Sneak A Peek Inside Oprah Winfrey’s $90 Million Montecito Home
With a net worth of $3.1 billion, Oprah Winfrey's television career earned her enough to buy several homes. Even so, Oprah doesn't open up about her home life often. She only reveals her exquisite interior design skills once in a blue moon.
If you haven't seen her Montecito home--which cost close to $90 million--you're in for a treat. The house wasn't even for sale, but Oprah managed to buy it and transform the property into something spectacular. Take a peek!
Love At First Sight
Oprah Winfrey bought the $90 million Montecito mansion in June 2001. According to SF Gate, the home was originally owned by Robert and Marlene Veloz. The couple was renovating the house to host fund-raisers there. But their plans changed after Oprah visited that April.
Reportedly, Oprah encountered the house while snapping pictures for her magazine, O. Although the home was not for sale, Orpah made an offer that was an absolute steal for the Veloz family.
A Price That Broke Records
As reported by SF Gate, Oprah offered the Velozes an estimated $50 million for the estate. Compare that to the $14 million that the Velozes paid for it in 1998, and you have a done deal. Allegedly, the Velozes had thought that they didn't need such a big home anyway.
When Oprah bought the house, Corinna Gordon Interior Design of Montecito had already spent three years on the design. The pool, patio, and tennis court were still under construction.
Beginning Renovations
The unfinished parts of the home didn't faze Oprah Winfrey. At the time, she was 47 years old and had earned a net worth of $800 million, according to Forbes. She had plenty of money to renovate the home to her satisfaction.
At the time, some sources reported that Oprah planned to build a new garage and convert the old one to a media room. However, not much information surfaced afterward until a 2013 issue of O. In this photo, Oprah is seen with Marlene Veloz, the former homeowner.
What Makes The House Special?
So what was so eye-catching about this home? For one thing, it has an interesting history. Before the Velozes bought the house, it was owned by John B.F. Bacon, the grandson of the owner of the Libbey-Owens Ford Company, John Baptiste Ford. The Bacons built the home in 1957.
The Bacons built a ranch house next to a guest house that had been there since 1912. The 8,000-square-foot property and 6,000 square-foot guest house sat on 42 acres. Oprah would soon expand the ranch house into what you see pictured here.
Expanding Her Property
After Oprah purchased the Montecito property, it remained at 42 acres for 15 years. In December 2016, she bought an extension to the property. Oprah paid $28.85 million for a neighboring equestrian estate, according to Variety.
The 23.26-acre horse ranch featured a single-story home with four bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms. It also provides horse stables, a caretaker's cabin, and an avocado orchard. With this added property, Oprah potentially had more to renovate but also more privacy.
The Promised Land
Oprah called her property the Promised Land, named after the land that God gave Adam in the Old Testament. Her main home is a 23,000-square-foot mansion in the Neo-Georgian style. It contains six bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, a library, theater, and ten fireplaces.
The property also has a fruit orchard, equestrian ring, and luxurious garden. Oprah has called this garden her "sanctuary." However, she has never demonstrated an interest in training horses in her equestrian ring.
The Property As Seen From High Above
To get to Oprah's house, you'd have to drive up a long, private driveway. This aerial view shows the home surrounded by lush lawns and pine, eucalyptus, ad oak trees.
"I live in a very beautiful space that I created," Oprah told Vogue. "Every time I leave home and I'm driving out the back with the pond and the ducks, and I'm looking at the grass, and I see the house on the hill."
The First Thing That Visitors See When They Enter
If you were to walk into Oprah's Montecito home, this is the first thing you would see. The entrance hall includes antique tables that display Oprah's personal photos. A custard-colored staircase spirals to the upper floors.
For anyone who likes this layout, Oprah has bad news. In 2013, she suggested that she was planning to remodel the entrance hall. If she has redone it, she hasn't posted any updated photos. Time will tell if she kept the creamy yellow staircase.
An Elegant Dining Room
Compared to the rest of her house, Oprah's dining room appears small. But Oprah actually believes that it is too big. In O, Oprah said that she wanted "dinners to reflect my heart and spirit." She also wants a space to be homey enough for "people to feel free to ask for seconds!"
Few people know if Oprah has renovated the dining room since 2013. From what we can see now, the dining table seats up to ten people and holds two dramatic candelabras.
