Worlds Best Homes

Inside the Fleetwood Mac house in Santa Monica

The music legends stayed in the 1930s mansion (owned by a music executive) while recording their 'reunion album'

Fleetwood Mac house
(Image credit: Jacob Burghart and Cris Nolasco)

Singer Christine McVie, who was a member of Fleetwood Mac, died peacefully yesterday, Wednesday, November 30th, in the company of her family aged 79. The British singer-songwriter masterminded some of the band's biggest hits, including Say You Love Me, Little Lies, Everywhere, and Songbird.

Despite growing up in the UK, Christine spent much time in the US, including Santa Monica – home to this historic property.  

Named Villa Ruchelle, this estate (which is one of the world's best homes) was owned by the executive chairman of Vice Media, Shane Smith. According to an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Smith told how the house hosted members of the legendary rock band while they recorded a 'recent reunion album.'

The former owner spent millions updating the home and has captured a feeling of Hollywood’s golden era. It was listed for $50 million in March 2021.

Fleetwood Mac house

(Image credit: Jacob Burghart and Cris Nolasco)

He certainly achieved the aesthetic at the villa, which boasts hand-painted ceilings and even a secret onyx-walled speakeasy.

The extravagant home has eight bedrooms and two guest houses, a 74-foot pool and pool house with a wood-fired pizza oven, a cedar soaking tub in its own secret spot, and a bocce ball court.

Fleetwood Mac house

(Image credit: Jacob Burghart and Cris Nolasco)

The villa is nestled behind a three-acre jungle of palm and fruit trees, ferns and lush gardens, and the pool has distinct Palm Springs vibes with striped parasols and patterned tiles.

Fleetwood Mac house

(Image credit: Jacob Burghart and Cris Nolasco)

Fleetwood Mac house

(Image credit: Jacob Burghart and Cris Nolasco)

Between the guest houses and the main house there are 12 bedrooms and 13 baths, measuring a total of 14,000 square feet of living space. 

Fleetwood Mac house

(Image credit: Jacob Burghart and Cris Nolasco)

There are formal living and dining rooms with hand-painted beamed ceilings, hand-blown glass chandeliers from Venice, a chef’s kitchen (that sets the standard for professional kitchen ideas), a music room, and a master suite with dressing rooms, custom mosaic floors in the bathrooms, a hammam, and private patios. 

Fleetwood Mac house

(Image credit: Jacob Burghart and Cris Nolasco)

Fleetwood Mac house

(Image credit: Jacob Burghart and Cris Nolasco)

Throughout the house are carved mantels, arched doors and large windows, speaking to its history.

Fleetwood Mac house

(Image credit: Jacob Burghart and Cris Nolasco)

One arched doorway leads into a beautiful bathroom with printed tiles, a freestanding tub and views out over the botanical garden.

Fleetwood Mac house

(Image credit: Jacob Burghart and Cris Nolasco)

The spacious library holds the house’s secret speakeasy behind its shelves of books, and  there’s also a secret staircase leading to the mansion's wine cellar. 

Fleetwood Mac house

(Image credit: Jacob Burghart and Cris Nolasco)

Santa Monica is a high-brow celebrity enclave, boasting a three-mile coastline and historic Santa Monica Pier. Close enough to dip into the buzz of LA, but far enough to be a welcome relaxing retreat.

Where do the members of Fleetwood Mac live now?

Hitmakers Fleetwood Mac created some of the world’s most iconic songs. Mick Fleetwood now reportedly spends much of his time in Maui, where he has a property near Napili Bay. Singer Stevie Nicks owns a number of homes, including a luxury condo in Santa Monica. 

Pictures courtesy of Top Ten Real Estate Deals

Contributing Editor

Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.