Celebrity Beach Houses
Follow us behind closed doors to see where notable celebrities kick off their shoes and run their toes through the sand.
By:
Holly Aguirre
David Copperfield - Musha Cay
If you're capable of pulling a rabbit or in this case, a large wad of cash out of your hat, you can join the ranks of some of Hollywood’s glitterati and sleep over at David Copperfield’s 150-acre island on Musha Cay along the Exuma Islands, Bahamas. Accessed by boat or helicopter, the private archipelago accommodates 24 visitors at a time with 30 staff members (1.25 per person) catering to your every desire.
Pier House
Copperfield Bay consists of 11 islands 85 miles southeast of Nassau, and Musha Cay has 5 different housing options ranging from the 10,000-sqaure-foot main house called Highview (it’s in the center on a hill) to a modest 1-bedroom thatched hut on the sand. This is Pier House, a private 2,200-square-foot house with its own helicopter pad/dock.
Swept Away
In 2011, Penelope Cruz hopped on a jet ski in a John Galliano gown and met her beloved Javier Bardem on this sandbar. Greeted by a gentle sea breeze, the 2 exchanged wedding vows amongst a small gathering of close friends and family.
It's Magic
Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta and Kelly Preston, Jim Carrey and Bill and Melinda Gates have all spent magical nights on Musha Cay, dining on the docks toasting another beautiful sunset along with their good fortunes no doubt.
Google It
Google co-founder Sergey Brin married Anne Wojcicki on Musha Cay. Reportedly, guests had no clue where the wedding was taking place. Nestled amongst the other islands, Musha’s juxtaposition provides A-listers with plenty of privacy.
Copperfield’s Collection
Here, at what's known as the Landings, visitors discover a collection of personal writings and letters from Charlie Chaplin and parts of Harry Houdini's Chinese water torture cell. Copperfield’s personal collection of artifacts are on display throughout the property.
Take the High Road
The 10,000-square-foot Highview House is decorated with large hand-carved wooden Buddha statues and many other Balinese trinkets and treasures from Copperfield’s travels. Musha’s surroundings are decidedly calming with the staff being as hands-on or as scarce as you want them.
Love Love
He can make the Great Wall of China disappear and a tennis court appear. We absolutely love the tennis courts surrounded by the island’s lush tropical foliage on Copperfield’s Cay.
Ken Follettt
Situated just to the northeast of Antigua is a small 300-acre island called Jumby Bay, where best-selling author Ken Follett keeps a vacation home called Bananaquit. Follett first visited the coral reef in 1998; he loved it so much he returned 10 years later intent on buying land.
The House That Ken Built
Not only has Follett penned many of his novels while relaxing at Bananaquit, including his latest thriller "Edge of Eternity", he and his family have spent many memorable occasions at the sprawling 11,600-square-foot estate.
Clambake
As the family unit continues to grow, however, it is proving more difficult to get everyone to the West Indies at the same time. Thus, Follett made the difficult decision to sell the 8-bedroom Caribbean home. It is currently listed for a cool $25 million clams.
Happy Together
Named for a local bird, Bananaquit estate is located on Pasture Beach where the endangered Hawksbill turtles come to nest in May through June. Occasionally a hatchling loses its way to the sea, taking a detour to Follett’s swimming pool where someone is sure to right his or her course.
Seeing Stars
Whoever purchases Follett's home will also receive a stake in the 5-star Jumby Bay Resort, which includes approximately 40 traditional rooms and suites as well as standalone villas. It’s sort of a millionaire’s co-op that has hosted such notables as Sir Paul McCartney, Kevin Spacey, Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Hilary Swank and Jim Carrey. We hear that there’s even a sorbet butler that combs the beach with homemade treats starting around 10 a.m. every morning.
Master of the House
Follett's master bedroom enjoys gentle cross breezes. The entire home is whitewashed with anchoring blue tones.
Julia Roberts
Second only to her family, the thing that Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts covets most is her privacy. So when deciding upon a vacation property where she could relax, the pretty woman chose an unassuming home on the laid back island of Kauai.
Pretty Sweet Deal
Known as the Faye House, Julia's Hanalei home sits on a rare 2-acre double lot. The original owner, a sugar baron, made a pretty sweet deal back in 1915 when he bought both plots as it assured that over 200 feet of the property were exclusively beachfront.
Hawaii Living
The 3,800-square-foot main house has 7 bedrooms, 4 baths and a large lanai that looks out onto the flawlessly maintained lawn. It’s quite a way from Roberts’s hometown of Smyrna, GA. This home, which also has a one-bedroom guest house, is currently listed with a $26 million dollar price tag.
Game On
The casual openness of the lanai is a perfect spot for hosting games of Celebrity (one of Roberts' favorites) should fellow Hanalei neighbors Ben Stiller, Pierce Brosnan, Bette Midler or Mark Zuckerberg stop over.
