGHT OR LICENSE IN THE ATTACHED MATERIAL. ANY DOWNLOADING FEES CHARGED BY BACKGR
BACKGRID UK 30 SEPTEMBER 2020,Image: 560847844, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: RIGHTS: WORLDWIDE EXCEPT IN UNITED STATES, Model Release: no
