With warm weather upon us, we can pretty much guarantee two things: Your AC unit is due for a filter change, and your newsfeed is flooded with pictures of celebrity summer vacations. In reality, the former probably isn’t nearly as much work as you think it is, while the latter — as cruel as they may be from behind your desk — still manage to bring benefits. Not only do star-studded getaways supply us with ample material for our afternoon daydreams, they also offer up the rare chance to peek inside the personal hiding spots of some of our favourite celebs.
We’re not talking rentals, either. It’s clear that when it comes to procuring their part-time places of residence, the rich and famous prefer not to play around — unless it’s golf, squash, racquetball, or tennis. From a private (and gifted) island in the Bahamas to a seaside château in France, a farm in Maui, and a couple of coastal manses in between, here are a few of the most awe-inspiring celebrity summer homes we’ve seen.
Beyoncé’s Private Island In The Bahamas
Back when Blue Ivy was just a bun in Bey’s oven, Jay Z was rumoured to have dropped over £2 million on a secluded Caribbean island to gift his blossoming bride. Just two and a half miles off the coast of Florida, on a 12.5-acre stretch of land, the tropical paradise provided the crazy-in-love couple with some much-needed privacy, pleasure, and, of course, photo opportunities.
Photo: via @Beyonce.
We want Blue's hat.
Photo: via @Beyonce.
Swing!
Photo: via @Beyonce.
Brad and Angelina's French Château
In 2012, after years of only leasing the Château Miraval — Brangelina’s beloved 1,000-acre estate in the South of France — the pair finally buckled down and purchased the £40 million spread. Along with the 30-room main mansion, the property is home to 74 acres of vineyards, dozens of gardens and fountains, and an actual moat.
Photo: Getty Images.
Considering there’s a renovated 13th-century chapel on the grounds, it was the obvious choice for hosting the couple's nuptials just two years later.
Photo: Getty Images.
Now that's privacy.
Photo: Getty Images.
George Clooney’s Italian Villa
Perhaps the only thing that sounds dreamier than “George Clooney” are the words “George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra in Laglio on Lake Como, Italy.” But much like the man himself, the almost-too-good-to-be-true dwelling is in fact very real and every bit as romantic as you’d imagine. With nearly two dozen rooms — including a formal ballroom — rose gardens, chandeliers, and a swimming pool, the centuries-old estate may actually have the actor beat.
Photo: Getty Images.
Will you just look at that view?
Photo: Getty Images.
A closer peek at Casa Clooney.
Photo: Getty Images.
Oprah’s Hawaiian Sanctuary
One of the most exclusive — and extravagant — destination homes we’ve ever come across is Oprah's remote ranch on the island of Maui. The secluded spread offers nearly 800 acres of rich and rolling land, ideal for horseback riding, watching the sunset, or, if you're Oprah, starting an organic-produce farm to provide locals with fresh fruits and vegetables — free of charge; just a regular day for the do-gooding Ms. Winfrey.
Photo: Getty Images.
This is kind of what we imagine heaven looks like.
Photo: Via @oprah.
And YOU get a rainbow! And YOU get a rainbow!
Photo: Via @oprah.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Malibu Beach Retreat
Paltrow — and former hubby Chris Martin — bought the secluded Malibu estate, modelled after a luxury resort, for £10 million just two years ago. Filled with heated sandstone floors, manicured gardens, cobbled walkways, and a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, it’s no surprise the Goop maven remains connected to the place.
Is there anything better than a tub with a view?
Photo: Courtesy of MLS.
And the gorgeous vistas just keep on comin'.
Photo: Courtesy of MLS.
Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island Estate
Just because you’re never, ever getting back together with your East Coast–residing ex doesn’t mean you have to abandon your vacation spot! Take, for instance, the colossal Westerly, Rhode Island, residence near the family of Swift’s former love interest, Conor Kennedy, a noted New Englander. With insane ocean views and over 11,000 square feet of living space, it’s no shock the singer bought the Cape Cod–style spread after the pair split up.
Photo: Courtesy of Seaboard Properties.
There are plenty of cozy spots for Swift's cats to bask in the sun.
Photo: Courtesy of Seaboard Properties.
All the outdoor space a squad could ask for.
Photo: Courtesy of Seaboard Properties.
Pharrell’s Miami Hotspot
Even the incredible art lining Pharrell Williams’s £8 million Brickell Avenue mansion pales in comparison to the property itself. Outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, a glass ceiling dome, and a Murakami or two, the place also boasts both indoor and outdoor spas, as well as a movie theatre, rooftop terrace, and 5,000-square-foot patio — perfect for partying South Beach-style all summer long.
Photo: Courtesy of Puig Werner Real Estate.
The only thing that can make a sunset like this even better? Viewing it from your private spa.
Photo: Courtesy of Puig Werner Real Estate.
Yep, it's amazing from every angle.
Photo: Courtesy of Puig Werner Real Estate.
Salma Hayek’s Hollywood Hills Hideout
Not only does Hayek’s half-acre property provide plentiful views of the surrounding SoCal landscape, it also holds a lagoon-style swimming pool, a palatial patio, and a greenhouse-inspired great room. Even better, you can now rent the midcentury-style stunner — when Hayek is too busy filming to visit — for just £8,000 a month!
Photo: Courtesy of The MLS.
Care to take a dip?
Photo: Courtesy of The MLS.
All that's missing here is a bottle of rosé.
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