Tyler Perry's $25 million estate is still available, in case your 2016 plans call for some new digs.
The spread at 4100 Paces Ferry Road NW, sits on 17 acres along the Chattahoochee River. Amenities include a gym, spa, home theater, underground ballroom with catering kitchen, formal and informal gardens, lighted tennis court, guard house and caretakers' suite.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Chase Mizell and Josh Reeves with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty are handling the sale. Potential buyers must submit proof of assets, which will be verified before a visit will be scheduled. Once you've sealed the deal, don't worry about pesky gawkers dropping in unannounced: the "Presidential-level security system" and two gated and secured residential entrances will ensure you get no unwanted visitors.
Perry’s success as a filmmaker, author and playwright is paralleled by his prowess in real estate. He has bought and sold real estate in Atlanta, New York and California and currently owns property in Douglasville, Atlanta (both his current home and the Tyler Perry Studios campus), Beverly Hills, the Bahamas and New York.
Lately he's been acquiring parcels in Douglas County near Sweetwater Creek State Park and I-20. In recent years he's acquired more than 1,000 acres of land near the Tributary at New Manchester community in Douglas, a few miles west of Six Flags Over Georgia.
He plans to build his new home on a 1,000+ tract of land.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Perry's current home was the site of a private party that I attended following the red-carpet screening of "Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor" in 2013.
No photos were allowed, and security was very proactive, with security guards and cameras at work.
As large and impressive as the house was, it definitely felt like a home, with photos of Perry and his mom and numerous friends placed in the library, kitchen and other areas.
Guests were ferried from the screening to the home afterward. Perry stood at the door and personally welcomed every person who arrived. The guest list included stars of "Temptation" – Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Lance Gross, Ella Joyce and Renée Taylor among them – who joined "Real Housewives" NeNe Leakes and Kandi Burruss (and maybe Cynthia Bailey; I saw her on the red carpet but didn't spot her at the party).
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, who showed up as a surprise, also were at the party. I didn't see them either and saw Kim only briefly as she was whisked past the press at the red carpet. (She had a role in "Temptation).
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle was at the post-screening party with some staff members; some of the remarks Perry made right before the screening appeared aimed at the state's lawmakers.
“I am committed to making sure these tax credits become permanent in the state of Georgia,” he said, referring to the state’s film-friendly tax policy first enacted in 2008.
Also joining the party at Perry's home: Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy, U.S. Rep.John Lewis and a small contingent of Atlanta media personalities including Karyn Greer, Evelyn Mims, JaQuitta Williams.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
The French provincial mansion perched atop a 17-acre tract off Paces Ferry along the Chattahoochee River, is enormous yet somehow cozy, despite impressive artwork and signature decorative elements like a huge chandelier in the main area of the house.
In almost every room there are framed photos of him in with famous friends including President Barack Obama, Janet Jackson and Oprah Winfrey and numerous photos of his late mother, Maxine Perry. Perry's study and two-story library are loaded with books, both handsome, leather-bound classics, copies of his own books and Bibles and inspirational books.
Guests made themselves comfortable in various seating areas both indoors and out. The sweeping terrace along the back of the house, overlooking tennis courts and pool, offered an incredible view of the night sky. The downstairs level, where curved archways and lower ceilings give a sort of catacomb/wine cellar look, includes a huge fitness room where Perry presumably maintains his buff physique.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Throughout the evening Perry played the role of genial host.
“I want to tell you guys how much I love and appreciate all your hard work,” Perry said that night. “I want to say thank you.”
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Perry wasn't available for comment and had not mentioned the move as of Friday morning on his Twitter account, on which he regularly communicates with fans. Instead, in a series of posts he shared his heartbreak over the Charleston shootings that left nine people dead.
"I grew up in the AME church, " Perry posted. "My aunt and uncle are pastors and a bishop in the church. I know these kinds of prayer meetings well and I've been in a lot of them! It could have been any of us!"
Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen said the shooter spent an hour in a prayer meeting at the historic African-American church before he opened fire on Wednesday. Six women and three men were killed. Suspect Dylann Storm Roof was captured Thursday in Shelby, N.C.
"The AME church, so close to home for me, so personal, " Perry posted. "What do you do when you think prayer is not enough? You pray some more. My heart and soul go out to the families of Emanuel AME Church."
