It was last spring when towering NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal listed the Florida estate where he’d held court for about a quarter of a century. The retired center listed the property at a stout $28 million, a substantial sum until you factor in the monster of an outdoor recreation center called ‘Shaq-apulco’.
Still and all, the house and its new soul mate have remained mutually exclusive since the home went on the market in May. Perhaps a price slice of over $6 million will help; the Windermere property is now tagged at $21,990,000.
The home is situated in Isleworth, an exclusive golf community where Tiger Woods also once resided. Its nearly four-acre lot abuts Lake Butler; the property features 700’ of lakefront, a lengthy dock, and a pair of boat slips.
The home is a 31,000-square-foot sprawler that forgets little when it comes to amenities. Its custom moldings and woodwork embellish interiors that include a home cinema/entertainment room with a wet bar, a walk-in humidor and cigar bar, an office, extensive wine storage, a massive saltwater aquarium room, three fireplaces, and a catering-ready kitchen. And, lest we forget: a 6,000 square foot basketball court/sports facility for home games.
The exterior is dominated by the property’s outdoor party space—Shaq-apulco—which is anchored by a 95’ pool that reaches 15’ of depth, and supplemented by a full summer kitchen. A cabana, a 17-car garage and a 2,000-square-foot dance and recording studio are a few other notable luxuries on the property.
O’Neal was leader of the Lakers during their juggernaut heyday. His long list of awards includes the NBA MVP for the 1999-2000 season.