Lionel Richie is widely regarded as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of the 20th century, with such hits under his belt as “You Are,” “My Love,” and of course the chart-topping smash “Hello.” These days, he’s just as recognizable for helping America discover its next big singer as a host on “American Idol.” Most recently, Lionel Richie served as the host of the series’ first ever Easter special, where he took to the stage to perform a few of his most beloved tracks. Since the singer is making waves right now, it only makes sense that we take a moment to discuss another key detail in his long journey to success – his home.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Historic Beverly Hills Mansion

Lionel Richie has owned a 17,000-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion since 1999, originally built in 1929 with design input from the Guggenheim family.

Extensive Renovations and Value Growth

Richie has invested heavily in renovations, transforming the property with luxury amenities including an Olympic-sized pool and spa, raising its estimated value from $6 million to over $26 million today.

Signature Rose Garden and Outdoor Spaces

The estate is renowned for its expansive rose garden and manicured grounds, which Richie considers the heart of the property and a key source of creative inspiration.

Eclectic, Global-Inspired Interiors

The home features Italian Renaissance architecture, a library filled with personal memorabilia, and décor that reflects Richie's global travels and artistic tastes.

Personal Touches and Musical Legacy

Richie's mansion houses cherished items like his favorite piano from his Commodores days and unique artwork, making the estate feel like both a palace and a retreat for the legendary musician.

❮

❯

Lionel Richie has lived in many places throughout the years, though his most prominent real estate investment may shock you, since the mansion has something of an identity all its own. To fully understand the size, scope and presence of this Beverly Hills property, we’ll have to take a brief look around, and unpack some of the key fixtures and renovations directed by the Academy Award winning artist himself.

Exploring Lionel Richie’s Historic Property

Lionel Richie’s Beverly Hills mansion was first purchased by the musical legend back in 1999. Though the “All Night Long” singer first took ownership of the property just before the turn of the century, it has been a fixture in the neighborhood since its construction in 1929. The building was originally constructed by Harry Koerner and William J. Gage, based on design specs crafted by Carrie Guggenheim, of the legendary Guggenheim family. Though the building loomed large over the Southern California locale in its original form, Lionel Richie and his team have made significant renovations over the last two decades. Today, the mansion stands at more than 17,000 square feet in area, with a total of 28 rooms inside. Of these rooms, the building touts 6 bedrooms, 13 full bathrooms, and an array of elaborate amenities that would make even your average millionaire blush.

When Lionel Richie first bought the property back in the 1990s, it came with a price tag of just $6 million. While this figure is obviously nothing to sneeze at, it goes to show just how much the housing market has changed in the last few decades. The building alone would be worth over $26 million and counting on today’s market, not to mention the expansive property line and garden which surrounds the home. Of course, the price hike isn’t solely due to the fluctuating housing market, as Richie has truly pumped an obscene amount of money into making this house a luxurious paradise.

Some of the super-star’s renovations include the addition of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a fully decked-out spa, several terraces and a stunning rose garden. Even if you’re not familiar with Richie’s real estate portfolio, you may recall seeing this building back in 2023, when it dominated coverage of the US Open. During the event, Lionel Richie’s home could be seen in the background as it towered over the Bel Air Country Club. Needless to say, it’s placed within prime real estate, making it one of the most sought-after lots in the county.

His Expansive Rose Garden Garden Is a Key Feature

As stated above, Lionel Richie’s rose garden is one of the key fixtures of this gorgeous landscape. These iceberg roses, as well as cypress and magnolia trees, make up the perfectly manicured grounds of the estate, curling around the limestone terraces and stone pool house. According to the “American Idol” host, he gets some of his best songwriting done when sitting outside among the roses, and contemplating the beauty and unorthodox design of his home.

As Richie explains it, he prefers the raw, stripped back approach of the house’s original design, and he’s spent a fortune trying to renovate while maintaining the original beauty. His magnum opus, of course, is the garden, which the singer likens to the lifeblood of the property when speaking on his home in interviews. Even still, those lucky enough to glimpse at the interior of the home will see that the singer’s taste offers a trip around the globe in 28 rooms.

Inside Richie’s Estate

Inside Lionel Richie’s home, you’ll find high ceilings, sweeping promenades and a variety of global influences which make the house sing with beauty. The original architecture was drawn up with Italian Renaissance vibes in mind, as evidenced by the dramatic staircases and white stone accent walls. As you enter the home, your eyes will be directed into the library, where Ritchie boasts a massive collection of books, art, and awards that he’s collected over the course of his six decades in the entertainment industry. In the sitting area, Ritchie keeps silk upholstered furniture, and a pair of Italian Rococo chairs, painted and gilded in a stunning gold hue.

A brief walk into the dining room will reveal a walnut table, based atop a firm iron base, as well as a set of mahogany chairs. A set of tortoiseshell shelving can be seen across from the table, where Ritchie keeps statues he’s collected from his travels around the globe. These include Chinese stone horses, African ancestral statuettes and more. Upstairs, you’ll find the master bedroom, master bathroom and an array of guest spaces. Both tout hardwood oak flooring, mahogany accent pieces, and large windows which give way to views of the rose garden. The bathroom has its own limestone fireplace, while the bedroom maintains the Italian Renaissance construction with a gilded bed frame and a pair of Romanesque columns.

Elsewhere, Lionel Richie has a sunroom with his favorite piano. It’s the very same instrument he used decades ago when crafting hit music with The Commodores. He also keeps a series of art, sculptures and paintings made by his friends and loved ones, including a deeply personal bronze item which depicts his young hand reaching out and touching his father. All in all, the home looks like the kind of presidential palace you might see while visiting a foreign diplomat, as if the estate of a king had been transported directly into the heart of the golden state.