The intriguing saga of Rick Ross’ sprawling 300+ acre Georgia estate, once owned by Evander Holyfield before foreclosure took its toll.

Rick Ross has established himself as a prominent figure in the rap industry over the past two decades, amassing a net worth estimated at $150 million. His wealth stems from his successful music career and his role as the founder of Maybach Music Group, a major influence in hip-hop throughout the 2010s. Beyond music, Ross has diversified his investments into various businesses, including franchises and a private jet, all while residing in a spectacular estate once owned by former boxing champion Evander Holyfield.

A Boxer’s Dream Home

In the mid-1990s, heavyweight boxing legend Evander Holyfield embarked on a mission to create one of the most luxurious private residences in the United States. Following significant title fights and earnings—including an estimated $34 million from his famous bout against Mike Tyson—Holyfield built a grand estate near Atlanta, Georgia. Between 1994 and 1999, he constructed the palatial Villa Vittoriosa—Italian for “Victory”—on a sprawling 235 acres, even naming a road after himself: Evander Holyfield Highway. This architectural marvel was not merely a residence but a testament to his triumph as a four-time world champion.

The Expansive Villa Vittoriosa

The estate Holyfield built in Fayette County was impressive in both size and ambition, covering roughly 54,000 square feet and featuring 109 rooms, including 12 bedrooms and 21 bathrooms. This was the largest single-family home in Georgia, surpassing even the mansions of Atlanta’s wealthier citizens. The mansion, five times larger than the original house on the property—which he gifted to his mother—became a local landmark, reflecting the lavish lifestyle of 1990s celebrities. Its amenities included dual sweeping staircases, a formal dining room for up to 100 guests, a bowling alley, a private movie theater, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Maintaining the High Life

However, the costs of maintaining such an extravagant estate began to accumulate. Operating the mansion required an estimated $1 million annually, with the electric bill alone reaching $17,000 a month. As Holyfield’s boxing career slowed, these expenses became difficult to manage. Coupled with personal financial obligations—multiple divorces and child support payments estimated at $500,000 a year—the economic burden intensified. Eventually, Holyfield was forced to take out a $10 million mortgage, which ballooned over time, leading the mansion into foreclosure proceedings by 2008.

Rick Ross Takes Over

The property remained on the market for several years, attracting interest but few viable buyers until Rick Ross stepped in. In early 2014, Ross, who often dreamed of owning the mansion as he drove by, purchased it for $5.8 million, a fraction of its original cost. Shortly after, he acquired an additional 87 acres, renaming the estate The Promise Land.

This estate became central to his brand and was prominently featured in his music videos and social media. In 2021, it served as the royal palace in the sequel to Eddie Murphy’s iconic film “Coming 2 America,” which led to further renovations that Ross decided to keep. The mansion has since been a magnet for filming music videos, commercials, and even Ross’s annual Car and Bike Show, which has drawn attention for causing local traffic issues. Despite complaints from residents, Ross argues that these events support the local economy and highlight his land’s potential.

From its origins as a boxer’s trophy to its current status as a rap mogul’s sanctuary, this estate showcases the classic American narrative of ambition, success, and the challenges that often accompany great wealth.