Inside the incredible homes of the world's biggest rock stars

The amazing residences of the world's greatest rock stars

From Elvis to Aretha Franklin (via Jim Morrison and David Bowie), these rock legends have shaped the history of music. But where do they retreat to after a lengthy tour or a hard stretch in the recording studio?

Join us as we take a peek inside the luxurious, chic and sometimes downright surprising homes of rock's biggest icons. All dollar values in US dollars.

Elvis Presley

Bursting onto the scene in the mid-1950s, Elvis took the world by storm with his distinctive sound, melding rock 'n' roll with country, gospel and the blues. He enjoyed his debut number-one hit in the US in January 1956 with 'Heartbreak Hotel', the first of more than 80 Top 40 hits in the US (and he scored a mammoth 138 in the UK). Just one year after that first hit, Elvis bought Graceland, an 18-room mansion just south of Memphis, Tennessee, after his parents viewed it and put down a deposit of $1,000 (that's about $10.5k / £8k today).

Elvis Presley's iconic Graceland mansion, Tennessee, USA

Elvis paid $102,500 ($1.1m / £840k today) for the house, which had once stood on farmland. Set on almost 14 acres, the house offered Elvis sanctuary from his overwhelming fame. Built in the Colonial Revival style, this magnificent entryway was certainly fit for the King of Rock and Roll. Stone steps flanked by marble lions and a soaring portico supported by four Corinthian columns would have greeted Elvis upon his return home from tour.

Elvis Presley's iconic Graceland mansion, Tennessee, USA

Inside, the décor reflects the height of fashion in the late 1960s and early 1970s. You can easily imagine Elvis relaxing on this 15-foot-long white sofa, or playing the baby grand in the music room, which is separated from the living room by vivid stained glass panels depicting peacocks. Elsewhere on the first floor, you'd find the King's parents' bedroom, a lavishly decorated dining room dominated by a large chandelier and a den that became known as the Jungle Room, decorated in a Hawaiian theme inspired by the time Presley spent filming Blue Hawaii in the Aloha state. It was later turned into a studio where Elvis recorded his final two albums.

Elvis Presley's iconic Graceland mansion, Tennessee, USA

Down in the basement, Elvis's garish black and yellow TV room seems anything but relaxing. Yet this was the place the music legend could often be found watching three televisions at once, with a wet bar within easy reach. Elvis bought a pool table in 1960 and installed it in another area of the basement. He remodelled the room in 1974 and swathed the walls and ceiling in 1,050 feet of pleated cotton fabric, which took three men 10 days to cut and hang.

Elvis Presley's iconic Graceland mansion, Tennessee, USA

Elvis died in 1977, aged just 42, and is buried here in what used to be his meditation garden. He lies alongside his parents, grandmother, twin brother Jesse (who died at birth), his grandson Benjamin (who died in 2020) and his daughter Lisa Marie, who died from sudden cardiac arrest in January 2023. Such is Elvis's extraordinary and enduring fame, 600,000 tourists visit Graceland each year and the original 13.8-acre estate has grown to 120 acres and includes a shopping centre, 450-room resort hotel, car parks and a motor museum.

Phil Collins

In 1970, drummer and singer Phil Collins joined a burgeoning band called Genesis. Pioneers of progressive rock, they flourished in the 1970s and 80s, before Collins exited in the early 90s. With over 150 million albums sold worldwide, Genesis is one of the world's best-selling bands, so we suspect Collins could easily afford the $33 million (£26m) he splashed on a stunning mansion in Miami Beach, Florida in 2015. Let's take a tour...

Phil Collins' Miami Beach mansion, Florida, USA

Dating back to 1929, the beautiful waterfront estate has an 11,039-square-foot interior, a huge garden and skyline views across glistening Biscayne Bay. The pricey celebrity pad sits on a 1.2-acre lot behind a long gated driveway surrounded by palm trees and must have been the perfect place for his five children (including Emily in Paris star Lily Collins) to enjoy.

