By E.B. Solomont

The comedians Bob Newhart and Don Rickles -- along with their wives, Ginnie Newhart and Barbara Rickles -- were close friends for decades. So when the Newharts wanted to downsize from their longtime home in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, they followed the Rickleses to Century City.

"They decided they were going to move down the street from their best friends," said the Newharts' daughter Courtney Newhart Albertini.

In 2016, the Newharts paid $6.675 million for a newly built townhouse at the Enclave in Century Woods, the star-studded gated community where the Rickleses owned a home, property records show. There, the two families spent holidays together and took their dogs for walks.

But after Ginnie's death in 2023 and Bob's in 2024, the Newharts' children are listing the home for $10.5 million.

The townhouse has four bedrooms and an office. On the top floor, Bob's office has expansive views of the Westside of L.A. The primary suite has his-and-hers bathrooms and closets; Ginnie always said the key to the Newharts' 60-year marriage was "having two separate bathrooms," Courtney recalled.

The open floor plan with a large kitchen was conducive to family gatherings, particularly at Christmas. "Mom always got a piano player and we sang Christmas carols -- and Hanukkah carols for the Rickleses," said the Newharts' daughter Jennifer Newhart. "Dad would read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.' He'd make everyone crack up because he'd do some crazy voice."

Previously, Ginnie and Bob had lived in homes designed by noted architects Gerard Colcord and Wallace Neff in other parts of Los Angeles, said Tim Newhart, a son. This was their first brand-new and modern home. Century Woods, which is home to celebrities including Jane Fonda, provided a close-knit community.

During Covid, the Newharts and their neighbors would gather at the fountain on their cul-de-sac with lawn chairs and cocktails. "They called themselves the Ponders," Courtney said.

Meanwhile, the Newharts' dog, Goldie, and the Rickleses' dog, Chauncey, were "best buddies," said Jennifer. Unfortunately, Don died in 2017, shortly after the Newharts moved in, and Barbara in 2021.

Bob was best known for his role as Dr. Robert Hartley in the popular 1970s show "The Bob Newhart Show." He also appeared in the 1980 movie "First Family" and 2003 movie "Elf."

The number of condo sales in Century City and Westwood rose 51.2% in the first quarter from the prior year period, while the median sale price rose 9.3%, according to real-estate appraisal firm Miller Samuel.

Drew Fenton and Max Lavine of Carolwood Estates have the listing for the Newhart property.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 09, 2025 12:30 ET (16:30 GMT)

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