Tennis star Serena Williams has been ranked the world's number one female tennis player by the WTA eight times since 2002. She has won the second-most singles titles in women's Grand Slam tournaments in the history of the sport. There is not much left for her to prove on the court.
While tennis has brought her and her older sister, Venus, wealth and notoriety, the Williams sisters are not content to be known for just blistering serves and punishing groundstrokes.
Serena has leveraged her position as a top global athlete to become a fashion icon (she turned heads in a pink ensemble with classic fascinator hat at the Royal Wedding), savvy businesswoman, wife (she is married to Reddit founder, Alexis Ohanian), and new mother to adorable baby daughter, Olympia.
Serena and Venus were taught by their father to work harder than everyone else and to zero in on a goal and achieve it. Growing up to become a 36-year old perfectionist who lives the disciplined lifestyle of a champion, the biggest challenge Serena might face might be learning how to settle down.
When she is ready to retire (maybe after netting the 25th title), Serena could probably have a successful second career as a real estate investor. She not only owns a bevy of properties but displays great taste in selecting a modern open-plan architectural design.
Serena Williams' Palm Beach Gardens House
According to Serena, the Williams sisters have always been "South-Florida girls" at heart. She already co-owns a property with Venus in Palm Beach, so purchasing a place to be a family home base in the sunny "golf capital of the world" seemed logical.
The 7,323-square-foot home has a wide stone walkway leading up to the front, and, of course, a full tennis court out back.
The expansive open concept family kitchen is where Serena, Alexis, and their daughter end up spending a lot of time. Serena's chef will whip up whatever mixture of ingredients are believed to help keep her body in playing condition, while the couple's new baby explores her shiny new world.
Recessed lighting in the ceiling plays in concert with the large windows along the far wall to wash the interior in a warm glow. Custom cabinets and appliances are also built into the wall to give a sense of even more open space. String a net across the center of the room and there's enough brushed oak flooring to play doubles inside.
Taking advantage of the 360 days of sunlight, the property also boasts a huge covered lanai with outdoor appliances and full summer kitchen. Dad and daughter can watch mommy Serena get some practice in, before dipping a toe in the resort-like heated pool and spa.
Serena Williams' Beverly Hills House
When Serena's in California, she has a newly-built five-bed, seven-bath, $6.7 million home in the guard-gated community of Summit in Beverly Hills to call home.
She scooped up this white, Spanish-style house after selling her Bel Air mansion to the tune of $12 million. Serena's chef can prepare her training table meals in the state-of-art kitchen and lay out the food on the huge Bianco Bella polished marble island.
The home also has a yoga and massage room, wine cellar, and game room with a professional poker table. A step-out balcony provides peaceful views of the valley, while the covered veranda opens up to a Baja pool that overlooking terraced landscaping consisting of green native plants.
The one thing missing from Serena's West Coat abode? A tennis court. It appears this house is more of a chill spot than a practice pad.
Serena's impressive real estate portfolio also includes land in Jupiter, Florida and a residence in Paris, France.
Serena is currently competing in the French Open at Roland Garros.
Photos courtesy of Trulia
