The wrestling world got an intimate look inside Hulk Hogan‘s lavish lifestyle when “MTV Cribs” featured his sprawling Tampa estate in 2005. The episode showcased the family’s 17,000-square-foot mansion, complete with Brooke Hogan serving as co-host alongside her famous father.
The property was the result of years of planning and construction and was the main set piece of the family’s reality show, “Hogan Knows Best.” Brooke explained the home’s impressive origins during the tour, revealing the extensive effort her parents invested in the project.
“It’s an 18th century replica of a French farmhouse and my dad and mom actually went over to Paris and my mom studied all of the architecture in Paris for about five years and then she came over here and she started building this house and it took them five to eight years building this,” Brooke shared during the YouTube episode.
The mansion sat on 2.3 acres with sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. The property featured seven fireplaces, a guesthouse, a swimming pool with waterfalls, and a four-car garage, making it a true entertainment destination.
Inside the Family’s Daily Life
The “MTV Cribs” episode provided viewers with a glimpse into how the Hogan family actually lived in their massive home. The tour began in their formal living room, where Hogan demonstrated how rarely the family members used the space.
“What’s so cool about this room, there’s nobody’s ever in here, so if you come over here like this, you can actually lay here all day long. People will walk by all day long and they’ll never see you,” Hogan explained while lounging on one of the couches.
The kitchen segment revealed Hogan’s intensive dietary habits, particularly his consumption of eggs to maintain his physique. When the family opened their refrigerator, Hogan shared details about his bodybuilding nutrition regimen.
“I eat probably 24 eggs a day. Egg whites usually,” Hogan disclosed during the kitchen tour, showing the practical side of maintaining his wrestling persona.
Brooke’s bedroom showcased her personality and aspirations, designed as a princess-themed refuge where she could retreat after touring. “This room is like my sanctuary. I come in off the road from like a three or four week bender, and I just can totally relax in here,” she explained.
The tour included Hogan’s memorabilia room, filled with wrestling merchandise and personal items from his career. He highlighted particular pieces with special significance, including boots he wore during historic matches.
“These boots right here are the most famous boots of all time. I wrestled Andre the Giant with these boots on, and then a couple days later he passed on,” Hogan shared while showing his collection.
The estate’s outdoor features were equally impressive, including what Hogan called his “water world,” featuring jet skis, boats, and various water sports equipment. The property’s waterfront location provided direct access to boating and other recreational activities that complemented the family’s active lifestyle.
Property’s Financial Journey
The mansion’s financial history indicates the challenges many luxury properties faced during the housing market downturn. According to the Daily Mail, Hogan originally listed the waterfront estate for $25 million in 2007 but was forced to significantly reduce the price due to market conditions and personal circumstances.
The property eventually sold for $6.2 million in 2012, a substantial loss from the original asking price. The sale came after Hogan’s divorce from Linda and various legal challenges that affected the family’s finances.
As reported by Trulia, the home had been listed multiple times at different price points, including $10.9 million, before finally finding a buyer. The market conditions and the family’s changing circumstances contributed to the extended selling process.
Despite the eventual sale, the “MTV Cribs” episode remains a snapshot of the Hogan family at the height of their reality television fame, showcasing a lifestyle that captivated viewers and demonstrated the success Hogan achieved in professional wrestling.
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Tour Hulk Hogan’s 17,000 Sq. Ft. Home from His Reality Show [VIDEO]