If there’s someone who truly needs no introduction, it’s Oprah Winfrey, who is well-known across the world. She’s respected as a self-made billionaire and philanthropist. Most of us know her as the former host of The Oprah Winfrey Show where she would sometimes extend her generosity to her audience members, such as the time everyone left with a car.
While we may know a lot about her public life, we weren’t always aware of the details regarding her residence. Oprah calls a modest $90 million South California mansion home. Here, we have gathered all the information we could find about her dwelling and the lovely features that it comes with.
A True Tale of Rags To Riches
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Oprah has been dubbed “The Queen of All Media” because she has mastered the art of emotional communication. She’s known for the practical advice she offers and her charismatic personality. She is also widely recognized for treating her audience members with some of the best giveaways.
Oprah’s life had a humble beginning, making her a great example of a successful rags to riches tale. As of 2019, Oprah has an estimated net worth of $2.6 billion. We then find ourselves wondering, where would a woman of her stature call home? It must be somewhere incredibly luxurious right? It absolutely is.
An Idyllic California Retreat
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Oprah’s main residence is a Montecito mansion located in a community near Santa Barbara. The Southern California region is situated by the Pacific beaches and in close proximity to the Santa Ynez Mountains. It’s the perfect place to call home, away from the bustle of Chicago where Oprah’s studios were located for decades.
Browsing through the luxury real estate ads on Zillow, Montecito listings tend to begin at $1 million, going all the way up to the $80 million range. The exclusive neighborhoods in the area also host several other celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres and Rob Lowe.
Enough Yard Space for Her Dogs
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Before Oprah resided in sunny California she had lived in a lavish condo in Chicago. She stayed at the Water Tower Place which was conveniently located near Harpo Studios, making the commute to work easy. The studio, which was simply Oprah’s name spelled backward, closed down in 2015.
Oprah is also the proud owner of five dogs. After all, a dog is a human’s best friend, right? We can imagine that she takes pride in looking after her adorable companions and walking them as often as she can, as seen above. In her current California home, her dogs have more than enough room to play and enjoy their surroundings.
One of the Biggest Home Sales In the U.S.
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Oprah bought her mansion for $52 million which must have been a sizeable fortune for the former owners. It became one of the biggest home sales in the U.S., historically, owing to the home’s rich history. The Montecito mansion was built back in 1912 but it has undergone several home remodeling projects over the years.
The house sits on 23,000 square feet of space and offers six bedrooms with 14 bathrooms. There are also 10 fireplaces, a home theater, and a wine cellar. The mansion’s current worth is estimated to be around $90 million and we believe that it’s current occupant has something to do with the increased value.
A Private Paradise
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Bob Veloz had owned the mansion, alongside his wife, prior to Oprah making it her home. $52 million is a hefty price for a house, nonetheless, it did live up to its expectations, offering more than enough rooms for one’s comfort and any potential future family get-togethers.
The sprawling gardens on this estate are one of the standout features. Fitness guru Bob Greene, who is Oprah’s good friend, helped her come up with a befitting name for her private paradise. She felt that the mansion was reminiscent of Gone With the Wind and wanted to call it Tara II.
The Promised Land
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Greene told Oprah that Tara II didn’t quite live up to the ambiance of the mansion. He reminded her about her rise from an impoverished background in Mississippi to being able to make such an appreciable investment. Soon, she decided on a biblical reference calling it “The Promised Land.”
Oprah was born to a teenage mother and she had a tough childhood, not even having access to decent clothing when growing up. She has said in interviews that at some point she had to make do with wearing potato sacks as clothing. However, her fortune changed, and her mansion truly reflects how she overcame along her journey.
An Inviting & Welcoming Foyer
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The main entrance of the mansion opens up to a foyer featuring a staircase with banisters. The staircase wraps along the lovely yellow walls, just the perfect spot to make a statement. Given that it’s the first area that anyone accesses when entering the home, it needed to be inviting and welcoming.
Oprah furnished the area with a personal touch including framed pictures of her loved ones. We must agree that this creates the best reception for her with the faces of those she loves greeting her every day. We believe this is also her way of remembering the sweet moments of her past; simultaneously feeling grateful for where her life is now.
A Reading Room With A Personal Touch
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Oprah has co-authored five books and her book club is highly popular among those who are looking for inspiration or simply interested in her life story. Naturally, we would expect her to have a library in her mansion but instead, she has a very personal room dedicated to literature and she calls it her “Reading Room.”
