Katy Perry is going to let out a roar of triumph after years of battling the octogenarian entrepreneur Carl Westcott in court over a California home.
The pop star is finally the owner of the secluded Montecito estate, after fighting for four years to wrestle control of the home from octogenarian entrepreneur Carl Westcott.
In the midst of the frenzied pandemic real-estate market in July 2020, the car-dealership and communications-business mogul signed a contract to sell the home for $15m (A$22.6m) to Bernie Gudvi, Perry’s business manager, who was acting on her behalf.
But a few days later, Westcott informed Perry’s team that he didn’t want to sell, Realtor reports.
Both sides sued, leading to a protracted legal battle that raised questions about mental capacity and showcased the lengths to which the wealthy will go to lay claim to coveted homes in a tight housing market.
Katy Perry took ownership of this home in Santa Barbara after a years-long legal dispute. Picture: Realtor.com via NATASHA LEE
In December 2023, the judge ruled in Perry’s favour in Los Angeles County Superior Court, ordering that the sales contract be respected.
Perry is expected to testify at a second phase of the trial in July, which will determine damages in the case.
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Perry has paid $9m (A$13.6m) for the estate so far, according to property records. The remaining balance will be paid once the damages owed by Westcott — which may be up to $6 million — are determined in the second phase of the trial.
The main bathroom with big soaking tub. Picture: Realtor.com via NATASHA LEE
Perry’s team is asking for damages for lost fair-market rental value, deferred maintenance and repairs needed for water damage and a tree falling, according to court documents.
Chart Westcott, one of Carl Westcott’s sons, said in an email that Perry’s “Hollywood hypocrisy and fake empathy knows no bounds. Her continuing to seek damages, which will be paid in effect by my father’s grandchildren, is totally heartless.”
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The back yard is very private with tall hedges and mature trees surrounding it. Picture: Realtor.com via NATASHA LEE
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With a pool and two guesthouses, the property is surrounded by towering hedges and sits on more than 1.2ha in the heart of the affluent enclave of Montecito.
Westcott, who had long vacationed in Santa Barbara from Dallas, bought the house in May 2020 for $11.25m.
Perry, who grew up in Santa Barbara County, agreed via Gudvi to buy it a few weeks later after outbidding TV journalist Maria Shriver.
At the time, Perry and her partner, actor Orlando Bloom, were expecting a child.
Katy Perry pictured with partner Orlando Bloom Picture: Gett Images.
It isn’t clear when and if Perry and Bloom plan to move into the home.
Their daughter was born in August 2020, and in October of that year, the pop star paid $14.2m for another Montecito home on a whopping 3.64ha with ocean views. It isn’t clear if she plans to put that property on the market.
