Nelly, the St. Louis rapper who rose to fame with hits like Hot in Herre and Dilemma, once owned a grand mansion in Wildwood, Missouri. Purchased in 2002 with plans to renovate and flip it, the 10,799-square-foot property became a symbol of unrealized potential, ultimately left abandoned and in disrepair.
Compounding the issue was Nelly’s burgeoning career and commitments on the West Coast, including successful album releases and appearances on Dancing With the Stars. These distractions made it difficult for him to focus on the mansion, which ultimately became a casualty of his growing obligations.
The grand entrance, framed by elegant columns, hints at the opulence within Nelly’s Wildwood estate.
An expansive rear view reveals multiple levels of balconies and large windows overlooking what could be a renovated oasis.
Overlooking the estate, the private basketball court stands ready for friendly games or where Nelly might have unwound with friends.
Detailed close-up of the basketball court, showcases well-worn surfaces, reflecting the enjoyment it once brought to gatherings.
The stately gated entrance stands as a silent testament to the privacy and exclusivity that characterized this celebrity-owned retreat.
Overlooking the property from above, the mansion’s impressive scale and seclusion within the surrounding landscape become strikingly apparent.
Arched doorways line a corridor leading to multiple rooms, signaling vast, customizable spaces.
Stately columns anchor a circular room with a panoramic window, envisioning a grand entertaining space.
The upper landing encircles the grand entrance, with wrought-iron balustrades framing the view to below.
Large windows illuminate the spacious living area, complete with a fireplace that hints at cozy evenings.
Another living space features a classic fireplace and access to the outdoors, promising warm, inviting experiences.
Elegant built-in shelving in a curved wall accentuates the sophisticated design awaiting a personal touch.
French doors in a bedroom frame the outdoor landscape, ensuring a serene awakening to nature.
The grand foyer, with its soaring ceiling and sweeping columns, exudes a sense of grandeur and arrival.
Natural light floods a large room with peaked ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, ideal for an artist’s studio.
A curved staircase with intricate ironwork spirals upwards, merging elegance with architectural interest.
The bathroom features glass block windows and a vanity set, suggesting a modern touch amidst privacy.
Marble adorns this spacious bathroom with a jacuzzi, where luxury once intertwined with personal care.
The covered patio extends the living space outdoors, with archways framing the view of the leafless trees and distant hills.
In this curved foyer, chic floating shelves set against a backdrop of arches offer a stylish space for displaying curated art and treasures.
Tall windows flood the room with light, highlighting the fireplace and the potential for grand gatherings.
Columns line the entrance hall, leading the eye up to the second-story balcony and the promise of grandeur beyond.