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10 Celebrities Who Chose Modest Dwellings Despite Their Enormous Wealth

These celebrities choose modest living over extravagant mansions despite immense fortunes.
UPDATED OCT 19, 2023
Jennifer Lawrence is seen on August 23, 2023 in New York City. Getty Images | Photo by Gotham
Jennifer Lawrence is seen on August 23, 2023 in New York City. Getty Images | Photo by Gotham

When Stars Choose Simple Living

 Matthew McConaughey visits the Empire State Building on September 12, 2023 in New York City. Getty Images | Photo by John Nacion
Matthew McConaughey | Getty Images | Photo by John Nacion

In a world where celebrities are often synonymous with extravagant mansions and opulent lifestyles, there exist remarkable exceptions. These stars, despite their immense wealth, have deliberately embraced modesty when it comes to their living spaces. Their choice to opt for smaller, more down-to-earth homes challenges the stereotype of opulence associated with fame. In this article, we delve into the lives of a few prominent personalities who prioritize simplicity over grandeur, offering a unique glimpse into the allure of humble abodes amidst the glamour of the entertainment industry.

1. Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson attends the Christian Dior Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 26, 2023 in Paris, France. Getty Images | Photo by Pascal Le Segretain
Robert Pattinson | Getty Images | Photo by Pascal Le Segretain

Robert Pattinson, known for his role as Edward Cullen in the Twilight series, took a surprising turn towards simplicity after his breakup with Kristen Stewart. Instead of dwelling in a sprawling 4,026-square-foot Los Angeles mansion, he opted for a more modest 2,000-square-foot home nearby. With an estimated wealth of $100 million, this move exemplifies Pattinson's commitment to a more grounded lifestyle. His new residence, which exudes a rustic charm, features just 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. What's even more intriguing is that the house is located behind another property and accessible through a long, enclosed corridor. This deliberate choice shows that sometimes, a smaller, cozier space is more than enough for a Hollywood heartthrob.

2. Vincent Kartheiser

Actor Vincent Kartheiser attends the premiere of National Geographic's 'Genius' at The Fox Bruin Theater on April 24, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images | Photo by Paul Archuleta
Actor Vincent Kartheiser | Getty Images | Photo by Paul Archuleta

Vincent Kartheiser, best known for his role as Peter Campbell in the hit series "Mad Men", made headlines for his minimalist living choice. The actor lived in a mere 500-square-foot space for some time. What's more remarkable is that he purchased this space during a less favorable market period and underwent a significant remodel while living there, combining elements of comfort and utility. Although he didn't profit as expected when he sold it, Kartheiser's choice showcases that size doesn't always matter when it comes to one's living space, especially if it's thoughtfully designed to optimize every inch.

3. Jennifer Lawrence

ennifer Lawrence attends the Christian Dior Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 26, 2023 in Paris, France. Getty Images | Photo by Stephane Cardinale
Jennifer Lawrence | Getty Images | Photo by Stephane Cardinale

Jennifer Lawrence, once declared the best-paid actor in the world, had a moment of "humility" when she continued to live in a 1,413-square-foot condo in Santa Monica despite her skyrocketing earnings. She expressed her preference for residing in "normal" places, making it clear that extravagant mansions were not her style. This choice indicates her down-to-earth nature, even though she made substantial investments in larger properties in 2014 and 2017. Lawrence's story reminds us that it's possible to maintain a sense of simplicity and normalcy, even in the world of fame and fortune.

4. Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey celebrates the release of
Matthew McConaughey | Getty Images | Photo by Emma McIntyre

Matthew McConaughey is known for his bohemian tendencies, and this extended to his choice of housing. For a period, he resided in a house trailer that was just under 28 square feet. This compact home featured essential amenities, including a satellite dish on the roof, a barbecue in the backyard, and shelves for his books and scripts. It's a testament to McConaughey's belief that true happiness doesn't necessarily come from living in opulence. This unpretentious lifestyle was further emphasized when he chose to leave the trailer and rent a house with his girlfriend upon the birth of their first child. McConaughey's story shows that simplicity can be the key to a contented life.

