Angelina Jolie, the enigmatic Hollywood icon whose life has been a whirlwind of fame, family, and fierce independence, is ready to turn the page on Tinseltown. At 50, the Oscar-winning actress and humanitarian is making headlines with her bold decision to sell her sprawling $24 million Los Angeles estate, a historic gem nestled in the heart of Los Feliz. As her twins, Vivienne and Knox, approach their 18th birthday in July 2026, Jolie is plotting a dramatic exit from the city that made her a star, with her sights set on far-flung destinations like Cambodia and beyond. But what’s driving this A-lister to abandon the Hollywood hills for a fresh start? The answer is as captivating as the woman herself.

The Cecil B. DeMille estate, purchased by Jolie in 2017 for $24.5 million, is more than a home—it’s a piece of Hollywood history. With its 11,000-square-foot Mediterranean Revival mansion, sprawling gardens, and an Olympic-sized pool, the property has been a sanctuary for Jolie and her six children amid the chaos of her high-profile divorce from Brad Pitt. But now, sources close to the star reveal she’s ready to let go. “This house holds memories, good and bad,” a confidante shared. “Angelina’s done with L.A.’s glare. She wants freedom, peace, and a new chapter.”

The decision comes at a pivotal moment. Jolie’s twins, her youngest with Pitt, are on the cusp of adulthood, freeing her from the legal and emotional ties that have kept her tethered to California. The bitter custody battles and tabloid frenzy that defined her split from Pitt have left scars, and insiders say she’s craving a life far from the paparazzi’s lenses. “She’s been planning this for years,” says a friend. “Once Viv and Knox turn 18, she’s gone. Cambodia’s calling her name, but she’s also eyeing Europe—maybe Italy or France—for a quieter existence.”

Cambodia holds a special place in Jolie’s heart. It was on the set of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in 2000 that she first fell in love with the country, later adopting her son Maddox from a local orphanage. Over the years, she’s poured millions into the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation, funding schools, hospitals, and conservation efforts in the region. “Cambodia gave me my son and my purpose,” Jolie said in a rare 2024 interview, her voice thick with emotion. “It’s where I feel alive.” Rumors swirl that she’s already scouting properties near Siem Reap, envisioning a life of philanthropy and serenity amidst ancient temples and lush jungles.

But Jolie’s not limiting herself to one destination. Ever the global citizen, she’s reportedly considering other locales, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the vibrant streets of Paris. “She wants to be untethered,” says an insider. “No schedules, no red carpets—just her, her kids when they visit, and the causes she loves.” This isn’t a retirement; it’s a reinvention. Jolie’s recent forays into directing and producing, including her critically acclaimed Without Blood, hint at a career shift toward projects with global impact, untangled from Hollywood’s commercial machine.

The sale of the DeMille estate, listed discreetly through a high-end real estate firm, has already sparked a bidding war among L.A.’s elite. With its six bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and a private guesthouse where Jolie once hosted humanitarian summits, the property is a rare prize. “It’s not just a house; it’s a legacy,” says real estate agent Marcus Caldwell. “Buyers are clamoring, but Angelina’s in no rush. She wants the right person to carry its story forward.” The proceeds, sources say, will fund her foundation and seed her next chapter abroad.

Jolie’s departure is more than a real estate transaction—it’s a statement. Hollywood, with its relentless scrutiny and fading allure, no longer fits the woman who’s juggled stardom with advocacy for refugees, women’s rights, and environmental causes. “L.A. feels like a cage,” a source close to Jolie confides. “She’s done with the politics of this town, the feuds, the noise. She wants to live on her own terms.” Her strained relationship with Pitt, though legally resolved, lingers as a shadow. Moving abroad, far from shared memories and courtroom battles, is her way of closing that chapter for good.

Fans and followers have taken to social media with a mix of awe and melancholy. “Angelina leaving L.A. feels like the end of an era,” one X user posted, garnering thousands of likes. Others speculate about her next move: “Cambodia? Paris? She’s living the life we all dream of!” Yet there’s an undercurrent of curiosity—will this be a clean break, or will Jolie’s star power pull her back to the spotlight?

Her children, now carving their own paths, are part of the equation. Maddox, 24, and Zahara, 21, are deeply involved in her humanitarian work, often traveling with her to Asia and Africa. Shiloh, 19, and Pax, 22, are dipping their toes into the film industry, while Vivienne and Knox are finishing high school with an eye on college. “Her kids are her anchor,” says the friend. “They’re grown, but she wants a home base where they can visit, wherever she lands.” The DeMille estate, once a bustling hub for the Jolie-Pitt clan, feels too vast for one woman’s dreams.

As Jolie prepares to say goodbye, she’s already laying the groundwork for what’s next. In Cambodia, she’s reportedly collaborating with local artisans to launch a sustainable fashion line, blending her love for craftsmanship and social impact. In Europe, she’s eyeing small-scale film projects that tell untold stories of resilience. “She’s not slowing down,” says a colleague. “She’s just redirecting her energy to places that feed her soul.”

The move has sparked inevitable comparisons to other stars who’ve fled Hollywood’s orbit—think George Clooney’s Lake Como retreat or Johnny Depp’s French village hideaway. But Jolie’s journey feels uniquely her own, driven by a restlessness that’s both personal and profound. “I’ve spent my life searching for meaning,” she told a crowd at a 2023 UNHCR event, her eyes blazing with conviction. “Home isn’t a place—it’s where you make a difference.”

As the sale of her $24 million estate looms, Jolie stands at a crossroads. The girl who dazzled in Girl, Interrupted and conquered blockbusters as Lara Croft is now a woman unmoored, chasing a horizon that’s hers alone. Will Cambodia’s temples or Europe’s cobblestone streets become her new sanctuary? Will she redefine stardom on her own terms? One thing is certain: Angelina Jolie’s farewell to Los Angeles isn’t an ending—it’s the opening act of a bold, unpredictable saga.