Oprah Winfrey is known as the most successful and famous public figure in modern history. Although she’s very famous on social media still her huge mansion is not shown to the world until now. She likes to keep her privacy; that’s why many people don’t know about her mansion in southern California.
Next, peruse the information about her residence that has been gathered by journalists.
Small screen queen
Oprah Winfrey is not only famous on social media but also a great influencer. It will be the biggest understatement if you say that you don’t know this great woman. She appears very much on television on some channels.
She has made an empire of her own for the last five decades. You might wonder where this great woman with such a huge empire lives; of course, it’s natural to think about this when you see someone this much success. She is worth $3.1 billion at the moment. You might want to look at her home and see where and how she lives. So here we are giving you a little sneak peek into her huge mansion.
A gorgeous getaway
It’s not a big surprise to hear that Oprah lives in the wealthiest communities of United States. This community is called Montecito, which is located in the Southern California city of Santa Barbara. This city is surrounded by Santa Ynez Mountains and the shores of Pacific Ocean.
This area is very famous, even the tourism sites of Santa Barbara gives the visitors many warning that doesn’t overreact or freak out when you pass through her area and see her gigantic mansion. Many people freak out when they see an incredibly famous person’s house; it’s very common still they give warnings to avoid this behavior. But the real question arises that why Oprah chose this neighborhood to live in, so let’s move onto that.
A chance encounter
Oprah’s wealth comes as the perfect peak of her charm, intelligence, persistent determination, and organized career choices. When she came to Montecito for the first time, she wasn’t planning any of this; she was doing well in her way is a real estate powerful person. But she wasn’t sure of her dream house, that what kind of house it will be.
Soon it was resolved when she went to a party in 2001 purely by chance. That party was held in the grounds of a gorgeous mansion. Oprah was completely lost in the beauty of this place, and the owners couldn’t even imagine what would happen next.
Oprah’s offer
After visiting that mansion, she knew what her dream house would look like. But the house wasn’t on sale; it belonged to aeronautical equipment manufacturing giant, Robert Veloz and his wife, Marlene. They were living in the recently rebuilt stone gatehouse of 2000 square feet.
Oprah was resolute in her decision to purchase this mansion, presenting the couple with a hard-to-refuse offer of $52 million. She once again made history by initiating one of the largest transactions of a private residence not only in California but throughout the whole country.
Fit for a queen
This residence was ideally suited for someone of Oprah’s stature. The Montecito estate was initially established in 1912, though it has undergone numerous transformations and refurbishments over the past several centuries. The massive complex spans 23,000 feet. The property offers spectacular views of both the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
The recent look of the mansion was completed in 1959, and it is worth $88 million in today’s market. It has a total of 6 bedrooms and 14 washrooms plus ten fireplaces in its hallowed halls. The house had additional rooms which could be turned into a theatre and a wine cellar. This was soon to be hers.
Home at last
Robert Veloz and his spouse eventually reached a consensus to sell their home to Oprah. This magnificent mansion was now her possession, something she found extraordinarily amazing. The next step for her was to alter the place to make it feel more like her home.
While taking a walk with her buddy Bob Greene, who is a fitness expert, Oprah came to the conclusion that her mansion required a title. The name “Tara II” came to mind inspired by Gone with the Wind. However, her friend didn’t agree with her suggestion.
Keeping perspective
Bob Greene wished to prompt Oprah to view things from a broader perspective during this significant occasion. Born into poverty in Mississippi as an African American female, Oprah’s ability to possess all she did signified a moment of historical significance.
Oprah has always been candid about her challenging circumstances preceding her success as a property magnate. She had a single mother and was brought up by her grandmother in Mississippi during the age of Jim Crow laws. Her family’s condition was so dire that she was even forced to wear dresses made from potato sacks.
Bob had an idea for her mansion’s name.
Searching for inspiration
After much thinking, Bob told her to read the Bible that will be her inspiration. He found a name ‘Promise Land,’ and Oprah knew that no name could be better than this. So it became the identity of her new palace.
