Not all celebrities have the perfect relationships they portray on social media. Even reality stars who share their personal lives on TV for the world to see don't always show what's really happening behind the scenes. That seems to be the case for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne and her husband, attorney Tom Girardi. Despite their 33-year age difference, the two appeared truly happy together β they somehow made their controversial relationship work β but then, seemingly out of nowhere, Erika filed for divorce in November 2020.
After 22 years of marriage, she revealed that it was all over. "After much consideration, I have decided to end my marriage to Tom Girardi," she said in a statement to People at the time. "This is not a step taken lightly or easily. I have great love and respect for Tom and for our years and the lives we built together."
What followed after that surprising announcement was a strange and growing web of rumors that the couple was facing some serious legal and financial issues. It eventually emerged that they are being sued for "embezzling millions of dollars that were intended to go to the surviving relatives of the 2018 Lion Air 610 plane crash." Soon, lawyers involved in the case alleged that Erika and her 81-year-old husband are divorcing in order to protect their assets, which have since been frozen.
The divorce drama is currently playing out on the newest season of RHOBH. In the meantime, Erika is looking to unload her $13 million mansion in Pasadena, California, as part of her and Tom's involuntary bankruptcy proceedings. And taking a look at the luxe property she's hoping to sell (thanks to TopTenRealEstateDeals.com), it appears the estate is going to make its next owner very happy (seriously, the pool is dreamy). Still, we imagine it's hard for Erika to say goodbye to her home, no matter the reason.
Though we've seen small glimpses of the historic Mediterranean-style house on Erika's reality show, now that it's up for sale we're getting an even better look at the well-appointed residence. We've got all the photos, so come along on a tour with us.
The Mansion Is Beautiful
Erika joined the cast of RHOBH in 2015, and her stunning 10,000-square-foot mansion has appeared on the show a few times. The property spans 2 acres of impeccably manicured land in Pasadena. Tom purchased the stucco and concrete home for a modest $1.3 million in 1980, 20 years before marrying Erika in January 2000. It then served as their home base for their entire marriage.
The Home Was Designed in 1928
Taking a look at the features of the home, it's hard to believe it's close to 100 years old. There are some touches inside that give away its historic roots, though, including the formal rooms and the elaborate cathedral-style ceilings. But outside, the home looks like what we've come to expect from celebrity multimillion-dollar estates. There's a dreamy pool, landscaped gardens, and a whole lot of opulence.
Everything Is Grand in This Home
Right down to the regal entrance β it's easy to tell that this isn't like just any other home. Everything is grand, with embellishments galore. The house has a palatial feel, with details and finishes that could be found in Queen Elizabeth's residences. The door is massive, and with good reason because the home boasts soaring ceilings, something we don't see a lot in newer builds.
The Front Entrance Is Elegant
Stepping inside to the foyer, we immediately get a feel for just how much space this house offers. Each of the rooms β which include four bedrooms and nine bathrooms β is larger than life. The ornate wood accents also are hard to miss, as is the elegant, spiraled staircase (covered with a funky animal-print runner), which is definitely a mansion-only perk.
So Many Small But Mighty Details
The home definitely has an aesthetic from another era β it's not your typical sleek and modern celebrity residence. Instead of flat gray-toned walls this home has old-fashioned walnut-paneled walls with wide corridors, showing off Old World craftmanship.
An Impressive Hallway
This hallway screams money and while there has to be a certain type of person who loves this look, it's easy to recognize how fancy and over-the-top it all is. The heavy wood paneling and the silk wallpapers are a rich-person vibe for sure. Adding to that feel is the lighting β no cookie-cutter fixtures here β just the most elegant chandeliers and wall sconces allowed.
Formal Rooms for the Win
The home offers several formal entertaining rooms, including this opulent reading room. Instead of a typical flat ceiling, guests get a treat with this decorative coffered one, which ties in perfectly with the grand aesthetic of the home. And the large fireplace not only provides a striking focal point, but creates a cozy atmosphere for a romantic at-home date or a night full of conversations with friends.
The Kitchen Is a Standout
Of course, since this is a multimillion-dollar mansion, we could have guessed that it would have a full chef's kitchen, and it does. But with its more rustic, farmhouse chic vibe, this kitchen has clearly been modernized. The white cabinets bring a lot of light into the space, and the exposed wood beams add a touch of charm and character.
Another Kitchen View
In this view of the kitchen, we can see the oversized island, perfect for meal prep, hosting, or even casual meals for two. The dual oven in stainless steel lends a modern touch to the room. And there are a few fun splashes of color amid the mostly white space, including a gorgeous tiled stove backsplash and a few quirky rooster figurines.
An Office Fit for a High-Powered Lawyer
Tom gained notoriety in the legal profession for his work on the famous Erin Brockovich case. And it seems he had an office befitting his success and status as a top attorney. It's clear that no expense was spared in this space, from the intricate parquet flooring to the elaborate built-in bookcases. He's also got a fancy desk that looks like it could easily be found at Versailles.
The Upstairs Hallway Is Gorgeous
Remember that spiral staircase at the entrance? Here's the view from the top, complete with that amazing crystal chandelier. The lighting upstairs is more modern than the main floor, but it's still a cohesive look as a whole. And all of those windows let in so much natural light!
A Well-Stocked Wine Cellar
For anyone who loves wine or loves to host people who enjoy wine at a party, there is nothing more beautiful than this custom cellar. There is plenty of space in here to collect vintage labels, and we have a feeling this room is not only bigger than our closets, but most of our bathrooms, too.
There's All That Space Outside, Too
Now, if we forgot that this home sits on gorgeous landscaped grounds, here's the reminder. This patio offers the perfect spot for outdoor parties on a beautiful summer evening. The elegant feel of the house is carried outdoors via the striking black coffered ceiling, the vintage-inspired lanterns, and the pretty tilework on the ground. We're sure the RHOBH gals have enjoyed gathering here.
Now for That Pool
We've hinted at the pool already because it really is that gorgeous. And we imagine it's equally breathtaking whether in the middle of a sun-soaked day or lit up in the evening. We especially love the striking lighted staircase that leads down the sloping lawn from the house to the pool. It's all very Gatsby-esque.
The Lush Gardens
In addition to the pool, there are lots of outdoor spots on the estate to drift off and daydream or to go for a little stroll. The grounds are landscaped to perfection and sprinkled with outdoor chandeliers, manicured pathways, fountains, and even ivy-covered archways, offering an idyllic atmosphere for relaxing and communing with nature. Hopefully, Erika will find calm in her next home, wherever she ends up landing next.
