In a notable move within Santa Barbara’s luxury property market, Robert Friedland, the billionaire mining mogul and chairman of Ivanhoe Mines, has acquired a Montecito compound for US$32 million from celebrities Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi.
This purchase follows Friedland’s recent acquisition of an oceanfront estate in Carpinteria for about US$47 million, underscoring his significant impact on the region’s high-end real estate sector, according to the Robb Report.
The property, located merely four miles northwest of Friedland’s Carpinteria residence, does not boast an oceanfront view but still commands a significant price.
Although the sale price fell short of DeGeneres’s initial US$46.5 million asking price, it marks a nearly US$10 million increase from what the renowned talk show host paid less than a year ago.
DeGeneres is known for her ability to transform properties into luxurious retreats, and this estate is no exception.
After a comprehensive makeover, the property now epitomizes minimalist elegance and tranquility.
Dubbed Pompeiian Court, the estate was completed in 1919 and spans 8 acres of meticulously maintained grounds, hidden from the public eye by a large iron gate and a long driveway.
The estate is celebrated for its classic Roman courtyard design, featuring a single-story main house and four additional buildings, including guesthouses, a poolside cabana, and an art studio.
The property’s extensive grounds are adorned with formal gardens, ancient oaks, eucalyptus trees, Italian cypresses, and even a chardonnay vineyard, offering a serene and private retreat.
Friedland’s impressive portfolio also includes properties in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Singapore, and Thailand, showcasing his penchant for luxurious real estate.
Meanwhile, DeGeneres and de Rossi continue to hold several properties in the Santa Barbara area, demonstrating their ongoing interest in the region’s real estate market.
This recent transaction not only highlights the dynamism of Santa Barbara’s luxury property scene but also underscores the enduring appeal of meticulously curated estates among high-profile individuals.