Once she finally acquired her dream house, she embarked on an venture to customize it to her taste. She overhauled its aesthetics through significant projects that were designed according to her unique style preferences. She aimed to ensure that her new dwelling reflected her personal touch.
For starters, there’s the library which was filled with a massive collection of books for this champion literature. But there’s more now.
Fabulous foyer
This was the main entrance hall of Oprah’s mansion which was named as the foyer. There was an elegant white stair case which curves up through creamy yellow walls.
The entrance of the hallway was full of photographs of her friends and loved ones on tables, which stands out the most. Many things were found that were really common, might find in anyone’s home. Even after a lot of wealth and status, she’s still a human. But the rest of the house is no less than a queen’s house.
Cooking up a storm
That’s obvious to have a well organized, well arranged, and spacious kitchen in this house. But the kitchen was much more than that. After moving in this Promised Land, she realized that the art of the kitchen has its very own fireplace.
Having a fireplace is a pretty good idea, but Oprah wanted to remove it because many of her guests, mostly friends, go directly to the kitchen. She didn’t dislike the fireplace, but she wanted to have more space. The upcoming rooms of her mansion hardly lack for space.
Reading room
So, there was a reading room in her mansion, whose every corner was made after much thinking. There was a large doll at one of the couches. Oprah grew up with poverty, and she didn’t have money to buy toys. Moreover, no toys reflected her skin color, so this doll represents progress, both personally and as a society.
Oprah always wished to engage her fans into reading; that’s why she opened up a club called Oprah’s Book Club. The back wall of it was full of Oprah’s impressive collection. There’s more to admire.
Welcome to the promised land
It’s natural to have a place for her guests to stay, and it wouldn’t be any less than the rest of the house. There were extraordinary arrangements for the guests; if you get invited by the queen of television, you can guess how lavish it would.
The rooms were laden with shelves brimming with fresh flower bouquets, infusing an enchanting aroma. The pleasing shades of lilac and lavender adorned the decor and furniture. Uniquely, there was also a fireplace to combat the harsh winters characteristic of California.
A meal with Oprah
You will notice many candelabras hanging above the table and ceiling. This will surely take you back to Beauty and the Beast. The wood table of the dining room has been polished with love that it looks like the glassy ocean
reflecting the sky.
Checkered for success
The most amazing thing in Oprah’s house is that each room appears to be absolutely different from the other. Every room has its own specific color and furniture that adds beauty to the whole mansion.
The famous green striped couch has since been sold along with plush pillows and daisies. The entire set was priced $3000 at the auction. And there’s not only living room to be explored in this Promise Land.
Care for a cuppa?
The purpose of Oprah’s tea room is originally very different. It was first built as the space for the garden staff to cut off and arrange flowers. But then Oprah decided that it should be a place to relax with a nice cup of tea.
The tea house is such a way that it completely lacks the distraction. There’s no television in there, nor any digital device meant for amusements. This is the place where you can unburden yourself with electronic accessories and sit
quietly and relax.
Space to relax?
This is another living room in Oprah’s Montecito mansion. This room is a little bit crowded, and everywhere you look, there are various objects like candelabra, pictures, a mirror, and a piece of furniture.
With an enormous amount of space in her Promised Land, Oprah has a wide array of elements she can experiment with. She can realize her design aspirations in her own space and constantly keep things changing.
Wisteria dreams
Outside the tearoom, there is an entryway to the gardens that are occupying most of the space of Oprah’s mansion. There is a sweet smell of purple wisteria and a small copper fountain. The entire entrance is surrounded by multiple flowers like lilies, roses, dahlias, daffodils, and many more. Just like a dreamy entryway.
Oprah takes great pride in the recent renovations she made to her mansion. She mentions that each time she drives away from her home and glances back, it brings to mind The Wizard of Oz.
A sneak peek
You are looking at Oprah’s personal wardrobe. It’s incredible to observe the meticulous color coordination of her attire in her wardrobes. However, this is merely a peek into her clothing storage.
