Bruce Karsh house stands as a testament to his incredible success in the financial world. The co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management has built an impressive real estate portfolio over the years, with his current primary residence being a stunning Holmby Hills estate that he purchased for $68.82 million in 2018. This property, once owned by the late Paramount Pictures chairman Brad Grey, represents just one piece of Karsh’s extensive real estate holdings. With its modern farmhouse design, expansive grounds, and prime location, the Holmby Hills mansion embodies the taste and wealth of one of America’s most successful investors.
Let’s take a closer look at Bruce Karsh house and the man behind this impressive property.
Who is Bruce Karsh?
Bruce Karsh is an American investor, former lawyer, and billionaire who co-founded Oaktree Capital Management in 1995. Born on October 10, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri, Karsh has built an impressive career in finance and investment. He currently serves as the co-chairman and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Oaktree, which manages over $170 billion in assets as of 2023. While his business partner Howard Marks is often considered the public face of Oaktree, Karsh is known as the “quiet secret” behind the scenes, with finance industry insiders recognizing him as “the Bruce” of distressed debt investing.
Before his rise to financial prominence, Karsh had an impressive legal career. After graduating summa cum laude from Duke University with a degree in economics and earning his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, he served as an appellate clerk to former Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy. He later worked at the law firm O’Melveny & Myers before becoming an assistant to billionaire Eli Broad at Sun Life Insurance Company.
As of 2025, Bruce Karsh’s net worth stands at approximately $2.4 billion, making him one of America’s wealthiest individuals. This fortune has allowed him to build an impressive portfolio of assets, including multiple luxury homes across the United States. While Karsh doesn’t appear to own yachts or private jets that have been publicly documented, his real estate holdings alone are worth well over $100 million.
Beyond his business success, Karsh and his wife Martha are known for their philanthropy, having donated hundreds of millions to education, social justice, and the arts through their Karsh Family Foundation, established in 1998]. Their giving has supported institutions like Duke University, the University of Virginia School of Law, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center].
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bruce A. Karsh |
| Born | October 10, 1955 (69 years old) |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Duke University (B.A., Economics, summa cum laude), University of Virginia (J.D.) |
| Occupation | Co-chairman and CIO, Oaktree Capital Management |
| Net Worth | $2.4 billion (as of 2025) |
| Spouse | Martha Karsh |
| Children | Three children |
| Primary Residence | Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California |
| Other Properties | West Village townhouses (New York), previously owned properties in Brentwood and Beverly Crest |
| Notable Philanthropy | Over $200 million to education and scholarships, including $100+ million to Duke University and $50 million to University of Virginia School of Law |
| Career Highlights | Clerked for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, Co-founded Oaktree Capital Management in 1995, Portfolio manager for Distressed Opportunities and Value Opportunities strategies |
Where Does Bruce Karsh Live Now?
Bruce Karsh currently lives in a luxurious estate in the prestigious Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. He purchased this property in May 2018 for $68.82 million from the widow of Brad Grey, the former Paramount Pictures chairman who had passed away in 2017. This estate is particularly notable because it sits on land that once housed a Spanish hacienda-style mansion owned by legendary crooner Frank Sinatra in the late 1940s.
The Holmby Hills area is one of Los Angeles’ most exclusive neighborhoods, known for its privacy and luxury homes. It’s part of the “Platinum Triangle” along with Beverly Hills and Bel Air, and has been home to numerous celebrities and business moguls over the years. The neighborhood offers both seclusion and convenience, being just a short drive from the heart of Beverly Hills and Century City.
Before moving to this Holmby Hills estate, Karsh owned a Georgian Regency-style mansion in Brentwood, which he sold in April 2019 for $33.5 million. Interestingly, he had purchased that Brentwood home from his Oaktree co-founder Howard Marks in 2014 for approximately $37.5 million, taking a slight loss on the sale. In early 2023, Karsh also sold his Beverly Crest mansion for $38 million, which had been listed originally for $60 million in 2020].
