This pun writes itself: Rocker Gene Simmons is kissing his Beverly Hills property goodbye. The Grammy-nominated Kiss cofounder has put his home of almost 40 years on the market for $22 million. The news comes just two months after he listed another smaller, more modern home in the Laurel Canyon area of the Hollywood Hills for $2.2 million.
The palatial pad is a whopping 16,000 square feet and sits on two acres. It has seven bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms, plus a host of features fit for a rock star, including a 60-foot water slide, a tennis court, and room for 35 cars thanks to a large garage and motor court. The front door opens to reveal a large foyer with high ceilings, and the main living space consists of a two-story great room with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple seating areas. An upstairs hallway looks down on the great room.
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In another, cozier seating area in the house, the ceiling features intricate detailing reminiscent of something one might see in an Italian villa. This space leads to the kitchen, which is bright and airy with simple white cabinetry. Out back, there’s a kidney-shaped swimming pool and attached hot tub.
Douglas Elliman confirms to AD that Simmons purchased the property in 1984 for $1.35 million; over the years, he spent $12 million upgrading the home to what it is today. Fans who watched the reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels, which ran from 2006 to 2012, will likely recognize the house. And, Simmons says, “for those people that care about such things, captains of industry, politicians, senators, governors, and yes, even Bob Dylan came and visited us on the property.”
The reason for the sale is that Simmons is moving his family out of California. “I am moving our family to a state that is much more welcoming. Washington state. Where there is no income tax, no local and state taxes. Federal taxes are enough,” he says. But he has high hopes that the next owner will enjoy the place as much as he did. “If you aren’t a rock star, this house will damn well make you feel like one.”
