Explore an historic Santa Monica mansion once home to Fleetwood Mac - on sale for $50 million

One of the most historic houses in Santa Monica that was once home to several members of Fleetwood Mac has gone on sale for $50 million. 

Villa Ruchelle, owned by the executive chairman of Vice Media, Shane Smith, has also been the background setting for the film Beverley Hills Cop as well as Entourage.

Mr Smith has spent millions on updating the home and has captured a feeling of Hollywood’s golden era. Speaking to Mansion Global, he said: ‘We had a vision of a Chateau Marmont–style escape with the dual ability to throw lavish parties and feel homey and secluded at the same time. A sort of mini-resort with the best poolside living in LA and a vista from every window.’

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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.

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.

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. 

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

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

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

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. 

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 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. Guitarist Lindsey Buckingham also lives in LA and, according to the LA Times, last year splashed $3.725m on a Spanish-inspired property in La Quinta’s Hideaway golf club community.

Pictures courtesy of Top Ten Real Estate Deals (opens in new tab)