Phil Collins' Miami Beach mansion, Florida, USA

The charming, Mediterranean-inspired residence features oversized living spaces decorated with 150-year-old reclaimed hardwood, arched windows, rotund ceilings and ancient wood beams. There's a light-filled family room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a chic dining area where Collins, who retired from performing in March 2022, hosted plenty of VIP friends.

Phil Collins' Miami Beach mansion, Florida, USA

Elsewhere, you'll find a huge kitchen with white marble counters and chef-grade appliances, as well as a stunning master suite that offers unobstructed views across the water beyond. There are six bedrooms and eight bathrooms in total, making this the perfect pad for entertaining. Outside, there's a billionaire backyard, complete with a meditative garden, a 6,000-gallon koi pond, a swimming pool, a spa and a soccer pitch.

Phil Collins' Miami Beach mansion, Florida, USA

Yet Collins isn't the only VIP owner of this pad. In fact, the property was formerly owned by none other than Jennifer Lopez. She reportedly purchased the property in the early noughties, before selling up in 2005 for $13.9 million (£10.9m). In February 2021, Collins also waved goodbye to the estate, this time for $39.3 million (£31m) – how's that for property appreciation?

John Fogerty

If you have a spare $20 million (£15.5m) lying around, you could do worse than picking up the incredible home of Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty. Hugely popular in the late 60s and early 70s, the Californian band scored nine Top 10 singles and five Top 10 albums in the four short years they were active. The lead singer and guitarist, Fogerty is also the songwriting genius behind hits like 'Bad Moon Rising' and 'Green River.' Let's take a look around the breathtaking mansion he's hoping to offload...

John Fogerty's Thousand Oaks Mansion, California, USA

Tucked away in the exclusive gated community of White Stallion Ranch in Thousand Oaks, California, this nine-bedroom, 12-bathroom villa stands on 22 private acres of landscaped grounds. A sweeping driveway leads up to the custom-built Napa-style farmhouse, where you're greeted by this incredible formal entryway. According to Mansion Global, the rocker bought the home in 2013, for just under $9 million (£6.9m), so it will prove to have been a very savvy investment indeed, if he receives the full asking price.

John Fogerty's Thousand Oaks Mansion, California, USA

The heart of the home is this vast great room, with cathedral ceilings, a stone fireplace and enormous windows that make the most of the spectacular views. From here, you can step straight into a chef's kitchen with marble countertops and a centre island, which opens into a family room. Upstairs, the master suite is decked out with a marble corridor that leads to two grand bathrooms, two closets, a fireplace and a bedroom with views the listing agent describes as "explosive." There are also eight further en-suite bedrooms, as well as an apartment with a bedroom and living room.

John Fogerty's Thousand Oaks Mansion, California, USA

Naturally for a legend of rock, Fogerty's abode houses not one but TWO multimillion-dollar sound-proof recording studios. We can only imagine the music magic these walls have heard. Elsewhere, there's a home theatre, wellness centre with a gym and – amazingly – a built-in bar with a blue-lit, temperature-controlled wine wall. What more could you need?

John Fogerty's Thousand Oaks Mansion, California, USA

Outside, there are 360-degree views, multiple firepits, an outdoor kitchen, a greenhouse, walking paths, a sports court, a detached guest house and this gorgeous pool and spa. We're starting to wonder if Fogerty should be asking for more than $20 million (£15.8m)! In January 2023, after a 50-year battle, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer finally gained the rights to his Creedence songs after purchasing a majority share from Concord records. While financial details of the deal have been kept under wraps, it will have been a big chunk of change, so it's just as well Fogerty is set to get a nice payday when he offloads this stunning pad.

Aretha Franklin

The very first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha Franklin has also twice been named the greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone. The dazzling vocalist, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2018, first made it to number one on the hallowed list in 2008 and was again voted best singer in January 2023. As Mary J. Blige told the magazine, “She is the reason why women want to sing.” Lady Soul, as she became known, started out as a gospel singer in the 50s and hit the pinnacle of her fame in the 1960s with hits like 'Respect' and 'I Say a Little Prayer'.

