Sacha Baron Cohen Sells His Hollywood Hills Starter Home (EXCLUSIVE)

After several unsuccessful attempts on the open market, Sacha Baron Cohen finally sold his Los Angeles starter house in a clandestine off-market deal for $2.5 million. Property records show the unassuming and stylishly updated late-1950s residence, located in an unpretentious yet pricey neighborhood above Laurel Canyon, was purchased by a Seattle-based church affiliated with hipster pastor Judah Smith, who famously ministers to Justin Bieber.

Acquired by the fearlessly raunchy spoof specialist in late 2005 for $2.45 million — and first made for sale in 2010 at $2.9 million, and then again in 2013 at a wee bit below $2.5 million — the 2,800-square-foot, single-level home provides three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms plus a detached guest room/pool house with steam shower. The exposed-wood ceiling soars to 22 feet in a living room that’s anchored by a massive river-rock fireplace. The adjoining dining area spills out to the yard through several sets of French doors, and the galley kitchen sports white lacquered cabinets and an informal dining area. An airy dining loggia overlooks the free-form swimming pool, and a broad deck runs along the back of the house with open canyon and sky views.

Baron Cohen and his actress wife, Isla Fisher, upgraded in 2010 to a $14 million multi-acre compound. That property includes a seven-bedroom and 10-bathroom mansion, poolside pavilion, detached screening room, and caretaker’s cottage.

listing photos: Sotheby’s International Realty

Related stories

Queen's Brian May Calls Sacha Baron Cohen 'an Arse' Over Freddie Mercury Biopic Dispute

Watch: 'Alice Through the Looking Glass' TV Spot Questions Daylight Saving Time

Donald Trump Gets AIDS in Sacha Baron Cohen Movie

Get more from Variety and Variety411: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter