Burt Reynolds in Hobe Sound, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Jan 4th 2009 at 1:02PM

This week I'm checking out some celebrity estates that have been on the market a while but never got the estate of the day treatment Case in point, the home in Florida belonging to actor Burt Reynolds. Reynolds has been trying to sell for a long time and has trimmed the price multiple times. The 12,500-square-foot waterfront compound was once listed at $15 million. The Mediterranean-style home is on over three acres of land and borders a wildlife refuge. The main home has five bedrooms and there is also a two-bedroom guesthouse. The home includes a theater room (complete with a movie still of Reynolds as the Bandit), gym, and a billiards and bar room complete with what looks to be a stuffed bear. The home is now listed at $8.995 million which is a 40% reduction off the original price and it's been at this price for around six months so it may need another price cut to sell.

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Gallery: Burt Reynolds in Hobe Sound

Tags: burt reynolds, BurtReynolds, celebrity real estate, CelebrityRealEstate, estate of the day, EstateOfTheDay, florida real estate, FloridaRealEstate, hobe sound, HobeSound

Filed under: Estates

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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 3)

Maryanne Hubbard Jan 6th 2009 9:56PM

I can't remember when I last such disgusting dribble from people who have no idea what they are talking about. Ever heard the expression "beauty is in the eye of the beholder?" What does that make you rude, and probably jealous people.

steve Jan 6th 2009 10:15PM

After the first couple mil you don't need it anyway.

Shirl Jan 6th 2009 10:20PM

Mr.Reynolds, honestly if you would let HGTV come in there and do your place all up you could sell this home in a matter of a week. They do wonders, watch the show sometimes, you may just pick up the phone and make that call. I wish you well..Good Luck!!!!!!

Cristy Jan 6th 2009 10:19PM

Um, not meaning to be picky, but 40% is NOT "half off" as the lead in to this story stated. Perhaps that is why the real estate market crashed! Too many people that couldn't do the math, like the lenders who approved anything with a beating heart and the buyers who obviously couldn't afford what they buying!

rustylube4u Jan 6th 2009 10:54PM

I want to see the House. Tooooo much clutter. You cant se the house for the clutter

PHIL CRISTINZIANI Jan 6th 2009 11:15PM

so it is a little clutter big deal it is a great property you guys know nothing.

Will Jan 7th 2009 1:28AM

Everyone looks at the picture's so that they can criticize,I bet you guy's all live in trailer houses.

Margery Oberheide Jan 6th 2009 11:53PM

I am a real estate broker and stage homes. This home is a disaster and to effectively market and sell this home, it would have to be emptied of EVERYTHING and then the painters, some furniture and accessories appropriately placed as well as some exterior work on the home and grounds would have to be done. I assume that the kitchen and baths are as outdated as the rest of the house, so some money may have to be spent to make these more major improvements. Even so, a lower price adjustment may have to be made.

Otherwise, it would be far better to raze the property and market it as a buildable lot.

It is sad to see such a horribly decorated home, but unfortunately, it is not always that unusual, even when it comes to higher priced properties. Fortunately, most of these homes are tastefully done most of the time, but when not, they sit on the market for a long time and end up being torn down or sold at very low prices.

Good luck to the realtors trying to market this property.

Barb Mayer Jan 7th 2009 12:01AM

I happen to like the white couches and the chandelier over the table.

Loved the gazebo, the weight room, and the home theater. The pool room and the bar are a bit much for me though. Where in the world did he ever find all that crap to go in that pool room? The boat is VERY nice, too.

All in all, I would give this home a 6 out of 10. I would love to redecorate for him for a fee, of course!

Hey, don't we all want a really huge house that obviously never needs cleaning? I sure do!

Dan Frawley Jan 7th 2009 12:02AM

You like the place and I like you. I hope you catch a break and hang on to it. You and Clint whipped the big bad wolf and the outfit in Chicago!!! Get you old partner back and kick some bail-out banker ass! I'll bet James
Arness, miss Kitty , Festus and the rest of the gang at the ONG BRANCH SALOON WOULD PITCH IN AND HELP THERE ONCE PART-TME DEPUTY
DAN

JAMES Jan 7th 2009 1:39AM

SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF JEALOUS PEOPLE MAKING STUPID COMMENTS HERE. I LOVE THE HOUSE AND WOULD BUY IT IN A SECOND IF I HAD THAT MUCH MONEY.

cyndi Jan 7th 2009 5:54AM

Reviews seem to be fairly unanimous. It's pretty easy to see at least a few possible reasons why Burt doesn't want to live there anymore!
*While surely there is considerable value in the property itself, and possibly the "bones" of the structures, the assault to the asthetics would give one the nagging question of condition of of the things like the wiring, heating & cooling, pool equipment, energy connected issues (a wide range of concerns there from wall & window insulation, to fiberoptics and wiring for newer tech appliances) and other such components that you CAN'T see. Also the presentation provides absolutely no sense of the floor plan or the flow between the common living areas, & so often a custom stuctures like this are done with specifics suiting the original owner and do not have conventional layout qualities likely too appeal to buyers in general.