Aretha Franklin's final home, Michigan, USA

Born in Memphis but raised in Detroit, Franklin moved to Los Angeles in the mid-70s, before returning to Michigan for good in 1982, where she settled and built a sizable property portfolio. As well as the downtown Detroit waterfront condo where she died aged 76, she owned a further five properties in the surrounding suburbs, including this home in the affluent area of Bloomfield Hills.

Aretha Franklin's final home, Michigan, USA

With an estimated worth of $1.1 million (£870k), the five-bedroom, 5-and-a-half-bathroom home is spread over 4,148 square feet. Built in 1990, the house has a contemporary feel, with double-height ceilings in the living room and a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows taking up one entire wall. Marking this as the home of Aretha, the cherry-red grand piano commandeers the room. We can only imagine being one of the legend's guests, relaxing by the fire as the queen of soul – who was also a gifted pianist – entertained.

Aretha Franklin's final home, Michigan, USA

Given her iconic look of perfectly coiffed hair and sequinned gowns, this glam bathroom feels very 'Aretha'. However, Franklin's life wasn't always so glamorous. Twice divorced, she had her first child when she was just 12 years old and a second when she was 14. Sadly, since the music legend's death, the question of who inherits her multimillion-dollar fortune has caused a rift between her children.

Aretha Franklin's final home, Michigan, USA

Initially it was believed Aretha had died without a will. However, months after her death, two wills were discovered in one of her suburban Detroit homes – possibly inside this very home. One, created in 2010, was found in a cabinet, while the other, dating to 2014, was located beneath a sofa cushion. After a five-year family battle, the case went to trial in early July 2023 and it was quickly determined, after less than an hour of deliberation by the jury, that the 'couch will' could serve as the official document. Three of Franklin's sons have inherited shares of her music royalties, including her youngest son Kecalf Cunningham, who received more of her personal property, such as her primary home and cars. Her eldest son, Clarence, has an unspecified disability and did not take part in the lawsuit, but his brothers have agreed to support him.

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton has received a slew of accolades since he first made it big in the 1960s, including 18 Grammy Awards, four Ivor Novello awards and a CBE for services to music. He's also the only artist ever to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times – once for his solo work, and once each as a member of bands The Yardbirds and Cream. For a man with such extraordinary rock credentials, you might expect his holiday home to be an extravagant mansion fit for a superstar, but you'd be surprised...

Eric Clapton's rustic farmhouse, Provence, France

This unassuming stone farmhouse, nestled away in the quietest corner of Provence, is the ultimate haven. According to The Times, that's exactly what the star loves about it. “Once you get through those gates," the rocker said, "it is like entering an oasis of calm. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind in complete privacy.”

Eric Clapton's rustic farmhouse, Provence, France

The 'Tears in Heaven' singer bought the retreat in 2002, the same year he married his third and current wife, Melia, with whom he has three daughters. “I had, for some time, been wanting to find a property in the south of France where I could enjoy the weather and relax with the family in a quiet environment,” he said. The large, white-painted spaces boast exposed beams and soaring ceilings, which are highlighted by the simple, sparse furniture that the couple picked out themselves, some of it from IKEA.

Eric Clapton's rustic farmhouse, Provence, France

The 10-bedroom home is spread over 6,500 square feet and has evolved and expanded considerably from its origins as a 17th-century sheepfold. There's also an additional two-bedroom guest house. “Because of the way it is laid out, I can come here on my own and just use a few of the rooms without feeling that I’m rattling around,” Clapton said. “Likewise, we have had large groups over, and everyone can have their own space without being on top of one another.”

Eric Clapton's rustic farmhouse, Provence, France

The family's French housekeeper attests to how "very, very normal" they are, and Clapton appreciates the fact he can visit the local towns and buy a coffee "without any attention." His girls also loved to play tennis on this wonderful court and swim in the pool. One wonders then, why on Earth he decided to wave goodbye to the home – known as La Faissinette – in 2014, listing it for €3.3 million ($3.5m / £2.8m) with Home Hunts. “Work and family commitments have made it impossible to come and visit for as long as we would really like,” Clapton admitted. “I will certainly miss the serenity here.”

