Newly released images have unveiled the vastness of Will Smith’s secluded 150-acre estate located in the San Fernando Valley. The “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star’s Adobe-style mansion boasts impressive sports amenities, custom-built interiors, and intriguing symbols etched into an extension’s facade.
Nestled in the celebrity enclave of Calabasas, this sprawling compound is so extensive it has its own ZIP code. The Oscar-winning actor’s Pueblo Revival home was highlighted on a 2011 cover of Architectural Digest, celebrated for its ambitious, bespoke design and worldly architectural inspirations.
The Genesis of a Celebrity Haven
This expansive property marked an early real estate venture for Smith and his reportedly estranged wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. According to the Daily Mail, the then-newlyweds drew inspiration from the desert-chic style of Gene Hackman’s Santa Fe home. They commissioned the late actor’s architect, Stephen Samuelson, to construct their dream abode in the late 1990s.
The estate’s creation involved the craftsmanship of hundreds of woodworkers, metalsmiths, stonemasons, and upholsterers, reflecting a dedication to detail and artistry. Pinkett Smith once described the construction of the property as “a spiritual endeavour.”
A Retreat from the Spotlight
Will Smith has largely remained out of the public eye following the infamous incident at the 2022 Academy Awards, where he slapped host Chris Rock. The estate’s resort-like amenities offer a sanctuary for any celebrity seeking respite from the limelight.
“Answers come to me out there,” Smith shared with Architectural Digest about his favorite spot, the lake gazebo, accessed via a bridge.
An extension of the home features a curving roof and mysterious “Cool S” symbols etched into the stucco walls, reminiscent of the doodles familiar to schoolchildren. These symbols may pay homage to the homeowner’s last initial. The extension includes a sunbathing area with umbrellas and daybeds.
Unparalleled Luxury and Amenities
The estate’s tailor-made features include a puppy mansion for Smith’s rottweilers and a sunken trampoline. A sports complex offers courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball, catering to the actor’s active lifestyle.
Beyond the nine bedrooms, the 25,000-square-foot home’s interiors include a meditation room, a recording studio, and a cinema wing complete with a projection booth, restrooms, and an “accolades lounge” for post-movie discussions.
In 2014, Smith briefly listed the property for sale at $US42 million ($A64 million) but later withdrew the listing. The current residents of the Calabasas compound remain unclear, though signs of family life are evident in aerial images.
A Community of Stars
Calabasas has long been a favored residence for Hollywood stars and music industry elites. The Kardashians, Miley Cyrus, and Drake are among its most renowned community members. However, only one local resident, Will Smith, can claim a personal ZIP code.
Jaden Smith’s free vegan food truck for the homeless, launched on his 21st birthday in 2019 and named “I Love You Restaurant,” is parked on the property, indicating the family’s ongoing presence.
Parts of this story first appeared in the New York Post and were republished with permission.
