The Hidden Side of Stardom: Weekend Homes Celebs Can’t Live Without

  • 1 week ago

Introduction

For many celebrities, life is lived in frames: flashing cameras, scheduled interviews, public appearances, endorsements, and travel. The public sees the polished image; few see the toll this takes. Week by week, they navigate deadlines, criticism, and relentless scrutiny. In such a high-visibility life, stress becomes a built-in companion. This is where weekend homes (or second / holiday/retreat properties) become not merely luxuries but essential sanctuaries.

A celebrity’s weekend home is more than real estate—it’s an escape valve, a place to decompress, recalibrate, and reconnect. Privacy is paramount: away from the paparazzi, away from restless tabloids, away from the constant glare, they can simply be. Stress relief becomes tangible—fresh air, quiet mornings, unhurried dinners, nature’s soundtrack instead of honking cars or shutter clicks.

Furthermore, family time becomes possible in a way that the whirlwind of filming, travelling, and promotions often doesn’t allow. Whether that means weekends with children, extended stays with parents, or hosting friends in a relaxed atmosphere, these homes are where memories are made that aren’t filtered or scheduled.

Lifestyle benefits, too, are rich: the architectural designs are often bespoke, tuned to the tastes of the owner; scenic beauty is leveraged: hill-station vistas, sea views, gardens, private pools. These retreats blend comfort, luxury, and nature. For celebrities whose work demands presence, performance, and persona, these homes provide balance—something anchoring and grounding.

With that backdrop, here are 10 celebrity weekend/holiday/retreat / second homes in India, and what they reveal about why such properties are so coveted among high-profile personalities.

 

• Shah Rukh Khan — Alibaug farmhouse (“Deja Vu Farms”)

Shah Rukh Khan’s Alibaug farmhouse, often called Deja Vu Farms, is a sprawling coastal retreat (20,000 square metres) that exemplifies many reasons why celebrities invest in weekend homes. It is located in Alibaug, reachable from Mumbai, allowing ease of access while still feeling remote. (The Times of India)

Privacy and Escape from Paparazzi Because Alibaug is outside the dense city hotspots, this farmhouse gives SRK and his family an escape from both the literal noise of Mumbai and the attention. With lush palms and large grounds, the farmhouse features a private helipad, secluded patios, and places where one can be out in nature yet secure. (The Times of India)

Family & Friends Gatherings The large lawns, swimming pool area, and patio spaces at Deja Vu Farms make it ideal for hosting close friends and family. Whether birthday celebrations, casual barbecues, or evening get-togethers under the stars, the layout supports communal living. Children (Aryan, Suhana) have friends over; the family gathers. (The Times of India)

Vacation & Relaxation Opportunities The farmhouse has been designed with comfort in mind: poolside lounging, scenic view corridors, and patios opening to greenery. The interiors combine relaxed luxury with aesthetics—floor-to-ceiling windows, beach-inspired décor, a mosaic floor, etc. It becomes a place to unwind physically and mentally. (The Times of India)

Architectural / Scenic Highlights Spanning a large area, the property leverages open vistas. The juxtaposition of indoor-outdoor living—large glass doors/windows, lush surrounding greenery, a pool that reflects sky and trees—is designed to bring nature in. Also high-end amenities like a helipad, poolside spaces with tasteful furniture, mosaic, and crafted flooring add to the statement of luxury that is also comfortable. (The Times of India)

Lifestyle Complement For someone whose work life is constant travel, shooting, public appearances, this farmhouse offers contrast: where time slows, meals are casual, evenings are about family, not press. It integrates with his lifestyle by acting as both a sanctuary and a social stage (for very private or semi-private events). It’s also close enough to travel in and out, so it doesn’t become a burden. (The Times of India)

 

• Salman Khan — Panvel Farmhouse “Arpita Farms”

Salman Khan’s weekend retreat is the Panvel farmhouse called Arpita Farms (named after his sister Arpita Khan Sharma). It sits in Panvel, Raigad district, Maharashtra. The Times of India+1

Privacy & Escape from Paparazzi

Arpita Farms spans a large land area (~150 acres) away from densely populated Mumbai areas, giving Salman space and a buffer. The greenery, the layout, and separation from the urban fray make it a place where he can retreat quietly. During times like lockdowns, it served as a refuge. The Times of India+1

Family & Friends Gatherings

With 150 acres, the property has the scale to host large gatherings: family, friends, staff, and extended acquaintances. Outdoor lawns, pools, and guest-friendly zones make it suitable for celebrations, get-togethers, and festivals. ET Now+1

Vacation & Relaxation Opportunities

Arpita Farms includes modern amenities like a swimming pool, gym, open green spaces, and mountain or hill-adjacent natural scenery. There are stables and horse-riding facilities. For someone used to action and public appearance, these features provide physical relaxation (swimming, riding) and mental relaxation (nature walks, quiet time). ET Now+1

