A Look Inside R. Kelly’s Newly Sold Chicago ‘Chocolate Factory’ Mansion

R. Kelly’s former home has changed hands over the years, with the latest owner being one of the Isley Brothers. Now that it’s sold again, let’s take a peek inside!

R. Kelly‘s former suburban Chicago home, which was once dubbed the “Chocolate Factory,” has been sold once again. Located in the Olympia Fields Country Club, the mansion was built in 1997 by the “I Believe I Can Fly” R&B singer, but he lost it in 2011 due to foreclosure.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Scary On-Air Incident During News Broadcast Finally Explained

However, from 2004 to 2010, the home and studio was where the disgraced R&B singer churned out a myriad of his hits. But it was also allegedly one of the locations he used to conduct abusive behavior.

As reported by CNN, the sprawling home was allegedly where Kelly’s female guests had strict rules, requiring them to stay in their rooms until told they could leave, have their IDs copied upon entry, and would have to sign nondisclosure agreements. Some of the guests were allegedly as young as 16 years old.

The last owners the home were Rudolph Isley of the Isley Brothers and his wife, Elaine, who spent years trying to renovate the space as it was severely ruined when they purchased it in 2013. Despite their best efforts and with Ronald’s passing in 2024, it was time to finally part ways with the home, leading Elaine to sell it for the low, low price of $1.6 million.

And if you’re curious to see what the home’s looks like nowadays, keep reading to find out!

The Isley Estate

Screenshot: Youtube.com

In 2013, R. Kelly’s Chocolate Factory became the Isley Estate, as it was bought and renovated by Rudolph Isely of the Isley Brothers and his wife. The couple bought the property for over $500,000, today it is listed for over $3 million.

The Foyer

Screenshot: Youtube.com

This home has a wood-beam theme, making it look like a cabin. You will also notice a love for the classic color combination of red and white. This is definitely not a modern color palette.

Sports Court

Screenshot: Youtube.com

The Isley Estate has an outdoor sports court compatible with basketball, tennis, and pickleball.

Bedroom

Screenshot: Youtube.com

The mansion has six bedrooms, with many rooms accessible via elevator or the multiple staircases. Can you spot the basketball theme going in this room?

Dining Room/Kitchen

Screenshot: Youtube.com

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll be in luck with this 20-seat table.

Dining Room/Kitchen

Screenshot: Youtube.com

This kitchen has all of the up-to-date stainless steel appliances. Also, they made sure to tie in the all-white cabinets for their love of the color white throughout the rest of the home.

Massive Garage

Screenshot: Youtube.com

This huge garage can hold at least six cars, but can also keep up to nine!

Theater Room

Screenshot: Youtube.com

Although you only see eight chairs in this photo, there are a total of 17 chairs in this all-red theater room! Also, why are there so many of the same photos on the wall?

Library/Office Space

Screenshot: Youtube.com

The Isleys forced more red into this home, continuing the red carpet in this office with matching red books.

Retro Diner

Screenshot: Youtube.com

To add a bit of fun to the home, there’s a retro diner-themed kitchen. Again, with red decorations.

Living Room

Screenshot: Youtube.com

This entertainment space features album covers of the Isley Brothers on the walls.

Jungle-Themed Pool House

Screenshot: Youtube.com

As if this home couldn’t be more ostentatious, there is a two-story jungle-themed pool hall that looks like a water park. It has a treehouse, hot tub, waterfall, and more.

Jungle-Themed Pool House

Screenshot: Youtube.com

How do you even come up with the idea for a pool house like this?

Indoor Gym

Screenshot: Youtube.com

No need to leave the house for a gym session! The mansion comes with a gym room that has an elliptical and weight machines.

In-Law Suite

Screenshot: Youtube.com

An in-law suite is also included on the property.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The 6 Best Black Golden Globes Moments!

The 6 Best Black Golden Globes Moments!

From Teyana Taylor’s tearful acceptance speech to Ryan Coogler’s box office win, here is a roundup of Hollywood’s biggest night …
Here's How Trump-Era Cuts Are Undermining Programs That Serve Black Communities

Here’s How Trump-Era Cuts Are Undermining Programs That Serve Black Communities

From education and housing to health care and legal aid, these rollbacks threaten programs that help Black Americans …
You Won't <i>Believe</i> Why Social Media's Favorite Black Couple Kristy and Desmond Scott Are Calling it Quits

You Won’t Believe Why Social Media’s Favorite Black Couple Kristy and Desmond Scott Are Calling it Quits

Fans are stunned by the heartbreaking news that Kristy and Desmond Scott have filed for divorce after 12 years of marriage …
How Michael B. Jordan's Mom Responded to Golden Globes Host's Raunchy Joke About Her Son