It’s hard to miss the large decorative doll that permanently sits on the sofa in this sentimental room. Oprah has shared that growing up she was disappointed in the lack of diversity when it came to finding a doll that matched her skin tone.
A Luxurious Bathing Experience
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Oprah has shared a lot about her childhood and one of the memories she has is scrubbing a stained single tub that the family shared. It doesn’t come as a surprise that she wanted a luxurious bathtub in her deluxe house, as she indulges in the experience and regularly ornaments the room with exciting finds.
Her tub is one of the pieces she has replaced a couple of times, and she once had the hand-carved tub photographed above. She replaced the fixture made out of a single piece of onyx as part of a decluttering process. Currently, she has a tub that’s perfectly molded for her body.
Uniquely Decorated Rooms
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Oprah has decorated every single room in a unique style, including the guest rooms. For instance, the room above heavily features floral motifs and shades of purple. There are also glass lanterns that blend in with the theme. To create a contrast in the room, she added classic gold statement pieces.
The room also features one of the ten fireplaces the mansion has to offer, to provide the much-needed warmth on those, particularly cold winter days. There are also fresh flowers on the mantle over the fireplace, which is yet another special touch Oprah incorporates in just about every other room.
The Tea Room Overlooking the Garden
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Overlooking the garden area, there’s a tea room that creates the ideal space for hosting small gatherings or simply having a chat with some friends. We figure that Oprah regularly has her good friend, Gayle King, stop by for a cup of tea right at this spot.
In the history of the mansion, workers previously used the room as they tended to the gardening needs. However, Oprah transformed it into a functional space that helps her unwind. The room is also technology-free, with no TV set. Nonetheless, sometimes kicking back without distractions is just what we need.
The Figurines In the Garden
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It also shouldn’t come as a surprise that Oprah is an art lover, and she has some unique pieces decorating the landscape of her home. The extensive gardens host scale-size bronze-sculpted figurines. They are the Grupo de Cuatro Mujeres de Pie, which is the artistic work of a Mexican sculptor named Francisco Zuniga.
We can see why Oprah fell in love with these figurines, as they depict a group of strong women in different stages of life, which is right in line with Oprah’s advocacy for women’s rights. The statuettes cost her $3.1 million but for a multi-billionaire, we are sure the purchase didn’t even put a dent in her bank account.
Expanding “The Promised Land”
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Can you just imagine being Oprah’s neighbor; well, she was quite close to them until one passed away in recent years. Oprah then decided to expand her home and purchased the adjacent, Seamair Farm, which belonged to the grieving family. They were probably at peace knowing the property was being left in good hands.
Oprah spent $28.9 million to buy the piece of land, which not only grows crops but also accommodates horses. Stables and a riding course are part of the farm, adding to the list of activities that Oprah can enjoy on her estate. The farm also has avocado trees as well as a koi pond.
Oprah’s Extensive Real Estate
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The California gem is just one amongst many on Oprah’s list of estates. Bob Greene, who is also Oprah’s former personal trainer and co-author of one of her publications, once again helped her scout for another piece of land. Despite her upbringing, Oprah was now getting comfortable with spreading her wings over new regions.
They scouted islands for over a decade to find yet another retreat that could serve Oprah when she needs to get away from the mainland. Finally, he identified an underdeveloped area that was just right for her. He advised her to buy it right away before a developer saw its potential and began construction on it.
A Grand Island Mansion In Maui
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The gorgeous estate Greene scouted for Oprah is located in Maui and it features lush greenery. The grounds are also covered with exotic waterfalls and bamboo forests, as well as, sand, which creates yet another paradisiacal location that Oprah can escape to whenever she wants.
Oprah’s island mansion is equally grand and sits on Mount Haleakala. The island of Maui rests between volcanoes but it isn’t a cause for worry seeing that they are dormant. This home away from home is also popular with golfers who desire to explore new courses, as well as, couples on their honeymoon.
Modernizing An Old Home
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When Oprah purchased the ranch in Maui, she had plans to transform it into a 21st-century house. She teamed up with Jeff Wooley, an architectural designer who worked on the floors to create a new look in the rooms. Craftsmen and a contracting company were also on board, modernizing the entire home.
The renovation project included several tasks. One of them was giving the master bedroom a higher ceiling. French doors replaced the old ones and a porch that fit right in was also introduced. To create more space for a gorgeous view, a staircase was shifted.
