Take A Look Inside Serena William’s Former Bel Air Mansion
Being that Serena Williams is one of the top tennis players in the world, it should come as no surprise the mansion she lived in for more than a decade is quite the stunner. The Bel Air home boasts more than 6,000 square feet, ample privacy, a large yard, and a pool. With six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, Serena could easily accommodate the entire family for the holidays. The tennis star left her mark on the property with a personal hair salon and home gym. Keep reading to see the gorgeous property she recently sold for more than $8 million.
Tucked Away
When you're a famous tennis player and your husband is a business tycoon, privacy is everything. Rather than having a home that all of the neighbors can peer into, this mansion is tucked away behind thick vegetation.
The distressed walkway probably has something to do with the fact that the home was built back in 1935. The historic mansion offers charm and mystique; who knows what famous celebrities lived there before Serena did. After all, the house is in Bel Air, one of the most famous neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
An Elegant Walkway
This property boasts even more privacy as you walk down a long corridor to get to its entrance. Vines create an arch above the walkway and make you feel as though you've been transported back to Hollywood's early days.
A pathway this grand looks like something you'd see a bride walk down on her wedding day. Serena Williams married her husband just a year and a half before selling this home, in November of 2017. You know you've made it when the editor-in-chief of Vogue attends your wedding.
A Bonus Yard
Athletes need to have space to move around and break a sweat, and this home is not short on space. Behind the house is a large yard, but in case that wasn't enough, there's also this side yard. Serena has been athletic from the time she was a small child.
She started playing tennis at just four-years-old, and by the time she was 21-years-old she had made her way to the number one ranking. It's possible that Serena will be coaching her little ones someday, especially since Serena's father coached her.
You Have Arrived
Once you've made it to the end of the path, you finally get to see the lovely exterior of the mansion. A stone path passes the front entrance, which is shaded by a large balcony overhead. Surrounding trees on all sides provide ample privacy and keep it cool on warm days in Los Angeles.
The home's unique architecture plays with shapes and angles in such a way that it's hard to imagine there are more than 6,000 square feet inside. Such a grandiose home that doesn't look ostentatious is a rare find.
Plenty Of Yard To Play In
To the left of the home's front door is a rounded wall lined with glass doors and windows that flood the home with natural light. They also offer a view of this lush grass yard. It's a perfect place for children to play.
Since the living room sits just beyond those glass doors, adults can chat inside and still keep an eye on the children playing outside. There is plenty of space to set up a barbeque and invite friends and family over for a picnic, as well.
An Illuminated Living Space
The spacious living room is surrounded by windows and glass doors that overlook the backyard. By day, natural light pours into the space, and by night, recessed lighting illuminates the room.
This area shares a ceiling with the second floor, opening up the space and exposing the white staircase with black trim. The room has plenty of seating for guests and can accommodate a large party. Clear away the furniture and you're left with a glistening, white, marble floor fit for a wedding or a ballroom dance.
A Glistening Foyer
Entering the house through the front door, the first space you'll enter is this expansive foyer. A chandelier with old-timey charm counterbalances the light of the larger spaces so that no area feels dingy.
Glass doors designate the dining room while enabling natural light to pass through. A subtle curve up the underbelly of the staircase plays on the curved wall of the circular living room. While there is white, tile flooring throughout, the pattern varies so that each room is both an extension of and distinct from one another.
A Formal Dining Room With Outdoor Access
The lower ceiling gives a sense of intimacy to this formal dining area as compared to the grandiose living room. A chandelier and light sconces modeled after candle holders bring a touch of history to the elegant area.
Crown molding and patterned tile flooring adds a touch of detail without overpowering the walls. French glass doors flanked by curved wall-to-ceiling windows overlook the nature outside and offer outdoor access or fresh air. The cream walls match the furniture and bring warmth to the space.
No Squeezing By In This Kitchen
This u-shaped kitchen offers plenty of space to move around without bumping into things. Recessed lighting dances across the stainless steel appliances and tile backsplash, which are contrasted by wooden cabinetry. A double oven and double-wide fridge and sink make it possible to prepare and store large meals for the entire family.