How Michael B. Jordan’s Mom Responded to Golden Globes Host’s Raunchy Joke About Her Son

Donna Jordan accompanied her son Michael B. to the 2026 Golden Globes and ended up unintentionally stealing the show! Let’s get into it …
Stephen A. Smith Hits Back at Critics Over Controversial ‘Lawful Perspective’ on ICE Shooting

Stephen A. Smith Hits Back at Critics Over Controversial ‘Lawful Perspective’ on ICE Shooting

Stephen A. Smith faced an instant social media backlash following his controversial take on the Renee Good shooting and ICE …
How a Viral Pop Song 'Papaoutai' Is Linked To A Horrific Event

How a Viral Pop Song ‘Papaoutai’ Is Linked To A Horrific Event

You might have heard the viralpop song “Papaoutai,” but do you know the sad backstory behind it? …
How To Stream The 2026 Golden Globes and Which Black Stars To Watch

How To Stream The 2026 Golden Globes and Which Black Stars To Watch

Here’s how to watch the 2026 Golden Globes, and which Black stars to look out for …
Why Elon Musk's Latest Post On X Should Have You Concerned

Why Elon Musk’s Latest Post On X Should Have You Concerned

There hasn’t been much attention on Elon Musk lately, but his latest post should have you concerned …
Why the Tragic Shooting of Keith Porter Jr. by ICE Is Not the Same as Renee Good in Minneapolis

Why the Tragic Shooting of Keith Porter Jr. by ICE Is Not the Same as Renee Good in Minneapolis

Days before Renee Good was killed in Minnesota, an ICE agent shot a Black man, Keith Porter Jr., outside of an LA apartment complex. Why is this news to Americans? …
Anthony Joshua's New Comments Will Break Your Heart

Anthony Joshua’s New Comments Will Break Your Heart

Boxing star Anthony Joshua is reflecting on his deceased friends that he lost during that awful accident in Nigeria in December …
New Footage From ICE Shows Minneapolis Shooting From Agent's View

New Footage From ICE Shows Minneapolis Shooting From Agent’s View

New ICE video raises further debate over fatal Minneapolis shooting that killed Renee Nicole Good …
The Black Man Behind The Quarter-Zip Movement Explains the Deeper Purpose Behind It All

The Black Man Behind The Quarter-Zip Movement Explains the Deeper Purpose Behind It All

Jason Gyamfi, the man behind the viral quarter-zip trend on TikTok says he has plans to make his movement even bigger in 2026 …
Texas Man, 81, Allegedly Tried to Stop a Man From Beating on His Girlfriend, Then the Unthinkable Happened

Texas Man, 81, Allegedly Tried to Stop a Man From Beating on His Girlfriend, Then the Unthinkable Happened

An 81-year-old Texas man reportedly stood up for a woman who was allegedly being pushed by her boyfriend, but his noble act ended in a heartbreaking way …
Why You Shall Call Him <i>Sir</i> Idris Elba From Now On...

Why You Shall Call Him Sir Idris Elba From Now On…

Idris Elba may be a talented actor onscreen, but his offscreen efforts are finally being rewarded with a high honor. And now, he’s opening up about it! …
Why a Judge Just Forced Georgia to Give Young Thug His Cash and Cars Back...Right Now!

Why a Judge Just Forced Georgia to Give Young Thug His Cash and Cars Back…Right Now!

A judge just slammed the hammer down on the state of Georgia, who must return Young Thug’s $150,000, luxury cars and jewelry by 5:00 p.m., TODAY! …
Lawmakers Push Ice Agents to Reveal Their Faces

Lawmakers Push Ice Agents to Reveal Their Faces

Before Renee Good was fatally shot by ICE agent Johnathan Ross, California lawmakers put forth legislation to ban ICE from wearing masks …
Black Internet Reacts to Yolanda Adams Finally Calling Out Homophobia In the Black Church

Black Internet Reacts to Yolanda Adams Finally Calling Out Homophobia In the Black Church

Gospel icon Yolanda Adams has never shied away from shaking the table and her latest viewpoints about LGBTQ+ folks and the Black church are doing just that! …
Why It's Ridiculous That 21 Savage, Young Thug Now Say 'F the Streets'

Why It’s Ridiculous That 21 Savage, Young Thug Now Say ‘F the Streets’

When 21 Savage and other popular rappers who made their name and money promoting street life suddenly condemn it, it comes off as a bit…odd …
Trump's Never-Ending Letitia James Feud Just Took a Strange Turn

Trump’s Never-Ending Letitia James Feud Just Took a Strange Turn

After multiple failed attempts to convict AG Letitia James, Trump’s federal prosecutors are reportedly investigating new ways to take her down …