She has her own mall of shoes. There are all variety of shoes set in her closet. Plus it’s big enough to decorate it as it a public room of the house. There is a number of vases filled with freshly cut flowers.
Penny for your thoughts
Andrew Walker and David Simmons are the two best designers who are responsible for many decorations in Oprah’s Promise Land. They were the real masterminds of the guesthouse. The central room of the house is, of course, the enormous penny on the wall, and the rest of the colors follow its cue.
The designers found an extraordinary statue of Lincoln’s head at an antique sale in Waukesha, Wisconsin, which is not really far from where Oprah herself grew up.
The exterior of the house is equally important as the interior; the vast gardens offer substantial space to make use of.
‘Hallelujah’ lane
Oprah has a strong religious core, and she has Biblical theme of the Promised Land that’s why she names one of her main pathways in the lush garden as Hallelujah Lane. There is a white Greco Roman statue which is placed inside a quiet nook framed by wrought iron arches.
Sombreuil roses weave their way through the arches, and smaller iceberg roses flank themselves on the statue. There are white hydrangea bushes surrounding everything. That is placed intentionally to pay tribute to Oprah’s grandmother, who actually raised her and had similar flowers outside their home in Mississippi. Anyways, this isn’t the only installment on her sprawling grounds.
Coming Up with a Name
Initially, Oprah was in search of a suitable title for her brand-new estate. Her initial idea was to designate it Tara II, a name that echoed Gone With the Wind. But after mulling it over, her buddy Bob Greene felt that this potential moniker did not adequately reflect the remarkable magnificence of Oprah’s real estate.
Searching for ideas, Greene found inspiration in the Bible and proposed the name “Promised Land” for Oprah’s new estate. As expected, the name strongly appealed to her because it corresponded seamlessly with the aura of her new property. So, gladly accepting Greene’s suggestion, she decided to dub her new mansion “Promised Land”.
Finally Home
At last, Oprah owned her new palatial home, yet many elements were still missing. Her next step involves initiating an extensive endeavor that will allow her to tailor and adorn her residence to reflect her personal flair. To actualize this venture, she needs to collaborate with a variety of experts renowned in the realm of design.
Working towards achieving her vision, she collaborated with prominent designers, Andrew Walker and David Simmons, who meticulously handled the interior outlook of the mansion. Given the vast scope of Oprah’s property, the completion of the design project understandably took a significant amount of time. Nonetheless, as the project reached its conclusion, the magnificence of her renovated mansion, reflecting her dream home, finally started to unfold.
Twelve Oak Trees
In Oprah’s garden, there are twelve towering oak trees with twisting branches reaching towards the heavens. These colossal oaks are not only grand in size, but they also bear a particular significance. Oprah has mentioned that the concept of having these twelve oaks is reminiscent of Gone with the Wind. However, she also clarified that their presence and number hold a different symbolism.
Oprah christened her twelve oak trees as the “Twelve Apostles.” She shared that the presence of these trees in her yard grants her a sense of serenity. She frequently mentions these trees on her Instagram and regards them as one of the most loved features of her mansion.
Peace and Tranquility
Oprah’s mansion is exceptionally large, hosting an abundance of both artificial and natural elements that you can discover when exploring it. Indeed, Oprah mentioned that she sometimes spends weeks without tuning into television, instead relishing in the spaciousness her mansion provides.
She remembered instances where she would slip into a quiet daydream, even while conscious and merely sitting on her porch engrossed in a book. There’s so much to observe. Oprah even professed that she could spend the whole summer without switching on her television.
Seamair Farm
Not long after Oprah settled into her new home, she quickly established a friendship with her adjoining neighbor. The bond between them strengthened swiftly, leading to a tight-knit friendship. Regrettably, her friend and neighbor met an untimely demise back in 2016. As it turns out, the neighbor’s family wished for Oprah to acquire the vacated property, and indeed, Oprah fulfilled their expectation.
