In the affluent Southern California enclave of Hidden Hills, a new record has been set in the real estate market. An ultra-modern spec mansion perched atop a commanding ridge has discreetly changed hands for a staggering $28.2 million, securing its place as the most expensive home ever sold in the area. This substantial transaction comfortably surpasses a previous Hidden Hills deal earlier in the year, which recorded a sale at $26 million.
Public records unveil the identity of the buyers as Matthew and Kelly Stafford, with Matthew Stafford being the quarterback whose leadership guided the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI, boasting a contract worth $160 million. Interestingly, their recent acquisition is situated adjacent to a 1980s red-brick house and vineyard that the Staffords acquired in March 2022 for $10.5 million. With this latest purchase, the couple now commands a sprawling 3-acre compound featuring two opulent residences and two swimming pools, collectively appraised at nearly $40 million.
The Staffords’ affinity for Hidden Hills is evident, having owned a remarkable five houses in the guard-gated neighborhood within the last three years alone. In the preceding year, they parted ways with a sleek mansion in a different part of the enclave, fetching a considerable $21 million from private aviation CEO Bill Papariella.
Despite being newly constructed this year, the Staffords’ latest residence occupies a piece of celebrity history as it graces the same elevated terrain once owned by Jennifer Lopez from 2010 to 2017. During Lopez’s ownership, the estate featured a substantial house that underwent extensive redecoration. However, in 2021, the older mansion was razed, and the property was divided into two separate parcels. The $28 million mansion now stands on one of these parcels, while the other hosts another contemporary spec mansion currently available on the open market with a lofty $40 million price tag.
As the construction of Stafford’s residence concluded recently and the property changed hands through an entirely off-market transaction, interior photographs remain elusive. Nevertheless, online resources confirm its considerable size, boasting at least 15,000 square feet of living space. The architectural design is described as a striking blend of contemporary and modern farmhouse aesthetics, with elements reminiscent of a Napa Valley retreat. The structure features a distinctive many-gabled roofline set against expansive glass surfaces and an exterior adorned with a mix of wood and stone.
Hidden Hills, a secure, guard-gated community nestled in the San Fernando Valley, has become the unofficial retreat for the Los Angeles Rams. Alongside the Staffords, notable residents include Cooper Kupp, Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Donald, and Sean McVay, creating a star-studded enclave that reflects the glamour and allure of Southern California living.