While they say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, this is especially true for athletes. The American Dietetic Association estimates that professional tennis players like Serena Williams can burn as many as 1700 calories in a single match!
Her Personal Hair Salon
Serena Williams has pulled off a number of hairstyles over the course of her career-- from beaded hair to a bob, from blonde hair to black, and from voluminous curls to stick straight locks, she can manage all of her styles with her personal hair salon.
When you're a top athlete, why not have the salon come to you? A pink chandelier, hot pink hair washing chair, and pink-cheetah print adjustable chair personalize the space. Wall mirrors enable Serena to keep an eye on her hair from every angle while she watches a flick on her wall-mounted flat screen.
A Multipurpose Dressing Room
Serena clearly takes getting dressed for an event seriously, as shown in this elegant dressing room. Complete with two full-length mirrors, recessed lighting, and a star-shaped ottoman, this space looks like it belongs in an upscale clothing store.
Built-in cabinets and a desk with drawers offer Selena a place to work on her fashion ideas. Not only has she sat front row at numerous fashion shows, but she also put out her own fashion line in 2018. Additionally, she became the board of directors of Poshmark in 2019.
Shelves For Days
Having a room to get ready in is one thing, but she also needs a place to store all of her fabulous clothing. This walk-in closet features a copious number of built-ins so that she can properly store all of her red carpet looks.
Something unique about this spacious closet is that it also features an island, which we imagine comes in handy when laying out an outfit you plan to wear. The island also features built-in drawers to store jewelry and other small accessories.
A Lovely Master Bedroom
An extended tray ceiling and drum pendant chandelier crown this expansive master bedroom. With french doors leading out to a garden-facing balcony, this room is straight out of a fairytale. An arched wall cutout provides a place to mount a flat-screen television along with built-in cabinetry below.
Recessed lighting showcases the items on display atop the built-in shelves. Dark wood floors bring depth to the bright room. The wide bed faces the television as it plays a Serena Williams tennis match.
This Bathroom Has Everything And More
This master suite is one of seven bedrooms in the mansion. It features a long skylight surrounded by a double tray ceiling. A bay window traces one side of the clawfoot tub while thick vegetation outside provides ample privacy.
Arches above the tub, vanity, and shower add a touch of detail to the space. A massive shower stall is complete with a built-in tile bench. A three-way ottoman with back support provides additional seating. A fogged-glass door leads to a separate room where the toilet is located.
Even The Hallway Has A Skylight
Before we head into the next room, let's take a moment to appreciate this expansive hallway. About the size of, if not larger than, a bedroom in a standard house, this area features recessed lighting and a skylight.
Large mirrors and candle holders are mounted to the walls above two plush benches that were custom-built to fit the curve of the wall. Though Serena Williams has built her wealth in her adulthood, she comes from humble beginnings. She was one of several siblings and lived in Compton, California from the age of four to nine.
A Gorgeous Bedroom With A Tray Ceiling
If we hadn't already taken a look at the master suite, you'd guess that this was the master bedroom. A chandelier hangs from a vaulted ceiling and overlooks the four-poster bed. A large area rug brightens the dark wood floors while underscoring the room's large size.
A sliding glass door leads out to the patio above the home's front entrance. Floor to ceiling windows are on walls adjacent to the sliding glass door so that natural light can enter regardless of the position of the sun.
A Room Fit For A Princess
Though Serena's daughter was not yet two-years-old when she sold this mansion, this would have made a lovely room for the girl when she got a little older. French doors lead out to a modest balcony looking out to a lush hillside.
Serena Williams was eight weeks along in her pregnancy when she won the Australian Open in January of 2017, which goes to show her determination and strong will. Though she suffered from some complications that September during her delivery, she was back on the court the following February.
An Athlete Has To Have Her Gym
If there's one thing that you'd expect to see in a famous athlete's home, it's a gym. This home gym is complete with a mirror covering an entire wall, a ceiling fan, and various athletic equipment.