Oprah acquired the property known as Seamair Farm for approximately $28.9 million, using it to extend her own estate. The design and layout of the new property contrasted with that of Oprah’s Promised Land, enabling her to broaden her original estate while incorporating distinctive elements from the new one.
Wonderful Fishing Spot
Seamair Farm, a creation of architect Cliff May, who is famous for the design of over 18,000 ranches and 1,000 tailor-made residences, and credited with the concept of the California Dream Home, is now owned by Oprah. This acquisition means she now proudly possesses one of May’s architectural masterpieces on her estate.
Seamair Farm is an expansive property that spreads over 23 acres. This mid-century gem features five bedrooms and four bathrooms. In addition to this, it boasts a fish pond full of Japanese koi, a grove of avocado trees, and an orchard of fruit trees.
As the property is a farm, it certainly enhances Oprah’s own property, which lacks any farming land.
Amazing Ranch
Beyond being a splendid spot for fishing, Seamair Farm boasts a comprehensive equestrian zone, which in the past served as a horse racing track. Additionally, it features a meticulously managed horse-riding track as well as numerous horse stables. When Oprah procured this estate, it presented her with another opportunity to unleash her creative design instincts.
The expanse of the area is so immense that a horse ride wouldn’t bring you anywhere near the neighboring properties. Nevertheless, it hardly matches Oprah’s substantially larger swath of land, but it maintains an impressive size in its own right. The property, characterized by horse stables and a riding course, additionally boasts two natural wells that are set to become pivotal elements in Oprah’s life in the near future.
A Bountiful Harvest
Oprah takes great pride in sharing her love for her vegetable garden with everyone. She expressed her joy in taking care of her garden and cultivating her own produce. As a result, she is able to relish the fruits of her labor through a generous yield from time to time.
Nonetheless, the journey has not always been easy. Oprah encountered a significant problem with the onset of the water shortage affecting the entire state of California – the deficiency of water. This is where the twin wells that arrive with the Seamair Farm prove their worth. These wells have allowed her to maintain the growth of her produce even in times of drought. However, given that the water reserve is not endless, she was obliged to slash her water consumption in half.
Despite the cessation of the drought, some problems persisted in the region.
A Muddy Disaster
Right when she believed the situation couldn’t possibly deteriorate further, Montecito was struck by destructive mudslides in January 2018. Oprah remembered being roused from sleep at 3:47 AM that particular day because of her dog’s noisy barking, only to discover a fierce, vibrant red sky above the Santa Ynez Mountains.
The occurrence of mudslides led to extensive destruction in numerous homes across the region. Many homes situated nearby encountered significant damage with the mud infiltrating its perimeter, reaching as far as Highway 101. Trapped and with no option to evacuate, Oprah reached out to a friend who also resided in Montecito.
The mudslide was enormously extensive, resulting in the total destruction of many homes. Oprah was relatively lucky as her property did not suffer significant damage in comparison to the rest of the area.
A Call with Ellen
Actually, Ellen DeGeneres was the friend residing in Montecito that Oprah decided to contact during her show. Oprah made a FaceTime call to Ellen, giving her audience an exclusive first-hand perspective of the devastation caused by the mudslides. Furthermore, she seized this platform to express her appreciation for the firefighters and rescue personnels’ phenomenal response and assistance during the disaster.
Oprah was fortunate that her property received only minor damage compared to the others. In addition, she has alternative residences where she can stay temporarily during the cleanup process. During this period, all the water and gas facilities were turned off.
Mountain Lodging
Oprah has acquired numerous properties over the past several years. One such real estate is a mountainous retreat located in Mountain Village, Telluride, Colorado. This substantial 60-acre land, acquired for a whopping $11 million, boasts a fitness center, five bedrooms, six full and one half baths, a cinematic home theater, and several more amenities. For added convenience, the property is also equipped with modern smart home technology.
