Where Should Maria Shriver Live?
We all know that Maria Shriver is looking for a new place to hang her hat, after the messy public meltdown of her marriage and her husband's spectacular flame out. It is still unclear where Shriver is currently staying, but AOL Real Estate reports that she has been seen looking at places to rent, but I think she should buy.
Where should the former First Lady of California rest her weary, scandal-ridden head? Well, it would need to be quiet, secluded, posh, and big enough for her four children, who reportedly aren't speaking to their father, and her large extended family to come and visit during her time of need.
Here are the suggestions we offer to Shriver, courtesy of L.A. realtor Yvette Henry, and photos from Realtor.com.
56 Beverly Park Dr. Beverly Hills 90210
This stunning palatial 13,081 sq. ft., 7 bedroom, 12 bathroom home looks more like a resort than a single family home. With almost 3 acres of grounds surrounding it, it would give Shriver the peace of mind she is undoubtedly searching for. There is also a guarded entrance and a view of the park. The 1999 house is going for a cool $25M.
9439 Sunset, Beverly Hills 90210
For about half the price, Shriver could get this 6 bedroom, 5.5 bath home. At $13.9M this 1954 house on a 2 acre l-shaped lot could be a perfect retreat for Shriver. The contemporary design is very different from many of the homes in the area and might be visual balm to her soul, not to mention the giant, gorgeous pool and landscaping2700 Benedict Canyon Dr. Beverly Hills 90210
This $7.3M home, at 11,000 sq. ft. might also do the trick. The 5 bedroom, 8 bath home was built in 1984 and has a luxurious feel, from its gated, curving drive to the dramatic front staircase. This home has a guest house and is part of a community with private tennis facilities. The pool here is comparatively small, but maybe Shriver is willing to part with a large pool for the extra ground space. This house sits on a 2 acre lot.1561 Lindacrest Dr. Beverly Hills 90210
This gorgeous Mediterranean style home for $3.2 M would be an excellent choice for Shriver. With plenty of entertaining space, 5 bedrooms, 4 bath, this secluded house is off of Coldwater Canyon. Though this house was built in 1927, this is the first time in 47 years it has been for sale. That is some good house mojo and Shriver could use some stability.10216 Cielo Dr. Beverly Hills, 90210
This cute little bungalow, tiny by Hollywood standards at just 2,247 sq. ft. and priced at just $1.4M might be perfect for a newly single lady looking to spend some quality time resting, healing, and getting to know herself again. It is on "cielo" drive, which means "heaven" or "sky" in Spanish, and looks like a little slice of peace, regardless. It is a 3 bedroom, 2.75 bath so if her kids wanted to bunk with her, they could. It was built in 1959 and has a wide open architecture and has a beautiful master bath and a pool.Which would you choose if you were her?
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Ilyce R. Glink is the author of several books, including 100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask and Buy, Close, Move In!. She blogs about money and real estate at ThinkGlink.com and The Equifax Personal Finance Blog, and is Chief Content Strategist at RealtyJoin.com, a community for real estate investors.