5. Lena Dunham

 Lena Dunham attends the 2022 Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on November 28, 2022 in New York City. Getty Images | Photo by Dia Dipasupil
Lena Dunham | Getty Images | Photo by Dia Dipasupil

The creator and star of the popular series "Girls," Lena Dunham, lived in an 800-square-foot apartment with just one bedroom and one bathroom. Despite the apartment's location in Brooklyn Heights, an affluent area of New York City, Dunham's choice was a striking contrast to the stereotypical celebrity extravagance. Her decision to purchase this space for a relatively modest $500,000 in 2012, soon after the show's premiere, paid off as she sold it for $850,000 in 2017, demonstrating that you can have a cozy, practical living space even in upscale neighborhoods.

6. Elijah Wood

Elijah Wood speaks onstage during the Pluto TV community screening at Vidiots Foundation - Eagle Theatre on October 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images | Photo by Rich Polk
Elijah Wood | Getty Images | Photo by Rich Polk

Elijah Wood, renowned for his role as Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings," displayed a preference for a simpler lifestyle when he purchased a Victorian-style home in Austin for just over $1 million. Despite his fame and substantial earnings, Wood's choice reflects his understanding that happiness doesn't necessarily come from a lavish, oversized residence. The 3,200-square-foot property, though smaller than what many would expect from a celebrity, offers him a comfortable and practical living space that aligns with his values.

7. Deion Sanders

 Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes watches his team during warm-ups before taking on the Stanford Cardinal at Folsom Field on October 13, 2023 in Boulder, Colorado. Getty Images | Photo by Justin Tafoya
Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes | Getty Images | Photo by Justin Tafoya

Despite having a net worth of approximately $40 million, Deion Sanders chose to live in a relatively modest 29,122-square-foot house in Prosper, Texas. While not a sprawling mansion, this forest retreat comes with some luxurious amenities befitting the lifestyle of an American football star. It features a cinema, a barbershop, a two-lane bowling alley, a motor court, two swimming pools, and even a rooftop terrace for yoga. Sanders' choice exemplifies that sometimes, it's not about the size of your home but the quality of life it provides.

8. Kesha

Kesha performs at An Evening With Kesha at The GRAMMY Museum on October 02, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images | Photo by Rebecca Sapp
Kesha | Getty Images | Photo by Rebecca Sapp

Between 2014 and 2015, the famous singer Kesha lived in a Spanish-style bungalow in Venice Beach, covering a modest 1,400 square feet. Although not a mansion by any stretch, this quaint space was exceptionally beautiful, with a romantic main room and French doors leading to a secluded patio with an outdoor fireplace. Kesha's decision to live in this charming bungalow signifies her appreciation for simplicity and aesthetics, showcasing that a smaller space can be rich in character and charm.

9. Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling attends the Los Angeles premiere of Freeform's
Tori Spelling | Getty Images | Photo by Rodin Eckenroth

Tori Spelling, the celebrated actress and '90s icon, famous for her role in "Beverly Hills, 90210," resided in a modest bungalow with her family. What makes her living arrangement unique is the presence of a flourishing garden where she cultivated her vegetables and fruits. Adding to the charm of her humble abode, Spelling had a pet chicken and a pig, underscoring her deep-rooted commitment to sustainable living and a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle. Her choice to embrace such a down-to-earth lifestyle stands as a testament to her values, even though her financial means could have afforded more lavish accommodations.

10. Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, makes his way to a morning session at the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference on July 13, 2023 in Sun Valley, Idaho. Every July, some of the world's most wealthy and powerful figures from the media, finance, technology and political spheres converge at the Sun Valley Resort for the exclusive weeklong conference. Getty Images | Photo by Kevin Dietsch
Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway | Getty Images | Photo by Kevin Dietsch

Warren Buffett, the billionaire Berkshire Hathaway President and CEO with a fortune valued at approximately $70.5 billion, has maintained the same modest house he purchased in 1957 for a fraction of its current value. Situated in Omaha, Nebraska, his unassuming 65,000-square-foot mansion features just 5 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Despite his immense wealth, Buffett's choice to remain in his hometown and retain his decades-old home emphasizes his commitment to a simple and familiar way of life, proving that even billionaires can appreciate the comforts of home over grandiosity.

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