For decades, Dr. Phil McGraw has been a fixture of American daytime television, known for his direct, no-nonsense approach to life’s complexities. But away from the cameras, his real estate portfolio has proven just as captivating as his guest list. Fifteen years after selling their Mediterranean-style villa in the heart of Beverly Hills, the property has resurfaced on the luxury market—this time as an exclusive high-end rental, commanding a staggering $65,000 per month.
The return of this estate to the public eye serves as a reminder of the shifting tides of the Southern California luxury market and the enduring appeal of the "old-school" Beverly Hills glamour that defines the area north of Sunset Boulevard.
The Main Facts: A Return to the Rental Market
The property, located at 1008 Lexington Drive, is a sprawling, 12,000-square-foot Mediterranean masterpiece that once served as a primary residence for Phil and Robin McGraw. After making headlines for moving into a massive $30 million estate—famed for its distinct, fortress-like architecture—the couple offloaded this villa in 2011 for $12 million.
Now, nearly a decade and a half later, the home is being repositioned as a premier rental opportunity. Benjamin Illulian of Illulian Real Estate, the listing agent, is spearheading the effort to find a tenant who can appreciate the scale, history, and craftsmanship of a home built to serve as an urban sanctuary. With an asking price of $65,000 per month, the property targets the ultra-high-net-worth demographic, including visiting celebrities, international business magnates, and those seeking the privacy and prestige of one of the world’s most coveted zip codes.
A Chronology of Ownership and Prestige
To understand the weight of this listing, one must look at the timeline of the McGraws’ real estate journey.
2001: The Genesis
The residence was originally constructed in 2001, at the height of the luxury boom in Beverly Hills. It was designed to maximize the potential of its three-quarter-acre lot, providing an oasis of calm just minutes away from the bustling service of The Beverly Hills Hotel.
2010: The "Alamo" Shift
In 2010, the McGraws made international headlines for purchasing a $30 million estate that was, at the time, frequently compared to the Alamo due to its imposing, massive architecture. The purchase signaled a shift in the couple’s lifestyle, moving toward even greater seclusion and grander scale.
2011: The Divestment
Following the move to their larger estate, the couple parted ways with their Lexington Drive property, selling it for $12 million. The sale marked the end of an era for the couple in this specific villa, though they remained deeply entrenched in the Beverly Hills social and real estate fabric.
2020: The Texas Pivot
The McGraws’ real estate narrative expanded significantly in 2020 when they acquired a 14,700-square-foot estate in the exclusive Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, for $13.9 million. This acquisition solidified their status as multi-state luxury homeowners, balancing their professional presence in Hollywood with a sprawling retreat in the Lone Star State.
2026: The Rental Resurgence
Fifteen years after its last major sale, the Lexington property is back in the spotlight. Its transition into a rental highlights the current trend in luxury real estate: high-net-worth individuals often preferring the flexibility of renting prestigious estates while maintaining their permanent assets elsewhere.
Architectural Grandeur: A Detailed Look
The home is a masterclass in Mediterranean architectural aesthetics, balancing massive scale with intimate, refined detailing. Spanning roughly 12,000 square feet across two distinct levels, the residence is designed for both grand entertainment and private respite.
The Entryway and Living Spaces
Upon entering through the gated circular driveway, visitors are met by a structure that prioritizes volume. The home features a soaring rotunda foyer, a hallmark of high-end Mediterranean design, anchored by sweeping wrought-iron staircases that draw the eye upward.
The family room is the heart of the home, featuring a substantial stone fireplace and large French doors that open seamlessly onto a covered loggia. This indoor-outdoor flow is essential to the Southern California lifestyle, allowing for effortless entertaining during both warm summer evenings and mild winter nights. The formal dining room, complete with an ornate caisson ceiling, serves as a testament to the home’s capacity for large-scale social gatherings, easily seating 10 or more guests.
The Culinary and Private Quarters
The kitchen is equipped with top-tier, industrial-grade stainless steel appliances, a generous eat-in island, and a separate breakfast nook, providing a functional space for daily life.
The bedroom count sits at six, with two guest suites conveniently located on the main level to ensure privacy for visitors. The primary suite, however, is the home’s crowning jewel. Located upstairs, it includes a fireside sitting area, a private balcony that overlooks the estate’s gardens, and dual dressing rooms paired with separate baths—an essential feature for luxury living.
Amenities and Grounds
The home does not stop at comfort; it is built for indulgence. Highlights include a dedicated game room for recreation, a tiered movie theater for cinematic experiences, and a professional-grade office for the modern executive.
Outdoors, the three-quarter-acre property is meticulously landscaped with manicured rose gardens and mature palm trees. The backyard features a sundeck-encased pool, a raised spa, and an alfresco entertaining pavilion. Furthermore, the property includes a detached one-bedroom, one-bath guesthouse, complete with its own living room, dining area, and kitchen—perfect for staff, long-term guests, or as a creative studio.
Official Perspectives and Market Context
In the world of high-end real estate, a listing like 1008 Lexington Drive acts as a barometer for the market. Benjamin Illulian’s handling of the listing underscores the meticulous curation required to move such a property. While public comments from the owners are scarce, the decision to lease rather than sell suggests a strategic move to retain a high-value asset in a neighborhood that has historically appreciated significantly over time.
Real estate analysts point out that Beverly Hills, particularly the area north of Sunset, remains "recession-proof" in terms of rental demand. Even when purchase markets experience volatility, the demand for short-to-medium-term luxury rentals among the global elite remains consistently high.
Implications for the Luxury Real Estate Sector
The listing of the McGraw villa highlights three significant trends currently influencing the Los Angeles property market:
- The Rise of "Super-Rentals": As housing prices reach historic highs, many high-net-worth individuals are opting to rent at the $50,000–$100,000 per month tier. This allows them to live in prestigious neighborhoods without the immediate tax and maintenance burdens of outright ownership.
- The "Texas Migration": The McGraws are part of a larger trend of high-profile Californians diversifying their portfolios by acquiring massive estates in states like Texas. This "bi-coastal" or "cross-country" lifestyle is increasingly common among TV personalities and business moguls who require a base in both Hollywood and more private, spacious markets.
- Enduring Mediterranean Appeal: Despite the rise of modern, glass-heavy "white box" architecture, the classic Mediterranean villa continues to hold its value. Properties like 1008 Lexington offer a sense of permanence and "old world" charm that remains highly desirable in an increasingly digital and minimalist world.
Conclusion
The return of Dr. Phil’s former Beverly Hills residence to the market is more than just a real estate transaction; it is a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of television’s most recognizable figures and a look at the enduring appeal of one of the most exclusive neighborhoods on the planet. Whether the property finds a high-profile tenant immediately or remains a trophy asset in the owners’ portfolio, its history, scale, and luxury amenities ensure it remains a landmark of the Beverly Hills landscape.
As the market continues to evolve, properties of this caliber remain the gold standard, proving that while the owners and the tenants may change, the allure of a well-appointed Mediterranean estate in the heart of Los Angeles is timeless. For those seeking the ultimate combination of privacy, history, and luxury, 1008 Lexington Drive stands ready for its next chapter.
Dwi Wanna
Lina Hope
Evan Lee Salim
