Mind-blowing Bel Air lair built for Wilt Chamberlain can be yours for $19M

One of the most interesting properties in Los Angeles, if not the world, is newly up for grabs. Formally known as “Ursa Major,” the singular residence is more commonly known as the former home of legendary basketball player Wilt Chamberlain, who worked closely with architect David Tenneson Rich on the design of the Bel-Air property, completed in 1971.

According to the architect, inspiration for the home’s unique design came from Frank Lloyd Wright, the giant redwood groves of Yosemite, and the triangle.

Built upon a mountain top that had served as a Nike anti-aircraft missile site during the Cold War, the 7,158-square-foot residence required five freight car loads of redwood and 16 tons of Bouquet Canyon stone to construct, and was designed without a single right-angled corner.

On the market for the first time in a decade, the house has been, per the listing description, “recently updated and enhanced.” Accessed by a stone bridge traversing a tranquil water feature, the impressive residence’s entry level features a massive stone fireplace, a sunken conversation pit, a billiard room, and a dining room with open indoor floor portal to the triangular swimming pool.

Guest bedrooms, staff quarters, a media room, and offices are also contained on the lower level, while the upper floor is devoted to the oversize master suite. Vast expanses of glass offering master-of-the-universe views are found throughout the home.

The 2.5-acre gated property, which overlooks the Bel-Air Reservoir, also features a luxurious al fresco cooking and entertaining area, a redwood sauna, outdoor shower, covered cabana, and parking for 20-plus cars.

Last sold for $6.555 million in 2008, it’s now on the market with an asking price of $18.999 million. Brokers’ open is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Photo by Michael McNamara, courtesy of Heidi Lake, Barry Sloane and Marc Silver/Historic & Architecturally Significant Properties, Sotheby’s International Realty Beverly Hills

• 15216 Antelo Place [Sotheby’s]
• 15216 Antelo Place [Video tour]