Skip to content
Real Estate
Link copied to clipboard

Celebrity Real Estate: Michael Phelps and Joel McHale

By Natalie Wise

Michael Phelps Has a New Place to Hang His Gold Medals

Michael Phelps ended his swimming career by breaking even more records at this summer's games, but he says he's officially retired now. Since he just purchased a gorgeous estate in Scottsdale, Ariz., perhaps we really won't be seeing the superstar in the pool anymore.

At least not on television. The custom pool at his new house is quite the showstopper itself. The pool and hot tub will be used for relaxing with his fiancé and child, though, instead of training. He's found a new place to call home and hang his 22 medals. Phelps purchased the home for $2.5 million.

The home itself is an Arizona masterpiece, made with European stone and terra cotta roof tiles. The interior, though, is a contemporary marvel. High coffered ceilings, plenty of skylights, gleaming marble countertops, gleaming stainless steel accents, and a sense of airiness permeate the house.

There are 5 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms should the couple wish to have more children, or perhaps entertain. Speaking of entertaining, there's plenty of room for that in the 6,000-square-foot home and its outdoor living spaces. Guests can relax in front of one of 4 fireplaces, including one outdoors. A floating fireplace connects the living and dining rooms.

Both the indoor and outdoor kitchens are fully stocked with the best appliances. The kitchen features bar seating for four and a more intimate breakfast nook with benches.

The house is gorgeous and spacious, but why Scottsdale? Rumor has it Phelps will be coaching there. And there's plenty of sunshine, so he and his family can enjoy the outdoor pool year-round.

Joel McHale's "Great Indoors" For Sale

Actor and comedian Joel McHale, star of the upcoming CBS series "The Great Indoors," must be feeling like his great indoors are a little too small. The actor has listed his 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom house in the Hollywood Hills for $2.395 million.

The traditional, unassuming exterior of the home belies its striking interior that is well-designed with the highest level of attention to detail. Originally built in 1947, the house has been fully updated. There are rounded corners to the ceilings, tucked-away nooks, plenty of built-ins and lots of light.

Shades of brown mix with pure white to bring a sense of comfort to the interior. In the kitchen, a farmhouse sink and Subway tile bring vintage nods to the modern kitchen.

There are built-in bookshelves throughout the house with detailed wainscoting and built-in lights, glass French doors, plenty of wallpapered ceilings, and no shortage of contemporary lighting fixtures. Considering this house was built in the 1940s, it's astounding that there's so much light and plenty of windows to open the space up.

Outdoors, there is a well-landscaped blue stone patio that extends the length of the house and features plenty of outdoor entertaining space, including a fireplace. There are three separate areas to the space: the relaxing fireplace with 2 couches for lounging, a dining table that seats 8, and a comfortable sitting area near the grill.

The private cul-de-sac location makes this Los Feliz Oaks home even more lovely.