The hardwood floors match the rest of the house, but discrete carpets are laid down beneath major workout equipment to prevent damage being done to the floors. Multiple windows allow fresh air to fill the room. Recess lighting provides enough lighting so that fragile lamps are not necessary.
A Guest Bedroom With An Attached Bathroom
This large bedroom features crown molding and wooden floors that are a distinct shade compared to the rest of the home. Two large windows bring in natural light while a chandelier adds a touch of charm to the space.
Though this is not a master bedroom, there is ample space for furniture of any size, including the large armchair in the corner. A flat-screen television has an adjustable mount so you can comfortably watch a show in bed. An attached bathroom makes this a convenient space for any overnight guests.
A Stylish But Professional Office
As a fashion designer, activist, entertainer, and writer, Serena has plenty of work to get done outside of the tennis court. That's why this lovely office came in handy in the 13 years that she occupied this mansion.
A wall full of built-ins offers ample storage space and a place to showcase photographs and accolades. Free of bulky cabinets, the office feels airy and simple but also has plenty of style. While most of the rooms have light walls, this space features dark wooden walls for design and contrast.
A Room You Wouldn't Mind Having To Share
Being that Serena Williams has twelve siblings (both whole and half), she more than likely had to share a room growing up. While most kids dread having to share a room, this space would easily accommodate two or more children.
The wide space features two large beds, each featuring a fabric bench at their feet. Two glass wardrobes, giant nightstands, and a matching dresser beneath the mounted television provide both storage and elegance without appearing bulky.
Enough Room To House The Entire Family
While this room isn't as large as the one we just saw, it can still comfortably fit two large beds, which is a testament to the size of all of the rooms in this house. Seeing that Serena has so many relatives, this mansion would be ideal around the holidays.
The periwinkle walls are a lovely compliment to the small chandelier and make the room feel all the more soothing. A large doorway leads to a separate seating area followed by a well-lit hallway.
Swimming Under The Trees
Some people have to sacrifice their yard for a pool, especially one of this size. But this mansion offers both an expansive yard and a large pool. The water reflects surrounding trees and hedges that provide plenty of privacy.
Beyond the pool is the back of the house, which features a shaded seating area that surrounds an outdoor fireplace. Speaking of swimming, did you know that Serena and her sister, Venus Williams, are minority owners of the Miami Dolphins?
A Nearby Nature Walk
The mansion also has access to private nature walks. Being a star can make it difficult to get out without being hassled, so being able to connect with nature in a secluded way is wonderful.
Serena Williams can attest that not all parts of Los Angeles are as lovely as Bel Air. To pay homage to their late sister, Serena and Venis Williams founded a resource center in Compton, where they lived for a short time as children.
Her New Home
Serena was able to sell her Bel Air mansion for $8.1 million in 2019 after it sat on the market for almost two years. Her initial asking price was $12 million, almost double what she purchased it for in 2006.
Though she had to lower the asking price, she still profited more than a million dollars, which is nothing compared to her $180 million net worth. She purchased the Beverly Hills mansion pictured here for just under $7 million in 2017.
Looking Back On Serena Williams' Style Evolution Over The Last Twenty Years
Young Serena wears her hair beaded, posing with a bright grin on her face. She has on a highlighter-yellow plaid shirt and black jeans as she hugs a palm tree by the beach. Her free and careless look is just what you'd expect from a teen with a bright future ahead.
This photo was snapped during the Lipton Championships of 1998 in Florida. Serena was just 17-years-old but had already been playing professional tennis for three years.
2002 — Passion For Fashion
By 2002, Serena was living the life many 21-year-olds dream of. Here she's pictured at the VH1 Vogue Fashion awards alongside her sister and fellow tennis athlete, Venus Williams. Her style has taken quite the transformation from her teen years.
She’s wearing a sparkly mini skirt and a slick halter top. You’ll also notice she’s gone blonde. Having established herself as a top-10 tennis player, she began dipping her toes in fashion. The young athlete was already proving that you can have the best of both worlds.
