Celeb R.E. The Songwriter for Michael Jackson's Thriller, Rod Temperton, Sells Mulholland Drive Home in 2010

Image courtesy Google Maps

Image courtesy Barry Dane

One day while conducting a search for Mulholland Drive, I came across a UK Telegraph article that had mentioned Rod Temperton, the songwriter for Michael Jackson's Thriller, lived on Mulholland Drive suspecting that it was somewhere in the San Fernando Valley. 

Since I am a big fan of Michael Jackson and the fact that he had many connections to the SFV including the fact that he lived nearby in Encino, I had to find  the home of the man that was behind MJ's biggest hits. After conducting an extensive search, I was able to find a home linking back to a "R L Temperton" which matches back to the infamous songwriter whose middle name is Lynn. 

Temperton's home was located at 15341 Mulholland Drive in the Sherman Oaks area directly east of the 405 freeway. The home measures 3 Beds/3 Baths on 2,950 sqft on a total lot size of 0.93 acres built in 1951. The online listing and pictures are no longer available but its possible that this home may have also had a recording studio. The home was purchased on February 26, 1987 for $850,000 which coincides with the peak of his career. Temperton unfortunately no longer lives at this location calling it home for almost 23 years which was first listed on May 29, 2009 for $2.3 million and eventually sold on February 1, 2010 for $1.8 million representing a gain of $950,000 before taxes, commissions, carrying costs, and any renovation expenses. 

Its not known where Temperton moved onto but the UK Telegraph article also mentioned that Temperton maintains a home in the South of France, Switzerland, Fiji, and Kent, England. Its possible he purchased another LA area location but no reports indicate so and Temperton is very private. After witnessing all the attention MJ was receiving, Temperton probably chose to seek a quiet and private life to avoid the drama of the media. The revealing of the fact that he lived on "Mulholland Drive" coincided with the listing of the home which he probably had already vacated so there were no concerns for him. So I doubt we will really learn about his current whereabouts. 

Some more background info on Temperton, he originally started in a band called Heatwave writing some of the band's popular songs like "Boogie Knights" and "Always and Forever." This got the attention of Quincy Jones and the rest is as they say history. He also worked with Donna Summer, Mariah Carey, and Mica Paris. Temperton also won a Grammy for Best Arrangement on an Instrumental with Quincy Jones for "Birdland" performed by Qunicy Jones in 1991. At the age of 65, I dont think he does much these days and is rumored to have a net worth somewhere north of $100 million mostly from the success of working with MJ. Just think the next time you hear "Thriller" or "Off The Wall", Temperton is getting paid which you can enjoy below. The quote below from Temperton regarding the creation of Thriller is amazing (UK Telegraph article):

I went back to the hotel, wrote two or three hundred titles and came up with Midnight Man. The next morning I woke up and I just said this word. Something in my head just said, 'This is the title'. You could visualise it at the top of the Billboard charts. You could see the merchandising for this one word, how it jumped off the page as 'Thriller'"

You can view more SFV Celebrity Real Estate here. 

Celebrity Real Estate: Former Lisa Marie Presley Estate in Hidden Hills Flipped at $22 Million Asking Price

Fresh on the MLS is the former home of Lisa Marie Presley in Hidden Hills (where Jessica Simpson just acquired the Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne masnion for $11.5 million in March 2013) which has been just listed with a staggering price of $21,950,000. This is currently the highest list price in Hidden Hills with the next closest listed at $7.5 million. This is most likely the highest list price in the entire SFV and if sold near this price, could possibly make it a record. 

Lisa Marie Presley is the only daughter of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley who dont need any introductions.  Elvis is so damn popular that impersonator, Danny Uwnawich, built a mini Graceland in Northridge dubbed Melody land which unfortunately doesnt exist today but the home remains. 

