Just like anything else, architectural fads come and go. En vogue right now — at least in LA — is the so-called “modern farmhouse“. We like to think of this style as kind of like Traditional architecture, albeit with a rustic yet sophisticated twist. Start with an large family-friendly mansion, add some distressed wood inside and out, make sure to feature a cavernous, barn-like open floorplan, mix in a pinch of chic light fixtures and clean lines, and voila! You’ve got a modern farmhouse.
A couple weeks back, a particularly eye-catching farmhouse thingamajigs in Encino sold for $8.5 million, the full asking price. That amount makes it one of the most expensive deals ever closed in this increasingly pricey San Fernando Valley neighborhood. And the buyer — as has already been revealed — is none other than Nashville’s very own Kelly Clarkson, the first (and arguably the most successful) American Idol winner ever.
Now in her mid-30s — it’s been 16 years since she won Idol, can y’all believe it — Ms. Clarkson has released eight albums, all of which have debuted in the top 3 of the Billboard charts. It seems to Yolanda that our gurl’s professional peak was in the mid-2000s, when her mega-hit Breakaway album transformed her from a talented talent show winner into a bonafide pop-rock superstar. Today, she maintains a fiercely loyal core group of longtime fans and currently serves as a coach on the US version of The Voice. And she’s got three Grammys to her name, too.
Ms. Clarkson is a born-and-raised Texas gal, but has — for the last few years, at least — made her primary residence near Tennessee, aka music central. Since 2013, she has been married to Brandon Blackstock, a guy who happens to be country legend Reba McEntire‘s longtime (former) stepson. The couple have two young children, one boy and one girl.
Despite having some issues with LA real estate — her former rental house was burglarized, oh dear — Ms. Clarkson and Mr. Blackstock seem intent on making the City of Angels their new home base. Not only have they purchased the big Encino pad, their Tennessee mega-mansion is also now up for sale. More on that in a minute.
The nearly 10,000-square-foot Encino house (9,839) was spec-built this year (2018) and sits rather hard up on the street, but the property is entirely walled and gated for maximum security and privacy. However, the rather cramped front yard belies the true expansiveness of the half-acre property, and the house features an enormous backyard with a pool, plenty of outdoor lounging space, and a soccer-field-sized lawn.
Inside, the structure is light and bright with contemporary light fixtures, herringbone-pattern floors, and high ceilings. The residence packs in 8 bedrooms and a whopping 11 baths, so you know Ms. Clarkson will need at least one full-time housemaid to keep everything lookin’ spic-n-span.
While the kitchen looks sorta rustic with all the wood and those faux-vintage cabinets, do not be fooled — all the appliances are brand-new and top-of-the-line name brand stuff. The space opens directly to the family room and features not one, not two, but three (!!) islands. And do we spy a super-expensive La Cornue range? We think we do.
The master suite is decidedly decadent with its vaulted ceiling, sitting area, disappearing glass doors that open to a private balcony, and an chunky fireplace with an unusual mosaic tile surround. The master bath likewise features his-and-hers vanities and a glassy shower — with two separate showerheads, of course.
Out back is the aforementioned spacious R&R area. The pool features an inset spa next to a sunken lounge-like space. There’s also plenty of other seating options — including a full outdoor dining table — and an outside kitchen. Other (non-pictured) features of the estate include the de rigueur home theater and wine cellar.
Although her new Encino place is plenty huge for a family of four, Ms. Clarkson’s old place in Tennessee puts this one to shame. Sizewise, at least. Current listing information shows that house — yes, it’s currently up for sale — weighs in at an unquestionably gigantic 20,121-square-feet of living space with all the bells and whistles. And kiddies, 20k square feet of space is like living in a mall! Basically. Yolanda can’t fathom what one would do with that much house. Goodness, it must take about 15 minutes to walk from one end to the other.
Anyway, records show that Ms. Clarkson paid just under $3 million for the Tennessee mega-manse back in 2012 — it’s located in Hendersonville, just outside of bustling Nashville. We do not know what all improvements Ms. Clarkson made to the estate during her six years of ownership, but she would now very much like someone to pay her $8.75 million for the privilege of owning this property.
Features of the lakefront estate include 7 beds, 8.5 baths, a boat dock, children’s playground, volleyball court, and an outdoor swimming pool/spa combo, all on 4+ acres of parklike land.
Listing agent (Encino): Dennis Chernov, Keller Williams Studio City
Kelly Clarkson’s agents (Encino): Chris Corkum & Lisa Brende, Coldwell Banker Los Feliz
Listing agent (Hendersonville): Jack Miller, PARKS