In 2013, a breathtaking Malibu beach residence was acquired by Kanye West, who had ambitious plans to transform it drastically. Spanning 4,000 square feet, the property boasts four bedrooms and five bathrooms, perched directly on the sandy shoreline overlooking the ocean, in the company of elite neighbors.
The renowned artist purchased the estate in 2021 for a staggering $57 million, initiating a renovation that left many astonished. Tony Saxon, the former project manager, revealed West’s vision to convert the house into a “bomb shelter reminiscent of the 1910s”.
The renovation involved dismantling marble bathrooms, removing windows, plumbing, and electricity, and even proposing to replace stairs with slides, a concept that was promptly rejected. The subsequent buyer, who acquired the property for $21 million, emphasized the house’s construction entirely from concrete and steel.
In a TikTok video showcasing the empty house, the new owner highlighted the property’s resilience, stating that it would withstand fires or tsunamis due to its robust structure. West’s intention was to create a sanctuary with an open flame for warmth and protection from the elements.
However, according to Saxon, West’s motive for isolation ran deeper as he sought to detach from modern conveniences and government oversight. West’s blueprint included minimalistic features like plants, candles, and battery lights, with an emphasis on open spaces and darkness.
West’s unconventional plans extended to a private Wi-Fi network, alternative energy sources, and a preference for vast concrete expanses devoid of doors, windows, or fixtures. The property also unveiled an underground tunnel with markings in West’s handwriting and various doodles on the concrete walls.
Unfortunately, the extravagant renovation left neighboring properties with an unsightly view of the stark concrete and metal structure. The new owner, aiming to restore the residence to its former glory, plans to invest in renovations and sell it at the original price of $57 million, after West incurred a $29 million loss from the project.