2002 — The Prestigious Diamond Bracelet
Serena was already maneuvering into the fashion industry by the age of 21. This photograph may look like an ordinary picture of the young athlete at an event, but what's on her wrist is extraordinary.
That’s because it’s a nine-carat diamond bracelet that was famous jeweler Harry Winston’s newest design at the time. The tennis star was chosen to wear the $29,000 bracelet to the 2002 US Open in New York. That’s what we call having friends in high places.
2003 — Sleek And Bold
Serena is definitely feeling twenty-two in this sleek, form-fitting ensemble. The shade of yellow isn't one you often see in dresses, but Serena isn’t one to shy away from something new. She appears to be confident as ever in front of all the flashing cameras.
To complete the look, she straightened her long hair and added bangs. The hairstyle is very early-2000s. This same year, Serena became the sixth woman in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam!
2004 — Tattered And Chic
Serena pops in this flowy dress with a corset back. The light shades of blue and green in the fabric is a lovely contrast to her deep caramel skin tone. The form-fitting top gives shape while the shaggy skirt adds texture.
This style shows off a carefree side of Serena that isn't as apparent on the tennis court. She returned to touring this year after an eight-month hiatus, winning the title for the third year in a row.
2004 — This Girl Is On Fire
Serena was a stand out at the 2004 ESPN awards. Her bright orange ensemble was impossible to miss and showed off her youthful spirit. Between her silver pumps and her highlighted hair, the athlete looked positively radiant.
The dress wraps around her middle in such a way to expose a bit of mid-drift and back without being too obvious. The flowy miniskirt was fun and flirty, while the stiletto heels dressed up the summertime look.
2005 — Dazzling
Serena is glowing in this 2005 portrait. Her red-violet dress has just the right touch of femininity. The design shows of her classy, grown way of carrying herself. Her layered hair is lighter than ever, illuminating her cheerful expression.
The silver jewelry Serena is wearing makes her seem a touch more grownup than we've seen throughout her early twenties. 2005 was a hard year for the athlete due to a series of withdrawals and low scores. Her style and demeanor here underscore her resilience.
2006 — Lady In Red
Serena looked Valentine's Day-ready at the 2006 American Music Awards. Her red dress brought out her ruby earrings, which were framed by silver for extra glimmer. The outfit was partially satin, offering variety to the monocolored ensemble.
The deep red tones pick up on the rosy undertones of her skin. Her chestnut hair and light pink makeup serve to soften the look. The bow at her bust adds a subtle embellishment to the simple design.
2006 — Pretty In Pink
Serena showed off her girly side in this vivid, pink dress and silver pumps. Her silver jewelry picks up on the color of her shoes without competing with the dress. The design is simple yet flattering, eye-catching yet soft.
As lovely as she looks, it turns out this year was the hardest yet for Serena. Her rank was continually slipping, and people noticed. Fortunately, she met a fan who encouraged her she could still win.
2007 — The Sassy Bob
Serena's sassy style evokes the renewed confidence she had after a year of wavering motivation. She’s wearing a silky, silver dress that looks more like a sultry nightgown. Her pumps and jewelry prepare the ensemble for a night on the town.
Marking a new chapter, Serena returned to dark hair and chopped off her locks. The bob hairstyle was at the height of its popularity, and she proves how sassy the look can be. If anyone had started to doubt her athleticism, she proved them all wrong by winning the title this year at the Australian Open.
2008 — Bling Bling
Serena looks joyful as ever while sitting in the front row of a runway show. If being front and center at a fashion event wasn't enough to prove her love of the art form, there’s also the fact that she’s seated next to Anna Wintour, the Editor in Chief of Vogue.
The athlete sported a gorgeous necklace with several layers of dazzling gems. Her satin, turquoise dress was a wonderful complement to her deep, glowing skin.
2008 — A Classic Beauty
Serena looked like a 1950s Hollywood starlet at Calvin Klein's runway show in 2008. Her simple, white dress is a gorgeous contrast to her dark skin tone. The long earrings and thick bracelet dress up the subdued look.
