In July 2020, pop sensation Katy Perry and her partner, actor Orlando Bloom, were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child together. Amidst this joyous period, the couple sought a serene retreat to accommodate their growing family. Their search led them to a secluded estate in Montecito, California, owned by entrepreneur Carl Westcott. The property, spanning over two acres, boasted a main residence, a pool, and two guesthouses, all ensconced within towering hedges that ensured utmost privacy.
Perry’s business manager, Bernie Gudvi, acting on her behalf, extended a $15 million offer for the estate, surpassing a competing bid from journalist Maria Shriver. Westcott accepted the proposal, and a contract was swiftly executed. However, mere days later, Westcott expressed a desire to rescind the agreement, citing health concerns and a change of heart. This abrupt reversal ignited a protracted legal battle between the parties.
Westcott contended that he was not of sound mind when he agreed to the sale, attributing his impaired judgment to Huntington’s disease and the influence of pain medications following recent back surgery. He argued that these factors rendered him incapable of making such a significant decision. Conversely, Perry’s legal team maintained that Westcott had experienced seller’s remorse after failing to secure a suitable alternative residence in Montecito’s competitive real estate market. They asserted that the contract was valid and binding.
The legal proceedings were arduous, delving into complex issues of mental capacity and contractual obligations. In December 2023, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Joseph Lipner ruled in favor of Perry, affirming the validity of the sales contract. The court found insufficient evidence to support Westcott’s claims of incapacity, thereby upholding the agreement.
Following the court’s decision, Perry, through her company DDoveB—named in honor of her daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom—officially acquired the estate on May 17, 2024. Property records indicate that she has paid $9 million to date, with the remaining balance contingent upon the outcome of further legal proceedings. A subsequent phase of the trial, scheduled for July 2024, aims to determine any damages owed by Westcott, which could amount to an additional $6 million. Perry’s legal team is seeking compensation for lost rental income, deferred maintenance, and necessary repairs due to water damage and a fallen tree on the property.
This legal victory marks the conclusion of a four-year saga for Perry, who navigated the challenges of pregnancy, motherhood, and a demanding career throughout the dispute. The Montecito estate, with its lush landscapes and tranquil ambiance, offers an idyllic sanctuary for Perry, Bloom, and their daughter, Daisy. The property’s expansive grounds and luxurious amenities provide ample space for family life, creative pursuits, and relaxation.
Notably, this is not Perry’s first encounter with contentious real estate transactions. In the mid-2010s, she was involved in a legal dispute over the purchase of a former convent in Los Angeles. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese had agreed to sell the property to Perry for $14.5 million, but the nuns who previously resided there contested the sale, leading to a highly publicized court case. Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of Perry and the archdiocese, granting them the right to proceed with the transaction.
As Perry and her family settle into their new Montecito home, they join a community known for its affluent residents and picturesque surroundings. The estate’s secluded setting offers a respite from the public eye, allowing the family to create cherished memories in their new abode. For Perry, the acquisition symbolizes not only a personal triumph but also the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise and tranquility.
