The Olympia Fields estate, a colossal mansion with a tumultuous history, formerly owned by imprisoned recording artist R. Kelly and later by Rudolph Isley of the Isley Brothers, is now on the market for just under $3.5 million.
According to Crain’s Chicago, Elaine Isley, Rudolph’s widow, is selling the gated mansion, which sits on 3.7 acres and boasts 21,000 square feet of living space, seven bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and a sprawling pool resembling a water park. The property is represented by Alex Wolking of Keller Williams OneChicago.
The disgraced singer purchased the property in 1997 for $1.5 million and demolished the existing 15,000-square-foot home to build anew. However, in 2011, JPMorgan Chase initiated foreclosure proceedings against Kelly. Amidst legal troubles and investigations into sexual abuse allegations, Kelly’s ownership came to an end, leading to the property’s sale in a distressed state.
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In 2013, Rudolph Isley and his wife Elaine bought the mansion after it had been seized by the lender following Kelly’s foreclosure. The property, described as “derelict and left to ruin” at the time of purchase, required extensive renovations. Flood damage and general neglect had taken a toll on the house.
Despite the challenges, the Isleys embarked on a restoration journey, ripping out damaged portions, refurbishing the sports court, and refreshing the entire property. The highlight is a two-story swimming pool area designed as a jungle oasis, featuring stone walls, a hot tub, artificial palm trees, thatch-roofed huts, and a waterfall.
The Isleys replaced the kitchen and movie theater, ordered custom-made light fixtures, and revamped the basement, which had suffered from floodwater damage. Rudolph Isley passed away in October 2023 at the age of 84.
The mansion features a distinctive stone-and-log exterior, log columns and beams in the main rooms, a Chicago Bulls-themed bedroom, and a glass-walled exercise room. Additional amenities include an eight-car garage with its own bar and bathroom, an outdoor basketball court, and a pond.
The asking price of $3.5 million is notably higher than the average home price in Olympia Fields, which is reported to be just under $325,000. The property is expected to attract attention due to its unique history and extensive features. The sale comes a few months after Rudolph Isley’s death and marks the end of an era for the iconic mansion.
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