Imagine a sprawling estate with every luxury imaginable, from private lakes to indoor sports complexes. Welcome to the Les Wexner house, a $4 million masterpiece nestled in the heart of New Albany, Ohio.
Les Wexner, the founder and former CEO of L Brands, is known for his impressive real estate portfolio and business acumen. His New Albany estate stands as a testament to his success and refined taste. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through this remarkable property, exploring its luxurious features and the man behind the mansion.
The Man Behind the Mansion: Les Wexner
Before we dive into the details of the Les Wexner house, let’s take a moment to understand the man who built it. Leslie “Les” Wexner, born in 1937, is an American businessman and philanthropist who made his fortune in the retail industry.
From Humble Beginnings to Retail Mogul
Les Wexner’s journey to becoming one of the wealthiest men in Ohio began in Columbus, where he grew up. After earning a business degree from Ohio State University, Wexner took a leap of faith that would change the retail landscape forever. In 1963, he founded The Limited, a clothing store that would eventually grow into L Brands, a retail company boasting renowned brands like Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works.
Wexner’s keen eye for fashion trends and his entrepreneurial spirit helped him build an empire with stores in 60 countries. His success in the retail industry solidified his position as one of the most prominent figures in the fashion industry.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Beyond his business ventures, Les Wexner is known for his philanthropic efforts. He and his wife, Abigail Wexner, have made significant contributions to various causes, particularly in central Ohio. Their charitable work includes founding the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence and supporting the United Way.
Wexner’s commitment to giving back has earned him multiple honorary degrees and prestigious awards, including the Woodrow Wilson Award for Citizenship and the Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award. His philanthropic pursuits have made him a respected figure not just in the business world, but also in the realm of social responsibility.
The Les Wexner House: A Closer Look
Now that we’ve gotten to know the man behind the mansion, let’s explore the Les Wexner house itself. This stunning estate in New Albany, Ohio, is a showcase of luxury living and meticulous design.
Location: New Albany, Ohio
The Les Wexner house is located in New Albany, a suburban city northeast of Columbus, Ohio. New Albany is known for its upscale neighborhoods, excellent schools, and beautiful landscapes. It’s no wonder that Les Wexner chose this location to build his dream home.
Architectural Marvel: Georgian-Style Elegance
The Les Wexner house is a prime example of Georgian-style architecture, characterized by its symmetry, proportion, and classical details. The house boasts a striking brick exterior with white columns, creating a timeless and elegant facade. A greenish slate roof adds a touch of color and complements the overall design.
Size and Scale: A Sprawling Estate
The sheer size of the Les Wexner house is awe-inspiring. The main house alone spans an impressive 30,000 square feet. But that’s just the beginning. The entire estate covers a whopping 336 acres, providing ample space for outdoor amenities and ensuring complete privacy for its residents.
Interior Spaces: Luxury at Every Turn
Step inside the Les Wexner house, and you’ll find yourself in a world of opulence and refined taste. The interior spaces were designed by renowned interior designer John Stefanidis, known for his ability to craft luxurious yet comfortable living spaces.
High ceilings and large windows flood the rooms with natural light, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. The interior design showcases a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort, with meticulously chosen furnishings and finishes throughout.
Art Collection: A Personal Touch
One of the standout features of the Les Wexner house is its impressive art collection. Les and Abigail Wexner are known for their love of art, and their home serves as a private gallery for their carefully curated pieces. The artwork adds personality and sophistication to the already stunning interior spaces.
Amenities: Living the Luxurious Life
The Les Wexner house is more than just a home; it’s a self-contained world of luxury and entertainment. Here are some of the standout amenities that make this estate truly exceptional:
Indoor Sports Complex: A 12,000-square-foot indoor sports complex includes a basketball court and a golf simulator, allowing the Wexners to stay active regardless of the weather outside.
Guest House: A separate 2,500-square-foot guest house provides comfortable accommodations for visitors, ensuring their privacy and comfort during their stay.
Recreation Center: The 5,000-square-foot recreation center is a entertainment hub, featuring a bowling alley and a movie theater for the ultimate in-home entertainment experience.
Private Lake: The estate includes a private lake, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the serene water views.
Walking Trail: A 2.5-mile walking trail winds through the property, allowing the Wexners to enjoy the beautiful Ohio landscape without ever leaving their estate.
Landscape Design: Bringing Nature Home
The exterior of the Les Wexner house is just as impressive as the interior. The landscape design seamlessly integrates the built environment with the natural beauty of central Ohio. Manicured lawns, mature trees, and carefully planned gardens create a park-like setting that extends the living space outdoors.
The Impact of the Les Wexner House
The Les Wexner house is more than just a private residence; it’s a landmark that has had a significant impact on its surroundings and the community.
Influence on New Albany
Les Wexner’s decision to build his estate in New Albany has had a transformative effect on the area. His presence attracted other wealthy individuals and businesses, leading to the development of upscale neighborhoods and commercial areas. Today, New Albany is known as one of the most desirable places to live in central Ohio, thanks in part to the Wexner effect.
Architectural Inspiration
The Georgian-style architecture of the Les Wexner house has inspired many other homes in the area. Driving through New Albany, you’ll notice a prevalence of similar architectural styles, creating a cohesive and elegant community aesthetic.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
The Wexner house isn’t just a symbol of personal success; it’s also a hub for philanthropic activities. Les and Abigail Wexner often host charitable events at their home, using their personal space to garner support for various causes.
Les Wexner: Beyond the House
While the Les Wexner house is undoubtedly impressive, it’s just one facet of Les Wexner’s life and legacy. Let’s take a closer look at some other aspects of this billionaire’s world.
Business Legacy: L Brands and Beyond
As the founder of L Brands, Les Wexner built a retail empire that changed the face of American fashion. From The Limited to Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works, Wexner’s brands have become household names. His leadership skills and business acumen led him to become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a position he held for decades.
Net Worth and Recognition
Les Wexner’s success in the retail industry has translated into significant personal wealth. As one of the richest men in Ohio, his net worth has been estimated in the billions. This financial success has placed him among the wealthiest individuals in the United States.
Family Life
Despite his high-profile business career, Les Wexner has managed to maintain a relatively private personal life. He and his wife, Abigail Wexner, have four children: Hannah, Harry, David, and Sarah. The family is known for their close-knit relationships and shared commitment to philanthropy.
Other Properties
While the New Albany estate is Les Wexner’s primary residence, it’s not his only property. He also owns homes in other locations, including a mansion in Bexley, Ohio, and a property in Palm Beach, Florida. Each of these homes reflects Wexner’s taste for luxury and attention to detail.
The Future of the Les Wexner House
As Les Wexner steps back from his role at L Brands and focuses more on his philanthropic efforts, many wonder about the future of his iconic New Albany estate. Will it remain a private residence for the Wexner family, or could it someday be opened to the public as a museum or event space? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Les Wexner house will continue to be a symbol of success, luxury, and architectural beauty for years to come.
Lessons from the Les Wexner House
While most of us may never live in a $4 million estate, there are still lessons we can take away from the Les Wexner house:
Attention to Detail: The meticulous planning and design of the Wexner house show the importance of paying attention to every detail in creating a cohesive and beautiful living space.
Blending Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: The seamless integration of the house with its surroundings demonstrates the value of connecting with nature, even in a luxurious setting.
Personalization: From the art collection to the specific amenities, the Wexner house is tailored to its owners’ tastes and lifestyle, reminding us of the importance of making our homes truly our own.
Giving Back: Despite their wealth, the Wexners use their home as a tool for philanthropy, showing that luxury and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
Conclusion
The Les Wexner house stands as a testament to one man’s journey from humble beginnings to billionaire status. This $4 million estate in New Albany, Ohio, is more than just a luxurious residence; it’s a reflection of Les Wexner’s success, taste, and values. From its Georgian-style architecture to its impressive amenities and carefully curated interiors, every aspect of this home speaks to the meticulous attention to detail that made Wexner successful in business.
But perhaps more importantly, the Les Wexner house serves as a reminder that true luxury isn’t just about opulence—it’s about creating a space that reflects your passions, supports your lifestyle, and allows you to give back to your community. Whether you’re building a multi-million dollar estate or decorating your first apartment, these are principles we can all apply to create homes that are not just houses, but true reflections of ourselves.
