Back in the spring of 2017, NBA legend Doc Rivers—then head coach of the L.A. Clippers—purchased a Spanish-style home in Malibu Cove for $9.5 million. At the time, the home was charmingly outdated, with 1970’s Spanish-style decorative flourishes throughout, including some fairly heavy wood accents, and some lovely original Saltillo. With market forces in his favor, Rivers accepted $12.25 million for the property recently.

Rivers got to work adjusting to taste, however, and this year, as Rivers made a professional transition to Philly and the house returned to the market, it arrived with its stylistic elements significantly toned down. Built-in shelving has been added in some spots and removed in others, the tile is gone, exposed timber has been painted over, sliders have been traded for Fleetwood doors, the kitchen’s weathered oak and lattice panels have vanished, and the romantically heavy-handed living style has generally been given over to one that is brighter and more neutral.

The 3,400 sq. ft. home’s large master suite is improved, with natural-toned plank hardwood, and a white treatment making the abrupt angle of a semi-vaulted ceiling a little softer. The arched doorways remain, a hint at how the 1978-built home originally was envisioned.