{
  "id": 7621422,
  "title": "Bel-Air founder’s 1928 estate bought for $5.5m now asks $32.5 million",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/bel-air-founders-1928-estate-bought-for-5-5m-now-asks-32-5-million",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-15T19:25:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/real-estate/news/in-2010-an-investor-bought-bel-air-founder-alphonzo-bells-1928-estate-for-5-5-million-after-a-five-year-restoration-the-10600-sq-ft-mansion-is-asking-32-5-million/articleshow/134267407.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 1928, Bel-Air founder Alphonzo Bell commissioned architect Mark Daniels to build a 10,600-square-foot Spanish-style mansion on his Bel-Air estate. Daniels, known for creating the neighborhood and Bel-Air Country Club, applied his precision and vision to this single residence. The property has since housed notable owners, such as Queen Noor of Jordan and film producer Steven Reuther.\n\nIn 2010, real estate investor Michael Wexler purchased the mansion for $5.5 million, intending to live in it. After a decade, Wexler decided to renovate the property, seeking a balance between preserving the historic character and incorporating modern amenities. The restoration project, completed in 2021, retained original features like the checkerboard terrazzo foyer, hand-carved stone fireplaces, and terrazzo floors. Modern touches included Gucci wallpaper in the private office and theatre powder room, a Calacatta Viola marble fireplace, and a reimagined indoor pool turned climate-controlled fitness space.\n\nThe expansion of outdoor terraces provided stunning views of Century City and Downtown Los Angeles. Listing agent Chris Soffer of The Beverly Hills Estates emphasized that the renovation continued the home's historic character. The current asking price for this landmark estate is $32.5 million, subject to a 5.5% transfer tax under Los Angeles Measure ULA, adding approximately $1.78 million in additional tax for a sale of this magnitude.",
  "summary": "Alphonzo Bell's stunning 1928 Bel-Air estate has hit the market with a hefty price tag of $32.5 million. After purchasing the mansion for $5.5 million over a decade ago, the owner has meticulously completed a five-year restoration project. This exquisite Spanish-style residence harmonizes original architectural details with modern luxuries, creating a perfect sanctuary that embodies both…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}