Les Wexner, the founder of L Brands, is known for his opulent estate in New Albany, Ohio. The estate, spanning over 300 acres, features a grand les wexner house, a guest house, and luxurious amenities, reflecting Wexner’s penchant for timeless elegance and affluence.
Les Wexner: A Brief Overview
Les Wexner is the founder of L Brands, a renowned figure in the retail world, and a prominent philanthropist. He is associated with the development of New Albany and has played a pivotal role in the growth of the community.
Wexner’s Career and L Brands
- Wexner founded L Brands (formerly known as The Limited) in 1963, which grew to become a retail empire.
- L Brands houses several well-known retail brands including Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Pink, and Henri Bendel.
- Wexner led the company as CEO for over 5 decades before stepping down in 2020.
- He exemplified business acumen and leadership, building L Brands into a multi-billion dollar enterprise.
Philanthropy and Community Development
- Wexner and his wife Abigail are known for their philanthropy.
- They established The Wexner Foundation in 1984 which aims to develop leadership skills in professionals.
- The Wexners have donated over $100 million to Ohio State University.
- They donated $125 million to create the Wexner Medical Center.
- In New Albany, the Wexners founded the New Albany Community Foundation which has donated over $38 million to community projects.
- Wexner has been active in Jewish philanthropic causes, having served as president of the Wexner Foundation which focuses on developing Jewish leaders.
- He donated $5 million towards the construction of the Center for the Arts at Ohio State.
- The Wexners have supported healthcare initiatives such as the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research.
- In 2011, the Wexners joined The Giving Pledge, vowing to donate a majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes.
New Albany: The Location of Opulence
New Albany, Ohio, is the site of Wexner’s grand estate, which serves as a testament to his commitment to the area. The estate is situated on a vast landscape, offering a meticulously maintained lawn and a range of upscale amenities.
History and Development
- New Albany was founded in 1837 but remained a small village for most of its history.
- In the late 1980s, Les Wexner began acquiring land in the area for development.
- Wexner established the New Albany Company to guide planned development.
- His investments transformed New Albany into a thriving suburb attracting affluent professionals.
- Wexner purchased the 300-acre plot of land in New Albany in 1996 for $2.5 million.
- Construction on the main les wexner house started in 1997 and was completed in 2001 at an estimated cost of $47 million.
- The project employed a crew of over 100 construction workers and artisans.
- Italian marble and other materials were specially imported adding to construction time and cost.
- Landscaping alone is said to have cost several million dollars over a 3-year period.
Upscale Community
- New Albany is now an upscale community with excellent schools, parks, and facilities.
- The median home value is around $700,000, more than double the national average.
- New Albany has been described as an ideal place to raise a family and attract young professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle.
- The community prides itself on green spaces, nature trails, and family-friendly amenities.
The Les Wexner House: A Marvel of Design and Luxury
The Les Wexner house is a 45,000 to 55,000 square foot property, built in a mock-Georgian style, boasting 11 bedrooms, 10.5 bathrooms, and over 24,000 square feet of living space. The property features both attached and detached garages, a spacious pool, and a tennis court, exuding opulence and sophistication.
Grand Architecture
- The home was designed by architect Charles Gwathmey known for his modernist style blended with traditional aesthetics.
- It is an imposing white brick neo-Georgian mansion with pristine symmetrically placed windows and columns.
- The home evokes the stately homes of the American northeast once inhabited by turn-of-the-century industrialists.
Lavish Interiors
- Inside, the home features soaring ceilings, intricate moldings, and glossy marble floors.
- No expense was spared to construct interiors with the finest materials including imported Italian marble.
- The home has its own movie theatre, fitness centre, and spa facilities.
Opulent Amenities
- Outdoors, the home has its own pool house and an expansive terrace overlooking gorgeous landscaped lawns.
- There is a sunken tennis court, a separate pool house, and garages housing Wexner’s extensive luxury car collection.
- Groundskeepers meticulously maintain the lawns and gardens creating a palatial aesthetic.
The Guest House: A Statement of Wealth and Taste
In addition to the main les wexner house, the estate includes a generous guest house, further exemplifying Wexner’s affluence and elegance.