Pretty as a Picture
This picture window enjoys views of the expansive lawn and the Pacific Ocean. Hollywood recognized the beauty of Kauai many years ago and many motion pictures and television shows were filmed there including "South Pacific," "Fantasy Island," and even "Hook," which starred Roberts as Tinkerbell.
Tasty View
Not many can boast a view of the Pacific Ocean while they flip pancakes at the stove. But then there's only one Julia Roberts.
Simpsons Creator, Sam Simon
Sam Simon, co-creator of the Simpsons, amassed over $100 million in liquid assets and real estate during his lifetime, which was cut short in March 2015 when he succumbed to cancer. Designed by Richard Neutra, his Pacific Palisades home recently came on the market.
One-of-a-Kind
Simon's home is the only case study Neutra home in existence and was built during a housing shortage. The expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows were designed to save energy costs. Simon spent significant amounts of money refurbishing and restoring the home, and built a separate 7,000-square-foot home that overlooks the Neutra.
The House That Bart Built
A large glass Chihuly sculpture hangs over the spiral staircase in Simon’s larger Pacific Palisades home.
Natural Oasis
The Neutra house was designed so that the homeowner could enjoy the beauty of the nature surrounding it. The wall of windows affords plenty of natural light.
Homer on the Range
Simon's home enjoys the occasional cross breeze from the Pacific Ocean located just down the hill. You can enjoy these breezes should you have a spare $16.5 million, give or take.
Infinity and Beyond
Simon wanted to be able to see the Neutra house from his infinity pool, which also enjoys the setting California sun.
Green White House
Built in 2010, Simon’s 7,100-square-foot home is LEED-certified gold and was constructed with sustainable and recycled materials. The Neutra home received the Santa Monica Conservancy Renovation Award in 2011.
Steve Martin
In "L.A. Story" Harris Telemacher was almost denied a table at Le Idiot because he summered in Los Angeles. Had he owned this fabulous St. Barth beach home in 1991 we're should he could’ve snagged any table in the house. And his date could’ve had something besides the chicken.
Wild & Crazy View
This is the wildly good and crazy-fabulous view from Steve's (former*) beach house. The two-tiered infinity pool offers a 180-degree view of the Baie de St. Jean.
Comedy is Pretty
Christened "Au Soleil," the comedian and his wife Anne Stringfield once enjoyed this wonderful view of the sea from the comforts of his living room. Martin closed the sale of the home in October and now it is available for the public to rent.
My Blue Heaven
The views from one of Au Soleil's many decks and garden areas are just about as close to heaven as you'll ever want to be.
Room for 3 Amigos
The four-bedroom home has plenty of room for your friends and their partners. We love Au Soleil’s outdoor elements like this large gazebo/outdoor living space.
Lilies of the Field
Au Soleil's professionally landscaped and meticulously maintained grounds are a work of art. We especially like the lily pond that surrounds the outdoor living room.
Pennies From Heaven
Should you have the honor of staying at Martin’s former residence, throw a penny in the fountain and make a wish for us.
Celebrity Hot Tub
Au Soleil's pool also boasts a heated spa perfect for sunset toasts or evening stargazing. Maybe Steve left something in the adjacent master suite and you can stare at him.
Casa Aramara
While they may not approve of his "gone wild" lifestyle, celebrities sure do enjoy the sprawling beach home of Joe Francis. Located in Punta Mita, Mexico, name an A-lister and they’ve probably let their hair down at Casa Aramara.
Behind Closed Doors
Just beyond this lush and verdant entrance awaits your very own tropical paradise. Yes, you; Casa Aramara is available to rent, that is if you’ve got the dough-re-mi.
Say Anything
Martyn Lawrence Bullard designed Casa Aramara’s tasteful interiors and feature several seating areas. Every room has an “anything” button; we’re assuming that when you push it one of the 15 people on staff will bring you anything you want.
Chef's Kitchen
We thought we’d show you the kitchen because most guests never see it. Why would you when a world-class chef is available for the entirety of your stay? Want pancakes at 7 a.m.? Just press that anything button and see what happens.
Room With a View
Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore were once guests at Casa Aramara, which can sleep up to 20 of your closest friends. It’s also available for private parties and movie productions. Prices start at $12,000 a day, but they do have an 800 number should you want to inquire.
The Deep End
Casa Aramara boasts three swimming pools, one for the kids, naturally. Kanye and Kim can bring North and Saint the next they visit.
Sunset at Casa Aramara
Sun sets on another glorious day at Casa Aramara, the beach house of Joe Francis where Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Courtney Cox, Eva Longoria and Ciara have raised many a glass.
Alec Baldwin
We cannot take you inside at this time, but this is the East Hampton home of Alec Baldwin, who is very private and publicity adverse.