We don’t often see Serena in an updo off the court, so it’s especially nice to see this graceful hairstyle. Her easygoing look is refreshing to see after a couple of years full of injuries and blows to her rank. By the end of the year, she was back up to the top 10.
2009 — Simply Stunning
2009 was Serena's year, and you can see it by the way she looks. Offering a smile and a wave to adoring paparazzi, she walked the red carpet at the ESPY awards looking like a star.
Her soft, blue-green gown complimented her physique, while her short hair and bouncy curls gave her a Whitney Houston kind of look. The athlete was on top of her game in 2009 and she finally managed to return to her number one ranking
2010 — Boho Chic
Serena looked effortlessly graceful in this soft-lavender dress during a 2010 Vanity Fair event. The tattered cloth offered a bohemian feel while the layer of sparkly material below her bust gave a touch of formality.
The long length of the gown gave Serena additional length without appearing to engulf her. The cutouts at either side of her waist added shape to the dress. Her chestnut-blonde hair was the cherry on top of the light and bright look.
2010 — Animal Print Everything
Cheetah print was in, if you could pull it off. Serena clearly has no problem doing so, especially since the brown tones look marvelous against her skin. Considering that she moves at lightning speed on the tennis court, the print seems fitting.
By 2010, Serena was the defending champion in singles and doubles at the Australian Open. This year she was also deemed one of the top five female tennis players of all time by renowned tennis player and coach Martina Navratilova.
2011 — Frilly And Fun
The year was 2011 and Serena was 30, flirty, and thriving. She looks like a kid playing dress-up in her fluffy, feather-ball dress and matching hairpiece. The look was the most fashion-driven yet, and she pulled it off stunningly.
While her tennis career was going splendidly, she did come out this year with some news about her health. Serena admitted that she had suffered from a hematoma and a pulmonary embolism. Nevertheless, she ended the year with two titles.
2011 — Feeling Posh
This 2011 ensemble shows Serena looking a little more in her element. Like the previous dress, there is a frilly aspect to this design, but not so much that it steals the show. The black color adds depth to the playful fabric.
Meanwhile, the accessories scream luxury. Serena's pose suggests she’s feeling a little posh in this outfit. She deserves it after the tumultuous year she faced. After her rank dropped to 169, she put her all into bringing it back up to number 12 before the year’s end.
2012 — Bright And Elegant
Serena showed offer her curves in this form-fitting gown with at the open back. The layer of lace at the straps and running down either side add texture to the dress. The flared bottom resembles the tale of a mermaid, playing on Serena's feminine side.
While she looks elegant as ever in this ensemble, you can still see the glint of determination in the athlete’s eyes. Sure enough, Serena blew her challengers out of the water this year and was subsequently named the International Tennis Federation World Champion.
2012 — Matching Her Trophy
This silky, yellow dress was a perfect match for her glistening gold and silver trophy. Serena stands here next to fellow tennis champion Roger Federer at the Wimbledon Championships 2012 Champions' Dinner.
The tone of Serena’s dress picks up on the olive undertones of her skin, reflected in the glow of her face. Blonde hair would have clashed with these tones, so she sports deep brown curls as a complementary contrast to the ensemble. Her thin, soft gold jewelry doesn’t compete for attention, allowing all of the focus to stay on her shiny trophy.
2013 — The Bigger The Hair The Better
Fluffy curls offer volume that few other hairstyles can achieve, evident in this image of Serena at the 14th Annual BNP Paribas Taste Of Tennis event. She also went a shade or two up in color, giving her a softer look than we'd seen in previous years.
Her fun-loving appearance is further embellished by the powder-blue dress she’s wearing. At the age of 32, she finished the year at number one, becoming the oldest woman in WTA history to hold the ranking.
2013 — Commanding The Streets Of New York
Anyone who's been to New York before knows how difficult it is to stand out in the big city. For Serena, it’s hard not to stand out, especially in this slick outfit. The long waves of her brown hair stand out against the black leather of her dress, bringing attention to that sassy look on her face.