Cooking With Oprah
Oprah enjoys several different design styles, and her kitchen is an example of this. Unlike other rooms, the kitchen has a rustic style with chicken statues and gentle, wood-colored walls. The wall behind the stove brings in some Tuscan elements.
Although Oprah revealed that she would remodel the kitchen, she won't change all of it. Since she likes being in the kitchen with her guests, she wants to remove the pizza oven and fireplace. "Everything else is staying put," she said.
A Closet That Many Would Dream About
This is only a portion of Oprah's massive Montecito closet. If you've ever wondered how many outfits she has, now you know. Shelves upon shelves of shoes, cardigans, shirts, and purses create no shortage of fashionable options to wear.
Like the rest of her home, Oprah shows off her design and organization skills here. Her shoes and clothing are mainly color-coded. Oak shelves are bathed in a warm light that makes it feel like a studio. And of course, there's a TV for entertainment.
Orpah's Preferred Bathtub
During a 1998 interview with Vogue, Oprah expressed how she spend much time looking for the best quality bathtub. "I majored in bathtubs," she joked. So it's no surprise that her tub at Montecito is luxurious.
Oprah mentioned that her love of bathrooms came from childhood when she had to clean her family's single bathtub. Her Montecito bathroom includes a huge circular bathtub and a roomy shower with a seat. And that view of the Santa Ynez mountains is to die for!
A Purple Princess Room
Purple has long been symbolic of royalty. But instead of giving herself the purple luxury room, Oprah gave it to her guests. The guest room features floral curtains and chairs, with some plaid ottomans for a design pop.
The room includes a fireplace, one of ten throughout Oprah's home. Even the flower bouquets match the carefully crafted color scheme. A brass chandelier matches the mirror on the wall. Plus, guests can enter the garden through those doors.
A Couch Never Used
Here's a chic couch against a wall, likely sitting across from a bedroom (although Oprah doesn't clarify where it is). That white couch looks comfortable, doesn't it? Believe it or not, Oprah has never sat in it!
On her website, Oprah explained that the fabric was too lovely even to sit. "I can honestly tell you: Not once in ten years did I ever sit here—for fear of getting the fabric dirty." Perhaps she went a little too luxurious.
One Plaid Living Room
If there's one word to describe this living room, it's plaid. Plaid walls, plaid couches, plaid ottoman--it's just a bit too much. And Oprah agrees. On her website, Oprah revealed that she wanted to redesign this room.
"I'm evolving, [and] my taste is, too," she said. "And someday soon this room will represent the person I've become." According to the Los Angeles Times, she auctioned her plaid George Smith couch for $3,000 to $4,000, but we don't know who bought it.
A More Muted Living Room
Compared to the other living room, this room's design is tame. Coral walls and olive green couches are easier on the eyes than the plaid. However, the sheer amount of decorations and ornate pillows adds quite a bit of detail to this room.
On her website, Oprah has indicated that she's not a fan of this room's design. "Silk slipcovers? That was then..." she jokes. Perhaps this '80s style living room has not remained the same since 2013.
Oprah's Sanctuary
When Oprah bought her Montecito property, it came with a structure built for a rose garden. But that didn't suit Winfrey's taste, according to Veranda. Instead, she adorned her garden with lilies, dahlias, daffodils, irises, and honey dijon.
Oprah's garden was designed by the rose expert Dan Bifano, who also worked for Tom Ford and Barbra Streisand. The entire garden features networks of arches, cypresses, and hedges. It's no wonder why Oprah called her garden a "sanctuary."
An Ocean View
Here's another view of Oprah's luxurious garden. Granite pathways bordered with rustic stones outline the paths. From here, Oprah can see the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. A stone fountain and outdoor table also adorn the garden.
"Sometimes I stand under the arbor, close my eyes, and allow myself to take in as much as I can: I hear birds splashing in the fountain and literally smell the roses," Oprah told Veranda. "This garden makes me present."
A $3 Million Statue
If a visitor were to walk the paths around Oprah's estate, they would come upon an unusual bronze statue. The artwork is called Grupo de quarto Mujeres de Pie and it was made by the Mexican painter and sculptor, Fransisco Zuniga. Reportedly, Oprah paid around $3.1 million for it.
When translated, the statue is called "A Group of Four Standing Women." Each of the women represents a different stage of life.
