Image via Pinterest 11 Chris Daughtry
This former American Idol contestant and successful musician has since moved on from this home, located in Oak Ridge, North Carolina—but during the height of his fame, this humble home, which he purchased for a less-than-eye-popping $690,000,was all the luxury that he desired for himself, his wife, and their four children.
Image via Paul Barbera 12 Jack White
In 2017, the White Stripes rocker and record label owner purchased this Kalamazoo, Michigan home, formerly belonging to industrial designer George Nelson. Since Jack White’s first foray into the professional world was as an upholsterer’s apprentice, his appreciation for interesting architecture comes as no surprise. However, what is surprising is that the millionaire only purchased this home for a mere $510,000—just a fraction of his wealth.
Image via Zillow 13 Michael Symon
Chef and television star Michael Symon, until 2017 at least, steered clear of Hollywood with this lush retreat in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. Purchased for around $500,000, this humble home (aside from the spectacular kitchen, of course) boasts five bedrooms and rolling hills of greenery.
Image via Zillow 14 Elijah Woods
The Lord of the Rings star Elijah Woods, despite being worth an estimated $18 million, prefers to keep his living situation modest in this renovated Victorian in Austin, Texas, which only cost the actor $698,750. Not only that, but this change in location from his previous million-dollar setup in Santa Monica is a far cry from the lavish mansion and lifestyle that he maintained. For the music-lover and record-collector, Austin was an easy choice with its diverse music scene.
Image via Zillow 15 Simon Helberg
Though the Big Bang Theory star has since moved on from this Los Angeles cottage, during the height of his fame, Simon Helberg lived in this humble abode. When he purchased the five-bedroom home in 2008, he did so for $950,000—which seems incredibly small when you consider the fact that the actor reportedly makes around $1 million per episode, making him one of the highest paid actors on television.
Image via Trulia 16 Pete Wentz
Musician Pete Wentz may be in one of the most popular rock bands of this decade, but his previous Studio City home didn’t seem to capture the normal overindulgence of other rock stars of his caliber. Though he eventually moved to a bigger home to support his growing family, this understated million-dollar home, surrounded by trees, waterfalls, and exotic plants was the perfect tranquil escape for Wentz.
Image via Zillow 17 Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Though their net worth is around $90 million, this Hollywood “It” couple only spent $2.3 million on this cozy mansion located in Bedford, New York, located just 40 miles outside of New York City. Their dreamy retreat boasts 1.7 acres of lush gardens, a library, and a sun porch—all providing the perfect escape for this hard-working couple and their two children.
Image via Pinterest 18 Matthew McConaughey
Before he was an award-winning actor, husband, and father of three, Matthew McConaughey was a single bachelor living in his Airstream trailer. The actor purchased and renovated the 2004 Airstream trailer over a decade ago, parking it permanently along the coastline in Santa Monica, and outfitting it with only simple surfer decorations. “The thing about small spaces is that they’re relaxing,” said McConaughey. “You’re limited in your options.” It is reported that he is currently updating two more Airstreams.
Image via Domaine 19 Ellen Pompeo
Similar to McConaughey, Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo enjoys the making the most of small spaces—which is why she has turned her on-set trailer into a miniature home-away-from-home. For this trailer makeover, Pompeo worked with Domaine, a popular home decor site. So, for days when the actress doesn’t feel like making the commute back home to her Los Angeles mansion, this tiny slice of heaven will do just fine.
Image via Zillow 20 Zooey Deschanel
Though the New Girl star was once bringing in an impressive salary of $95,000-a-month, her notoriously frugal spending is apparent in the purchase of this tiny estate, only setting the actress back $1.69 million. And, even though she sold the Hollywood Hills home in 2015, Zooey Deschanel purchased an equally-understated home in Manhattan Beach with her husband, Jacob Pechenik, for a cool $5.58 million. With the simplistic and understated qualities of this home, like its wooden furnishings and small patio space, it’s apparent that this actress and musician prefers a calm retreat over a statement of luxury. [hage-break]
Image via Zillow
21 Dave Grohl
Before we delve into the rather bland-looking property formerly belonging to Foo Fighters founder Dave Grohl, it’s first important to point out that he’s worth an estimated $280 million—yes, you heard that correctly. Keep that number in mind as you ponder the fact that the musician lived in this surfer’s paradise until 2015—and only purchased the home for a little under $3 million in 2007.
Image via Trulia 22 Ellen Page
For the normal homebuyer, this adorable Studio City space is not exactly a starter home. But for actress Ellen Page, this humble two-bedroom home, purchased in 2011 for only $885,000, is only a minuscule portion of her estimated net worth of $18 million. Besides the pool and fringe of palm trees in the backyard, the home features vaulted ceilings and minimalist decor.
Image via Zillow 23 Vincent Kartheiser
For over a decade, Mad Men star Vincent Kartheiser lived in this 580-square-foot cabin in Hollywood, until finally selling it in 2014 to move in with his wife, actress Alexis Bledel.
For what the cabin lacked in space, it ultimately made up for in chic ingenuity. (Note the fixture in the back of the room—that’s actually a bed that he simply pulled down whenever he wanted a snooze). When he purchased the bungalow back in 2003, the actor (worth $9 million) spent only $547,000 of his hard-earned cash.
Image via Zillow 24 Adrian Peterson
NFL MVP Adrian Peterson, despite being worth an estimated $30 million, purchased this small home in Minnesota for only $665,000 in 2007. Though he relocated to New Orleans in 2017 to play for the Saints, he shared this 4,167-square foot home with his wife and four children for a decade, remaining humble despite his growing wealth.
Image via Zillow
25 Shaquille O’Neal
Though this property is reported to be one of several that the basketball legend, Shaquille O’Neal, owns, its less-than-glamorous curb appeal is nothing close to the level of outwardly-extravagant wealth that we would expect from such a successful (and extremely wealthy) international star.
The athlete purchased the modest Mount Dora, Florida estate back in 2012 for a reported $235,000. It has five bedrooms, four baths, granite counter tops, a wet bar, and an entertainment room—but wait, where are the swanky indoor courts we’re expecting? And for more on celebrities embracing a more modest lifestyle, check out these 20 Celebrities Who Shunned Hollywood for Small Town Life.
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