Where Oprah Dines
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Oprah’s dining room is nothing short of impressive. Its beautiful design is perfect for guests to bond over delicious delights. It’s evident that Oprah keeps the flower delivery service in her area quite busy as the floral bouquets are also a prominent feature on her rustic table, complete with some candles, for a simple yet sophisticated look.
Not everyone gets to sit around Oprah’s dining table. She loves to keep her space private, inviting only her closest contacts. However, recently, in 2019, she invited 10 Weight Watchers’ members to dine with her. The group had embarked on a diet plan through the program to lose weight and live healthier.
An Organic Farm Loaded With Gourmet Goodness
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Ideally located on the side of a dormant volcano, Oprah’s garden receives a lot of sunshine and rainfall. The farm boasts hundreds of vegetables, spices, and fruit species. The diversity of the crops includes plants like radicchio, Purple Osaka mustard and lots more.
In addition to all manner of crops, Oprah also keeps chickens that lay nutritious eggs. Trust Oprah to see a business opportunity in the things she loves, as she sells the eggs along with other farm produce. Oprah’s sustainable farm might be the solution that Maui Island needs to stop depending on imported foodstuff.
No Chemical Fertilizers or Herbicides Here!
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Oprah’s farm stays true to its organic dream of producing healthy food. Oprah’s good friend, Bob Greene, encourages the use of green waste or compost in the form of grass clippings, leaves, and plant extracts to feed and provide nutrition for the soil.
Why use compost on the farm you may ask? Well, when organic matter from the garden decomposes, it provides the soil with the nutrients it needs for the crops to thrive. This also means that the produce is not affected by harmful chemicals in the form of herbicides or pesticides.
It’s Not All About Slimming Down
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Oprah has never been shy to admit that she struggled to shed excess weight. Things were so intense at a point that she went on a liquid diet for four consecutive months. Although she got results, there was no way she was going to live on liquids her entire life. What did she do differently?
Oprah changed her mindset on achieving her dream body. She decided to work on being in fine fettle, fit, and strong. Bob Greene held her hand throughout the entire journey. Today, a majority of the food Oprah consumes is grown on her farm.
The Best Mountain Retreat
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When Oprah is in the mood for an escape to the mountains, all she has to do is fly in her private jet to her $14 million home in Colorado. Formerly owned by Bob Wall, the businessman spent years designing and building this gem. The outcome was spectacular and worth every dime Oprah invested.
Do you know the reason Oprah got this cool home? She needed a place to stay while constructing another plush residence in Mountain Village, Telluride, Colorado. The home is furnished, allowing her to enjoy multiple luxuries like a theatre, exercise room, and an indoor hot tub.
Where Tech Meets Nature
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The mountain retreat surrounded by trees also focuses on stellar tech. Oprah will certainly have no need to shovel snow out of the driveway as the home’s heat systems keep snow and ice away during the cold seasons. A mobile phone can also be used to water her indoor plants when no one is at home
Even though this magnificent house is surrounded by nature, do not be fooled to believe you can just show up unannounced. Multiple surveillance devices monitor all the activity on the compound to enhance seclusion and privacy. And we would expect nothing less from a home that belongs to Oprah.
The One of A Kind Bridge
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Oprah goes above and beyond when scouting for a new manor. This one comes with a remarkable bridge where she can take a stroll from her house into the woods and finally arrive at her private fire pit. She reportedly spent $140K for this feature.
While most wealthy people would rather invest in tropical regions, Oprah has no qualms staying in cold areas, once in a while. Thanks to its high altitude, Telluride gets lots of snow and rain throughout the year. Staying in Chicago and Milwaukee in her former years might have prepared her well for this move.
An Art Haven
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Oprah understands very well that there is no sense in having a home in the mountains without out-of-this-world views. Her not-so-humble abode boasts 360 degrees of mountain scenery in all corners of the house. To complement this, there is also an observation tower made from glass, offering unobstructed views.
When you are not looking outdoors, the views inside are just as exciting. The previous owner was an avid art collector specializing in breath-taking pieces from Africa. Oprah, therefore, became the proud owner of exceptional sculptures and paintings, sweetening the deal for her.
Every Chef’s Dream Kitchen
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A grand designer kitchen is another feature that stands out in this cool home. It is a food lover’s paradise with loads of space to maneuver, decorated in such a way to make one feel right at home. It also has all the high-end appliances a functional kitchenette needs.
