Less than two weeks after making its debut on the sales charts for $1.8 million, the home of Grammy-nominated R&B star Brian McKnight is under contract. The Mediterranean-style house in Chatsworth, CA, was once featured on “MTV Cribs.”
There aren’t many places in the L.A. area where you can find a five-bedroom, 7,231-square foot designer home for a comparable price, which is one of the reasons it sold quickly.
At $249 per square foot, it was also below the median price ($353) per square foot for the area. It seems like an even bigger score when you see the fresh finishes and details that characterize this stylish home.
“Brian really knows how to put things together. It definitely has a modern vibe,” said Anthony Batarse of Atwater Properties, who co-listed the home with Dorothy Carter and Michael Orland of Keller Williams.
Batarse says a combination of exceptional clients, smart pricing, and marketing with great photos helped speed the sale. “Plus, the fact that it’s a celebrity home never hurts,” he says, adding that it’s also located in a prominent celebrity neighborhood. “We had so much action on the house the minute we put it on the market—it was unbelievable!”
According to public records, McKnight bought the home in Chatsworth’s prestigious Summit Ridge Circle for $1,262,500 in 1999, when it was brand-new. It’s since been extensively remodeled in McKnight’s suave style.
The cool impression hits you the second you step in the front door and are greeted by a double story entryway with slate gray walls and a grand spiral staircase, which leads to a spacious loft overlooking the foyer
Beyond the foyer is a wide-open floor plan that features a lovely white living room, a dining area, and a large entertainment room with a bar and a fireplace. “The kids are never really out of sight,” says Batarse.
There’s also a gleaming black-and-white kitchen, with upgraded amenities like stainless-steel appliances, granite counters, a center island, dual ovens and refrigerators, a tall wine refrigerator, generous cabinet and storage space, and two modern crystal chandeliers. A plush breakfast nook sits just off the kitchen.
Upstairs, there’s a gracious master retreat with a fireplace, private balcony, lounge area, and a huge walk-in closet. The master bath is swanky, with an island vanity with back-to-back sinks, a large soaking tub, a double steam shower, and LED lighting.
Out back, there’s a large yard with an outdoor kitchen and built-in barbecue, an infinity pool and spa, and a putting green. It’s perfect for private entertaining, as there are no nosy neighbors behind the property.
The half-acre lot backs up onto vast acres of natural preserves, making it a coveted location. Also, the home’s elevated position gives it spectacular views of the San Fernando Valley, mountains, and open fields.
McKnight, 50, has garnered 16 Grammy nominations over his long musical career. He’s also hosted a number of radio shows and released 13 albums. He and his band are currently touring the country.