Jennifer Lopez Cooks Thanksgiving Meal with Child Emme Inside $52M Bel Air Mansion She Used to Share with Ben Affleck but Is Struggling to Sell
Jennifer Lopez spent Thanksgiving this year in a setting filled with both luxury and lingering emotional history: her sprawling $52 million Bel Air mansion, the same home she once shared with her now-estranged husband, Ben Affleck. While Lopez has reportedly been attempting to sell the estate for months, the singer and actress chose to return there for the holiday, preparing a cozy home-cooked meal with her 16-year-old child, Emme.
The superstar, who has long embraced family-centered holidays, was said to be in full festive mode, filling the expansive kitchen with classic Thanksgiving aromas. Sources close to the entertainer describe the day as “peaceful, intimate, and focused on family,” with Lopez wanting to create a warm environment for her children despite ongoing changes in her personal life.
The Bel Air compound, which spans more than eight acres, features a private lake, lush gardens, a theater, a spa wing, and an architectural blend of modern and French-inspired elements. Lopez purchased the property during her relationship with Affleck, and the pair reportedly invested heavily in renovations before their marital struggles became public. Since their split, Lopez has been trying to sell the mansion but has reportedly had difficulty securing a buyer despite its high-end amenities and celebrity pedigree.
Returning to the residence for the holiday appears to have been symbolic for Lopez. Those close to her say that while she has moved forward emotionally, the home still holds meaningful memories tied to her children and earlier chapters of her career. Preparing Thanksgiving dinner alongside Emme — who often joins Lopez on tours, red carpets, and special occasions — added a sense of grounding at a time of transition.
Lopez’s decision to host Thanksgiving in the Bel Air home comes amid growing public interest in her personal life, including her separation from Affleck and shifting career priorities. Despite the speculation, Lopez has remained focused on family and work, including upcoming film and music commitments. Insiders indicate she wanted Thanksgiving to be low-key, choosing a quiet day of cooking, decorating, and reflecting with her kids rather than a larger celebrity gathering.
While the mansion remains on the market, the holiday weekend showcased a softer side of Lopez — not the global superstar onstage or the businesswoman behind fashion and beauty brands, but the mother who cherishes family rituals. From roasting turkey to preparing Latin-inspired sides, Lopez reportedly took the lead in the kitchen, with Emme assisting and helping set the holiday table.
Real estate insiders note that the home is still generating interest, but its price point and ultra-custom features make it appealing to only a small pool of buyers. Until it sells, Lopez may continue to use the property occasionally, especially for private family moments like this one.
Thanksgiving at the Bel Air mansion may have carried mixed emotions, but for Lopez, it was ultimately a celebration of family, resilience, and finding comfort in familiar spaces — even those she may eventually leave behind.