Unique Architectural or Scenic Highlights

  • Rustic charm combined with modern amenities: large windows, wooden floors, load-bearing pastoral/rural design touches, open or semi-open verandas, and landscaping. The Times of India+1

  • Horse stables, water bodies, or lush greens make the setting scenic. The pool area is landscaped and lounge-friendly. ET Now+1

  • The property value is high (reported ~₹80 crore) in part because of the land area, amenities, and serene environment. The Times of India+1

How It Complements His Lifestyle

  • Salman’s life is high-intensity: filming, promotions, appearances. Arpita Farms gives him a place to unwind, to be away from the limelight, to engage in simpler or more personal pursuits (horse-riding, nature, fitness).

  • It also allows him to host when he wants: friends, festivals, family events, yet on his own schedule and terms—not a public event, but private.

  • Being accessible (close enough to Mumbai but far enough for a sense of retreat) is key: not so remote that travel becomes a burden, but remote enough for separation.

  • The combination of luxury and natural setting offers both the comfort he’s used to and the healing or restorative power of nature.

• Aamir Khan — Panchgani Farmhouse

Aamir Khan owns a farmhouse in Panchgani, a hill station in Maharashtra. This property is a retreat from the more usual filming settings, offering green hills, a cooler climate, and calm. The farmhouse spans acres, has been refurbished over time, and serves as a place for quiet rest. (Elle India)

Privacy & Escape Hill stations like Panchgani are naturally secluded: fewer people, less traffic, and more soothing surroundings. For Aamir, when he needs to step out of the limelight, this farmhouse provides that escape. (Elle India)

Family & Friends Such properties are used for family holidays. Parents, kids, and friends can stay; multiple buildings or cottages often allow privacy even within the property. Spaces to walk, sit outdoors, and have meals under the stars are common. (Elle India)

Vacation & Relaxation Cooler weather, vistas of hills, greenery, fresh air, and star-filled nights—all contribute. For someone who works under high stress, this hill retreat is ideal for recharging. (Elle India)

Scenic / Architectural Highlights Often, style blends rustic and luxury: stone walls, verandas, wood, gardens, open terraces, and sometimes views over valleys or clouds. Probably less about ultra-modern, more about blending with nature. (Elle India)

Lifestyle Complement For Aamir, who is known to value depth, reflection, and search, the farmhouse is not just a weekend escape but a space to think, to detach, to be away from scripts and roles for a while. It supports mental and emotional balance, which in turn supports creative work. (Elle India)

 

• Suniel Shetty — The Khandala Farmhouse “Jahaan”

Suniel Shetty owns a farmhouse in Khandala called Jahaan, which serves as a tranquil retreat away from the bustle of Mumbai. Hindustan Times+3The Times of India+3The Indian Express+3

Privacy & Escape from Paparazzi

“Jahaan” is located on a hilltop in Khandala, about two hours from Mumbai. The elevation, greenery, and natural terrain offer natural barriers against noise, prying eyes, or constant intrusion. Because it is designed more like a retreat/refuge than a show-home, it allows Shetty and his family to withdraw from the public glare. The Indian Express+2The Times of India+2

Family & Friends Gatherings

This farmhouse is very much a family property. It has hosted major family events—most notably the wedding of Shetty’s daughter Athiya Shetty with KL Rahul, where the lawns and gardens were used for the ceremony. Housing+1 The spaces are deliberately generous: expansive gardens, outdoor seating and patios, separate wings or zones to allow guests or family members to stay, eat, relax without feeling crowded. Hindustan Times+1

Vacation & Relaxation Opportunities

Jahaan offers many features aimed at relaxation. There is a swimming pool embracing forest/hill views. There is a convertible roof seating area that lets you see the sky at night or open up during the day. There is also a private theatre for movie evenings. The architecture and layout are such that every room opens out to nature, or at least offers a view, and much of the property feels immersive in greenery. The Indian Express+2The Times of India+2

Unique Architectural or Scenic Highlights

  • The land originally was more barren, rocky, and with few trees. Over time, Shetty planted over 400 trees along with his children, turning it into a lush green estate. The Indian Express+1

  • Natural stream/water body runs through part of the property; there’s a bridge connecting parts of the farm across that water. The Indian Express+1

  • Interiors mix rustic elements (wood, stone) with modern amenities: large windows / doors, high ceilings, earthy furniture, plenty of plants. Some of the original rock formations are preserved as embellishments. The Indian Express+2Housing+2

  • Scenic views: forested hills, hilltop vistas, gardens, water features. Outdoor patios, lawns, stone sculptures, and zen or Buddha statues in the garden for ambience. Hindustan Times+1

How It Complements His Lifestyle

  • As someone who values nature, architecture, and family, Shetty uses Jahaan not just as a holiday home but as a living space where he grows with his children, where they plant trees together, and spend time outdoors. The Indian Express+1

  • It becomes an anchor for mental rest: the contrast between the busy film world or public life and this calm, green, private space supports well-being.

