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


Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.
Thank you for signing up to Homes & Gardens. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
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.
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.
The closing price makes it the most expensive home in the exclusive La Jolla enclave to sell within the last few years.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks to TopTenRealEstateDeals for allowing us to showcase this property.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.

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.
-
-
Best wine glasses 2023 - for rosé, red, or white wine
The best wine glasses should be stylish, substantial, and aroma-enhancing. Our shopping experts found the best crystal and unbreakable glasses.
By Laura Honey Published
-
Alessandra Ambrosio's dining room is an eclectic mix of vintage and modern design – experts love its 'inviting' feel
The dining room of supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio is an eclectic space that combines vintage and modern furniture – design experts weigh in
By Emily Moorman Published