It’s not enough to have just one sprawling mansion in Hollywood. And if you’re Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker, you’ve got two on the market at the same time. Whitaker, known for roles in flicks like The Last King in Scotland and Lee Daniels’ The Butler, just listed his side-by-side estates in the Hollywood Hills for a total of $5 million. He had the properties, which he bought in 2003, on the market together last year for $6 million total, but it looks like he’s hoping to score by breaking them apart: they can now be purchased separately, for $3.5 million and $1.5 million.
The larger home is a five-bed, five-bath estate located down a long driveway on a private road. Tucked behind gates for extreme privacy, the Mediterranean-style property, which was built in 1998, measures 5455 square feet and is filled with grandeur. Step inside, and you’ll instantly be drawn to the sweeping double staircase that cascades down into the expansive main rooms. Featuring an open floor plan with sky-high ceilings, the estate was designed to embrace both family living and elegant entertaining at their best. Brazilian cherry wood floors run throughout the home, while French doors lead out to wrap around balconies and patios. In addition to the four family bedrooms, which are accessed from the upper loft gallery, there’s also a private maid’s bedroom and bath, with doors out to the patio and yard. The serene master suite is the most luxurious room in the estate, featuring luxe amenities like a walk-in closet, huge shower, and a deep soaking tub, as well as exquisite views of the canyon and city of Los Angeles.
The second, smaller property, which was built in 1992, is nothing to sneeze at. Measuring 2725 square feet, the five-bed, six-bath home also features many luxurious details of its own. It begins on the private road, and continues up to private gates. A main floor provides the living room, as well as an open kitchen and dining area with a wood-burning fireplace. There are two en-suite bedrooms on the main floor, as well as two more downstairs near the large living/family room. That lower level is also where the final guest suite and bonus gym room areas are, opening out to a rolling grassy yard with mature trees.
(images courtesy of Trulia)