But back to Lisa Marie who inherited Elvis' estate on her 25th birthday in 1993 which was estimated to be worth $100 million. In February 2005, Lisa Marie sold 85% of the estate's business holdings but retained 100% sole personal ownership of Graceland Mansion and its over 13-acre original grounds and her father's personal effects. Lisa Marie is also a singer-songwriter like her famous father and recorded three studio albums with the most recent, Storm & Grace, in 2012 which hit #45 on the US charts. 

Lisa Marie's personal life is quite busy as she has been married four times including former SFV resident, the late Michael Jackson (1994 - 1996), and Valley Girl movie star, Nicolas Cage (2002 - 2004). Lisa Marie was first married to Danny Keough (1988 - 1994) who they had had a daughter and son. She is currently married to Michael Lockwood (2006).

The former home of Lisa Marie was first purchased on December 15, 1993 for $2.6 million and first listed on February 14, 2010 for $8,999,000 million. Eventually it was sold for $5 million on November 24, 2010 representing a gain of $2.4 million before taxes, commissions, carrying costs, and any renovation expenses. This property was purchased by what appears to be a doctor based out of UCLA hospital. This doctor subsequently razed the entire property and started from the ground up as first reported by Your Mama at the Realestalker on June 20, 2011. I am not sure if anything from the original home was retained but looks like every damn structure and even the pool was razed which got me thinking something.

If a doctor can purchase a $5 million home, completely raze it and spend say another $5 million building a new estate, and then list it for $22 million hoping for a gross profit of roughly $10 million in two years time, we must be in another bubble. I have no idea what was wrong or lacking in the first property (shown below) but did it warrant a complete tear down? Maybe I am wrong but I am highly suspect that this home will sell for $22 million. If someone is going to pay $22 million in Hidden Hills, they will most likely pay that much in Beverly Hills or Bel Air. Good luck and I will be watching this property closely as all kinds of new precedents could be established with the sale of this estate. 

Above images courtesy Prudential California Realty

The home measures 8 Beds/9 Baths on 15,667 sqft on a total lot size of 3.01 acres built in 2012. The listing description states:

THE CROWN JEWEL OF HIDDEN HILLS! BRAND NEW, GATED AND SUPERBLY PRIVATE, COUNTRY FRENCH MASTERPIECE ON 3-FLAT ACRES. THIS SPECTACULAR ESTATE OFFERS A STUNNING MASTER SUITE WITH DUAL BATHS, RETREAT, STONE FIREPLACE, SKYLIGHTS, MIRRORED DRESSING AREA, ENORMOUS CUSTOM CLOSETS, GYM, STEAM SHOWER, SAUNA, AND A PRIVATE PATIO WITH SPA. THE STELLAR GOURMET KITCHEN WITH DUAL ISLANDS OPENS TO THE FAMILY ROOM WITH VOLUME CEILING, LARGE FORMAL DINING WITH FIREPLACE AND REFRIGERATED WINE STORAGE, GORGEOUS HOME THEATRE WITH UPHOLSTERED WALLS, GAME ROOM WITH SUEDE WALLS & STONE WET BAR, CUSTOM PANELED LIBRARY WITH HERRINGBONE FLOORS, CUSTOM OFFICE, LIVING ROOM WITH VAULTED TRUSS CEILING, BONUS ROOM, WIDE, ART GALLERY WALKWAYS WITH GROIN CEILINGS, 8 TOTAL FIREPLACES, STONE & WIDE PLANK HARDWOOD FLOORS, AND CONTROL 4 SMART HOME SYSTEM (MUSIC, LIGHTING, HVAC, T. V. 'S). THE WONDERFULLY PRIVATE GROUNDS INCLUDE 2 SWIMMING POOLS, 2 SPAS, 2 BBQ CENTERS, AN APPROX. 1,050 SQ. FT. ENTERTAINING PAVILION WITH FIREPLACE AND MUSIC, A SECLUDED POOL HOUSE WITH FIREPLACE AND BATH, 3 BUBBLING FOUNTAINS, "ROCK" SPEAKERS, SPORTS COURT AREA, 2 VINEYARDS, ROSE GARDEN, MATURE TREES, GATED COURTYARD ENTRY, AND OVER AN ACRE OF LAWNS. NOTHING LIKE THIS HAS BEEN CREATED BEFORE IN HIDDEN HILLS.

