The Bel Air estate, known as 'Ursa Major', designed and built by NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain in the 1970s, has been sold for $9.4 million. Chamberlain once acquired the rugged mountain plot for $150,000 and subsequently commissioned the renowned architect David Rich to design the futuristic residence, which cost $1.5 million at the time. The most recent owner was crypto entrepreneur Erik Voorhees, founder of BitInstant and ShapeShift, who has now divested the architectural landmark.
The property, which once served as a Cold War-era missile base, was acquired by Voorhees just two years ago in an off-market deal for just under $9.7 million. The latest sale therefore represents a slight price decrease compared to the last transaction value, yet it still underscores the special market value of this unique property in one of Los Angeles' most sought-after locations.
Property Features and Design
'Ursa Major' sits atop a secluded, 2.5-acre promontory at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. The design is heavily inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's organic principles, which is evident from the approach to the entrance. Throughout the house, this is characterised by combinations of soaring cathedral ceilings, tree-like structural columns, Bouquet Canyon natural stone and dramatic glass walls. The centrepiece of the residence is an exceptional, five-storey grand room that connects dining areas, the kitchen and a billiards lounge, offering breathtaking views.
The layout also includes a generous master suite with two bathrooms and dressing rooms, providing views over the city. Further amenities include a media room, guest accommodation, a redwood sauna, and numerous indoor and outdoor areas for entertaining. Lush gardens, citrus trees, expansive terraces, a unique swimming pool, and parking for more than 10 vehicles complete the estate. The total area of the house is 9,395 square feet on a plot size of 2.5 acres, with five bedrooms and eight bathrooms.
Special Features and Design Details
- —Five-storey main room: The heart of the house is an imposing, five-storey high room, with a high wooden ceiling supported by exposed structural beams and a towering stone fireplace running centrally through the space.
- —Dining area: Located in one of the main room's pointed glass corners, the dining area is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that fully showcase the pool and the surrounding landscape.
- —Indoor and outdoor pool: Arguably the most famous feature of the house is the natural-looking pool that wraps around parts of the residence, allowing swimmers to access the house directly from the water. This design is now considered almost impossible to replicate and is regarded as one of the most unique residential pools in Los Angeles.
More than five decades after Wilt Chamberlain first conceived and built 'Ursa Major', the estate remains one of Southern California's most architecturally significant private residences. Although ownership has changed over the years, from the NBA legend to crypto entrepreneur Erik Voorhees and now to its newest owner, the house's soaring geometric design, monumental scale, and bold architectural vision continue to set it apart.
