Carolwood Estate: Walt Disney's Former Home Hits Market

The famed Carolwood Estate, former home of movie and theme park magnate Walt Disney, has recently hit the market. The home apparently came on the market in late 2012 as a pocket listing, and has been kept quiet, on sale to the tune of $90 million.

In 1949, Lillian Disney connected with developer Harold Janss about acquiring a piece of land, which would later become Holmby Hills. Walt and his wife bought the land and soon began construction on their dream home. The train lover that he was, Walt Disney constructed a grand 1/8th scale locomotive on the land, which went underneath wife Lillian's garden. The massive multi-acre parcel would soon inspire what was to become the largest theme park chain in the world.

The home is currently owned by Gabriel Brener of Brener International Group, who purchased the home from the Disney estate in 1998, one year after Lillian Disney's death. Brener purchased the home for $8.45 million and immediately leveled it. He completed construction on a new home in 2001, acquired additional lots for acreage and modernized amenities and luxuries. The home now has 8 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, staff quarters, and a grand two-story entry foyer. The property also features a pool, tennis court, and putting green.

As far as any historic remnants from Disney are concerned, the tunnel for his train remains, covered in ivy with the year 1950 etched on the concrete and stone. The train has been put on display in San Francisco at the Disney Family Museum, while its track and control room/barn have been moved to Griffith Park in Los Angeles.

This uber-luxurious "trophy home,” as they are often referred to, is in good company. Across the street, the famed Fleur de Lys estate is on sale for $125 million — and, down the street, sits Sonny and Cher's old home: Owlwood Estate asking $150 million.

Carolwood Estate is asking $90 million, and is listed by Mauricio Umansky and Jay Harris of The Agency, along with Ron de Salvo of Coldwell Banker Previews International.

We welcome any thoughts and comments you might have about this ultra-manse, in our comment section below. What do you think of the Carolwood Estate? Do you know of other properties like this one that hit the market in your area? Let us know!

Photo Courtesy of kartooner’s Flickr