In addition to her other properties, she possesses a flat in Chicago, a holiday getaway in Maui, Hawaii, and Antigua in the Caribbean, as well as a residence in New Jersey. Additionally, she acquired a forest lodge on Orcas Island for $8.2 million. Alongside her immense wealth, Oprah is also immensely generous, contributing more than $40 million via the Oprah Winfrey Foundation.
Cozy Ranch House in Hawaii
Oprah is so enchanted by Maui that she bought over 60 acres of land on the island, inclusive of the quaint yet historic Thompson Ranch near Keokea. She initially contemplated demolishing the property but eventually chose to keep it intact.
She made the decision to purchase land in Hawaii partly due to the recommendation of her property manager, Bob Greene. Having acquired the land, she enlisted the services of her Hawaiian designer and architect to commence the project of transforming the property. Consequently, the property has been wonderfully redeveloped into a splendid 21st-century farmhouse.
The decision she made was indeed influenced after seeing a photo of her designer’s Connecticut residence featured on the front page of a magazine.
$8 Million Compound in Orcas Island
Oprah’s real estate collection includes a luxurious home situated on Orcas Island in Washington. Constructed in 2007, this private opulent abode occupies more than 40 acres of land. Oprah purchased the entire property, formerly referred to as the Madroneagle Estate, for a whopping $8 million.
The main building on the property boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an additional powder room. It offers the stunning view of the glorious sunset on its west-facing coastline, a treat for its owner, Oprah. The kitchen area impresses with its spacious central island, sunlight-admitting skylights, and an installed pizza oven. For entertainment, the upstairs lounge offers a pool table and a shuffleboard. Along with this, the property also has a gym and a yoga studio, a dedicated studio for woodworking, and even a tea house, making it a comprehensive package.
Real Estate in Chicago
Beyond the property already discussed, Oprah once held numerous real estate properties throughout Chicago, as that was her primary place of residence at the time. However, in 2018, she chose to dispose of her last property in the city, selling it for $375,000. This property was a spacious 2,250-square-foot house situated in Elmwood Park, constructed in 1941. It boasted two wood-burning fireplaces, a formal dining area, a pair of bathrooms, and installed recessed lighting.
Oprah has also had various real estate holdings in the Chicago region, including a 9,625-square-foot duplex in Water Tower Place, which she sold in 2015 for $4.625 million, and a 4,607 square-foot cooperative unit in the prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood, which fetched $2.75 million. The co-op unit she possessed had eight rooms and was never lived in.
A Condo in Fisher Island
Oprah was once the owner of a condominium in Fisher Island. As described by Sun-Sentinel, the location is a haven for peacocks to wander at will, as well as a sanctuary for celebrities, millionaires and successful business magnates. The condo engulfs a broad expanse of 1,838 square feet and is accessorized by 2 bathrooms and bedrooms each. In addition, it boasts two parking spots, a balcony, custom-made wooden built-ins, and tall ceilings. It also offers a warmly welcoming plan and a lavish sojourn in the tropics.
Reports indicate that Oprah purchased the property in 1996 for a sum of $660,000. After residing in the area for several years, she made a decision to list it on the market in 2008 with a selling price of $2 million.
Indiana Farm
Oprah once had possession of a vast farm in Indiana, acquired in 1988 and later sold in 2004. This enormous property boasted a wealth of facilities such as a swimming pool, a tennis court, a cabin, its own orchard, among other features. A lot of notable personalities were guests at this property, which served as her weekend retreat from Chicago. In 2003, Oprah put the property on the market for a cool $8.5 million.
More and More Houses
Throughout her illustrious career, Oprah has acquired numerous properties and real estate. In addition to the ones already discussed, she owns a property in New Jersey, valued at $68 million. She also enjoys a tropical getaway on the island of Antigua in the Caribbeans, as well as a log cabin on Orcas Island, which is valued at $8.2 million.
Home is Where the Heart Is
Despite Oprah acquiring numerous properties in recent years, it’s important to remember her philanthropic nature. She has already given over $40 million through her personal organization, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation. To this day, Oprah is unrivaled as the most generous celebrity.