Rupert Murdoch Purchases Bel Air Winery Mansion

In a deal that closed on August 28, 2013, Rupert Murdoch (of Newscorp) became the proud owner of a Bel Air winery mansion.

Originally listed at $29.5 million, the 13-acre complex closed for $28.8 million and is an unprecedented property for the popular Bel Air residential area. The deal was apparently penned in May of this year, but negotiations saw a closing late last month. Including a main house, guest house, swimming pool, office building, and "wine cave,” the property was once home to the award-winning Moraga Vineyards winery and estate.

A modest 3 bedrooms and 4 ½ bathrooms are featured in the 7,500-square-foot main home, while the on-site office building is 4,400 square feet. The property also features fully functioning winery business capabilities with vineyards, wine cave, wine storage, and a winery sales office.

The modest home, yet lavish property, has quite a history. Originally built by famous director Victor Fleming (Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz) in 1940, it became the first bonded commercial winery in Los Angeles, post Prohibition.

Murdoch also owns an 11-bedroom home in Beverly Hills and two properties in New York City.

What do you think of this high profile property purchase by Rupert Murdoch? Does it sound like something you might consider, if you were in this price range? We want to know.

Leave us your thoughts in the comment section below.

Photo courtesy of marcovdz’s Flickr