Carole King

Carole King is one of only a few female artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once for her work with ex-husband Gerry Goffin and once as a solo performer. Together, King and Goffin wrote the soundtrack to the 60s, including hits like 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow' and 'One Fine Day'. Going solo after their divorce, the singer/songwriter cut multiple gold and platinum albums in the 70s – her life story is even the subject of a Broadway musical, Beautiful. And with that in mind, let's take a look around her beautiful Idaho ranch.

Carole King's ranch, Idaho, USA

King, who wrote her first number one hit aged just 17, has famously struggled with stage fright, which hindered her career at different points, so it makes sense that she had this amazing ranch to retreat to when she wanted to escape the limelight. Tucked away in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, close to the Sun Valley ski resort, the property centres around a two-storey, five-bedroom log cabin. With a large commercial kitchen, two stone fireplaces, a dining room, an office and a living room, the lodge has breathtaking river and mountain views.

Carole King's ranch, Idaho, USA

As well as the main house, there's a two-bedroom 'owner's home' perched on a bluff above the creek, as well as a caretaker's home and eight historic log cabins. But the main attraction has got to be this incredible free-standing, professional-level recording room, where Carole no doubt spent a lot of her time. There's even a guest apartment on the second floor for fellow musicians to stay. If only these walls could talk (or sing!).

Carole King's ranch, Idaho, USA

Just like her charming, timeless home, King's career has endured over decades. Her 1971 album Tapestry remained in the charts for nearly six years, making it one of the most successful albums in history. She also wrote 'Where You Lead' in 1971, which she revamped in 2000 to create the iconic theme song for The Gilmore Girls, which she recorded with her daughter. King even had a cameo in the show, appearing several times as the owner of Sophie's Music Shop.

Carole King's ranch, Idaho, USA

The incredible ranch covers 128 acres and includes two hot water pools, heated by geothermal hot water springs. Elsewhere, there's a horse barn with six stalls and – perhaps surprisingly for such a remote location – multiple phone lines, DSL and satellite TV. But despite the home's considerable charms, it seems King was ready to move to pastures new after 30 years and listed the house in 2013 for $9.9 million (£7.8m). It's unclear when exactly the singer-songwriter sold the ranch but it was still for sale in 2016. According to records, the home was on and off the market during 2018, listed for a massively discounted $4 million (£3.2m) and then sold in May 2019 for an undisclosed sum. We can only hope King has moved somewhere else with a recording studio because we want to hear more from the legendary songwriter.

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne

Amid much talk about Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne moving back to Britain due to the Black Sabbath frontman’s battle with Parkinson's disease, the pair are selling their West Hollywood condo, which they bought for $4 million (£3.2m) nine years ago and have listed for just under $4.8 million (£3.8m). The pad is located on the 10th floor of a celeb-filled skyscraper, where former residents include Cher, Adam Sandler and Matthew Perry.

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne’s cute condo, West Hollywood, USA

Mainly occupied by the couple’s daughter Kelly, the two-bedroom, three-bathroom home spans 2,100 square feet and features an open-plan living room and dining room with a small private balcony and stone floors throughout, while floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping city views. The pad has been rented out for the past couple of years, according to Hello!, for around $17,500 (£13.8k) per month.

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne’s cute condo, West Hollywood, USA

It is likely that Kelly had a hand in the redecoration, too, judging by this cute pink-themed space. The star once said on her Instagram: “Pink has always been a signature part of my look.” And she seems to have had some fun here in this third bedroom, which has been converted into a study. Meanwhile, Kelly now lives in a two-bedroom property in Los Feliz, a former home of Rooney Mara.

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne’s cute condo, West Hollywood, USA

There are still echoes of the TV star in the walk-in wardrobe, however. The closet is part of the spacious master suite, which boasts a ceiling painted with a mural of a cloudy blue sky, as well as a private balcony and spa-inspired bathroom equipped with dual vanities and a soaking tub. Sharon and Ozzy needn’t be too distressed over letting the pad go, however, as they still own a one-bedroom unit next door.

