realestate

Bel Air's Historic 'Western White House' Sells After Long Delay

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California estate known as the "Western White House" has been sold for $23 million, significantly below its original asking price of $38.9 million. The 24,400-square-foot Georgian Colonial mansion was built in 1878 and underwent a major renovation in 1930 to resemble the White House.

    The property's current owners, Mehrdad Elie and his wife Neda Elie, purchased it for $15 million in 2022 and invested an additional $6 million in renovations. These updates included installing new hardwood floors, adding a movie theater, and creating a large kitchen by knocking down walls of four rooms.

    Despite the extensive renovations, the mansion's original architectural details were preserved. The Western White House features 11 bedrooms, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a wine cellar, as well as a wood-paneled "Oval Office" and a rose garden. The estate has been on the market for 16 months before being sold to its new owner.

    The property's history dates back to 1878 when it was built for William Henry Howard, a real estate developer and cattle rancher. It changed hands several times before being purchased by George Hearst in 1930, who commissioned architect Julia Morgan to transform the home into the Western White House.

Bel Air's historic Western White House sold after prolonged real estate delay.