In Encino, a fresh start

Earlier this year, the Chargers franchise found a new home in L.A., and now its longest-tenured star has done the same. Decorated tight end Antonio

Gates and his wife, “WAGs” personality Sasha Gates, have purchased a newly built home in Encino for the asking price of $6.995 million.

Reached by a winding and gated driveway, the contemporary-style home emphasizes clean lines, retractable walls of glass and open spaces in its 8,500 square feet of living space.

Eye-catching details include a floating staircase, a screening room and a glass-enclosed wine cellar/tasting room. A floor-toceiling wall fireplace divides the family room and center-island kitchen. The master suite, which features two walk-in closets and a spa-like bath, opens to a private terrace. There are six bedrooms and eight bathrooms in all.

A covered patio space with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace feature creates additional living space outdoors. An infinity-edge swimming pool, a basketball halfcourt and a four-car garage make up the grounds.

Patricia Phillips of Rodeo Realty was the listing agent. Brittney Hinds of eXp Realty of California represented the buyers.

Antonio Gates, 37, has been in sell mode of late, divesting himself of his Poway home in May and selling another home in Hollywood Hills West.

The eight-time Pro Bowler is the Chargers’ all-time record holder for receiving yards (11,192) and touchdown catches (111) and is tied with Tony Gonzalez for the most scores by a tight end in NFL history.