Showing The World Her Home
In 2013, Oprah published around 20 photos of her Montecito home in her magazine, O. If she has renovated the home further, she hasn't updated her fans yet. Today, her Montecito home is valued at $90 million with the renovations included.
Oprah enjoys the home with her partner of 30 years, businessman and author Stedman Graham. During a 2018 interview with Vogue, Oprah admitted that she loves nothing more than doing "nothing" in her estate.
Hallelujah Lane
In keeping with the Biblical theme, Oprah named one of her flower paths Hallelujah Lane. The walkway is lined with white hydrangeas, which reminds Oprah of the only garden she had growing up, at her grandmother's home. "All I had was the hydrangea bush that was in front of my grandmother's porch," she wrote on her website.
In her magazine, Oprah also mentioned that she planted some of the flowers by hand. A Greco-Roman style statue adds a touch of elegance to Hallelujah Lane.
The Tea House
According to her magazine O, Oprah initially intended for this building to be a flower-cutting room. But during the construction, she reportedly thought, "I'm going to want this space for myself." So she converted it to a tea house.
The purple roof complements the oak trees surrounding the house. Wisteria flowers dangle from the ceiling and vines wind around columns. A copper fountain stands outside. As with all the spots in Oprah's home, it's just as pretty inside as it is outside.
Inside The Tea House
Interior designer Ellie Cullman furnished the inside of Oprah's tea house. She filled it with comfortable green wicker armchairs and dark wooden furniture. Oprah often lounges in this home to meditate, read, and enjoy a cup of tea.
According to O, Oprah doesn't include a TV in her tea room. She also does not host meetings there. "Some people ask me, 'Why do you need more space?'" she said. "And I tell them, 'I need it to restore myself.'"
Reading Room
Oprah loves to read--fans can tell by Oprah's Book Club, in which she recommends books to others. So it's no surprise that her Montecito home has a reading room, which is an extension of the tea house.
A wingback chair and couch make the room extra cozy. On the couch, there's a large doll in a white dress. Two paintings by Harry Roseland line the wall. Rent Day is on the left, and The Writing Lesson is on the right.
A Color-Coded Library
Here's another view of Oprah's reading room. If you didn't believe that she loves reading, you do now. Books are organized by color to create an aesthetically-pleasing wall. It's no doubt an impressive collection.
In her magazine O, Oprah explains her love of all things literary. "Words are precious to me," she said, "so I'm looking for ways to incorporate my love of them into every room in my home." But other rooms have nothing on this!
The Mansion Wouldn't Be Complete Without A Pool
In California, it's illegal to have a giant house without a pool. We're kidding--that's not true. But it's no surprise that Oprah's Montecito home provides an enormous pool with picturesque turquoise water.
Oprah has not commented much on her pool. It's unknown if she spends much time swimming in this luxurious pool, or if her guests do. But it's still a dipping space worthy of a swanky hotel. Can you imagine swimming beneath the shade of those palm trees?
A Zen Koi Pond
Oprah has many peaceful spaces in her Montecito home. One of these areas is a koi pond. Unlike the gardens, the koi pond is bordered by moss-covered hills and rocks. Water lilies bloom on one side.
On the other side, a small waterfall adds some soothing nature sounds. Oprah has not spoken about walking around her koi pond. But with this beautiful design, it's hard to believe that she hasn't strolled by the pond a few times.
Will Oprah Ever Use Her Horse Stalls?
After Oprah paid almost $29 million for the added equestrian property, she became the owner of this horse barn. The modern barn is fully equipped with sturdy horse stalls and the supplies needed to raise horses.
For an equestrian, these stalls would be a deal. But Oprah has never expressed interest in horse riding, so it's unknown whether she put them to use. Along with the stalls, Oprah received a horse trainer's house, which is not pictured in this photo.
For Oprah's Horse-Racing Needs
Oprah's property add-on features an entire equestrian property, meaning that it came fully equipped with a horse race track. When will Oprah use this? Who knows. If she hosted events there, she could make a good amount of money.
As of 2019, little information has surfaced with regard to Oprah's horse interests. The race track could just be sitting there, abandoned. Regardless, it's a beautiful track. The grass is neatly cut, and the white wood lends a charming rustic feel.
Oprah's Favorite Pastime
During an interview with Vogue, Oprah mentioned that her favorite pastime is sitting on the porch and doing nothing. "My guilty pleasure is, I do nothing," she said. She added that she could go weeks without turning on the TV.
