Historic 10-acre Los Angeles mansion previously owned by Hollywood royalty including Tony Curtis and Cher as well as Ponzi fraudster Robert Shapiro sells for $88million

A historic nine-bedroom luxury estate in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles that was once home to actor Tony Curtis and singing duo Sonny and Cher has been sold for a whopping $88million.

The Owlwood estate, down the street from the Playboy Mansion, spans 10 acres and its Italian Revival mansion boasts 12,000-square feet.

The residence, located at 141 S Carolwood Drive, was once listed for $180 million and was sold in an off market-deal as three separate parcels and closed on December 23, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The buyer was Calch Urban Investments, a newly registered LLC based in Illinois. The person behind the purchase is not known.

The purchase marks the third priciest residential real estate transaction of 2020, behind the Beverly Hills homes of Jeff Bezos and Jeffrey Katzenberg.

Off the market! The historic 10-acre Owlwood estate in Holmby Hills, California, that was once home to actor Tony Curtis and Sonny and Cher has been sold for a whopping $88million

Living in the lap of luxury: The home features two structures – an Italian Revival mansion with clay tile and a guesthouse  – that all together offer nine bedrooms and 10 bathrooms

10 acres of space: The home was sold in an off market-deal as three separate parcels and closed on December 23. The buyer was Calch Urban investments, a newly registered LLC based in Illinois. The person behind the purchase is not known

A view of the elegant sunroom that leads onto the sweeping veranda with views of the rolling lawns above 

Hollywood heritage: American actor Tony Curtis called the estate home in the 60's and Sonny and Cher lived there in the 70's

The home features two structures – a main house with clay tile and a guesthouse – that all together offer nine bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.

The lavish estate has a unique history: It was home to a renowned architect, celebrities like American actor Tony Curtis who lived there in the 60’s, couple Sonny and Cher who called the mansion home in the 70’s and an oil tycoon.

The home was designed in 1936 by LA Architect Robert D. Farquhar, whose other projects include the Pentagon, Beverly Hills High School and the California Club. 

An aerial view of the property above showing the main house, guest house, and nearby pool and tennis court

The home was designed in 1936 by LA Architect Robert D. Farquhar, whose other projects include the Pentagon, Beverly Hills High School and the California Club. A view of the driveway anchored with a water fountain pictured above 

20th Century-Fox Chairman Joseph Schenck, oil tycoon William Keck and Hotel Bel-Air founder Joseph Drown are among big names to have called the mansion home. A side view of the home pictured above 

The mansion features an old-fashioned wood-paneled living room decked out with bookshelves and a fireplace 

Bedroom fit for a king: The massive bedrooms in the house officer plenty of space to rest as well as plenty of light. Thanks to the expanse of the property, residents will be assured comfort and privacy

Dream closet: A view of a spacious walk-in closet in the home above with mirror panel details 

The house came into the spotlight once again in the 2000’s when Robert Shapiro , a real estate developer was sentenced to jail for 25 years in 2019 for running a $1.3billion real estate Ponzi scheme

20th Century-Fox Chairman Joseph Schenck, oil tycoon William Keck and Hotel Bel-Air founder Joseph Drown are among big names to have called the mansion home. 

The house came into the spotlight once again in the 2000’s when Robert Shapiro, a real estate developer, was sentenced to jail for 25 years in 2019 for running a $1.3billion real estate Ponzi scheme.

He had purchased the home in 2009 and paid more than $90million for it through his firm Woodbridge Group of Companies. 

He then tried to double his money by putting it on the market in 2017 for $180million, before bringing it down to $115million after the company filed for bankruptcy.

He was the mastermind of a nationwide real estate investment scheme from his bases in South Florida and Southern California and was accused of swindling elderly investors out of $470million, according to the Miami Herald.

Before his sentencing he said he had a 'tough childhood' which may have contributed to his financial scams.

He said: 'I had free will and blame no one but myself.'

He used the money he stole to give his family lavish life, including the Owlwood property. 

Additionally he used the money on chartered planes, travel to exotic destinations, jewelry, diamonds, vintage winds, and his expansive collection of art with pieces by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall and Alberto Giacometti.

Take a dip! A view of the Olympic-sized pool and adjoining pool house, surrounded by gardens and palm trees above 

Sport lovers will love this home as it comes decked out with a pool and tennis courts making it the perfect place for a round of doubles

Sit back and relax! A sitting area inside the home pictured above with windows facing out towards the backyard

It's all in the details! A walk through the home reveals the thoughtful touches in its design including ornate floral arrangements on the ceiling and wall panels, making the residence truly one of a kind

Welcome home! A view of a wood-paneled hallway in the home above. The residence is an oasis of light thanks to its high ceilings and many windows that bring in the California sunshine

The estate was sold as a part of the bankruptcy agreement.

The main house features a regal foyer, an old-fashioned wood-paneled living room, and a suite with a fireplace.

The home offers a taste of the life of luxury with a lounge, spa bathroom, tennis court, and swimming pool.

With endless space and rolling lawns, it makes it an excellent option for those who want privacy but space to roam.

The Owlwood Estate is also the largest compound in Holmby Hills, comprised of three contiguous lots.