Celeb R.E. Hip Hop Star Akon Settles Down in Woodland Hills
[Update July 10, 2014]: Akon listed this home for sale on July 10, 2014 after only living in it for 11 months. You can read more here.
[Original Post]:
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| Images courtesy Rodeo Realty |
Back on April 7, 2014, the all knowing gossip juggernaut, TMZ, revealed that hip-hop artist, Akon, purchased a Woodland Hills modern home on September 12, 2013 for $1,950,000.
Akon rose to fame in 2004 with his hit single, "Locked Up" from his debut album, Trouble. Akon's career took off from there being the first solo artist to hold both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice, four songs certified 3x platinum, three songs certified as 2x platinum, more than 10 songs certified as 1x platinum and more than 10 songs certified as gold in digital sales. And the list of accomplishments and hits keep growing providing vocals as a featured artist with more than 300 guest appearances and more than 35 Billboard Hot 100 songs. Akon's real name is Aliaune Damala Bougo Time Bongo Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam or sometimes simply goes by Aliaune Thiam was born on April 16, 1973 which for a time was unknown but since discovered by The Smoking Gun. You can catch Akon's hit song, "Smack That" and "Sexy Bitch" below.
Custom, Elegant and Beautiful. The art of fine contemporary architecture can be found in this warm and inviting home. A one-of-a-kind design features high ceilings, walls of glass, concrete floors, chef's kitchen and a sprawling entertainers yard with pool andspa and a complete outdoor kitchen in an elevated stylish cabana. The privacy is amazing and the views of the home overlooking the grassy area and pool are stunning. This home features refined design, spacious living and glass walls that open to invite the exterior in. .. Fantastic for entertaining or the active extended family. From an exquisite custom wet bar to a circular formal dining table, to commercial grade appliances, this home has it all. Smooth concrete, textures and volumes of light throughout. Free flowing floor plan, multiple fireplaces, balconies and over 4000 s. f. of living. You cannot ask for more, private & beautiful. Located within walking distance to the Blvd. Enjoy restaurants, shops and coffee with ease. .. .. Too much to list. You won't be disappointed.
Prior to Akon's purchase, the home was last acquired on April 7, 1995 for $375,000 and was completely demolished and rebuilt in 2004 for I am guessing something in the range of $500K or possibly even more. The home was originally listed on May 29, 2013 for $2,150,000 so it looks like Akon successfully saved $200K. Or did he? Because immediately after purchasing the home, Akon added his own touches and modified the interior of the home based on pictures provided by TMZ. Also at the bottom are Youtube videos from his birthday party celebrated at the house. Note, I tried to create a before and after collage based on the listing pictures so some pictures will not match up perfectly.
I was rather surprised to learn that international start, Akon, chose sleepy suburban Woodland Hills of all places for what appears to be his first LA pad. However, in addition to this home, Akon also owns the following:
- An Alpharetta, GA mansion measuring 4 Bed/8 Bath on 8,697 sqft over 4.60 acres built in 1998 and purchased on January 25, 2008 for $1,650,000. You can view pictures of the mansion at Celebritydetective.com
- An Atlanta, GA mansion measuring 10 Beds/10 Baths on 14,994 sqft over 2 acres built in 1990 and purchased on February 13, 2007. This home is co-owned by Darrick "Devyne" Stephens who is Akon's longtime contributor and business partner.
- A Lithonia, GA home measuring 5 Beds/4.5 Baths on 3,642 sqft on 0.41 acres built in 2005 for an unknown price and date.
- A Dacula, GA home measuring 5 Beds/4 Baths on 3,488 sqft on 0.31 acres built in 2005 for an unknown price and date.
- A Glenside, PA home measuring 3 Beds/2.5 Baths on 1,900 sqft on 0.37 acres built in 1920 and purchased on February 25, 2010 for $300,000.
Literally next door to Akon is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell as well as the Van Dekker Residence by R.M. Schindler, and Bud Abbott's former home.
You can view more SFV Celeb R.E. here.
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Marty Mcfly
Anything and everything about the San Fernando Valley. This blog will take you back in time when the valley was covered with dirt and orange groves to a leader in the space race to its current status as America's suburb. Come along and join me on this adventure, I guarantee you have been influenced/impacted by the San Fernando Valley in one form or another even if you have never visited or heard of the SFV.
Great to know! I have some corrections: Mike Campbell lives around the corner, not next door...lol And the Shindler house is actually a couple of blocks in the other direction. Also around the corner is the agent/manger for Bobby Brown. and others!..I could go on..this neighborhood is starting to pop. A lot more attention is being directed at another contemporary showplace that Akon and others are looking at. It's private, secluded and hidden amonst towering trees in a little enclave known as Forest Hills on the Tarzana/WH border. I'ts all been redone and ready for the largest of parties due to the 300 linear feet of parking, since no one lives across the street. Film Location scouts are already looking at it as well. The 5 bedroom single story contemporary has a perfect place for a studio/office/guest quarters. The flat grounds has a rocked in grotto and waterfall plus pool ...Considering Akon paid 1,950 for a thousand less sq ft and that this is MORE secluded, this will fly off the charts. Happy to contribute to your blog...I'm at veggijeff@aol.com if you want to see this retreat!
ReplyDeleteWoodland Hills has always been home to stars, just recently it's getting an influx of young Hollywood stars, the New Hollywood Hills. Attracting lots of young stars, Actress and SInger Christina Milian recently purchased a home on Burbank Blvd, in Woodland Hills, Comedian Katt Williams lives in Woodland Hills, also R&B singer Mario.Woodland Hills and Calabasas are the new Hollywood Hills/Beverly Hills so to speak.
ReplyDeleteakon is just amazing, totally his fan.
ReplyDelete