It would be hard not to smirk while walking in those dazzling stilettos, complete with yellow ties that wrap up her ankles. As you can see by the expression on the young boy’s face standing behind her, she did not go unnoticed.
2014 — Floral At Its Best
Floral patterns can be a hit or miss, but this one is a definite hit. The soft-pink flower outline creates a delicate look that doesn't distract from Serena. Cutouts throughout the dress add intricacy to the gown that compliments her physique.
Her return to blonde hair was a good pick for this ensemble, adding to its light-hearted feel. This year, Serena won both the US Open and the US Open Series. She also had the biggest payday in tennis history, bringing home $4 million for her victories.
2015 — Dressed To Impress
This striking gown shows off Serena's graceful stature. The form-fitting skirt is embellished with a sheer train for dramatic effect. Silver gems form an intricate design over her bust that balances out the soft fabric.
This year, Serena held the third-longest run as the number one ranked tennis player in WTA history, holding onto the title for 114 weeks in a row. She also won four Grand Slams in a row, known as a "Serena Slam," for the second time in her career.
2015 — Au Naturel
Being a fashionista doesn't always mean making runway appearances in thick jewelry and fancy gowns. Sometimes it means letting your fluffy curls down, skipping the makeup and heading to the beach.
Serena pulled off animal print once again in this black and white cheetah dress. The busier pattern on the sides place emphasis on her curves. Only Serena would think to wear this stylish dress to the beach. She pulls it off with a few pieces of jewelry and an otherwise natural look.
2016 — Making All Of The Doilies Jealous
Serena didn't get engaged until six-months after this photo was taken, but she certainly looks wedding-ready. The all-white gown has a flattering v-neck, a translucent mid-section, and a long, flowing skirt.
The pattern of the fabric is similar to a doilie, exposing bits of her skin throughout. This year, Serena lost her the US Open, ending her number one streak. Before her loss, she made it to 186 weeks ranked number one, tying her with Steffi Graf for the longest run in WTA history.
2016 — The New Business Casual
Serena looks breathtaking in this white and silver ensemble from 2016. While her blazer brings a professional touch to the look, her frilly miniskirt screams fun-loving. The contrasting styles are fused together via her pointed, metallic pumps.
Her long, dark hair is a lovely contrast to the all-white attire. Her thin, silver jewelry and her wristwatch pick up on the color of her shoes but aren't so loud that they clash with the carefully balanced ensemble.
2017 — Gorgeous While Carrying
The news that Serena was pregnant broke out in April 2017, when she was 20-weeks along. This meant that for the first two months of her pregnancy, she was on the court. Even more amazing is during that time, she regained her rank as number one.
This photograph from May 2017 shows the lovely mother-to-be showing her baby bump in a gorgeous teal gown with sparkling embellishments. The long train needed frequent tending to but was worth the eye-catching effect.
2018 — Fit For Royalty
Nine months after giving birth to her daughter, Serena and her husband attended the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Her soft pink dress was gently cinched in all the right places and matched her hairpiece.
Her long, braided hair put a modern twist on the traditional look. Serena had a shaky return to tennis a few months prior, during which she had multiple early exits. She still managed to make her way to finals at the Wimbledon Championships and the Cincinnati Masters.
2018 — Dressy Casual
While most stars wouldn't dream of wearing overalls to an event, Serena proves that any style of clothing can be workable. Her denim, overall-inspired dress with chain straps allows the athlete’s down-to-Earth character shine.
To dress up the look, she’s paired it with sparkly, open-toed stilettos and a subtle necklace. Her red-violet lips also work to bring some class to the casual attire. Her soft, auburn curls pick up on the carefree tone of the look.
2019 — Fashionable As Ever
The 37-year-old mom looked glamorous as ever in a beige top and shiny skirt at the 2019 Sports Illustrated Fashionable. Her gold jewelry matched her golden locks, adding to her glowing appearance.
Her fashion sense landed her a position as the board of directors of the online fashion marketplace Poshmark in February of this year. In terms of her tennis career, she proved fully recovered from her complicated childbirth, making her way back to the number 10 ranking by the end of the year.