It's unclear which porch Oprah was talking about. It may have been this one at the back end of her home next to the pool. Or, it may be at the tea house. Perhaps the location doesn't matter as much as the relaxation does.
A House Worthy Of Stars
Dolly Parton lived in a luxurious estate in West Hollywood's Norma Triangle. Not only does this area draw actors and musicians alike, but it also sells homes for an average of $2 million. It's no wonder that other stars such as Marilyn Monroe have also lived there.
Parton bought the home for $1.2 million in April 2007 under a trust. In 2014, she listed the mansion for $1.35 million. According to neighbors, Natalie Wood, the star of West Side Story, grew up in the home.
An Aerial View
The country singer's house hosted two bedrooms and two baths. Spanning 1,091 square feet, the mansion sports a gorgeous red roof and spotless white walls. The estate is accented by its surrounding trees, many of which turn orange in autumn.
The home was built and designed in classic Americana fashion, and Parton extended this style to the inside. The outside includes a private patio, shady dining area, and a long pool to cool off in. Despite being lived in, it looks fancier than most Hollywood hotels.
Entrance To Another World
The mansion is guarded by a fence with deep red accents. Tall shrubs shield the patio for privacy. Once you step through the gates, you're greeted with a colorful paradise. The green cacti beautifully contrast with the red and pink wall designs.
These photos from the listing were snapped before Parton moved out. Those pots, hanging plants, and decorations are all hers. All of them add a "tropical" feeling to the home, despite the desert cacti.
An Americana Home
If you were to step into Dolly Parton's home, you'd realize that she's a fan of pink. Frilly cushions and blush-colored lampshades remind one of '50s decor. Instead of sticking with the dramatic white-and-red palette, Parton went for a lighthearted, home-y atmosphere.
The window frames and cabinets were left with their natural wood color. Although this design is often hard to pull off, Parton effectively matched the cabinets with a wooden tissue box and cabinet.
A Modern Mint Kitchen
Parton's kitchen steps out of the chic rustic decor and into a more modern design. The pastel mint color reflects 1950s shabby chic home decor, and the wooden cabinets aesthetically connect the kitchen with the rest of the living room.
Parton's kitchen has a uniquely simple appearance compared to the rest of her home. She doesn't use the mint color anywhere else--at least not as the main color. You can see Parton's spice containers, fruit bowl, and Keurig in this kitchen.
Here's Where The Magic Happens
Just before the kitchen, there's a room with a setup that screams "country singer." A wooden piano stands against the wall with an upholstered bench beneath it. One of Parton's many acoustic guitars leans against the piano and another cactus.
In the left-hand corner, you can see that the pink couch matches the other warm accents of the room. The wooden chair with floral cushions reflects rural southern homes. It's the perfect setup for the Queen of Country.
A Peek At Parton's Antiques
Here's a closer look at Parton's living room and kitchen space. Above the wooden piano, there's a TV that people sitting at the table can watch. The area is packed with decorative antiques, including tiny clocks and bottles of wine.
Against the back wall, there's a tall display cabinet. Gorgeous plates and other collector's items sit safely for one's viewing pleasure. The table is also adorned with three mint candlesticks that match the kitchen's interior.
More Of Parton's Living Room
Here's another angle of Dolly Parton's living room, which is the first thing guests saw when they walked in. A peach-colored couch sits atop a rusty blue rug, but the colorful furniture doesn't stop there. Even the sitting chair has elegant colors and designs.
The living room's decor is unified through its wooden floor and windows. In the center of the room, a dark wooden coffee table holds a candle. Look at the sides, and you'll notice that the rectangle can expand into a larger, circular table.
Want To Take A Soak?
This is one of the two bathrooms in Parton's home. While it may seem small, it is undoubtedly fashionable. The pinkish-purple tiles make the space appear dreamy. Mirrors cover the charming wooden cabinets.
With its warm, pastel colors and wooden accents, the bathroom reflects a '50s country home that Parton seemed to enjoy. If you look closely at the sink, you'll notice a red Yankee candle. Parton placed at least 15 of these candles throughout her home.
The Second Bathroom
Parton's second bathroom is more subdued than the first. Rather than lining the walls with color, Parton chose colorful accents to brighten the room's cream walls. The most eye-catching is probably that vase of sunflowers on the counter.
