The Los Angeles residence of the celebrated comedian and actor Bob Newhart and his wife, Ginnie, has found a new owner, fetching a price of $9.19 million. This transaction follows the passing of Ginnie in 2023 and Bob in 2024, marking the end of an era for their family. The couple had relocated to this Spanish Revival-style property in Century City in 2016, choosing it as their ultimate home. The 6,600-square-foot dwelling, initially listed for $10.5 million, boasts numerous luxurious features and held sentimental value for the Newharts due to its proximity to dear friends. Their daughter, Courtney Newhart Albertini, shared insights into their move, underscoring the deep bond they shared with their neighbors, Don and Barbara Rickles.
This sale represents more than just a real estate transaction; it closes a chapter on the Newharts' personal lives, reflecting their desire for community and comfort in their later years. The residence itself is a testament to sophisticated living, designed with thoughtful amenities that catered to their needs and preferences. The features within the home, from its multi-level design to the intimate and expansive living spaces, speak to a lifestyle of both grandeur and personal connection. The story of this home is interwoven with the lives of two iconic figures in entertainment and their enduring friendships, making its sale a poignant moment for those who followed their careers.
The Newhart Family's Final Residence in Century City
In 2016, Bob and Ginnie Newhart made the strategic decision to sell their historic Bel Air estate, designed by Wallace Neff, and moved into a newly constructed Spanish Revival-style home located in Century City, Los Angeles. This move was not merely a change of address but a conscious choice to embrace a new chapter closer to cherished friends. The Century City residence ultimately became their final home, bearing witness to their golden years together until Ginnie's passing in 2023 and Bob's in 2024. Following their deaths, the couple's children listed the property, which recently sold for a notable $9.19 million. The initial asking price for the property had been set at $10.5 million approximately a year prior, indicating significant interest in the esteemed dwelling.
The motivation behind the Newharts' relocation to Century City was largely influenced by their close friendship with fellow comedian Don Rickles and his wife, Barbara, who resided in the same exclusive, gated community known as the Enclave at Century Woods. Courtney Newhart Albertini, the couple's daughter, conveyed that her parents wished to live near their best friends. The Newharts acquired their four-bedroom home for roughly $6.7 million, and the two families frequently engaged in activities such as dog walks and holiday celebrations. This anecdote highlights the profound personal connections that shaped their living choices, creating a warm and supportive environment for both couples until the passing of Don Rickles in 2017 and Barbara in 2021.
Architectural Elegance and Thoughtful Design of the Estate
Beyond the allure of its location and the cherished friendships it fostered, the Newharts' Century City home possessed inherent architectural merits that made it a truly remarkable residence. Spanning an impressive 6,600 square feet, the Spanish Revival-style dwelling was meticulously designed to offer both luxury and convenience. A standout feature is the inclusion of an elevator, providing seamless access across the residence's three distinct levels. This thoughtful amenity ensured comfort and accessibility, catering to a sophisticated lifestyle. The top floor of the home featured a dedicated office space for Newhart, complete with a covered patio that offered serene city views and a cozy fireplace, creating an ideal setting for both work and relaxation.
The private quarters of the home, situated on the level below the office, housed the primary suite—a sanctuary of comfort and elegance. This expansive suite boasted its own fireplace, a private balcony offering tranquil views, and generous walk-in closets. A particularly noteworthy aspect was the provision of dual bathrooms within the primary suite, a feature Ginnie Newhart often credited as a cornerstone of her and Bob's remarkable 60-year marriage, emphasizing the importance of personal space and harmony. The residence further extended its luxurious offerings with three additional en-suite guest bedrooms, culminating in a total of eight bathrooms. The communal areas were equally impressive, featuring a fireplace-warmed living room, a formal dining room with French doors opening onto a spacious patio, a gracefully winding wrought iron staircase, an open-plan kitchen equipped with a breakfast bar and warm wood cabinetry, and a three-car garage, all contributing to the home's exceptional appeal.