Lee Najjar, the man known as “Big Poppa” from the early days of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” has passed away at the age of 68.
Though he was rarely seen on camera, Big Poppa was a defining, shadowy figure on RHOA. He was infamously bankrolling the extravagant lifestyle of star Kim Zolciak.
His mysterious wealth provided the backdrop for a life of unabashed luxury. This lifestyle was perhaps best exemplified by his previously owned sprawling, opulent mansion.
Keep reading for a look inside!
Inside Lee Najjar’s Resort-Style Atlanta Estate
Najjar commissioned this colossal 33,000 square foot Buckhead mansion in 2008. However, he tried to offload the mega-estate just a year after it was finished. The 2.05-acre property sits on one of the most exclusive streets in the area.
Sitting on one of the most prestigious streets in Buckhead, the 2.05 acre estate comes complete with a resort-style courtyard swimming pool and extensive outdoor entertaining areas.
The home boasts an insane list of amenities, including a lavish ballroom, a dedicated cigar room, a swanky home theatre, not one, but two full gyms, a whopping seven kitchens, 19 fireplaces, and its very own recording studio.
And for the ultimate self-care, there’s a complete wellness center with a nail and hair salon. Outside, the resort-style courtyard and pool are perfect for soaking up the sun. The colossal residence features 9 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms—plenty of space for a massive entourage!
The home’s Mediterranean-villa-inspired aesthetic is perhaps its most arresting feature. Inside, the luxury continues with ceilings featuring 10-carat gold leaf, limestone and Moroccan hardwood floors, and custom furnishings from designers, including LA’s Phyllis Morris and Maitland-Smith.
A Made-For-TV Mega-Mansion
This iconic property is a true Hollywood star, having been featured in productions such as the comedy “Zombieland” and the recent film “The Three Stooges.”
Beyond its cinematic appearances, its luxurious and distinctive design has drawn the attention of television producers. It was showcased on programs like HGTV‘s “Million Dollar Rooms,” providing a glimpse into its elegant interiors. It was also featured on MTV‘s “Teen Cribs.”
Najjar’s Iconic Home Caught Fire in 2025
Atlanta Fire Rescue was dispatched after a fire broke out at the house on September 3, 2025.
Fortunately, the residence was unoccupied when the fire occurred, and no one was hurt. By that point a local family had purchased the property for $8.5 million. Najjar confirmed that renovations were being done at the home when the fire broke out.
The cause of the fire was not released by Atlanta Fire Rescue.
The Colossal Home With a Century-Old History
The original 7,500-square-foot home, a property with a long history, was constructed around 1910. This is according to a 1996 article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
In 1996, the home underwent significant renovation and expansion, spearheaded by then owner and builder Jacque Fowler. This work introduced the Mediterranean-themed architectural style that defines the house today. Following the completion of the project, Fowler named the residence “Villa Banderas,” a tribute to his pet lion cub, Banderas.
While Lee Najjar kept much of his life out of the spotlight, his larger-than-life home remains a lasting symbol of that era.