If this property belonged to one of my friends or relatives, first thing I would say, is get a new real estate agent! In my opinion, It is deplorable that the agent took the time and expense in obtaining, & posting, these photos without counseling Mr Reynolds on what would be needed to make the home marketable for today's buyer/market. Surely the agents' tour of the property netted some suggestions ?!?!
Then, (concurring with the majority of the previous comments) an earnest and URGENT search for proper decorator and landscape professionals should ensue.
Professional staging might also be an option, but for a property of this size would likely run into sizeable $$ ($80,000/mo. + or - $20,000-would be a guess) . And that $ might be better spent toward updates of a more permanent nature. That way if it still doesn't sell (which in the current climate is highly likely) at least the upgrades/fixes should increase the value of the property (and take it out of the 'fixer upper" category)

Also it lists the sq. footage at over 12,000, but photos presented with the listing, only provide, at most, what appears to be no more than maybe 4000 sq. ft. And even my cat knows "kitchens and baths sell a home" but are there any photos of those? NO.
So the logic being: "They presented what they thought were the "best features of the property, & leads one to the assumption that the kitchen & baths must be something one would expect to see in Candice Olsen's nightmares!

And look at the sizes noted for the bedrooms on the Internet listing, especially the master!(can thses #'s be right??)> 16 x 16. (Not exactly an appropriate size for a luxurious master suite.)
* Even if the quest house is 2000, & that cabana structure 500, of the over 12,500 sq ft listed, 16 x 16 is a paultry size for a master bedroom (& if it's inaccurate why did the agent publish those measurements?), & WHO would want huge expanses of those hard, cold tile floors, even in south Florida? (and especially in the formal rooms?)
( In my opinion those tile floors would be a definite deal breaker for anyone with small children or grandchildren);
*and the dining room ?! ? what's up with that? (a part of a customized floor plan when built?), that TINY dining area (with it's agreeably outdated, incongruent light fixture) appears to be the size one would expect to find in a 1400 sq. ft home (maybe), and the furniture scale detracts even further.

*But on the plus size, with the tile floors and the ceramic tiles on the walls, I looks like it would be pretty easy to hose it out (LOL), and the patterned ceramic tiles appear to be the almost ONLY areas where any application of color was attempted, so if sterile and dully neutral appeals to you.....you might schedule a viewing. It's sad also that even the outdoor space of the yard, as shown,and the boat dock, cabana also fail to provide any wow factors, or COLOR.

The boat dock looks like one that would be paired w/ granddad's old fishing cabin, (as does the attached screened in porch) & the dock offers no covered storage or waterside entertainment areas.
If the sale price included the helicopter & maybe a decent yacht (no less than 50 ft. long, NOT the little boat pictured), you MIGHT get a little marketing edge. Or maybe list the helicopter & yacht for sale & include the house as a purchase bonus for those? ! (LOL)
*Move out of the house, & show it empty (or at least relocate to the guest house, or yacht moored there, after heeding& implementing advice on any changed that might be needed for the guest house there 1st)..
Then, Hire an agent and a photographer that have the ability to present the properties assets more effectively, and take heed when advice is given on changes (needed for all areas) property in that price range, and you MIGHT get an interested buyer eventually, IF the kitchen & baths and bedrooms offer at least some redeeming attributes & don't assault the senses (or spend the $ updating those to a state befitting that size & price property) instead of spending a lot on furniture etc. for superficial changes to a home u hope not to live in much longer. Or include reductions in the offer w/ $ allowances for updating & replacing all or most of the areas of home amenities to bring it to the same level as those being offered in new homes in that price range and even in the $800K to million $ selling price range.