In addition to his primary Los Angeles residence, Karsh has been expanding his real estate footprint in New York City’s West Village. In early 2024, he purchased a townhouse at 15 Bank Street for $28 million, which sits adjacent to another townhouse he already owned at 13 Bank Street (purchased from Harvey Weinstein for $25.6 million in 2018). This suggests he may be planning to combine the properties into one larger mansion, a practice that has become increasingly common among ultra-wealthy New Yorkers.
Bruce Karsh House
Bruce Karsh’s primary residence in Holmby Hills stands as one of the most impressive estates in Los Angeles. The property, located on North Carolwood Drive, was completely rebuilt by its previous owner, Brad Grey, shortly before his death in 2017. Grey had purchased the property in 2010 for $18.5 million, demolished the existing structure, and commissioned the construction of a modern farmhouse-style estate spanning approximately 12,800 square feet.
When Grey’s widow listed the property in February 2018, it had an asking price of $77.5 million, but Karsh ultimately purchased it for the still-impressive sum of $68.82 million in May 2018. The estate was designed by renowned architect Howard Backen and features an elegant, contemporary design that balances luxury with comfort.
The main residence includes five bedrooms and numerous amenities fitting for a billionaire’s home. The property features two kitchens, a gym, a swimming pool with a hot tub, and even a Pilates studio. The grounds are meticulously landscaped, offering privacy and tranquility despite being located in one of Los Angeles’ most prestigious neighborhoods.
What makes this property particularly interesting is its storied history. The land once housed a home owned by Frank Sinatra in the 1940s, adding a layer of Hollywood history to the already impressive estate. The current structure, while completely new, maintains the prestigious character of the neighborhood while offering all the modern amenities expected in a contemporary luxury home.
1. Where Is Bruce Karsh House?
Bruce Karsh’s main residence is located on North Carolwood Drive in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This exclusive area sits between Beverly Hills and Bel Air, forming part of what’s known as the “Platinum Triangle” of Los Angeles real estate. Holmby Hills is known for its large lot sizes, privacy, and ultra-luxury homes, making it a favorite among celebrities, business leaders, and other high-net-worth individuals.
The specific location on North Carolwood Drive places Karsh’s home in one of the most prestigious streets in the neighborhood. This street has been home to numerous notable residents over the years and is known for its expansive estates set back from the road, offering privacy and security. The area provides convenient access to Beverly Hills, Century City, and other upscale areas of Los Angeles while maintaining a secluded, park-like atmosphere.
Holmby Hills offers the perfect balance of privacy and accessibility that someone of Karsh’s stature would desire. The neighborhood is close enough to the business centers of Los Angeles for convenience but removed enough to provide a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The area is also known for its excellent security, with many homes featuring gated entrances and sophisticated security systems, an important consideration for someone of Karsh’s wealth and prominence.
2. Features of Bruce Karsh House
Bruce Karsh’s Holmby Hills estate is a masterpiece of modern architectural design. The Howard Backen-designed residence spans approximately 12,800 square feet and sits on a generous plot of land that provides ample privacy and space. The home follows a modern farmhouse aesthetic, combining rustic elements with contemporary design principles to create a space that feels both luxurious and livable.
The main house features five bedrooms, providing plenty of space for family and guests. The interior design likely reflects Karsh’s sophisticated taste, with high-end finishes and materials throughout. While specific interior details of this property aren’t extensively documented in public sources, the home reportedly includes two full kitchens, allowing for both family cooking and professional catering for entertaining.
Wellness features are prominent in the estate, with amenities including a gym and a dedicated Pilates studio. The outdoor space is equally impressive, featuring a swimming pool with an adjoining hot tub, perfect for relaxation and entertainment in Southern California’s favorable climate.
The property’s layout likely takes advantage of the California indoor-outdoor lifestyle, with generous windows and doors opening to the landscaped grounds. Given the price point and location, the home almost certainly offers stunning views of the surrounding area, possibly extending to the Los Angeles basin or nearby mountains.