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne's manor, Buckinghamshire, UK

The couple also owns a long-time Grade II-listed Buckinghamshire estate, nestled deep within the British countryside, so it's the ideal place for the couple to retreat to. The red brick, two-storey home which the pair have owned since 1993, resides within a national historic location and dates back to the 1800s. With talk of a move back to the UK for the couple, according to The Sun, their British base is set to undergo some renovations and will feature a new 'rehab wing' to help the star with his ongoing health battle.

Gene Simmons

We love snooping around the homes of iconic musicians, and KISS star Gene Simmons has one of the finest. Purchased for just shy of $1.4 million (£1.1m), the star snapped up his home in 1984, according to Mansion Global, and went on to spend $12 million (£9.5m) sprucing it up.

Gene Simmons' Beverly Hills mansion, California, USA

Completed in 2000, Simmons lived in the palatial pad with his wife Shannon, whom he married in 2011 at the age of 62, despite the pair having dated since 1975. The pair have two children and the whole family appeared in the reality series Gene Simmons Family Jewels, which ran for seven series from 2006 and was filmed in the dramatic-looking home.

Gene Simmons' Beverly Hills mansion, California, USA

Spread over four floors with 13,405 square feet of space, the luxury home boasts a living room that sits in the centre of the home, with two wings on either side. With wide-plank wood flooring and stunning woodwork, the space is a work of art, its tall arched windows leading out to the two acres of manicured lawns, tennis courts and swimming pool, according to the Compass listing.

Gene Simmons' Beverly Hills mansion, California, USA

Informal and formal dining rooms mean that entertaining is easy, especially with the assistance of the mannequin butler. Elsewhere, there's a bar, a great room, an office and a two-storey hallway to greet guests. First on the market in October 2020 for $22 million (£17.3m), the rock legend relisted the home in March 2021 for $25 million (£19.7m) after replacing some electrics and swapping wood for poured concrete, and also adding new foliage.

Gene Simmons' Beverly Hills mansion, California, USA

Boasting seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, the master bedroom is the pinnacle of luxury, with its own sitting room and spa-inspired bathroom. According to TMZ, Simmons finally sold the pad in 2021 to Max Nobel of Nobel Development Group after dropping the price to $16 million (£12.6m). Fast-forward two years and, following a massive refurbishment, the property hit the market again in May 2023 for a staggering $48 million (£37.8m), according to Mansion Global. Now that's what we call a price hike!

Mick Jagger

When he isn't onstage performing with The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger spends his time relaxing in his $2 million (£1.6m) Florida home. Located in Sarasota, the rock star reportedly purchased the home for longtime girlfriend Melanie Hamrick in 2020. With stunning living spaces, including a library with coffered ceilings and arched windows, it must have been the perfect place for him to unwind after the band's much-anticipated 13-date 'No Filter' tour.

Mick Jagger's love nest, Florida, USA

Set on a verdant third of an acre with water on two sides and only one neighbour, it makes the perfect private family home for the star, ballet dancer Melanie – who is 44 years his junior and their son, Deveraux, who is Jagger's eighth child, born in 2016. “It’s a custom-built home that was really built around privacy, and that’s what drew Melanie and Mick to it,” listing agent Christine Spelman told Realtor.

Mick Jagger's love nest, Florida, USA

Jagger and Hamrick reportedly spent $300,000 (£236k) on renovations, and it shows. The couple “spent the last two years with two different decorators, doing extensive upgrades and changes to make it their own,” Spelman said. “It was originally very dark woods, and they made it very light and airy. It’s elegant but very comfortable.”

Mick Jagger's love nest, Florida, USA

After having heart surgery in 2019, Jagger relaxed and recovered in the peaceful, somewhat feminine space, with its high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, multiple relaxation and living spaces and lake views. Many of the rooms on the ground floor of the 5,700-square-foot home open out to the small but idyllic back garden.

Mick Jagger's love nest, Florida, USA

The master bedroom is the perfect tranquil oasis. Situated in a private wing with its very own entrance, it features a balcony, fireplace and an ensuite bathroom complete with a walk-in rain shower, soaking tub and walk-in wardrobe. The other three bedrooms are also ensuite and each has their own walk-in closets.

