Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt just bought one of the largest mansions in LA — and it's bigger than the Taj Mahal
Schmidt and his wife, Wendy, dropped a cool $110 million on Spelling Manor, the Wall Street Journal reported. The legendary property spans over 56,000 square feet, making it one of the largest homes in Los Angeles. Schmidt's recent acquisition is now tied for the second most expensive home sale of 2025.
The 100-plus room estate, known as the Manor, is larger than both the White House and the Taj Mahal.
7 The massive home sits on 4.6 acres.
AP
7 Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
REUTERS
7 The home is variously known as Spelling Manor and Candyland, after its former owners, Aaron and Candy Spelling.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Construction on limestone-clad mansion was completed in 1988 by legendary TV producer Aaron Spelling — the mastermind behind such hits as 'Dynasty,' 'Charlie's Angels' and '90210.' For a time, it was recognized as the largest single-family home in Los Angeles County, and its successive sales repeatedly notched record prices.
The mansion is famous for its grand size and outlandish amenities. Its over-the-top interiors during the Spelling era included a two-lane bowling alley, multiple gift-wrapping rooms, a dedicated doll collection room, a 20-seat cinema and 27 bathrooms.
Candy Spelling, the widow of Aaron Spelling and mother of actress Tori Spelling, sold the home in for $85 million in 2011 to the Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone. The 22-year-old carried out a major redesign of the palatial home, reportedly opting for a more contemporary look.
7 The mansion can reportedly accommodate parking for 100-plus cars.
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7 The Spelling family, pictured in 1997.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Schmidt is reportedly applying his Silicon Valley-like penchant for optimization to renovation plans of his own.
The 70-year-old will carry out a major remodel and rebrand of the Manor, according to the Journal. In addition to simplifying the floor plan and making it more energy efficient, he reportedly intends to rechristen the home '594,' after its Mapleton Drive address.
Despite the eye-watering price, Schmidt can congratulate himself on paying less that the previous owner. The Manor last changed hands when Ecclestone offloaded the property to an unidentified buyer — reportedly a Saudi national — for slightly less than $120 million in 2019, setting yet another California record.
7 Schmidt is planning to renovate the home for simplicity and energy efficiency.
Getty Images
7 The Schmidts reportedly plan to use the property for philanthropic events.
Getty Images for LACMA
The home was most recently listed for $137.5 million after several years of price cuts. Carolwood Estates agents Drew Fenton and Linda May represented the seller and the buyer, respectively.
Schmidt and his wife, both philanthropists, plan to use the property to hold meetings and events for local nonprofits, the Journal reported. The pair own an impressive portfolio of other trophy homes across London, New York, California, DC, Florida and Massachusetts.
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