Legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky and his wife Janet recently sold their home in the Sherwood Country Club area in Westlake Village, California for $4.2 million (U.S.). And the story behind it is a pretty great one. (See what we did there?)
The home, listed by Engel & Völkers, was purchased at $3.6 million (U.S.) by Gretzky and his wife a year ago. Private office advisor and license partner, Nicole Van Parys of Engel & Völkers Westlake Village served as the listing agent.
But Van Parys is not just the Gretzkys' realty advisor, she's also the couple's confidant. So, we don't just have your typical gorgeous home images; we also have the real story behind it.
This Italianate-vibe 5,600-square-foot property is surrounded by golf greens and panoramic mountain views (as seen in the drone video below — which I’ve played multiple times on repeat). While the traditional architecture of this home serves as the ideal backdrop for modern and stylistic design.
[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://storeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/279-Garden-Drive-Video.mp4"][/video]
It features baccarat chandeliers, beautiful black wood floors throughout, and a crisp, white kitchen enhanced with Thassos white marble.
The open-concept home also has four bedrooms, 4.5 baths and a gourmet chef's kitchen. The large master suite allows for a private-sitting area overlooking the visionary backyard. Plus, this California King home’s backyard offers an infinity pool, and private al-fresco dining with a barbeque centre and bar-seating.
But what's the real story behind this home that housed Wayne Gretzky and his family?
Well, come inside, and find out from Van Parys, who's been there practically every step of the way ...
What’s the most unique aspect of the Gretzkys' former property?
The property is inherently unique after being recently and extensively renovated by the Gretzkys.
The Gretzky lifestyle follows the family to all their properties.
The entire family consists of avid golfers, and this property is located right on the Sherwood Country Club golf course and features gorgeous views of it.
Are there any features indicating the property was once owned by Wayne Gretzky?
The buyers loved the fact it was owned by the Gretzky family, but the design features do not pay homage to Mr. Gretzky’s career.
What features hold sentimental value?
In general, the Gretzky family makes having a warm and welcoming great room a priority.
They have it beautifully designed so everyone in the family has a spot. With five children, and now two grandkids, there are always lots of friends and family visiting.
For this reason, the combination of the great room and kitchen holds a lot of value for the Gretzky family. All the elements in these rooms reflect Janet Gretzky’s exquisite design taste.
How much of the design was done by Janet Gretzky?
I have seen her take on projects from start to finish. And she has exquisite taste and an amazing eye.
Wayne is involved in the design process, too, but he knows about Janet’s talent for interior design and lets her take the lead.
Janet can visualize anything and is able to make her home glamourous. I think she is better than most designers, with her own unique, desirable style — she does phenomenal work.
How would you explain Janet’s design style?
Janet’s designs source inspiration from a traditional Ralph Lauren aesthetic and combines it with a more contemporary look.
She brings in a lot of features that are unique to her. You can’t really say it’s a Ralph Lauren look or a specific style. It is a complete Janet Gretzky look. If she were to issue a design book, it would be a stunning coffee table book and a best-seller.
What are some unique design features to this property?
Janet uses very good lighting and attractive chandeliers in displaying her property.
As part of her process, she starts with the lighting to begin building the ambiance. It serves as jewelry for the house.
Janet’s flooring is mostly black and shiny, leaving room to play with dramatic textures and styles by combining skins, leathers and different surfaces. The eye can wander through her spaces with ease, which speaks to how pleasing her interior designs are.
Did you learn anything new through selling the property of a hockey legend?
Well, Wayne is as big as it gets here.
With a statue in front of the Staples Centre, he is a legend. But Wayne is also a very kind, humble and generous man who is 100 per cent committed to his family.
Do you have any funny or interesting memories from selling this home or with the family?
Gary and I have known the family for a long time and have seen the family grow up.
I remember laughing and watching their children hop between couches to avoid stepping on freshly cleaned floors. I have been honoured to build a relationship with the family.
As an experienced licence partner, do you have any tips for dealing with high-level clientele?
High-end clientele are also people who think the same as anyone else, but they are exposed to so much more scrutiny.
When you treat these clients with respect and display courtesy, they will trust you. It means going beyond being their agent or advisor. You are their confidant.
Are there any belongings from the Gretzky family included in the sale of the home? If yes, what?
No, most of the time the family will gift some Wayne Gretzky Estates wine. Although home-buyers in the past have asked for an autographed hockey stick or photo from Wayne.
Engel & Völkers has begun making exclusive Westlake Village property books for new home-buyers, and, in turn, they can see their original purchase showing gorgeous views and decorating from the Gretzkys.
