Michelle Obama rents Hollywood Hills mansion
Michelle Obama spent a couple of days enjoying the Los Angeles views and amenities of a new, exclusive $23 million home in the Hollywood Hills known as the “Shark House” because one of its unique features is an “open-air aquarium” filled with several types of small swimming sharks.
TMZ, citing a well-connected Los Angeles real estate source, reported that the former first lady rented the home to possibly scope out the neighborhood for her and former President Barack Obama if they decide move to Los Angeles. TMZ pointed out that the political superstars have become empty nesters since their youngest daughter, Sasha, graduated from high school in Washington, D.C.
She’s reportedly starting her gap year before heading off to the University of Michigan, while older daughter Malia is a student at Harvard University. That means there may be nothing keeping the couple in the nation’s capital, TMZ said.
In addition, the Obamas’ production company has a deal with Netflix, which has a gleaming new Hollywood office, to produce several documentaries and a feature film.
There was “incredible security” for Michelle Obama’s stay at the “Shark House,” though the security cameras had to be turned off, TMZ said.
Curbed Los Angeles reported that the “ultra modern, glossy and boxy” home is a spec house, built for ultra- exclusive clientele to rent or buy. The threestory home has seven bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, two pools, a “wellness center,” a massage room, a movie theater, a wine room and a special freezer for tequila and vodka.
As for the shark “pond,” real estate agent Sam Real of Nest Seekers International told Curbed Los Angeles that it is an uncovered 300-gallon tank, filled with stingrays, starfish, small houndsharks and other types of sharks.
Behind the pond rises a living wall. Several stepping stones cross the tank, so that homeowners can watch their fish, “do yoga or read a newspapers and whatever you want to do.” Real said.