The French-inspired mansion in California’s Silicon Valley that NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice built for himself is back on the market, asking $35 million. The 49ers legend built the estate at 267 Atherton Ave. in the early 2000s, and it sits on 1.24 acres, according to a report by SFGATE.
Built for the NFL GOAT
Pic credit: Trulia
The 49ers legend, who won three Super Bowl titles, used this mansion as his personal residence from 2001 to 2013, according to Mansion Global. This Atherton mansion was a long-term project. It took him years to plan and build.
Pic credit: Trulia
The house, spanning 12,520 square feet, was a major undertaking. Reports from the time say it took years to plan and build, with Rice pushing for exact details throughout. “This is an incredible Atherton estate home that was built with no expense spared in the early 2000s. It was arguably one of the best and most state-of-the-art homes in Atherton at the time of its construction,” listing agent Alex Buljan of Compass told SFGATE.
Pic credit: Trulia
The interiors reflect that effort. Versace limestone floors run throughout the house, and Swarovski crystal accents add extra sparkle to the details.
Pic credit: Trulia
The Juliet balconies, Venetian plastered walls, tall ceilings and exquisite French doors and windows overlooking tranquil gardens are also some of the highlights of the breathtaking mansion.
Pic credit: Trulia
“The cleverly laid out estate is hidden inside a peaceful Mediterranean garden imagined by Santana Rows landscape architect,” the listing says.
Pic credit: Trulia
The home has six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, spread across three floors connected by an elevator. The main living areas look out over the grounds, and the central kitchen is large enough for a crowd.
Pic credit: Trulia
The property also has a pool and spa, an outdoor kitchen and dining area, a stone fireplace and a putting green, all designed for entertaining guests. The property also comes with a guest house with its own kitchen.
Pic credit: Trulia
Pic credit: Trulia
The parking is below ground. The underground garage can accommodate seven cars. Another perk of the mansion is the privacy it offers. Buljan told the outlet that the home is a ‘rare combination of location, privacy and acreage’. “It’s exceptionally private.”
Pic credit: Trulia
A gym built for a footballer
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Another highlight of the mansion is its gym. Few sellers keep their workout equipment in the listing, but Rice did. The current listing says his gym still has his gear, along with a sauna.
Pic credit: Trulia
The mansion also comes with a theatre room. It has Art Deco touches and tiered seating. There is a wine cellar with space for 1,000 bottles, as well as a hobby room and a dog run.
Pic credit: Trulia
Meanwhile, the house has not always been easy to sell. Rice first listed the mansion in 2007 for $22 million. The sale took years to close. Earlier reports say a buyer backed out of a deal before the sale went through. Eventually, it was sold for $9 million, less than half the original asking price.
Pic credit: Trulia
After Rice sold the home in 2013, philanthropists Peter and Susanna Pau purchased it. The new $35 million asking price is a big jump from that sale, putting the house in rare company on the Peninsula. The house carries Rice’s NFL history, along with a sale price that has already surprised the market once.
