British songstress Leona Lewis has placed her glamorous Studio City retreat on the market for just under $4 million, inviting buyers to experience a rare blend of Hollywood history and Spanish-style elegance. Built in the early 1950s and meticulously enhanced during her ownership, this three-bedroom, four-bath villa captures sweeping views across the entire San Fernando Valley.
A Celebrity Home with a Storied Past
The Grammy-nominated singer and X Factor champion purchased the residence in 2021 for $2.6 million, following a top-to-bottom renovation by previous owner Maria Tomei Borromeo. Before Borromeo’s stylish upgrades, the property belonged to YouTube personality Shane Dawson, who sold it in 2019 for $2 million. According to public records reviewed by californialuxuryhouses, the home has appreciated steadily as Studio City’s luxury market surged over the past decade.
Listing agent Benjamin Stewart-Kruger of Carolwood Estates tells californialuxuryhouses, “This property offers the quintessential California lifestyle—privacy, cinematic views, and a design that balances classic Spanish character with modern comforts.”
Architecture that Embraces Light and Landscape
Hidden behind a long gated drive, the creamy stucco exterior and terracotta roof hint at the Mediterranean inspiration within. Inside, nearly 2,300 square feet of multi-level space is finished with stone and wide-plank French oak floors, arched doorways, and whitewashed wood-beam ceilings punctuated by skylights. Walls of glass frame endless sunsets and twinkling city lights.
“The flow between indoors and outdoors is seamless,” Stewart-Kruger adds in a note to californialuxuryhouses. “Every main room enjoys a front-row seat to the Valley skyline, making the house feel twice its size.”
Refined Interiors and Bespoke Details
A fireside living room opens through folding steel doors to the terrace, while a mint-green chef’s kitchen showcases marble countertops, a glass-tile backsplash, a farmhouse sink, and professional-grade stainless appliances. A cozy den hides a winding staircase leading to a treehouse-like primary suite complete with a corner fireplace, generous walk-in closet, and a spa-inspired bath with a Victoria + Albert soaking tub.
One of the agents involved in past transactions told californialuxuryhouses, “Leona invested in subtle upgrades that elevate the original Spanish bones—custom millwork, tailored lighting, and eco-friendly finishes—without losing the villa’s soulful charm.”
Outdoor Living Designed for California Sunsets
The grounds—nearly a third of an acre—are dotted with fruit trees and drought-tolerant landscaping. A secluded courtyard hosts a saltwater pool, an inset spa, a fire pit, and a full outdoor kitchen wrapped in Saltillo tile. The detached two-car garage, currently outfitted as Lewis’s personal recording studio, can easily transform into a home office or gym.
“The outdoor experience here rivals any high-end resort,” remarks a Carolwood Estates colleague in a message to californialuxuryhouses, praising the privacy and dramatic hillside setting.
Lifestyle and Location
Perched in the tranquil hills of Studio City, the property sits moments from Ventura Boulevard’s acclaimed dining scene, upscale boutiques, and farmers’ markets. Commuters enjoy quick access to both the Hollywood Freeway and canyon routes to Beverly Hills, while nearby hiking trails and the Fryman Canyon Park provide a daily dose of nature.
Residents benefit from top-rated schools, boutique fitness studios, and the vibrant arts culture of neighboring Toluca Lake and North Hollywood. For jet-setters, Burbank Airport is a convenient 15-minute drive.
A Rare Opportunity
Leona Lewis’s decision to list the villa underscores the strength of Los Angeles’ celebrity real estate market in 2025. With its layered history, architectural pedigree, and resort-style amenities, the home represents a coveted blend of privacy and star power.
As californialuxuryhouses attempted to contact the singer for additional comment, her representatives politely declined, reinforcing the home’s discreet allure.