This plush mega-mansion in the sought-after Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles changed hands for the eye-watering sum of $83 million (£60m) back in July 2021. Packed with every amenity and security measure the super-rich could ask for, the identity of the buyer has remained shrouded in secrecy – until now. Click or scroll on to take a tour and discover the surprising new owner of this incredible estate...

The magnum opus of high-end property developer Ardie Tavangarian – who paid a staggering $61.9 million (£44.5m) for four of Elon Musk's Bel Air homes in 2020 – the sprawling mansion is perched up in the hills overlooking the skyline of Los Angeles. With such breathtaking views, it's no surprise that the house is flanked by residences of the rich and famous: the new owner counts Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson among their next-door neighbours. So who was the buyer of this prized piece of real estate? 

At the time of the sale, the buyer was said to be a bitcoin tycoon but the mansion was in fact snapped up by 26-year-old Austin Russell, the world's "youngest self-made billionaire", according to Forbes. Russell has amassed a staggering fortune thanks to his company Luminar Technologies, which develops high-tech laser sensors for self-driving vehicles. Remarkably, he founded the company when he was just a 17-year-old high school student.

Russell was seemingly careful to keep the transaction quiet. As it turns out, the trophy home was never officially placed up for sale; rather it had previously been marketed as an $88 million (£63m) pocket listing – a listing not available to the public. It was also offered up for rent last year, for the princely price tag of $350,000 (£252k) per month. So what does one of the Golden State's most expensive and intriguing mansions have to offer? Quite a lot it seems...

Fusing minimalist modern architecture with open, outdoor living, the sprawling 20,000-square-foot residence features swathes of glass walls that blur the line between inside and outside. In the beautiful grey wood kitchen, a Crittall-style window hinges up, spilling out onto the poolside beyond.

A pioneering piece of architecture, the home's design is as innovative as it is opulent. This lounge zone at the rear of the property pushes the indoor-outdoor trend to new frontiers. Framed by floor-to-ceiling glass panes, the living space bleeds into the lavish surrounding grounds, with the roof seemingly floating above.

In total, the plush property offers six bedrooms and staggeringly, 18 bathrooms – quite some feat. The pièce de résistance has to be the master suite, which features a retractable glass roof, allowing Russell to slumber beneath the stars. If that wasn't enough, entry to the secure space is via a futuristic retinal scanner. Talk about a home worthy of James Bond!

As well as a vast walk-in closet, the master suite includes this magnificent ensuite bathroom. Heavily grained marble clads the walls, evoking the markings of a tree – another reference to the home's organic inspiration. Meanwhile, an expansive walk-in shower stretches almost the entire length of the space, while the freestanding bathtub offers the perfect spot to soak up vistas across the valley.

The five-star amenities don't stop there. There's a state-of-the-art gym overlooking the mountains and Santa Monica State Park, which leads through to an impressive spa complex, complete with a sauna, massage tables and a relaxation area. Who wouldn't feel zen gazing out at that jaw-dropping view?

It's not all about kicking back and enjoying life in the slow lane though. Ideal for hosting, the opulent property is also decked out with some of the most incredible entertaining spaces we've seen. The magnificent home bar, complete with an illuminated counter, is the perfect spot to whip up a martini, while elsewhere, there's a chef's kitchen and an enchanting alfresco dining terrace. This is one house that was made for parties!

For those with a taste for the finer things in life, the mansion's temperature-controlled wine cellar is a dream. The ultimate showcase for a vino connoisseur, the space features row upon row of neatly arrange bottles lining the walls, plus there's a glass tasting island where you can play sommelier.

And where better to recoup after a wild night than in your very own home theatre? Featuring four tired rows of reclining leather chairs, plus a display of snacks and drinks, it's the ultimate private venue for a movie marathon or two. Beyond the fun and games, there are also two panic rooms in the secure retreat should disaster strike, including a ballistic-proof safe room.

Encircled by an acre of land – prized real estate in this desirable corner of the world – the grounds encompass zen gardens, an outdoor cinema, an infinity pool and a rooftop deck complete with a Jacuzzi. We can't imagine many 26-year-olds can call such a lavish mega-mansion home sweet home...

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