On the wall, a wooden mini-cabinet holds up some delicate succulents. A large portrait of a desert landscape fills the other part of the wall. Parton seemed to love these desert-themed artworks, as they frequently line the walls of her home.
Oh My Vanity
Here's a peek inside Dolly Parton's master bedroom. On the left sits her vanity, where Parton probably did her makeup. She seems to enjoy an antique aesthetic, as you can see from her symmetrical lamps and ceramic decorations.
On the right, cabinets hold Parton's TV and photos. A rocking chair sits next to a door that leads to the master bedroom's own private patio. You'll see more of Parton's private view in a future slide.
Her Own Personal View
Outside of the master bedroom, there's a quiet, shady patio. Two rocking chairs surround a flowerpot that sits on a rustic tree trunk stand. Here, Parton was guarded by the sun and any rowdy neighbors.
The patio is lined with trees and a high fence to ensure privacy. With this tiny balcony, Parton could enjoy the smell of her planted flowers and let in a breeze. In the natural light, the light pink walls turn into a sunset orange color.
Did Someone Say Shabby Chic?
Here is another sitting room in Dolly Parton's home. The distressed frames, table, and door all scream shabby chic. They contribute to a retro atmosphere, suggesting that this home is in the old country and not West Hollywood.
Parton's favorite pink and wooden combination leaks into this room as well. Against the back wall, the red and gold cabinet adds a pop of modernity to the space. On the right, there's a fireplace and on the left, a door leads to the outside patio.
The Charming Guest Bedroom
The best hotel in the area couldn't beat this adorable guest bedroom. The bed sports shabby chic floral covers and the throw blanket and pillows have pink ruffles that add a flash of color to the ivory white sheets.
The wooden doors on the left lead to the outdoor patio. Windows behind the bed can let in a cool breeze at night. On the walls, Parton hung antique drapes and some cozy landscape portraits. How cozy does this bedroom look?
An Adorable Outdoor Patio
Parton enjoyed beautiful warm weather in Southern California. Why not eat outside? Right outside the kitchen, there's an outdoor dining table for Parton to enjoy. A bright landscape painting adorns the wall, which makes the private patio feel more like a restaurant.
By now, it's not surprising that Parton enjoys colorful decor. The rainbow seat cushions accent the entire table area. On the walls and ceiling, there are metal lanterns to illuminate late-night dinners with guests.
Even The Dining Table Has A View
Whenever Parton and her guests ate at the outdoor table, this was their view. Part of the patio leads to a deck where Parton could sit and relax. The other half descends to the garden area.
Parton's love for floral designs is evident in this part of her home. On the table, you can see floral place mats and a deep blue vase full of succulents. On the railing, Parton placed rustic decorative items such as a wooden barn house and a metal lantern.
Guests Had A Private House
In her Hollywood mansion, Parton offered a small guest home for her long-term visitors. The small home, which connected to Parton's standard home and patio, gave the guests privacy. Parton even hung a cute "Welcome" sign to help her guests feel comfortable.
The entrance to this home is lined with potted plants and vines of green leaves. A large tree shades the area and sports a cute birdhouse. All of Parton's outdoor space follows this aesthetic.
Inside The Guest House
If you were a guest at Dolly Parton's house, this is where you'd stay. The tiny home contains a refrigerator with personalized magnets, cupboards, a sitting chair, and a king-sized bed. While it may not be as lavish as the rest of Parton's house, it's still cozy.
In the background, you may be able to see a toilet. That's part of the bathroom, which lines the back wall. The white shutters close to allow privacy. It's an unusual but useful design.
Soak Up The Sun Here
Parton set up a small seating area on her patio, where she and guests could enjoy the sun while sipping on a drink. The table sits next to a pink shed that likely contains gardening supplies.
The classy table features white wiring with sunset orange cushions. As with the rest of the patio, potted plants liven the area. Rustic tiles keep the floor cool, while the tall trees provide shade for the table. It's truly a whimsical garden.
Decked Out Decor
Dolly Parton decorated her patio as thoroughly as the inside of her home. Here is one of the home's decks that likely leads to the guest bedroom. Brass cacti sculptures complement the rustic succulent planters.
Parton often placed artwork outside as well as inside. A painting of a bird hangs above the outdoor cabinet, and a brass sun matches the one hanging above the home's entrance. One skinny tree peeks through the overhang to provide more shade.
