Media mogul Oprah Winfrey has quietly cashed in on a lucrative property deal, selling a four-acre parcel of her renowned Montecito estate, known as “Promised Land”, for approximately R320 million, more than doubling her original investment.
The property forms part of Winfrey’s expansive landholdings in the upscale Californian enclave but represents only a fraction of her overall footprint in the area. Despite the sale, she continues to control roughly 60 acres of land nearby, ensuring her long-standing presence in Montecito remains firmly intact.
The home, a Spanish-Revival style residence built in 1919, was one of the newer additions to Winfrey’s estate portfolio. She acquired the property in 2019 for an estimated R128 million, after it was restored by actor Jeff Bridges and his wife, Susan Geston, following severe mudslide damage in the area.
Covering approximately 3,500 square feet, the house features two bedrooms and four bathrooms, with classic architectural elements including beamed ceilings, hardwood floors and five fireplaces. The property also boasts a brick patio with a fire pit, a swimming pool and spa, a separate guest house, pool houses and equestrian facilities — amenities that significantly boosted its market appeal.
The primary suite is designed with luxury in mind, offering two walk-in closets styled as dressing rooms and an ensuite bathroom fitted with heated teak floors, a soaking tub, a glass-enclosed shower and dual vanities.
Property experts note that the combination of historic charm, high-end restoration and a sought-after Montecito location helped the home command a substantial return. Winfrey’s decision to sell reflects sharp timing rather than retreat, as she continues to hold extensive real estate assets in the area.
Beyond Montecito, Winfrey maintains additional properties in Colorado and Hawaii, reinforcing her status as one of the most astute and influential property investors among global celebrities.
While a portion of “Promised Land” has changed hands, the name — and its owner’s grip on it — remains very much intact.