  • The property’s design supports varied moods: relaxation, entertaining, and reflection. There are indoor/outdoor transitions, communal spaces for gatherings, and private spots for retreat.

  • Also, because he is into real estate (his firm S2 Reality), this home aligns with his broader interests: good design, sustainable features, and mindful use of landscape.

• Rakesh & Hrithik Roshan — Khandala / Rajmachi Hills Estate

The Roshan family owns a grand vacation home in Khandala, perched to embrace views of the Rajmachi Hills. Spread over ~5 acres with 22,400 sq ft built-up space, this mansion blends form and function in ways that serve both escape and family togetherness. (Elle Decor)

Privacy & Escape Hill-station retreats like Khandala offer seclusion. The elevation, the natural barriers, less density of neighbours, fewer intrusive lights or noise—everything contributes to being “off the grid” while still connected. This is appealing when one wants to rest, read, reflect, or just disconnect. (Hindustan Times)

Family & Friends Gatherings This property was designed with the Roshan family in mind. Multiple living rooms, lounges, guest suites, spacious gardens and lawns, indoor-outdoor transitions—these features make it a place where the entire extended family can congregate without feeling cramped. Entertaining is possible but not forced. (Elle Decor)

Vacation & Relaxation With amenities like a large swimming pool, spa/gym, landscaped gardens, balconies overlooking hill valleys, spaces to meditate or practise yoga, or merely to sit and watch mist roll over hills—this mansion is built to calm. High ceilings, views, natural light, and grounding materials (wood, stone) assist in turning off the fast pace. (Elle Decor)

Architectural / Scenic Highlights Designed by architect Grigoria Oikonomou, the home uses large glass windows/and walls, courtyards to bring light, textured natural stone, multiple seating outdoors, hanging light fixtures in dramatic staircases, etc. The view of the Rajmachi hills—lush green, ever-changing with the weather—is a constant visual treat. (Elle Decor)

Lifestyle Complement For the Roshans, whose life in filmmaking demands both focus and creativity, having a home that supports retreat is key. It’s not only a vacation home but also a place to relax between projects, to entertain in peace, to host family without media attention. The balance between opulence and comfort in their Khandala estate meshes with their need for grounding while being successful in a demanding industry. (Hindustan Times)

• Deepika Padukone & Ranveer Singh — Alibaug Seaside Bungalow

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh purchased a large bungalow in Alibaug (Maapgaon/Satirje area), about 10 minutes from Kihim Beach. The property is spread over ~2.25 acres with about 18,000 sq ft built-up area. It’s a 5BHK, ground-plus-first-floor bungalow. The reported price was around Rs 22 crore. (The Times of India)

Privacy & Escape from Paparazzi Alibaug properties are a favourite because they give a subtle separation from Mumbai, but are not so far that travel becomes tiring. For Deepika & Ranveer, this means a retreat right by the sea that is quiet enough to afford privacy, yet accessible. Being near Kihim Beach gives the sound of waves, breeze, rather than car horns and city lights. (The Indian Express)

Family & Friends Gatherings With a large built-up area and plot size, this bungalow is ideal for gatherings—holidays, quiet weekends with immediate family, plus hosting close friends. The 5BHK layout allows guest accommodations; outdoor spaces support socialising. Since the house is substantial, different zones can be used for different moods: relaxation, play, and work. (GQ India)

Vacation & Relaxation Opportunities: Sea-air, beach walks, swimming, time in green patches, weather that is more forgiving than the city; early mornings with calm water, peaceful sunsets. Such a seaside property provides regular micro-escapes without needing overseas travel. For new parents, especially, this kind of place can be a refuge. (The Times of India)

Architectural / Scenic Highlights The property is large, sea-facing (or close), plot has acreage, built-up area is generous; the internal layout likely leverages views, large windows, verandas, and terraces. Proximity to the beach adds natural beauty; likely high ceilings, open plans to allow natural light and airflow. (GQ India)

Lifestyle Complement For Deepika & Ranveer, balancing intense shoots, public life, and parenthood, such a home gives them control over their surroundings. Retreat = reset. Plus, it helps them stay connected to nature, reflect, and spend time in a personal and private way that their public homes seldom allow. Their property also becomes part of their lifestyle narrative—places they share glimpses of, where brand shoots happen, friends visit, and creativity is recharged. (The Indian Express)

• Priyanka Chopra Jonas — Goa Villa near Baga Beach

Priyanka Chopra Jonas owns a holiday villa in Goa, near Baga Beach in North Goa. The villa is known to have charming Goan-Portuguese style touches, open verandas, and natural light, and it serves as a space where she spends time with family and friends whenever she returns to India. (The Financial Express)

