In a city where real estate often mirrors the drama of its entertainment industry, few sales capture the imagination quite like the recent transfer of the Carolwood estate in Holmby Hills. This storied property—steeped in celebrity legacy and architectural grandeur—has officially changed hands in a transaction that stands as one of 2025’s most talked-about deals.
The estate, spread across a lush six-acre expanse at 391 and 375 Carolwood Drive, is a rarity in Los Angeles, where land is precious and parcels of this magnitude are nearly unheard of. Once the residence of rock legend and former Haute Living Cover Star Sir Rod Stewart and, for over 30 years, the home of Bradley Bell—executive producer and head writer of the beloved soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful—and his wife, former U.S. ambassador Colleen Bell, the estate has long symbolized a unique confluence of Hollywood prestige and diplomatic grace.
Originally acquired from Stewart in 1992, the property remained in the Bell family for decades, becoming as much a part of their legacy as the Emmy-winning show Bradley Bell helped helm. But with its recent $86 million sale, the estate now enters a new chapter. In a move that added complexity to an already high-stakes transaction, the land was divided into two separate parcels: one fetching $57 million and the other $29 million.
Bringing this intricate deal to life required more than just a listing and a willing buyer—it demanded a symphony of legal finesse, zoning expertise, and high-level negotiation. At the center of it all was luxury agent Ben Bacal, whose representation of both sides of the sale helped navigate the estate through legacy issues, historic zoning regulations, and the logistics of managing multiple high-net-worth buyers.
In a market known for its excess and spectacle, the sale of the Carolwood estate is a reminder that some properties transcend their square footage. They are repositories of personal history and cultural significance. As the gates close on one era at Carolwood Drive, the estate’s legacy continues—just with a new set of keys.
