American comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer Ellen DeGeneres has famously reaped a huge second fortune via buying, renovating and flipping some of Southern California’s most expensive homes. But that magic touch hasn’t rubbed off on everyone — one Beverly Hills property that DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi sold in 2018 for $35 million has just been resold for about $23.3 million, or a nearly $12 million loss before taxes, closing costs and four years of maintenance. The Real Deal first reported the transfer.
The seller was Sue Gross, an ex-wife of PIMCO founder Bill Gross. Sue first put the house up for sale two years ago, asking $38 million; with no takers, the asking price eventually cratered to just $28.9 million. Luckily, Gross can afford the loss. Forbes says her net worth is $1.6 billion, and she still owns another Beverly Hills mansion, plus a three-house compound in Laguna Beach’s exclusive Irvine Cove gated community.
Records reveal the discount-minded buyer is Giorgos Tsetis, a Greek-born former male model who co-founded the Nutrafol hair-loss treatment brand. Four months ago, Nutrafol was acquired by consumer goods giant Unilever; terms were not disclosed, but it’s clear Tsetis pocketed quite a pretty penny.
As for the 90210 estate, DeGeneres bought the 1960s midcentury house in 2015, paying $16 million, and extensively renovated the premises during the time she owned it. Set behind gates down a long driveway, the structure includes more than 5,000 square feet of living space and now offers an entirely windowless façade made up of teak slats, which surely cost a fortune to install, according to Dirt.
Inside, the four-bedroom house has even more teak — in the form of glossy ceiling treatments and a teak island in the kitchen. There are also concrete floors, marble countertops, walnut cabinetry and a truckload of other bespoke finishes. A vast great room has glass doors that spill out to the backyard, and the family room is equipped with a wet bar. The single-story structure also features skylights throughout, and the primary bedroom has walls of glass that open to a private patio with views of city lights.
Lush landscaping and gardens designed by Mark Rios add to the estate’s sense of seclusion, though it’s only a quick jog from bustling Sunset Boulevard and downtown Beverly Hills. Out back, a plunge pool and its inset spa are adjoined by a wooden deck, ideal for sunbathing.
Josh and Matt Altman of The Altman Brothers team at Douglas Elliman held the listing; Tracy Tutor, also with Douglas Elliman, repped the buyer.
In addition to his new Beverly Hills digs, Tsetis and wife Cerelina Proesl also own an estate in the Hamptons and a Miami Beach house that’s currently up for sale, asking $2.3 million.
Sources: Dirt, The Real Deal
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