Let’s face it, celebrities know how to live it up. Whether strutting their stuff on the red carpet, crashing the hottest party in town, or grabbing centre stage on your favourite Late Show, the citizens of Tinseltown lead lives worth splashing on the front page of every national newspaper.
They even do the ‘normal stuff’ differently.
For the Average Joe, for example, a hot summer’s day is spent at a crowded community centre pool. The celebrity, on the other hand, does the swimming pool like no other. The following examples are so jaw-droppingly stunning that they’ll leave you cracking every wishbone and crossing every finger hoping for your 15 minutes of fame (and accompanying celebrity pool!).
Lance Armstrong
The disgraced cyclist may not have his Tour de France medals anymore, but at least he can take solace in his $4.34 million mansion. Set in 3.6 acres of land, the home features an infinity-edge pool that opens up to Lake Austin. While we’re not sure infinity pools adhere to all the safety regulations, they sure do look incredible. We think the view is more impressive than the yellow jackets, don’t you…?!
Source: Realtor
Once Lance and his cohort are finished in the pool, they can chill in the adjacent cabana, which features comfy chairs, a fully-equipped spa, and atmospheric lanterns. Not bad for your average Sunday afternoon.
Hearst Castle
Once home to William R. Hearst, the famous newspaper tycoon, this property is now a national landmark and historic park. This place is so steeped in celebrity that even its architect, Julia Morgan, was famous in her own right.
The mansion’s Roman Pool is absolutely exquisite, having been designed as a tribute to the Baths of Caracalla. These were the Roman Empire’s most decadent public bathhouses, featuring gorgeous mosaic tiles and sculptures of ancient deities.
Source: Flickr
The neighbouring Neptune Pool took a staggering ten years to build. Using Vermont marble colonnades, this classically styled pool is based on 17th-century Renaissance designs. It features a fully-working heating system, reliefs, temples, and a selection of statues.
Celine Dion
Celine’s Titanic paycheck has truly paid off. In 2010, she built an entire waterpark on her $20 million estate. The park features two swimming pools, several water slides, a lazy river, and a poolside bar.
The waterpark also uses a ridiculous amount of water. Environmentalists, it may be worth looking away now lest you get riled (and honestly, the amount is just absurd). The complex uses custom-built wells to provide a staggering 500,000 gallons of water! Celine’s waterpark hasn’t lived without controversy, however. Neighbours have complained about the amount of water being used and the murky circumstances under which she obtained planning permission.
Source: Baca
Whenever Celine is bored of sitting poolside, she can always take a stroll to the beach. Situated on Jupiter Island, a haven for the rich and famous, the mansion faces the Atlantic.
Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor
Situated in the middle of the Hollywood Hills, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor’s (former) abode is akin to a Spanish mansion with a pinch of Moroccan-inspired details. The estate is absolutely stunning, with 10 bedrooms, 11 baths (yes, it has more baths than bedrooms!), as well as both indoor and outdoor dining sections.
Source: Upadka
The pool itself isn’t quite as grandiose as Celine Dion’s, for example, but what it doesn’t have in size it makes it up in style. Think loads of greenery, Mediterranean colours throughout, and a fireplace nearby. Perfect for a cosy evening after you’ve enjoyed an afternoon in the pool. Life sure is tough for celebrities…
Gianni Versace
The larger-than-life designer didn’t just know how to do fashion. His mansion is so impressive that it’s now used as a fancy hotel going by the name of The Villa. Costing over $1,500 per night (and that’s without breakfast!), this luxury boutique hotel exudes decadent extravagance.
Source: Eva
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Gianni paid poolside homage to his Italian ancestors by way of marble flooring, gorgeous mosaics, and perfectly manicured gardens. The pool even features 24-karat gold inlaid throughout, giving it a golden glow worthy of an Oscar. For those a little sore from a couple of laps at the pool, there’s a spa service that can be enjoyed poolside.
