Merv Griffin's California home lists for US$36M
Moroccan-themed estate property presides over lush gardens, racetrack
A seamless blend of Moroccan elegance with modern California influences.
Merv Griffin's Moroccan-inspired estate in La Quinta, Calif., has hit the market. The 39-acre property is priced at US$36 million, according to the listing from agents Zach Goldsmith and Mauricio Umansky. Griffin, the creator of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, died from prostate cancer in 2007.
The estate boasts seven structures, including a primary residence that's 5,409 square feet. Built in 1986, it has 13 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. The property also includes an outdoor pool and spa area, equestrian facilities, a racetrack and a six-bay garage.
Two additional homes, known as the West Building and Gate Building, are 1,568 and 1,708 square feet, respectively.
The listing describes the property's architecture and interior design as having “a seamless blend of Moroccan elegance with modern California influences” and says the esthetic is inspired by Yves St. Laurent's home in Marrakech.
The grounds feature a lush orchard that grows fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes and guavas; a king fig tree is one of the largest in the area. There are also four outdoor living areas described as “pods,” which measure 500 square feet each. The entire property is enclosed by walls measuring 12 feet tall.
Griffin started out as a radio and big band singer, and hosted the The Merv Griffin Show from 1962 to 1986. When he retired at the end of his talk show, he sold his production company, Merv Griffin Enterprises, to Columbia Pictures Television for $250 million.
Forbes then named Griffin the richest Hollywood performer in history.