Mick Jagger's love nest, Florida, USA

Jam-packed full of extra amenities, the mega-mansion also comes with this beautiful dance studio, complete with barre and mirrored walls so Melanie can practice, despite having retired from professional ballet in 2019. An amazing extra is the media room, which is reached by a private staircase and has a large wet bar, full bathroom and views of the river, grounds and lake.

Mick Jagger's love nest, Florida, USA

Multiple outdoor rooms are scattered throughout the property, including a full summer kitchen, fireplaces, a heated saltwater pool, a spa and covered outdoor areas for dining. As well as all this, the new owners will have access to the Lake Club, which boasts a private, members-only clubhouse, resort-style pools, tennis courts and a fitness centre.

Keith Richards

Back in New York City, Keith Richards' former penthouse in Greenwich Village gives Adam Levine's Soho loft a good run for its money in the glam stakes. The Rolling Stone and his wife, Patti Hansen, acquired the property, which is housed in an Art Deco skyscraper, for $10.5 million (£8.3m) in 2014.

Keith Richards' penthouse, New York, USA

The couple listed the penthouse in 2016 for $12.2 million (£9.6m) but had to slash the asking price to entice buyers. After languishing on the market for a year, the property sold in 2018 for a relatively disappointing $9 million (£7m), as reported by Variety.

Keith Richards' penthouse, New York, USA

The décor is mid-century modern meets ultra-contemporary. Rock star-worthy touches abound, from the guitar to the quirky artwork. Note the “You're never too young” poster, a mantra the eternally young at-heart Richards must repeat to himself daily.

Keith Richards' penthouse, New York, USA

The master bedroom flirts with opulence, with the odd smattering of gold. But like the other rooms in the penthouse apartment, the space stays in sleek contemporary territory with tonal greys and contrasting textures.

Keith Richards' penthouse, New York, USA

Unsurprisingly for someone with such a distinctive style, the apartment has a walk-in-wardrobe for all Richards' hats, headbands and sequined jackets. We're guessing there's a drawer full of eyeliners somewhere, too! And it wasn't a problem if he had to share the space with his wife. "Patti and I have always swapped clothes," he said at a Rolling Stones exhibition in 2016. "Even my daughters and I swap clothes. Not so much nowadays – now they just take them."

David Bowie

Much like David Bowie's back catalogue, his New York apartment is a piece of rock 'n' roll history. Located on Lafayette Street, between the sought-after neighbourhoods of SoHo and Nolita, the luxurious penthouse condo belonged to the iconic British singer from 1999 until his death from liver cancer in 2016. The 'Modern Love' singer paid $3.8 million (£2.9m) for the apartment in 1999, and we think it was worth every penny.

David Bowie's luxurious penthouse, New York, USA

Dating back to 1885, it was part of the former Hawley & Hoops candy factory. The building was converted into 30 luxury condos in 1999, with five storeys being added on top of the existing five-storey warehouse. The masonry and original storefronts of the historic building were completely restored, as was a monumental copper cornice that was painstakingly copied from photos taken decades before when the original had been removed. With such a history, we can certainly see why Bowie took a shine to it.

David Bowie's luxurious penthouse, New York, USA

The 5,090-square-foot residence offers four bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as some seriously cool living areas where Bowie no doubt penned plenty of songs. There's an open-plan great room, a gorgeous library and an open kitchen.

David Bowie's luxurious penthouse, New York, USA

Light-filled and decorated with sheets of glass, the spectacular modern home benefits from north, east, west and south exposure, allowing for obstructed views across the city from every single room. The master suite is a breathtaking oasis, measuring 1,000 square feet and featuring a fireplace, dressing room, luxury bathroom and terrace.

David Bowie's luxurious penthouse, New York, USA

There's plenty of outside space, too, composed of an expansive rooftop deck, two terraces and a pretty garden, all of which allow for unobstructed panorama. The stunning apartment landed on the market in 2021 and sold in less than 30 days for an impressive $16.8 million (£13.2m) – but that's really no surprise at all!