The homes of the rich and famous often take high-end real estate to a whole new level. From petting zoos to private basketball courts, celebrities often have both the resources and the imagination to live a lifestyle that for many of us are the stuff of dreams.

Such high-end homes tend to be managed by realtors and letting agencies who have plenty of experience dealing with the unique demands of these extravagant homes, such as HE Lettings Agency.

Whether for those who would like to dream or those who are planning on stepping up in the real estate market, the following celebrity homes are bound to impress and inspire.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s legendary “Neverland Ranch,” now renamed the “Sycamore Valley Ranch,” recently went on the market. While the late pop star’s personal zoo and amusement park attractions have long been disassembled, some remnants of Jackson’s whimsical tastes still remain, such as a private railroad. Located near Santa Barbara, California, the 2,700-acre estate’s asking price is a modest $100 million.

Tom Cruise

Actor Tom Cruise has been busy on the real estate market in recent years. According to Realty Today, he recently sold his Hollywood Hills home to reality television star Eva Longoria for $11.4 million. His 300-acre ranch near the ski resort of Telluride, Colorado, however, remains on the market. With 7 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, the rustic ranch is listed for $59 million.

Michael Jordan

Legendary basketball star Michael Jordan’s palatial home near Chicago has been on the market since 2012. Its most recent asking price of just under $15 million is practically a steal compared to its $29 million price tag in 2012. With a 500-bottle wine cellar, fitness centre, tennis court, movie theatre, beauty salon, and, of course, basketball court, it’s a mystery how this jaw-dropping estate hasn’t already found a new owner.

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker

As CNBC recently reported, real estate prices in Manhattan are some of the highest in the world, so it should come as no surprise that a 5-bedroom townhouse owned by celebrity couple Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, who apparently never lived in the property, is on the market for $22 million. The 19th-century home includes many period features, including a working fireplace with original marble mantle.

Tobey Maguire

Tobey Maguire, of “Spiderman” fame, has his beautiful Sunset Boulevard home up for sale in Los Angeles. A mid-century home, the estate is a jewel with swimming pool, perfectly manicured lawns, enticing architecture, and open interiors that are perfect for entertaining friends and guests. The property, which has 6 bedrooms, is on the market for $10.25 million.

Jeremy Renner

The Hollywood Hills home of Jeremy Renner, the Oscar-nominated actor, is also on the market. A stately and refined home, this 1920s mansion is as appealing for its history as it is for its amenities. Once owned by director Preston Sturges, this retreat includes a 1,200-square-foot guesthouse that is perfect for making guests feel at home.

Marc Anthony

Singer and Grammy winner Marc Anthony has his sprawling Long Island home up for sale. With 10 bedrooms, 8 baths, 5 half-baths, and 10,085 square feet of space, running out of room is not likely to be a problem for whoever picks up this estate. Built in a refined Georgian style, the mansion, located in one of the most upscale neighborhoods on Long Island, has a tennis court, swimming pool, and guesthouse.

Ted Turner

For those who want privacy, media mogul Ted Turner’s $23.777 million private island near historic Beaufort, South Carolina is about as private as one can get. The island is accessible only by boat and is a Registered Natural Landmark. It includes 70 acres of sandy beaches and is ideal for sailing and fishing. Currently the island has two residences, but whoever buys it will be able to add up to 10 more.

Joan Rivers

The late comedian and television star Joan Rivers’ lavish Upper East Side penthouse is now on the market for $28 million. An early-20th-century triplex that is just a short stroll from Central Park, the residence features a ballroom, 23-foot ceilings, guest apartment, and terrace with views over Manhattan. The main selling point, however, is the penthouse’s extravagant and luxurious architecture, which has been lovingly restored.

From stately historic Manhattan townhouses to sprawling multi-building complexes in the Hollywood Hills, the above celebrity homes are a reminder of the diversity of properties on offer to high-wealth clients. For those in the market for a high-end home, celebrity houses can prove a source of inspiration for what to look for or to simply dream about in a new property.

David Peters has seen a number of celebrity homes and high-end residences during his time in property. He likes to share his insights online and is a regular writer for a number of property and lifestyle websites.