Privacy & Escape Goa is far enough from the high-intensity zones (Mumbai, film sets, paparazzi hotspots) that when Priyanka retreats here, she can enjoy genuine anonymity—quiet mornings, walking to the beach, time with close ones, not press or fans. Also, the Goa-Portuguese style architecture and gardens give more buffer between the inside and the outside world. (Architectural Digest)

Family & Friends Gatherings. These villas are ideal for small retreats: Priyanka often spends time with her mother, siblings, and close friends. This sort of home is about comfort, familiar company, not spectacle. The verandas, gardens, and outdoor spaces are perfect for casual meals, shared conversations, and leisure time. (The Economic Times)

Vacation & Relaxation Opportunities Here she can slow down: wake up to the sounds of the sea and breeze, perhaps swim, read, cook, walk, and enjoy the sunset. Compared to packed schedules, this sort of space allows unstructured time. Also, aesthetic touches and greenery help reduce stress. (Architectural Digest)

Architectural / Scenic Highlights The villa incorporates Goan-Portuguese architectural influences (sloping roofs, tiled roofs, verandas, lots of natural light and air, and gardens). Proximity to Baga Beach provides sea vistas and a beach ambience. The style tends toward relaxed coastal luxury rather than hyper-modern or ultra-glam, which suits retreat. (Architectural Digest)

Lifestyle Complement As a global star who splits time internationally, having this villa gives Priyanka Chopra Jonas a familiar grounding point when she returns to India. It keeps her connected to her homeland, sea, and respite. It complements her lifestyle of always being on the move by offering a place where time slows, where she can reflect, nurture relationships, and recharge. (The Economic Times)

• Akshay Kumar — Goa Portuguese-style Villa by the Beach

Akshay Kumar is among the Bollywood stars who own a villa in Goa, styled in the traditional Portuguese flavour, overlooking or close to the beach. These properties typically feature light architecture, open outlooks, greenery, and serene surroundings. (The Financial Express)

Privacy & Escape A beach house in Goa gives him distance: surrounded by nature, away from the city’s heat, delayed transport, and noise. The beachside setting offers natural barriers. Even when visited by the press, such high vantage points, walls, and gardens reduce intrusive access. (The Financial Express)

Family & Friends. These villas are well-suited for family weekends: children, parents, and extended family can stay; meals outdoors; bonfires; casual time. When work doesn’t permit long vacations, short stays here still give meaningful time. (The Economic Times)

Relaxation: Sea breeze, swimming, simple local life, disconnecting from sets, etc. Goa has a more relaxed tempo: a slower pace, nature, sea, and green trees. All that helps recovery from fatigue, stress, both physical and emotional. (The Financial Express)

Scenic / Architectural Highlights: Portuguese-style architecture (sloping roofs, verandas, arches), gardens, patios, terraces, large windows, etc. Views of sea & sand. Interiors that breathe. Simple but elegant cushions, colours, roofing, and design that folds into the surroundings rather than fighting it. (The Financial Express)

Lifestyle Complement For someone with a public image, travel, acting, etc., owning a property in a peaceful but scenic locale like Goa offers respite without losing connectivity. It makes occasional travel shorter; gives a home base for Indian vacations; and keeps roots. For Akshay (or any star), it balances public visibility with private calmness. (The Financial Express)

Conclusion

For celebrities, weekend homes are much more than just status symbols or investment properties—they are essential anchors in a life characterized by flux. These homes offer privacy, shielding from the limelight; stress relief, whether through nature, sea, hill-air, or just the absence of cameras; family bonding, spaces where time is unhurried, breakfasts are late, conversations are meaningful; and lifestyle luxury, where architecture, view, and amenities aren’t for show, but for well-being.

Crucially, these homes allow celebrities to balance: they maintain public lives full of demands, but also need private lives full of renewal. A secluded farmhouse, a sea-facing villa, a hill station retreat—all provide different moods of escape, yet each supports the same need to breathe.

In a broader sense, the idea holds for many people: having a place beyond work and routine where one can rest, reconnect, recharge—this is not just desirable, it’s healthy. For high-profile personalities, these retreat homes are thus integral to work-life balance, protecting mental health, preserving relationships, and allowing the creative spark to return.

So when you see a celebrity’s holiday home being featured, don’t just see luxury—but see a necessity: a space to be human beyond the glare, a place to consider life beyond performance. That’s why weekend homes are a must for celebrities.

Acreages with their expertise in crafting luxurious farmhouses and weekend retreats, are redefining how high-profile individuals experience privacy, comfort, and lifestyle — offering celebrity-style sanctuaries that blend natural beauty with modern indulgence.”

For weekend homes and farmhouses near Mumbai and Pune, please visit www.acreages.co.in

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