A Chicago-area estate once owned by R&B singer-songwriter R. Kelly is back on the market. Once known as the Chocolate Factory, the home is being sold for $3.5 million by its current owner, the widow of Rudolph Isely of The Isely Brothers.
Kelly built the mansion in 1997. Located in the Olympia Fields Country Club, the home and its studio were allegedly one of the sites the crooner used to sexually and emotionally abuse young women. Kelly lost the home in 2011 as a result of foreclosure. Kelly, who has a reported net worth that is estimated to be less than $2 million, is currently serving a 31-year sentence for racketeering, sexual exploitation of a child, bribery, sex trafficking, violation of the Mann Act, enticing a child, and producing child pornography.
In 2013, Isley and his wife, Elaine purchased the home for $587,000 — less than half of the listing price of $1.6 million in 2011. Before going into foreclosure, the home was once valued at $5.16 million, according to Patch.com.
Renovations Help Shift Home’s Storied Past
When the Isleys purchased the property, it reportedly needed upward of $500,000 in repairs. The couple renovated the property to meet their needs — infusing the colors red and white throughout the home’s decor.
The 14,500-square-foot mansion features six bedrooms, eight full bathrooms and six half baths. Several bedrooms in the home are accessible by elevator.
Throughout the home are wooden beams, giving the feel of a cabin.
The home features two kitchens. The first kitchen includes stainless steel appliances and all-white cabinetry throughout. An adjoining dining room includes a table that can seat up to 20 guests. The second kitchen has a retro diner motif.
Keeping up with the Isley’s love of red and white is an all-red theater room that fits 17 chairs and a library/office space. In addition, the entertainment room includes a large white sectional and album covers of the Isley Brothers.
There’s an at-home gym as well as an outdoor sports area complete with courts for basketball, tennis, and pickleball.
When Kelly owned the home, the garage could fit four cars. However, the garage was expanded to hold up to nine cars.
Finally, one of the key features of the home is a two-story jungle-themed space that includes a treehouse, hot tub, waterfall, and pool.