The listing photos and description above are from the current listing. Below is the listing description and photos from the time that Lisa Marie listed in 2010 showing the original house prior to being demolished.

Above images courtesy Partners Trust

The previous home measures 8 Beds/9 Baths on 8,000 sqft on a total lot size of 3.07 acres built in 1981. This home was also discussed by Your Mama at the Realestalker. The listing description at that time stated: 

Behind the gates of the exclusive community of Hidden Hills is a truly private estate on just over 3 acres. At the end of Long Valley, this home is neighbor to the famous Ahmanson Ranch. Boasting almost 8,000 square feet, the main residence offers 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths and is complimented by architectural details like pitched ceilings and beautiful archways. There is an enormous gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. The master suite is truly exceptional with a catwalk to a private office and customized closet. The surrounding grounds include extensive rolling lawns, a large pool and waterfall, an orchard, and outdoor entertaining area for guests. Additionally, the property has a single bedroom guesthouse, recreational annex/studio with sound booth and second story guest unit above, and a 3-stall barn with a bedroom and private ~~ bathroom.

Just like any other big baller celebrity, Lisa Marie owned the property next door (shown below) for her first husband, Danny Keough and their two children. This home was purchased at the same time as the first home mentioned above on December 15, 1993 for $625,000 and first listed on February 14, 2010 (same as above) for $2,999,000 which was eventually sold for $1.2 million on February 24, 2011 representing a gain of $575,000 before any associated costs.

Images courtesy Partners Trust

The second home measures 4 Beds/3 Baths on 2,842 sqft on a total lot size of 1.47 acres built in 1954. The listing description at that time stated:

Reduced and Motivated! A truly rare opportunity to acquire property in one of the most desirable areas in Hidden Hills. Bordering the famous Ahmanson Ranch and sprawling high above the neighboring estates, this property offers incredible views and privacy. The 4 bedroom and 3 bath ranch home is situated on approximately 1.5 manicured acres with endless possibilities to renovate or build a custom estate.

The former homes of Lisa Marie Presley in Hidden Hills, larger home is shown at the bottom with the Ahmanson Ranch to the left. Image courtesy Google Maps

While Lisa Marie was in the process of selling her Hidden Hills homes, she and Michael Lockwood moved to East Sussex, England and purchased the historic Coes Hall estate. Lisa Marie Presley has surely been missed in the SFV as we hope she one day returns. There arent too many celebrities with a history like Lisa Marie Presley. 

And here is a bonus for all of the SFV die hard fans and those creepy like me who like to know every real estate detail of the rich and famous. According to celebrity location favorite site, Movielanddirectory.com, Lisa Marie Presley possibly lived at 18531 Wells Drive Tarzana, CA in the early 90's. That home measures 3 Beds/3 Baths on 2,806 sqft built in 1961. I tried to verify this location but no luck so take it with a grain of salt.

Additionally for the Michael Jackson die hard fans, Lisa Marie Presley rented a Canoga Park home prior to purchasing the Hidden Hills home mentioned above which was the location where MJ could first reach Lisa Marie Presley. According to the book, The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story: Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009 by J. Randy Taraborrelli:

Michael decided to calm himself by calling the one person who could somehow help him forget that his career hung in the balance: Lisa. She had certainly been persistent in her pursuit of him. She left telephone numbers for a house she was renting in Canoga Park, California. She also left the number of the new three acre estate which had just purchased and was getting ready to occupy on Long Valley Road in Hidden Hills. Then, just to be sure, she left the number where she could be reached in Clearwater, Florida, where she was planning to spend time at the Scientology retreat. She even sent him party balloons with messages attached. Somehow, she could always put a smile back on his face, even if it was just her raspy voice proclaiming, “Oh, fuck them!” He found her in Canoga Park.

