At $195 million, Beverly Hills estate sets U.S. high-price mark

A gated 25-acre estate in Beverly Hills has come on the market at $195 million, making it the most expensive home to be publicly listed for sale in the U.S.

The seller is real estate entrepreneur Jeff Greene, who owns properties in Florida, New York and California.

The Mediterranean-style villa, called Palazzo di Amore, sits on a knoll behind three sets of gates. Reached by a quarter-mile-long tree-lined drive, the mansion is approached through a vineyard and has canyon and cityscape views. Inside, the two-story marble entry features two sweeping staircases.

Greene spent eight years expanding the villa, which he calls “a palace for the modern era.” He finished the second floor of the main residence and built a 15,000-square-foot entertainment complex containing a disco/ballroom with a revolving dance floor, a DJ booth and a laser-light system. Up to 250 guests can be seated there for dining.

A floating-style glass-floor walkway over pools lined by 70-year-old olive trees leads to the complex, which has limestone floors with marble and maple inlay and hand-painted ceilings. Other features of the entertainment center are a 50-seat theater, a bowling alley and a game room.

The main residence contains more than 35,000 square feet of living space for a total of about 53,000 square feet including the entertainment complex. Including the detached guesthouse, there are 12 bedrooms and 23 bathrooms.

Designed for grand-scale entertaining, the villa was developed by Mohamed Hadid, who specializes in estates of this caliber.

With architecture by Bob Ray Offenhauser and design by Alberto Pinto, the estate can host events for more than 1,000 guests.

Outdoor amenities include a 128-foot reflecting pool and fountain, a waterfall, a swimming pool, a spa, a barbecue area and tennis court.

The estate even has its own private label, Beverly Hills Vineyards, which produces 400 to 500 cases a year. One wine cellar can store 3,000 bottles; a second about 10,000 bottles and additional barrels.

The garage can accommodate 27 cars, and on-site parking is available for up to 150 vehicles.

Greene, 59, bought the property in 2007 for $35 million and put a reported $25 million into it. His net worth is $3 billion, according to Forbes.

Joyce Rey and Stacy Gottula of Coldwell Banker are the listing agents.