Although dubbed “The King of Cool” and considered to be one of the most popular and highest-paid actors of the 1960s, actor Steve McQueen preferred to live outside the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. McQueen’s last home was a piece of Santa Paula real estate 75 miles outside of Los Angeles, and it is now listed for $799,999.
Apparently drawn to the region for its reputation as the vintage-plane capital of America, McQueen moved to the sprawling 15.33-acre ranch in 1979. The property was not only the place where he stashed his collection of cars, motorcycles and two planes, but the location where he married his third wife Barbara Minty in 1980.
Steve McQueen’s Santa Paula home holds a 4,500-sq ft airplane hangar where the “Bullitt” star stored his collection as well as three acres of Syrah vineyards that produce 5,000 to 7,000 bottles a year, a full equestrian facility and rows of fruit trees. Built in 1892, the Victorian-style home still retains much of its period details, including antique stained glass windows throughout. The 3,000 square-foot house includes 3 bedrooms, 2.75 bathrooms, a full wine cellar, and Jacuzzi hot tub. The gourmet kitchen has been updated with modern appliances.
McQueen only lived on the property a short time before passing away from mesothelioma in late 1980. His collection of cars were auctioned off and only a few touches of his rugged style remain on the estate, said real estate agent David Kean in an article for Inman News:
“He collected old pull-chain toilets from old bus stations, and had them installed in the house. He tried to make everything of the period that the house was built.”
First listed for $1,950,000 as a short sale in February 2010, the price has dropped to $799,000 and reportedly has a contract on it.
Read more Celebrity Real Estate posts:
Burt Reynolds’ Former Mid-Century Mansion on Market for $10.9 Million
Cary Grant’s Former Palm Springs Home Listed for Nearly $3 Million
Sonny Bono’s Former Palm Springs Estate Listed for $3,995,000