Where Did Kobe Bryant Live And How Big Is His House?
Before he passed away in January 2020, Kobe Bryant was enjoying a fortune that he had earned during his time as a basketball star. According to Business Insider, he "was once the highest-paid and most electric player in the NBA." With the money he took in over the course of his esteemed (and lucrative) career, Bryant bought not one, not two, but three rather impressive houses at one time.
Kobe Bryant was the owner of a trio of mansions which were worth a whopping $18.8 million in combined value as of 2012, according to Forbes. It's not surprising for wealthy athletes to own impressive homes in different hot spots around the world, but Bryant's three houses were all located in Newport Beach, Calif., which Business Insider points out was "a lengthy drive from his former place of work at the Staples Center."
According to The Orange County Register, Bryant paid $9.45 million for one his homes, which is located in a "guard-gated community" and sits on "one-acre property [with] sweeping coastline views." The Santa Barbara-style residence was reportedly about 14,500-square-feet and included six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms over a three-story space. It also boasted a pool, a five-car garage, and a "building permit [had been] issued for ... a two-level sport court."
That sounds so impressive that it's no wonder Bryant apparently decided to get rid of one of his other homes ... for a record-setting price.
Kobe Bryant cut the price of his home and still broke a record
Kobe Bryant sold one of his California homes in May 2015, and even though he didn't get as much as he wanted for the fabulous abode, the final price tag still broke a record.
"A Newport Coast home owned by Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant sold ... for just over $6.1 million," reported The Orange County Register. "The home ... topped Pelican Ridge's previous record of $4.78 million." That was lower than the $6.45 million asking price, which had been dropped from the listing's original $8.6 million price tag when it first went on the market in August 2013.
What did the buyer get for the record-setting price? "Built in 1997, the four-bedroom house on a cul de sac in the guard-gated neighborhood has 8,471 square feet of living space," The Orange County Register reported. The house boasts an 850-square-foot gym, a home theater with a lobby, and even its own private hair salon. And that's not all! Beyond the home's "set of private gates," visitors will find "an 'extra-deep' swimming pool, spa, lush gardens, fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen."
But none of that can compare to the fact that there's a shark tank in the home's office/library. Yes, a shark tank! Now that's impressive.
Kobe Bryant almost bought a house with a pirate ship
The homes that Kobe Bryant bought were undeniably incredible, and while one may have boasted a shark tank, even that over-the-top abode didn't have a pirate ship in the backyard! That's something that the basketball star could have owned and almost did.
According to Los Angeles Times, "[F]ollowing his third all-star season and second NBA title, a 22-year-old Bryant and his new bride, Vanessa, were under contract to buy the 9.5-acre property in Coto de Caza, then listed for $13.5 million." They backed out of the deal due to "business issues" and concerns about their privacy, but if they had gone through with the purchase, they would have ended up with quite a home.
Spanning 14,000-square-feet, the residence reportedly included "a home theater, a lounge, and a billiard room with a hand-rubbed wood-and-copper ceiling. A full-house surround sound system pipes in tunes to each of the nine bedrooms and 12 bathrooms." Not too shabby! However, it's what's outside that's really spectacular. "Outdoors, grounds resembling those of a theme park feature meandering pathways leading to attractions such as a lookout tower, an entertainer's pavilion, and a private lake," the L.A. Times reported. "A half-scale replica pirate ship complete with cannons and an enterable cabin sits anchored in the lagoon-style swimming pool. Waterfalls, slides, and swim-in caves complete the water-park-like experience."
A private lake for the star of the Lakers? That just would have made sense.
Kobe Bryant made lots of happy memories at home
Kobe Bryant may not have opted for the house with the pirate ship, which would have certainly created some unique experiences, but he certainly made lots of happy memories with his family at home.
On Oct. 31, 2019, Bryant took to Instagram to share a photo with his family outside of their house with the caption: "HAPPY HALLOWEEN." Showing an impressive entryway with block stone walls and a beautiful front door, it was the perfect spot for Bryant and his family members, who were dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz. The family looked just as thrilled to be together for a photo op on Thanksgiving 2019. In the picture, they're gathered around a large dining-room table under a crystal chandelier while sitting on leopard-print chairs. Large windows light up the room, and doors lead out to an area with a fountain. In fact, Bryant's Instagram was packed with special family moments, including a sweet photo and tender message directed at his oldest daughter, Natalia: "Happy Birthday my baby," her father captioned the post. "I love you beyond measure. You will always be my little Principessa #17."
The Bryant family has suffered a terrible loss. We hope their home provides a sanctuary of peace and memories for the family.