Dunk in the opulence of this Shaq
Basketball legend’s Orlando estate centres on extravagance and luxury
Everything about Shaquille O’Neal is larger than life: his superstar status as a pro basketball player, his gregarious personality and, of course, his 7-foot-1, 325-pound physique.
Then there’s his $22-million (U.S.), oversized abode outside Orlando, Fla., the fulfilment of his domestic hoops and dreams that he netted when he was just 21.
The star centre bought the sprawling, lakefront estate for about $4 million soon after signing with the Orlando Magic in 1992, launching his 19-year playing career in the NBA.
A quarter-century later, the global celebrity, who played for six teams before retiring from the NBA in 2011, is relocating to Atlanta, Ga. and selling his trophy home.
Here’s a taste of the unusual features inside the three-metre privacy wall and massive French doors of Shaq’s shack:
An indoor basketball court, measuring 6,000 square feet, with mini bleachers;
The Superman logo is emblazoned on everything from shower doors to the covering on his immense round bed;
A five-foot eel that lives in a triangular saltwater tank in the Egyptian-themed meditation room;
The front end of a truck housing a fish tank protrudes from a wall in the family room;
Atiled and carpeted 17-car garage that serves as a showroom for Shaq’s big toys.
Those “quirks” are revealed by Chris Franciosa, managing partner with the Agency luxury real estate firm.
The home, where O’Neal and his ex-wife raised four children, has an Orlando Magic-blue roof that’s an instant standout in the prestigious golf club community of Isleworth, 30 minutes southwest of Orlando.
The Mediterranean-inspired house boasts “all the bells and whistles,” Franciosa says. “He didn’t spare any expense.”
Not that he needed to. By the time he retired in 2011 after playing for six different teams, he’d made more than $286 million. O’Neal has also appeared in films and recorded rap al- bums, including Shaq Diesel (1993) which went platinum.
O’Neal, 47, is a TV sports analyst, businessman, pitchman for everything from soap to cruises and reported to be worth $400 million.
The athlete was big on looks, luxury and functionality when he upgraded his Orlando resi- dence. He dug the 29-metrelong swimming pool down to 5.5 metres in places so he could dive safely, Franciosa says.
He also added a west wing where six ensuite bedrooms provide resort-style accommodation for guests.
The entire residence demonstrates “a lot of flair,” Franciosa notes. “When you walk in the main foyer, it feels grand and luxurious.”
Polished marble floors and double, curved staircases give way to a two-storey great room with marble fireplace and wood beams. Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows frame picturesque views of Lake Butler where the property stretches across 700 feet of waterfront.
Other highlights include a chef’s kitchen with cooking island and professional appliances, a man-cave with walk-in humidor, recording studio, soundproof home theatre and 900-sq.-ft. master bedroom.
There’s also an “outrageous” two-storey closet for Shaq’s large collection of suits, casual duds and size 22 footwear.
Thinking about touring the place when you’re in Florida for March break? That’s a tall order, cautions Franciosa.
“We have to keep superfans out who can’t afford the property,” he insists, explaining that prospective buyers are screened and required to verify the depths of their pockets.
But even if you don’t qualify, you can still dream big.