The iconic gates of Angelina Jolie’s Los Angeles estate may soon close for the final time as the Oscar winner prepares to sell her historic Cecil B. DeMille mansion. After nearly a decade anchored to Los Angeles primarily due to custody arrangements for her six children with ex-husband Brad Pitt, Jolie is poised for an international relocation once her youngest twins turn 18 next year. “She didn’t have a choice because of the custody arrangement with Brad,” a source close to Jolie revealed to PEOPLE (August 12, 2025), underscoring her long-stated desire to leave California.
Why Has Angelina Jolie Remained in Los Angeles Until Now?
Jolie’s prolonged residency in Los Angeles stems directly from her hard-fought custody agreement following her split from Brad Pitt. Their divorce, finalized in December 2024 after an eight-year legal battle reported by Page Six, mandated her presence in California while their children were minors. The couple shares Maddox, 24, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 17.
In a candid 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jolie confirmed her situation was purely obligation-driven: “I have to be here for a divorce.” This legal requirement overrode her personal wishes, with insiders noting she “never wanted to live in L.A. full time.” Her priority remained clear throughout – protecting her children, famously stating “nothing else matters” in that regard.
Inside Jolie’s Historic Los Angeles Estate
Jolie purchased the storied property in 2017 for $24.5 million, a steep increase from its original 1916 sale price of under $28,000 to legendary director Cecil B. DeMille. The mansion, built in 1913, boasts:
- Six bedrooms and ten bathrooms across 11,000 square feet
- Deep Hollywood roots: Charlie Chaplin lived next door before DeMille combined both estates
- Architectural significance as a designated historic-cultural monument
Described by insiders as “a historic masterpiece and truly such a beautiful estate,” the home is now being prepped for sale with minor improvements. Its impending listing marks the end of an era for Jolie’s California chapter.
What’s Next for Angelina Jolie After Leaving Los Angeles?
With twins Knox and Vivienne reaching adulthood in 2026, Jolie’s international relocation plans are crystallizing. Sources confirm to PEOPLE she’s “eying several locations abroad” and “will be very happy when she’s able to leave.” Her heart remains tied to Cambodia, where she adopted eldest son Maddox in 2002.
Jolie previously told The Hollywood Reporter she intends to “spend a lot of time in Cambodia,” calling it the place “in my heart” she considers home. She also plans to “spend time visiting my family members wherever they may be in the world,” signaling a globally mobile future focused on humanitarian work and personal fulfillment away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Jolie’s departure from Los Angeles closes a necessary but unwanted chapter, freeing the actress and humanitarian to embrace her long-deferred international life. Her historic mansion sale symbolizes liberation from custody constraints, opening a new world of possibilities centered on family, heritage, and purpose beyond California’s borders. Follow trusted entertainment sources for updates on this landmark property transition.
Must Know
Q: Why is Angelina Jolie selling her Los Angeles mansion now?
A: Jolie is selling her historic Los Angeles estate because her custody agreement with Brad Pitt required her to reside in California until their minor children reached adulthood. Her twins turn 18 next year, enabling her planned international relocation.
Q: What is the history behind Angelina Jolie’s Los Angeles home?
A: The mansion was built in 1913 and purchased by director Cecil B. DeMille in 1916. It was later expanded to include Charlie Chaplin’s adjacent property. Jolie bought the estate in 2017 for $24.5 million.
Q: Where does Angelina Jolie plan to move after leaving Los Angeles?
A: According to sources and her own statements, Jolie intends to spend significant time in Cambodia – where she adopted son Maddox – while visiting family globally. She’s reportedly considering multiple international locations.
Q: How long was Angelina Jolie required to stay in Los Angeles?
A: Per the custody arrangement reported by Page Six, Jolie remained primarily based in Los Angeles for nearly eight years – from her 2016 separation until the twins’ 2026 adulthood.
Q: What features make Jolie’s Los Angeles mansion notable?
A: The 11,000-square-foot property features six bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and Hollywood Golden Age provenance as a designated historic-cultural monument previously owned by cinematic pioneer Cecil B. DeMille.