Going by the love Oprah has for things organic and recyclable, it’s no surprise she went for a kitchen with stainless steel as one of the main materials. This is a green material that is constantly featured in kitchens today. The wood appliances and countertops also give the room a modern sleek finish.
Peace and Quiet In Absolute Luxury
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When Oprah wants to have some alone time, the observation room is just what she needs. It is an opulent area in the home, perfect for quiet times. It has a different design from the rest of the house, with an array of wood instead of stone, giving off an all-natural feel.
The room’s design is simply exquisite, with matching and contrasting tones mixed to greet the eyes impeccably. Once again, we see Oprah’s figurines being displayed. It’s clear that she adds her personal touch to each room so that she always feels right at home.
A Private Wine Mine
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Oprah added one more thing that most people would when designing their dream house. Her home is fitted with a wine cellar that can hold more than a thousand bottles of wine! It was creatively designed to look like a mine shaft drawing inspiration from the state’s mining days.
This is definitely not your ordinary wine cellar. At 56 feet long, it has some mind-blowing features. These include sound effects to mimic creaking noises and dripping water, a water mist system, flickering lights, and faux stone walls. We can only imagine the joy Oprah experiences when she enters this room.
A Private $240K Tram
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The lavish island house isn’t the only opulent possession Oprah can boast of, she also has a private tram. The $240K tram transports her to the slopes whenever she’s taking a ski vacation around the mountains.
The mountain’s high peak rise 14,000 feet above the ground. The mountain range houses the gorgeous Telluride Ski Resort which constantly tops the list as ranked by the American readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine. The surrounding area also has a selection of fine-dining establishments which we are sure Oprah and her visitors frequent on ski trips.
The Orcas Island, Madroneagle
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The Orcas Island rests right between Vancouver and Seattle in northwestern Washington. It’s the largest of the San Juan Islands which are increasingly becoming an eco-tourism hotspot. This could be the reason Oprah saw it fit to establish residence in this region.
She dubbed it the Madroneagle, having spent $8.28 million on it. The estate is situated on 43 acres of land, occupied by spacious structures. The main house alone covers 7,303 square feet and the rest of the space is taken up by a guest house, a gazebo, tea house, craft shed and a barn.
A Touch of Northwest Grandeur
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The main house on Madroneagle was constructed in 2007. It rises three stories up and was built using copper, stone, and slate. The house offers four stunning bedrooms with five bathrooms, providing more than enough space for Oprah and her guests.
Much like her other lavish mansions, the house features state-of-the-art amenities including a yoga studio, woodworking shop, and a gym. The grounds feature a pond, as well as, a lovely Asian garden, exuding the serenity Oprah greatly appreciates. Perhaps, deciding where to spend the next day or week is the only conflict she ever has when it comes to her list of mansions.
Tea Time, Tree Time
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We can conclude that tea time is important to Oprah, and so, it’s fitting that Madroneagle should have a teahouse on its grounds. The structure lies 3,000 feet from the shoreline, offering one of the most spectacular views. It also includes a fire pit and patio.
Also located next to the water on the cliff is the guest house which occupies 2,948 square feet. The private beach is yet another highlight of the marvelous estate. Oprah has never stepped foot on this particular domain, so it could be that she bought it purely as a real estate investment.
Chicago, the “Windy City”
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Chicago, known as the “Windy City”, is easily one of the greatest cities in America, but understandably, not every U.S. citizen has visited it. The city is quite prodigious, covering 237 square miles with an estimated population of 2.7 million people. Wow, is all we have to say!
It’s a relatively entertainment-centric metropolis with over 5,000 restaurants and 225 music venues, as well as, 200 dance companies. The city is also littered with green public spaces and we can’t forget, Chicago is the home of Lake Michigan. It’s no wonder Oprah chose it as the ideal location for Harpo Studios in 1990.
Oprah Isn’t Done Investing In Properties
While Harpo Studios is no more, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) has continued her legacy as a producer, airing shows like Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots. In 2018, Apple announced its partnership with Oprah to produce original programs for its streaming service.
With all that and more lined up, we are sure Oprah isn’t done when it comes to expanding her list of properties. We can only wait to see which home she’ll decide to buy or where she will be building her next mansion. We also wonder who’ll inherit it all. That said, Oprah’s five dogs do have $30 million in holding should anything unfortunate happen to her.