Lavish Accommodations
- The guest house itself resembles a stately manor that could be the main residence in other luxury communities.
- It provides over 16,000 square feet of living space including 5 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms.
- No expense was spared on premium finishes, fixtures, and furnishings.
- The home has a private movie theatre, exercise facilities, and a kitchen stocked for guests.
Carriage lex wexner House Garages
- The guest house is accompanied by large garages in a separate carriage house.
- These pristine white garages have space to accommodate a dozen vehicles.
- The carriage les wexner house resembles structures built on the estates of old money families in the 1920s to house carriages and early automobiles.
Concierge Service
- Guests at the les Wexner house are treated to concierge service and amenities comparable to a five-star hotel.
- Housekeepers, landscapers, and security personnel maintain strict privacy and cater to every need.
Security and Privacy Features
- The Wexner estate has tight security measures to protect the family’s privacy including a fence enclosing the grounds, security cameras, and guarded entrances.
- The property’s long driveway ensures the main house is not visible from the road.
- Family, guests, and employees must pass stringent background checks and adhere to non-disclosure agreements.
- No fly zones enforced by the FAA prevent aerial photography above the estate.
- These measures exemplify Wexner’s lavish yet discreet lifestyle.
Les Wexner’s Residences: A Glimpse of Luxury
Les wexner house at 361 N. Parkview Ave. in Bexley, Ohio, was a luxurious abode with six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and two half-baths on 5 acres of land, reflecting his sophisticated lifestyle.
Bexley Estate
- Wexner’s former home in Bexley offered a similarly lavish standard of living on a smaller scale.
- The red brick Georgian mansion has an elongated layout spanning over 13,500 square feet.
- It provided amenities like a swimming pool, pool house, and a detached three-bedroom carriage house.
- The estate offered a secluded suburban feel just outside Columbus proper.
Other Lavish Homes
- Wexner also owns several other multimillion dollar homes across the country.
- He has a $47 million 17,000 square foot penthouse in Manhattan with panoramic skyline views.
- His Palm Beach estate covers over 30,000 square feet with a wine cellar and separate carriage house.
- Wexner also owns a luxury ski chalet in Aspen, Colorado matching the opulence of his other residences.
Conclusion
Les Wexner house in New Albany, Ohio stands as a symbol of opulence and elegance, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the area and his penchant for timeless luxury. The imposing yet refined neo-Georgian mansion exudes wealth and sophistication. Complemented by the lavish guest house and perfectly manicured grounds, the estate exemplifies Wexner’s taste for the finest things in life. Alongside his other extravagant homes, it provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of America’s most successful retail entrepreneurs. The Les Wexner house will remain a landmark known for its grandeur, quality craftsmanship, and sheer excess, representing the pinnacle of suburban affluence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Les Wexner House
Who occupies the house now?
After Les Wexner stepped down as CEO of L Brands in 2020, he and his wife Abigail spend most of their time at the New Albany estate. The home continues to be their primary residence.
How much is it worth today?
While the value of such a unique luxury property is difficult to estimate, real estate experts believe the 300-acre estate could be worth over $100 million in today’s market.
What amenities does the estate have?
In addition to the main and guest houses, the estate has a pool house, sunken tennis court, garages housing Wexner’s car collection, guard house, caretaker’s cottage, and maintenance facilities.
Does Wexner still own it?
Yes, Les Wexner still owns the New Albany estate as his private residence. There are no plans for the property to be sold.
Who takes care of the grounds?
A full-time team of groundskeepers, landscapers, caretakers, housekeepers, security personnel, and other staff maintain the estate.
Can the public visit or tour the property?
No. The Wexner estate is entirely private property and not open for public tours or access of any kind. Strict security measures are in place to protect the family’s privacy.
What architectural style is it?
The main les wexner house is in a neo-Georgian architectural style, evoking 18th century buildings but with modern amenities. The guest house has a more contemporary design.
How much did it cost to build?
While the exact number is not public, real estate experts estimate the cost to construct the main les wexner house was between $40-50 million in the late 1990s. The total estate likely cost far more.