Unfortunately, I wasnt able to confirm this location especially since public records dont exist for rentals. Its possible that this home was located more in West Hills than Canoga Park because this was right around the time that West Hills separated from Canoga Park. I would love to find the location of that Canoga Park (or West Hills) rental but I doubt anyone has this info and Lisa Marie Presley probably forgot about this location if she was willing to divulge. 

Other celebrities with recent real estate transactions or listings in Hidden Hills include the following:

1. Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne (music/reality) who just sold their mansion to Jessica Simpson for $11.5 million in March 2013.
2. LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian who purchased a $3 million short sale in December 2012.
3. Tamar Braxton and Vincent Herbert who purchased a Hidden Hills mansion designed by Ron Firestone on September 8, 2011 for either $3.4 million or $6.9 million who heaved it back on the market for barely one year later on October 11, 2012 for $7,595,000 and havent budged ever since. 
4. Billy Blanks (Tae Bo) who recently sold his mansion for $7.3 million. 
5. Ron Tutor (Construction) who previously leased to Britney Spears and is currently available for less than $10 million.
6. Beau Bridges (actor) who is trying to sell for under $3 million.
7. Drake (music) who recently purchased for $7.7 million.
8. Taylor Hawkin's (Foo Fighters music) purchase of a former Howie Mandel mansion for $2.7 million.
9. Morris Chestnut's short sale for $2.3 million.
10. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's (wrestling/acting) who recently sold for $4 million. 
11. Also, the Kardashians/Jenners live in this area. 

You can view more SFV Celebrity Real Estate here. 

Jackson Wanted to Be Fresh King of Bel Air

TMZ reported last week that before his death Michael Jackson was negotiating to purchase this 18,020 square foot 15BR/16.5BA home in Bel Air.  He apparently wanted to recreate Neverland.  Sadly, we believe that this ornate over-the-top mega mansion was more his style than the beautiful French country home located on Neverland Ranch.  Sigh.

For the rest of the story and to launch a video tour of the home, go to TMZ's site:
Jackson Wanted to Be Fresh King of Bel Air

Michael Jackson's Neverland Moving to Vegas?

SPECIAL LATE EDITION

Say it isn't so!

E! News and other sources are reporting that Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch may be disassembled and moved piece-by-piece to Vegas for reassembly as a tourist attraction.

We here at Celebrity Digs HQ have a special affinity for Neverland Ranch, despite that Graceland-ish front gate and Disney-ish train depot. The house itself is quite beautiful and was the subject of our very first post. Click here to view our post.

Let's hope it's just a rumor. We'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, here's the article from E! News:
The Next Big Vegas Attraction: Michael Jackson's Neverland?

Opposition Says "NEVER!" to Neverland as Tourist Spot

The Associated Press reports that the neighbors of Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch have formed a group called "Never!" to oppose any attempts to turn the property into a tourist destination. Of course, no development has been proposed . . . yet.

CHOW & CIAO!

It was an eventful first week for us here at Celebrity Digs HQ! Lots of juicy bits on all sorts of famous folks and how they're livin'. We'll see you back here on Monday.

Before we go, we have to identify our first CHOW--Celebrity Home of the Week:

You guessed it! Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch! We love it and we love him!

Ciao!

Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch: Underrated?

Photo: Jim Wilson/NY Times

R.I.P. MJ -- We always loved you and your over-the-top style! We all know the familiar photos of Neverland Ranch, like the Graceland-ish front gate and Disneyland-like train station. But the above photo from a recent New York Times article reveals the true Neverland, a gorgeous French country home in Santa Barbara County, California, that we bet interior designers would LOVE to get their hands on.

Exposed brick walls, oak floors, cedar closets, picturesque views of lovely grounds. The list just goes on and on. Just check out the Today Show's tour:

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Alas, Neverland will probably wind up as a tourist attraction a la Graceland.

In a perfect world, we would love to see an L.A. designer like Peter Dunham or Betsy Burnham take it on as a project. Okay, in a perfect world, we would love to see MJ come back to us. We miss you MJ!

More photos from the NY Times and other sources below.