In 2009, tennis legend Pete Sampras paid $5.9 million for a Brentwood estate and expanded the house; 8 years later, he sold it for $7.25 million

Pete Sampras’s Brentwood estate was designed around privacy, wooded surroundings, and family living rather than professional training facilities. But for Pete Sampras, one of the best tennis players from America, his estate in Brentwood was different, as it offered him a different kind of luxury: a gated Brentwood property surrounded by mature trees, landscaped grounds, and private outdoor amenities. The property emphasized privacy and residential comfort.

In 2009, Sampras and his wife Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, who is an actress and singer, bought a gated property for $5.9 million. They refurbished the house and made additions to it during their ownership period prior to selling it in January 2017 for $7.25 million. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, the traditional style property consisted of around 6,900 sq. ft. of living space, a library, a movie room, and a wine cellar. Their selling price was $1.35 million over the price at which the property was initially bought, but this increase did not cover home improvement costs, upkeep, or selling expenses.

A home built around privacy and comfort


The estate spanned over half an acre of wooded terrain and was located behind gates on an isolated cul-de-sac in Brentwood, a prestigious neighborhood of Los Angeles. The large redwood trees provided a very secluded atmosphere, with landscaping elements providing a certain type of natural feel not typical of cities with an extensive building style.

The interior of the house was designed to ensure enough space for both family life and entertainment. The house had six bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms, including primary bedroom suites on the upper and lower floors. A see-through fireplace bridged the family and dining rooms, establishing a visual connection between the two key spaces of the house. The kitchen also utilized its surroundings. With west-facing skylights and big panoramic windows allowing ample daylight and views of the property, the closed house seems to be linked to its garden rather than completely detached from its outdoor area.

Expanding a property instead of starting over

Sampras and Wilson-Sampras chose to renovate the existing property rather than replace it with a new build. In this instance, Sampras and Wilson-Sampras opted for the latter, choosing to renovate and enlarge their current home rather than move onto another property.

Another Los Angeles Times story covered the sale of the property where the couple renovated the interior and added a resort-style swimming pool to the estate. The outdoor space also featured a cookout kitchen, water fixtures, lighting and even streams. These additions were practical in nature as well as aesthetically pleasing, as a swimming pool and cookout kitchen could help the home become better suited for entertaining guests. Moreover, alterations made to the interior may make living in the property easier. The additions expanded the property’s entertainment and residential features.

What the sale price really tells us

The couple paid $5.9 million and later received $7.25 million, creating a gross price difference of $1.35 million before expenses. However, this amount does not represent their actual earnings. Renovations require major expenses, especially when they involve an expansion or the construction of additional buildings. Also, owners face property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and costs of closing a deal. Without a full record of those expenses, it is impossible to evaluate the net income of the couple. Additionally, the selling price itself needs to be evaluated in light of market factors. A well-maintained house with appealing features might help find buyers, although one renovation does not guarantee that the selling price will be higher than the cost of all renovations together. Renovations can improve comfort and presentation without returning every dollar spent on them.

Why the asking price is not the final word

The estate's final asking price offers another useful detail. When the property sold, it had been listed for $7.9 million. The closing price was therefore $650,000 below that figure. While asking price represents what the seller hopes to get from the transaction, the latter is the actual price a buyer pays for a property. Such disparity may occur even when the property in question is improved and well-maintained.

The final sale price reflected the market’s assessment of the renovated property. The return from renovations depends on factors such as location, design choices, and buyer demand. A swimming pool, an expanded floor plan, or a custom interior may make a home more attractive, but the return depends on the property, its location, and the buyer's priorities.