Worlds Best Homes

Alicia Keys buys the futuristic Razor House – 'America’s coolest home' – and an architectural masterpiece

The modern home appeared in the 'Iron Man' movie – and was bought for $20.8 million by the musician

Alicia Keys house
(Image credit: Gary Kasl)

Grammy award-winning singer Alicia Keys has paid $20.8 million for 'Razor House,' a strikingly modern landmark in the wealthy Southern California town of La Jolla.

This sleek and spacious 10,653-square-foot mansion is said to be the inspiration behind Tony Stark’s Malibu lair in the Iron Man film franchise, in addition to a starring role in Visa Black Card and Calvin Klein television commercials. 

Take a tour below – and when you're done, hop on over to our page dedicated to the world's best homes for more.

Alicia Keys house

(Image credit: Gary Kasl)

Designed by Wallace E. Cunningham in La Jolla, California, it was originally on the market for $45 million, then at $30 million, reduced to $24.995 million, with Alicia Keys paying $20.8 million for the abode. The property took six years to construct.

Alicia Keys house

(Image credit: Gary Kasl)

The closing price makes it the most expensive home in the exclusive La Jolla enclave to sell within the last few years.

Alicia Keys house

(Image credit: Gary Kasl)

Alicia Keys house

(Image credit: Gary Kasl)

Built in 2007, the Razor House extends several stories below the original surface so that each roof forms a terrace to the adjacent upper floor. 

Set across 10,240 square feet and three stories, the main residence features six bedrooms, two of which are masters with spectacular ocean views through end-to-end, floor-to-ceiling curved glass.  

Alicia Keys house

(Image credit: Gary Kasl)

The master-suite baths include showers and freestanding tubs as well as closets. The detached multi-level guest house has 1,301 square feet and includes two bedrooms and two baths, each having separate entry points on different levels.

Then there’s the two-story, all-glass sitting room connected by a curved floating staircase, along with a library, movie theater, fully-equipped gym, two steam rooms, roof-top spa and a built-in outdoor BBQ.

Alicia Keys house

(Image credit: Gary Kasl)

For friends, family or, even, a caretaker, the home comes complete with a detached, triple-level, 1,300-square-foot guest house with two ensuite bedrooms, and its own separate entry

Josh Altman and Matt Altman of Douglas Elliman were the brokers for the sale.

Alicia Keys house

(Image credit: Gary Kasl)

Alicia Keys house

(Image credit: Gary Kasl)

Thanks to TopTenRealEstateDeals for allowing us to showcase this property.

Jennifer Ebert
Deputy Editor (Digital)

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.