To engage in equestrian activities, one needs to be well-heeled. Purchasing a million-dollar horse or building a sprawling equestrian estate is not for lean pockets. Many celebrities make such grand purchases simply to satisfy their passion for the sport. Merv Griffin, an ex-American TV personality and media magnate, was just like any other famous person. After over 20 years on air, Griffin began planning his exit from his popular talk show in the middle of the 1980s. One of the richest people at the time, his net worth was approximately $300,000,000 and is now above $1,000,000,000 because of the success of his production firms.
The media tycoon bought 242 acres of property and an equestrian facility in La Quinta, California, with the intention of establishing an equestrian community there. Before passing away in 2007, Merv Griffin was able to see the land transformed into what he had envisioned: Griffin Ranch, which is currently on the market for an astounding $3,200,000. Below is everything you need to know about this iconic estate.
So what’s inside this million-dollar equestrian estate?
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Griffin Ranch is a private community that spans 242 acres and has many housing options and a luxurious clubhouse for its residents. The 5,667-square-foot house is characterized by a blend of contemporary elements and traditional Spanish design. The outside features modern workmanship in the form of a barrel tile roof, shuttered windows, and an arched wrought-iron gate that opens onto a spacious courtyard. Multiple beneficial features may be installed on the property.
A blue-bottomed pool, spa, and vase fountain are flanked on each side by a private putting green and bocce ball court. The Griffin Ranch clubhouse is home to different amenities, including a pool, tennis courts, a billiards room, a fitness facility, and a Pilates studio.
The home’s interior has rustic wood built-ins, wall alcoves, and vaulted, beamed ceilings that follow the theme of the exterior’s decorative archways, as reported by Forbes. Retractable glass walls, corner windows, and an open floor plan in the kitchen are just a few examples of the more contemporary touches featured throughout. The highlights include a grand parlor with a wet bar and formal dining area, as well as a double-chamber main suite with a two-sided fireplace.
The man behind this luxurious property
One of the most popular Americans on television, Merv Griffin, sold his empire to The Coca-Cola Company for $250,000,000 in 1986 and entered the real estate business in 1987. The Beverly Hilton Hotel in California was his first major acquisition. Griffin has done well in his producing business and on the famous game programs Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Therefore, his choice to enter the real estate market was bold. The media tycoon’s $300,000,000 in wealth at the time made him a global celebrity.
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In 1988, Griffin bought Resorts International from former POTUS and then-businessman Donald Trump and other investors. This acquisition included two hotels, one in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the other on Paradise Island, Bahamas. Griffin was a patron of the La Quinta Arts Festival, which led to his purchase of the nearby equestrian estate, which now costs $3,200,000. His total fortune from his massive enterprise was reported to be above $1 billion in 2003.
Read More – Inside Miley Cyrus’ Secret $5,000,000 Equestrian Estate Deal in 2018
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The former American media mogul’s multifaceted skills in industries such as production and real estate spoke to his brilliant business acumen. He had his share of setbacks in the real estate business at the time, but his legacy lives on through the vast holdings he amassed.
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