Former NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle left a lasting sports legacy. He did the same when it comes to real estate. The luxury mansion he built in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, is on the market for $15 million.
There's more sports trivia to this picturesque property. The land originally belonged to Rozelle's friend, former San Diego Chargers owner Gene Klein. "Pete loved and specifically chose this site," listing agent Jason Barry says.
Finished in 1992, the villa was built from the ground up. In the late '90s, weight-loss guru Jenny Craig and her husband, Sid Craig, bought the estate from Rozelle, as well as the adjoining 238-acre horse farm.
"They rebuilt it and added on an 11-car museum," Barry says. Their take was a "darker, Tuscan type of feel."
Four years ago the Craigs sold the property to the current owners, who also embarked on a gut renovation, which took about a year to complete. According to the agent, the Craigs sold the horse farm separately to Bill Gates. Yes, that Bill Gates.
In addition to having one of the wealthiest men in the world as your neighbor, here's what you get with this property: a trip to Europe without leaving the house.
The sellers imported limestone floors and fireplaces from the Loire Valley in France.
Outdoors, there's a 12th-century Gothic fireplace, as well as imported terra-cotta pavers, hand-cut limestone flooring from Puglia, Italy, 19th-century Italian fixtures, and 18th-century Spanish doors.
Standout features inside the 10,000-square-foot mansion include a great room with a sunken bar and enormous picture windows.
There's also a "massive" master suite with his-and-her closets and bathrooms.
The upgraded kitchen comes with a huge marble island and opens onto a brand-new conservatory with a 1,000-bottle wine cellar.
There are also sunken tennis courts, a resort-style pool and pavilion, manicured gardens, a game room, and a gym. Did we mention the view?
"It's just a stunning property with views all the way to the ocean," Barry says.
The area is definitely a draw for those who crave quiet and convenience -- and have the bankroll. The four-bedroom home is located just 25 minutes from downtown San Diego. And "5 to 10 minutes to the beaches," the agent adds. "The lifestyle is amazing."