Security is another key feature of the estate, with the property likely equipped with state-of-the-art systems to ensure the privacy and safety of its high-profile owner. The Holmby Hills location itself adds an additional layer of security, as the neighborhood is known for its privacy and limited public access.
Bruce Karsh’s Real Estate Portfolio
Bruce Karsh has built an impressive real estate portfolio over the years, demonstrating both his wealth and his eye for exceptional properties. His current holdings and past transactions reveal a preference for prestigious neighborhoods and architecturally significant homes.
In addition to his primary Holmby Hills residence, Karsh owns two adjacent townhouses in New York City’s West Village. In early 2024, he purchased 15 Bank Street for $28 million, which sits next to his existing property at 13 Bank Street, which he bought from Harvey Weinstein for $25.6 million in 2018. These combined properties represent a significant investment in one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods, and speculation suggests he may be planning to combine them into one larger mansion.
Prior to his current Holmby Hills home, Karsh owned a Georgian Regency-style mansion in Brentwood, which he purchased from his business partner Howard Marks for around $37.5 million in 2014. This 8,600-square-foot residence sat on 2 acres and featured six bedrooms and ten bathrooms. The property included numerous luxury amenities, including an art studio, racquetball court, and an oval swimming pool and spa. Karsh sold this property in April 2019 for $33.5 million, taking a slight loss on his investment.
Karsh also previously owned a stunning American English estate in Beverly Crest, located at 1201 Tower Grove Drive]. This property was particularly notable for its interior design by Michael Smith, who famously decorated the White House residential quarters during the Obama administration. The estate featured approximately 16,000 square feet of living space, including an 8,700-square-foot main house and a 5,700-square-foot tennis court building. The grounds included mature trees, expansive lawns, a heated gazebo for outdoor dining, and a championship tennis court. After listing this property for $60 million in 2020, Karsh eventually sold it in March 2023 for $38 million].
In early 2023, Karsh also purchased another Holmby Hills mansion from his business partner Howard Marks for $29.5 million]. This transaction demonstrates the close business and personal relationship between the two Oaktree co-founders, who have now been involved in multiple real estate transactions with each other.
Karsh’s real estate portfolio reflects his significant wealth and sophisticated taste. His properties tend to be in prestigious neighborhoods, feature architectural significance, and include luxury amenities suitable for both family living and high-level entertaining. While he has sold some properties at slight losses, the overall portfolio represents hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate investments across multiple cities.
Conclusion
Bruce Karsh house in Holmby Hills stands as a symbol of his tremendous success in the financial world. From his humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management, Karsh has built not just a fortune but also an impressive real estate portfolio that includes some of the most desirable properties in Los Angeles and New York City.
His current primary residence, purchased for $68.82 million in 2018, represents just one piece of his extensive real estate holdings. The modern farmhouse-style estate, designed by renowned architect Howard Backen, offers all the amenities one would expect in a billionaire’s home while sitting on land that once housed Frank Sinatra’s residence, adding a layer of Hollywood history to the property.
Beyond his impressive homes, Karsh and his wife Martha have established themselves as significant philanthropists, donating hundreds of millions to educational institutions and other causes. Their commitment to giving back demonstrates that their wealth extends beyond physical assets to making a positive impact on society.
As Bruce Karsh continues his successful career at Oaktree Capital Management, his real estate holdings will likely remain a reflection of his financial success and sophisticated taste. Whether in the exclusive neighborhoods of Los Angeles or the historic streets of New York’s West Village, Karsh’s properties stand as testaments to the American dream of success through hard work, intelligence, and strategic vision.
To wrap up, Bruce Karsh’s impressive Holmby Hills estate showcases how success and smart investing can lead to extraordinary homes. For more fascinating stories about celebrity houses and luxury real estate, visit ThisOlderHouse, where we bring you inside the most remarkable properties around the world.
