After nearly 10 years of lingering on the market, the mesmerizing mansion that doubled as the Lyon family home in Fox’s television series “Empire,” has finally found a new owner. But the sale came with a steep price tag drop.
Located in the Chicago suburb of Barrington, Ill., the French-chateau style home — once listed at $9.5 million, was sold for $3.3 million, over $6 million below its initial asking price. Let’s take a look inside.
Named Architectural Digest’s “Most Beautiful Home in Illinois,” the property belonged to Salvatore “Sam” Cecola — a longtime Chicago businessman who co-owns the Admiral Theatre strip club — built the 17,597 square foot home, and listed the property in 2008 after its completion.
Featured on Fox’s hit show “Empire” during the 2010s as the home of music mogul Lucious Lyon (played by Terrence Howard), the extravagant mansion includes six bedrooms, eleven bathrooms, a grand double staircase, a home theater, a wine cellar, and an indoor basketball court. Aside from its six season on-air fame and luxurious structure, the property faced challenges in attracting buyers at the original asking price.
According to reports, the luxurious home was initially listed for $15.9 million in 2013 before being reduced to $12.5 million in 2017.
Prior to the pandemic, one to four higher priced homes were sold. In 2023 and 2024, six homes sold in each of those years consecutively.
Illinois real estate agent of the home, Michael LaFido, explained that the home’s original asking price endured a significant challenge in the local market. “This price point is very difficult to sell in Illinois, period,” LaFido shared with a publication. “It’s not like Florida, it’s not like California, where they’re having $10 million to $20 million homes.”
LaFido said only a ‘handful’ of homes priced at $6.5 million and above are sold each year.
Prior to the pandemic, one to four higher-priced homes were sold. However, the market saw growth in 2023 and 2024, with six properties selling consecutively in those years.
Though faced with challenges, including two contract deals that fell through, LaFido continued to show the stunning three-story home. Without revealing any names, he toured the home with celebrities, athletes, and gamers.
According to LaRido, the French-inspired home sold in less time than Michael Jordan’s Highland Park home. Previously serving as the listing agent, the former Bulls basketball legend’s home, originally priced at an astounding $29 million, closed at $9.5 million after being on the market for 12 years. The real estate agent also managed the listing.
Barrington Hills is known for its privacy, with each property sustaining expansive estate-sized lots.
Every home sold in the area sits on a minimum of five acres, offering all residents seclusion and space.
Although the suburban neighborhood is not walkable, it provides a quality educational system and plenty of space for sporting activities.
The mansion has a massive pool, an in-house cinema, and plenty of space to lounge throughout the home.
The identities of the new owners remain unknown, as Cook County records has yet to release the names of the famous property.
