In a move that signals a significant life change, Angelina Jolie is preparing to sell her historic Los Angeles mansion and relocate abroad with her family. The 50-year-old actress, director, and humanitarian has long expressed a desire to leave the hustle and bustle of Hollywood behind, and the time has come. As her youngest children, twins Knox and Vivienne, approach their 18th birthday in July 2026, Jolie is eyeing international destinations, potentially including Europe, to start a new chapter. This decision comes on the heels of her finalized divorce from Brad Pitt in December 2024, after an eight-year legal saga that has dominated headlines. But why is Jolie making this bold step now, and what does it mean for her and her six children? This article explores the details of her LA property sale, her relocation plans, and the multifaceted reasons driving her choice.
Angelina Jolie, born Angelina Jolie Voight on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, has had a complicated relationship with her hometown. The daughter of actors Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand, she grew up in the spotlight but has often sought solace far from the glare of Hollywood. Her career skyrocketed in the late 1990s with roles in films like Gia (1998) and Girl, Interrupted (1999), for which she won an Academy Award. Over the years, she transitioned into blockbuster action films such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), where she met Brad Pitt. Beyond acting, Jolie has established herself as a filmmaker with directorial efforts like In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011) and Unbroken (2014), and as a dedicated humanitarian, serving as a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) since 2012.
Jolie’s personal life has been equally eventful. She has been married three times: to Jonny Lee Miller (1996-1999), Billy Bob Thornton (2000-2003), and Brad Pitt (2014-2019, though they separated in 2016). Her union with Pitt, often dubbed “Brangelina,” produced a family of six children: Maddox (adopted from Cambodia in 2002), Pax (adopted from Vietnam in 2007), Zahara (adopted from Ethiopia in 2005), Shiloh (biological, born 2006), and twins Knox and Vivienne (biological, born 2008). The couple’s high-profile split in September 2016, initiated by Jolie citing irreconcilable differences and concerns for the children’s well-being, led to a protracted divorce battle involving custody, assets, and allegations of abuse. The divorce was settled in late 2024, marking the end of a contentious era.
Central to Jolie’s current plans is her Los Angeles residence, the iconic Cecil B. DeMille Estate in the upscale Los Feliz neighborhood. Purchased in 2017 for $24.5 million shortly after her separation from Pitt, the 2.1-acre property boasts six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a library, a gym, and a pool. Built in 1913 for legendary filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, the estate has hosted Hollywood royalty and provided a sanctuary for Jolie and her children during turbulent times. Now, Jolie is making minor improvements to the home in preparation for listing it on the market, likely next year. This sale symbolizes her intent to sever ties with LA, a city she has described as lacking the humanity she has encountered elsewhere in the world.
The timeline for the move is tied directly to her twins’ age. Knox and Vivienne, currently 17, will turn 18 in 2026, at which point custody restrictions from her divorce agreement with Pitt will lift. Until then, Jolie has been bound to reside primarily in Los Angeles to facilitate shared custody arrangements. She has expressed frustration with the city’s environment and a longing for global adventures, stating she’ll be happy when she’s able to leave.
As for destinations, Jolie is eyeing several locations abroad, with a particular emphasis on Cambodia, where she adopted Maddox and considers it her home in her heart. She owns property there and has spoken fondly of spending extended periods in the country, immersing herself in its culture and supporting local causes through her Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation, established in 2003 to aid conservation and community development. However, she may also consider Europe, given her past connections to the continent. Jolie and Pitt once co-owned Chateau Miraval in France, a sprawling vineyard estate where they married in 2014. Although she sold her stake in 2022 amid legal disputes, Europe remains appealing for its proximity to international humanitarian work and potential for privacy. She plans to travel extensively, visiting family members scattered across the globe and basing herself in places that offer safety and seclusion.
The reasons behind this relocation are multilayered, rooted in personal, familial, and professional considerations. Foremost is the desire for privacy and peace following years of intense media scrutiny and legal battles with Pitt. The divorce involved allegations of physical abuse on a 2016 private flight, which Jolie detailed in court filings, though Pitt has denied them. The custody fight was particularly acrimonious, with Jolie seeking primary custody while Pitt pushed for joint arrangements. Now that the divorce is settled and the children are nearing adulthood, Jolie feels liberated to prioritize her well-being and that of her family. She has said, “When you have a big family, you want them to have privacy, peace, safety.”
Another key factor is her disillusionment with Hollywood. Jolie has been vocal about the industry’s superficiality and her preference for a life focused on humanitarian efforts over stardom. She has revealed plans to spend a lot of time in Cambodia once able to leave LA, highlighting her commitment to global issues like refugee rights and environmental conservation. Her recent role as Maria Callas in the biopic Maria (2024) marked a return to acting, but she has indicated a shift toward behind-the-camera work and advocacy. Moving abroad aligns with this, allowing her to engage more deeply with UNHCR missions in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Family dynamics play a crucial role as well. Jolie’s children are at various stages of independence: Maddox is studying biochemistry in South Korea, Pax works in film production, Zahara attends Spelman College, Shiloh has pursued dance, and the twins are finishing high school. Some resistance from the kids to leaving LA has been noted, as they have grown attached to their lives there. However, Jolie envisions a nomadic lifestyle where she can support their individual paths while fostering family bonds. She views the move as beneficial for their global perspective, even if it means overcoming initial reluctance.
The ongoing tensions with Pitt also factor in. Despite the divorce settlement, disputes over assets like Miraval continue, with Pitt suing Jolie over the sale of her share. Relocating abroad could provide distance from these conflicts and the American legal system, offering a fresh start. The past years have been described as exhausting, and this move represents a new beginning for Jolie and her children.
Philanthropy and personal growth are additional motivators. Jolie’s work with refugees has taken her to war-torn regions, shaping her worldview. Europe, with its UNHCR headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, could serve as a hub for her advocacy, allowing easier access to initiatives in the Middle East and Africa. Her foundation’s projects in Cambodia further underscore her commitment to Asia, but a European base might facilitate family visits and professional collaborations.
As Jolie prepares for this transition, the world watches with interest. Her LA home sale is expected to fetch a premium, given its historical significance and prime location. For Jolie, though, the value lies in the freedom it represents. After decades in the public eye, she is poised to redefine her life on her terms—abroad, surrounded by the humanity she cherishes.
This relocation is more than a geographical shift; it’s a statement of resilience and reinvention. Whether settling in the serene landscapes of Cambodia or the cultural richness of Europe, Angelina Jolie is charting a course toward peace, purpose, and family unity. As she once reflected, she has found a humanity across the world that she didn’t grow up with in LA. With the chains of custody lifted, the next chapter promises to be one of exploration and empowerment.
