Chelsea Handler’s Just-Listed Estate Is Our SoCal Dream Home

Her sophisticated Bel-Air pad was made for a kickass entertainer.
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It looks like veteran talk show host and our favorite funny lady Chelsea Handler is making good on her promise to take a year off from television. Following her announcement that she will be bidding adieu to entertainment for a while to focus on political activism instead, the New Jersey-born comedian and writer is also planning on saying goodbye to her stunning SoCal estate. According to Variety, the E! alum and bestselling author just listed her contemporary Bel-Air spread for a cool $11.5 million. Anne Leeds of Pacific Union International currently represents the residence.

“This property truly provides the experience of being in your own private resort,” says Leeds. “It has an incredible indoor-outdoor feeling, with almost every room opening to an outdoor space.”

If you’ve ever watched an episode of Handler’s provocative Netflix talk show Chelsea (or its experimental spinoff, Chelsea Does), her too-cool pad might look pretty familiar. During filming, Handler frequently offered an intimate glimpse of her stylish hillside estate—and, of course, her infamous, celebrity-clad dinner parties.

Fit for a total badass who loves to entertain (but who also relishes their privacy), Handler’s stellar contemporary abode has us dreaming about all things SoCal living.

A modest preview of the home’s resort-like backyard, a plant-filled walkway sets the scene for the sprawling home to come. While originally built in 1964, the residence (which once belonged to American actress and swimmer Esther Williams) underwent a serious renovation when Handler picked up the ultra-private pad back in 2010 for $5.9 million.

Spanning 5,572 square feet, the now-sophisticated home bears all the markings of a makeover. Inside, a completely open floor plan and array of celeb-worthy amenities—including a dry sauna, home gym, and enormous walk-in closet—are just a few details that speak to the star’s recent update.

It’s no secret Handler has jokes, but did you know she has a thing for home decor and design, too? In the formal living room, dark wood accents and a grand stone fireplace make a daring first impression. And while dramatic walls just beyond offer nonstop views of the dreamy poolscape, we can’t take our eyes off Handler’s mid-century inspired coffee table.

The savvy statement piece boasts plenty of room for stashing and stacking beloved books (including her own, we’re guessing). Nearby floating shelves and built-in cupboards offer permanent room to store personal treasures.

For when guests would rather play outdoors than chat by the fireplace, a series of sliding doors ensure quick and easy access to the home’s many outdoor decks and patios.

A spacious dining area effortlessly flows into the fully-equipped chef’s kitchen, where a long center island sits beneath an enormous skylight.

Considering Handler lets her pups roam and lounge about on the kitchen counters, it’s safe to guess that these surfaces were made to withstand just about anything.

A blank canvas for new residents with an impressive art collection, the home’s almost exclusively white walls offer endless opportunities to play with an original display. Perhaps the home’s next owners will take a trendy cue from the celeb by pairing large-scale art with an eclectic photo gallery.

Upstairs, a private balcony, drop-down TV, and mod, built-in workspace in the master suite make for the ultimate personal hideaway.

“The master bedroom suite is perfectly appointed, and one of most special we have ever seen,” says Leeds. “It’s a real sanctuary, surrounded by trees and overlooking the grounds.”

Dark hardwood floors and exposed beams bring a polished energy to the serene dwelling, while the abundance of greenery just outside the balcony doors keeps the space feeling fresh and down-to-earth.

A larger than life walk-in closet and spa-like bathroom sit just off the master suite. Craving a detox? Cue the dry sauna to the rescue.

Elsewhere, four more bedrooms (including a sweet bunk bed dwelling) and a private staff suite await.

While the focus of Handler’s grassy backyard retreat is surely the 50-foot, dark-bottom swimming pool that spans almost the entire length of the home, an outdoor fireplace, barbecue area with pizza oven, and covered dining space are also major entertaining bonuses.

And the fact that Hilary Swank, Kerry Washington, and Jennifer Garner (to name a few of Handler’s A-list dinner guests) have enjoyed a meal or two out there? The home’s next owners will instantly win some serious bragging rights.

​See more star-owned homes we love:

Mindy Kaling Just Re-Listed Her Charming West Hollywood Villa Jane Fonda’s Mansion Is an Eco-Friendly Oasis Anna Faris’ Dreamy Backyard Makes Us Wish it Was Summer

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Lydia Geisel Avatar

Lydia Geisel

Home Editor

Lydia Geisel has been on the editorial team at Domino since 2017. Today, she writes and edits home and renovation stories, including house tours, before and afters, and DIYs, and leads our design news coverage. She lives in New York City.