A King’s Ransom

Famed broadcaster Larry King and his estranged wife Shawn Southwick have just sold their Tuscan-style estate in Beverly Hills for $15.5 million, according to listing records.

The gated Tuscan-style villa, outfitted with Italian limestone and state-of-the art technology officially traded hands in early January.

Mr. King and Ms. Southwick, who announced their divorce last August after 22 years of marriage, own the mansion through a family trust of which they are both trustees, property records show.

Although the final sale price is slightly less than the $16.9 million the property was listed for in October, it’s still a good deal more than the $11.75 million the pair paid for home in 2007.

Spanning close to 11,000 square feet, the five-bedroom main house is fitted with Italian limestone, tile, Venetian plaster and state-of-the-art technology throughout, according to the listing with Kurt Rappaport of Westside Estate Agency.

There’s also a sky-lit foyer with a grand double staircase, a gourmet kitchen with commercial appliances, a master suite with a separate sitting room and his-and-hers bathrooms, and a gym.

Outside, on the home’s half-acre lot are manicured gardens, a swimming pool embellished with cherub-like water features and a detached, one-bedroom guest house, the listing said.

The buyer, a prominent real estate executive, was drawn to the home’s family-friendly living, like the large back yard and privacy, according to Mr. Rappaport.

Mr. King, 86, is best known for his eponymous talk show “Larry King Live” which aired on CNN until 2010. He currently hosts “Larry King Now” and “Politicking with Larry King,” which air on Hulu.

“He loves Beverly Hills,” Mr. Rappaport said, and will be staying in the neighborhood in a penthouse.

Variety first reported the sale.

Source: www.Mansionglobal.com