The house that Kiss frontman Gene Simmons lived in for more than 25 years is now up for sale for $22 million.

Simmons and his wife, model Sharon Tweed, first moved into 2650 Benedict Canyon Drive in 1984 after buying it for $1.35 million.

At 16,000 square feet, the Beverly Hills estate fits the bill for even a rockstar’s wildest desires — seven bedrooms, a 40-foot entry foyer, a parking lot for 35 cars, a professional tennis court, a pool with a 60-foot water slide and over two acres of outdoor space.

The exterior of the property is built in the style of a European chateau while the interior is full of rockstar-worthy amenities. Simmons and Tweed had raised their two kids, born in 1989 and 1992, in the mansion before deciding to move to a 24-acre estate in Washington’s Mount Rainier to escape California’s heavy taxes.

Douglas Elliman’s Josh and Matt Altman are the listing agents representing the property, now listed for $22 million.

“California and Beverly Hills have been treating folks that create jobs badly and the tax rates are unacceptable,” Simmons told the Wall Street Journal. “I work hard and pay my taxes and I don’t want to cry the Beverly Hills blues but enough is enough.”

After buying the lot with an older property on it, Simmons and Tweed tore it down and spent five years designing the existing structure themselves — from stone walls and curving staircases to the full-size trees that they had brought in in trucks for the outdoor garden.

Remnants of Simmons’ rockstar life remain in multiple places in the house — from original concert posters from the 1970s to a room full of Hello Kitty memorabilia from Kiss’ collaboration with the Japanese brand — but will not be sold with the house. As Simmons told the WSJ, they are too meaningful for his family.

“We did everything from condoms to caskets,” Simmons said. “We’ll get you coming and we’ll get you going.”

Kiss, which formed in New York City in 1973 and quickly gained recognition as one of the best-selling rock bands of all time, is known for its elaborate performances — white face paint, use of fire and pyrotechnics on stage, as well as songs like  “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.”

Simmons, who along with Paul Stanley are the only two members to stay with the band throughout its history, is also known for his controversial media appearances.

“You can open the doors and walk out on your balcony like Mussolini waving out at his fascist crowd,” Simmons joked of the several wrought-iron terraces on the property.

Email Veronika Bondarenko

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×