In 2012, Lauren Conrad bought a Beverly Hills penthouse for $1.35 million and stripped it back to the studs; four years later, her rebuilt 3,200-square-foot home sold for $2.8 million, more than double the price

Reality TV star turned fashion designer Lauren Conrad has sold her fully renovated Beverly Hills penthouse for $2.8 million (£1.9 million). This is more than double the $1.35 million she paid for the home four years earlier, according to property records reported by the Los Angeles Times. Conrad, best known for appearing on the MTV reality series The Hills, first bought the duplex apartment in 2012 for $1.35 million. After buying it, she stripped the 3,200-square-foot property back to its basic structure and carried out a major redesign of both its layout and interiors. The work was documented at the time by Architectural Digest. The property went on the market in late 2015 for $3.2 million. It found a buyer in early 2016 for $2.8 million.Down to the studs rebuildWhen Conrad bought the penthouse, it had outdated fixtures and a floor plan divided into separate rooms. Rather than make only small cosmetic changes, she chose to carry out a complete renovation, stripping the home back to its basic framework. The renovation opened up the layout, creating a smooth flow between the living, dining and entertaining areas. High ceilings were exposed, and traditional architectural details were added to balance the modern, open-plan design. According to Architectural Digest, Conrad personally managed the interior design work. She chose custom finishes and reclaimed materials to give the home a look suited to her style. The project turned the two-storey space into a city home with several bedrooms, custom woodwork, hardwood floors and updated utility systems.Key features of the penthouseThe redesigned 3,200-square-foot home has a large, open-plan living area built around a vintage fireplace mantel. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors line the main living spaces. They open directly onto private outdoor terraces with views across the Los Angeles basin. The upper floor holds the main bedroom suite, designed as a private retreat within the home. It includes a separate sitting room, a larger walk-in dressing area with built-in storage, and a bathroom finished in marble. The bathroom has a freestanding soaking tub and two sinks set into a double vanity. The penthouse also includes two guest bedrooms, three bathrooms, a second living lounge and a modern kitchen. The kitchen has custom cabinets, marble worktops and commercial-grade appliances.Financial returns and real estate strategyThe $2.8 million sale price gave Conrad a gain of $1.45 million before renovation costs and closing fees. Real estate analysts note that major structural renovations require a large upfront investment. However, complete renovations in high-value areas such as Beverly Hills can bring higher returns when finished with premium materials and features. The sale also reflects Conrad's continued activity in Southern California's housing market. Over the past decade, she has bought, renovated and resold several expensive homes across Los Angeles and Orange County. These include detached single-family homes in Pacific Palisades and coastal properties in Laguna Beach. Property records cited by the Los Angeles Times confirm that Cary Glenn of Main Street Properties represented Conrad in the sale. The buyer was represented by the real estate agency The Agency.Ready to Make a Smarter Property Decision? Build Your Legacy with TOI Homes.