Rockstar Energy Mogul Acquires Rosie O’Donnell’s Former Florida Estate
Russell Weiner, the billionaire founder of Rockstar Energy, has purchased the former Florida estate of television personality Rosie O’Donnell for $35.3 million. This significant transaction adds another high-profile property to Star Island, a prestigious enclave known for its celebrity residents and luxurious waterfront homes.
Key Takeaways
- Rockstar Energy founder Russell Weiner purchased Rosie O’Donnell’s former Star Island estate for $35.3 million.
- The Mediterranean-style villa, built in the 1920s, sits on 1.1 acres with 200 feet of Biscayne Bay frontage.
- The property features eight bedrooms, two guesthouses, a pool, and a private dock.
- Weiner plans extensive renovations, including adding a spa, gym, cabana, and padel court.
A Star-Studded Enclave
Star Island, a private island community in Florida, is renowned for its exclusive 32 properties, guarded by a gate and populated by numerous A-list celebrities and wealthy individuals. Current and former residents include Gloria Estefan, Ken Griffin, Rick Ross, and Jennifer Lopez. The island recently saw a record-breaking sale when billionaire developer Vlad Doronin sold his former Shaquille O’Neal residence for $120 million.
Property History and Renovations
Rosie O’Donnell originally purchased the 1920s villa in 1999 for $6.75 million. She later sold the 11,104-square-foot estate in 2013 for $16.5 million to the late Dr. David Frankel, a prominent doctor and real estate investor. The Frankels undertook significant renovations during their ownership, enhancing the entryway, updating the kitchen, and improving the landscaping along the Biscayne Bay waterfront.
The Mediterranean-style villa boasts eight bedrooms, a bar, a workshop, and a rooftop terrace. The 1.1-acre grounds also include two guesthouses, a distinctive bean-shaped swimming pool with a slide, and a private dock equipped with a 40,000-pound boat lift.
A Savvy Investment
Weiner acquired the waterfront property for considerably less than its initial asking price of $54 million, which was later reduced to $48 million. Weiner, the son of conservative talk show host Michael Savage, amassed his fortune by selling Rockstar Energy to PepsiCo in 2020 for $3.85 billion. He has a history of investing in high-value real estate across South Florida, Beverly Hills, and Park City, Utah. Sources indicate that Weiner intends to expand and renovate the newly acquired estate to approximately 15,000 square feet, incorporating luxury amenities such as a spa, gym, cabana, and a padel court.
Sources
- Russell Weiner bought a Florida estate for $35.3M, New York Post.