Imagine waking up every morning in a sprawling 10,000 square foot mansion, complete with all the luxuries money can buy. For famous televangelist Joel Osteen, this is reality, as he calls a lavish $10.5 million estate in Houston’s prestigious River Oaks neighborhood his home.
Joel Osteen House has become a subject of intrigue and controversy, with some questioning the opulence of his lifestyle while others defend his right to enjoy the fruits of his success.
Joel Osteen House
Joel Osteen is a prominent televangelist and senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. His inspiring messages and best-selling books have made him a household name, earning him a devoted following worldwide. However, what often piques people’s curiosity is the extravagant lifestyle he leads, exemplified by the Joel Osteen house he calls home.
Located in the affluent River Oaks neighborhood of Houston, Osteen’s residence is a stunning 10,000 square foot, $10.5 million mansion that exudes luxury and grandeur. But how did this impressive estate come to be, and what does it entail? Let’s delve into the fascinating history and details surrounding the Joel Osteen house.
History of Joel Osteen House
The story of Joel Osteen house begins in 1937 when it was built by W.T. Carter, a prominent Houston businessman. Carter lived in the house until his death in the early 1960s, at which point his widow sold the property to none other than Joel Osteen’s father, John Osteen.
A Family Legacy
Joel Osteen grew up in this very house, which would later become the cornerstone of his own success. After taking over his father’s ministry at Lakewood Church, Joel and his wife, Victoria, decided to make the family home their own. They embarked on a journey to transform the house into their dream abode, a sanctuary that would not only provide comfort but also reflect their accomplishments.
Over the years, the Joel Osteen house has gained significant attention, being featured on various TV shows and in magazines. It even had a moment of fame when it was used as a filming location for the 1995 comedy hit, “The Brady Bunch Movie!”
Description of Joel Osteen House
So, what makes Joel Osteen house so special? Let’s take a closer look at the details that make this mansion truly one-of-a-kind.
A Lavish Oasis
Spanning an impressive 10,000 square feet, the Joel Osteen house is a true oasis of luxury and comfort. Joel and Victoria have meticulously designed every inch of the property to be their dream home, incorporating their personal touches and preferences.
In recent years, the mansion has undergone some significant changes, including the addition of a new gatehouse, an expansive garage, and an increase in overall square footage. While some speculate that these changes are fueled by Osteen’s ego, others believe he is simply trying to keep up with the ever-evolving standards of luxury living.
Exquisite Details
Although the exact details of the interior are closely guarded, it’s safe to assume that the Joel Osteen house is a true masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. From the finest materials to the most intricate details, no expense has been spared in creating an environment that exudes elegance and sophistication.
Value of Joel Osteen House
When Joel Osteen first purchased the house in 1987, he paid a modest $440,000 for the property. However, thanks to the booming real estate market in Houston and the extensive renovations and additions made over the years, the Joel Osteen house is now estimated to be worth a staggering $10.5 million.
While this figure may seem astronomical, it’s important to note that the Joel Osteen house is not the most expensive celebrity home out there. Beyonce and Jay Z’s Bel Air estate, for instance, is valued at an eye-watering $88 million, while Oprah Winfrey’s Montecito mansion is worth an estimated $90 million.
Controversy Surrounding Joel Osteen’s Wealth
Despite his immense success and wealth, Joel Osteen has not been immune to criticism and controversy. In recent years, he has come under fire for his lavish lifestyle and ownership of the $10.5 million Joel Osteen house.
Accusations of Prosperity Preaching
One of the primary criticisms leveled against Osteen is the accusation of being a “prosperity preacher.” Critics argue that he uses his platform to amass wealth and promote a materialistic lifestyle, rather than focusing on helping those in need.
However, Osteen has consistently disputed these claims, stating that his focus is on helping people have good relationships, fulfill their purpose, and achieve emotional and spiritual fulfillment – not just accumulate wealth.
Living off Book Royalties
To further address the criticism, Osteen and his wife, Victoria, have not taken a salary from Lakewood Church since 2005. Instead, they have chosen to live off the royalties from Osteen’s best-selling books, which have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Joel Osteen’s Response to Criticism
While Osteen acknowledges that his wealth will always be a subject of criticism, he maintains that he can’t handle being thought of as heartless or uncaring. In an interview, he once stated:
“I don’t mind being criticized for being wealthy, but I can’t handle being thought of as heartless or selfish. That’s not who I am.”
One particular incident that drew significant criticism was Osteen’s initial decision not to open Lakewood Church as a shelter during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. However, the church later opened its doors and provided aid to those in need, demonstrating its commitment to the community.
Giving Back to the Community
Despite the controversy surrounding his wealth, Lakewood Church and the Osteens have a long history of community involvement and outreach. The church regularly works with foster care agencies, women’s shelters, refugees, single parents, and other organizations to provide support and assistance.
In addition, the Osteens have participated in various charitable initiatives, such as donating a portion of their book sales to charitable causes and supporting organizations that aim to uplift and empower individuals and families.
Conclusion
The Joel Osteen house may be a symbol of opulence and success, but it also represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to helping others. While the lavish lifestyle may be a source of controversy, Joel Osteen and his wife, Victoria, continue to use their platform to inspire and uplift people, while also giving back to the community.
Whether you agree or disagree with Osteen’s teachings or lifestyle, one thing is certain: the Joel Osteen house will continue to capture the attention and imagination of people around the world, serving as a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
