As R. Kelly spends his 57th birthday today in prison, his former four-acre, 19-room estate in Chicago is now on the market for $3.5 million. The latest owner of the home, Rudolph Isley of The Isley Brothers, passed away in October 2023, leading his wife to sell the home.
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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. From 2004-2010 the home and studio was called the ‘Chocolate Factory’ and was allegedly one of the locations he used to conduct abusive behavior.
As reported by CNN, the 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.
Even though the home has been renovated, we bear the question: who would want a home with this dark history? Here’s a gallery of photos of what the estate looks like today.
The Isley Estate
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
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
The Isley Estate has an outdoor sports court compatible with basketball, tennis, and pickleball.
Bedroom
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
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll be in luck with this 20-seat table.
Dining Room/Kitchen
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
This huge garage can hold at least six cars, but can also keep up to nine!
Theater Room
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
The Isleys forced more red into this home, continuing the red carpet in this office with matching red books.
Retro Diner
To add a bit of fun to the home, there’s a retro diner-themed kitchen. Again, with red decorations.
Living Room
This entertainment space features album covers of the Isley Brothers on the walls.
Jungle-Themed Pool House
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
How do you even come up with the idea for a pool house like this?
Indoor Gym
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
An in-law suite is also included on the property.
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