Then Follow up with the agent to be sure they have presented the property's assets more effectively, and completely, including providing additional detailed information for other amenities ( walk in safe?, generator to provide power if normal source is unavailable?, wine cellar?, study?, water features, # of fireplaces, if any) indoor and outdoor, outdoor kitchen?,exercise room equipment included?, high end kitchen appliances?, security system (type & scope), access to property and perimeter protection( gated, fenced?), garage? 3-5 car?, ceiling height? {a little bit of time researching the stats on % of home buyers that start with an internet search, and watching HGTV & FLN avidly for several days at least, might provide some needed insight. AND he should tour other homes in that area that priced at 1 mil of more & make notes!!).

But it is cute that they the agent thought to include the general information in the listing that "pets are allowed".

RONNIE Jan 7th 2009 5:57AM

HEY BURT,,,,,,,THE PROPERTY HAS GREAT POTENTIAL,BUT REALLY ,I CAN NOT BELIEVE IN YOUR TASTE,OR IS IT ,YOUR EYESIGHT IS FAILING YOU?? LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE ,WE ARE NOT TRYING TO BE VICIOUS,JUST HONEST. A TOTAL MAKEOVER IS DEFINATELY IN ORDER,THAT WILL BE A WIN WIN SITUATION . THEN BUMP THE PRICE BACKUP.

Emily Colgan Jan 7th 2009 6:09AM

The outside area is gorgeous; the inside is personal taste. Like a wine" if you like the taste; thats what matters. We always enjoyed Burt's movies; and are happy that he enjoyed Hobe Sound for so many years. Good luck Burt; wherever you go from here!

Candy Jan 7th 2009 6:42AM

I think it is a beautiful house! If I had the money I would buy it in a flash!!! Why does everyone have to be so criticle and nasty? No one is forcing anyone to go there but I bet it would be a huge step up for everyone with the nasty comments!

Helene Keil Jan 9th 2009 1:57PM

I am a licensed interior designer and I would say to Mr. Reynolds, either empty the place or hire me to redo. He probably would get the original asking price if the place would be redone up to 2lst Century standards.

Maddie- DE. Jan 28th 2009 9:06AM

Burt, the perspective buyer needs to be able to imagine what this dwelling will look like with THEIR things inside. If you want a good chance at selling in these tough economical times, your personal things and your personality must go. Remember, you are finished with the house and your goal is to SELL. With all due respect, their are many FLASHY, distracting items and bold colors inside that may be chasing buyers away.. Most people want to see neutral colors. For instance, like the Britney Spears home, I would like to see more earth tones such as browns and such. If you have too many flashy things in a room- they are ALL screaming! You only need a few focal points in in any room to make an outstanding and attractive statement. Outdated railings must go, red pillows on couch and shaw on coffee table are to flashy- must go. Remember tone down. Too many pictures in the game room. The potential buyer may not want to be bothered with repairing the wall after you have moved out. Media room looks great. I really hope this helps.

kathryn Jan 28th 2009 8:24AM

I think the home is cool! Of course it is way out of my price range. AT least it looks lived in, relaxing and comfy, unlike a lot of overpriced socialite real estate. Why have a house, if it is too swank to sit on the furniture anyway? Life is for living not showing!

Beachy Barb Jan 28th 2009 8:44AM

Hi Burt
The home is on the island I assume?
Gorgeous undeneath the clutter looks like Spanish Mexico Terra Cotta design...I live in Tequesta and have been a decorator and realtor for over 20 years including Arizona state huge knowledge of that style home and how to re new them gorgeous for cheap.
Email me or your business managers and I can help you re do and re make what you have can update and declutter and make it sell -also have connections for guest house plans with purchase (new owner build and pay) of bamboo guest houses and off the grid solutions...the location is stellar and so are you...I live in Tequesta and help people all the time. Plus if you have any recent loans on the property I have valuable information on that topic also. Love ya guy your the best please go to bambooliving.com thats the product I rep...we could presale a guest house with bamboo interior and match the exterior to your house the media alone would pay for alot because its a green product and you are you!!! And we love you and what you stand for...and Bamboo is green living...Bambooliving.com go to reps and you will see me in Jupiter...
Regards
Beachy Bamboo Barb
Barbacar@aol.com

Barb Carpenter Jan 28th 2009 8:48AM

Hi Burt
The house is stellar
I live in Jupiter and I am familiar with the area and a realtor and decorator
You have some great Saltillo and terra cotta tile I would loose the carpets and re do bamboo floors looks great with spanish decor
Declutter
And Bambooliving.com has some great pre sale guest homes that could presale to new owner and match your existing home to expand living space and its all Green
You could get huge write ups on going green and off the grid solutions
Good luck your the best
Regards
Beach bum Barb