Being an athlete at the top level is a high skill – and high pressure – way of life. That is why they earn the big bucks for their performances and nowhere is that more visible than in their homes.

Sporting heroes live in the kinds of spectacular luxury abodes that the rest of us can only dream about. That wasn’t always the case, as it is only in the modern era that they have started to make really major money out of their talent.

Nowadays they have homes in exclusive areas like Jupiter Island or The Hamptons, where they are gated off from us mere mortals. We can always peek through the gates though and this article will look at the most impressive homes owned by athletes.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is one of the most successful golfers in history and that is certainly reflected in his Florida homestead. It is situated away from the main state, in the ultra-exclusive enclave Jupiter Island, and it is a vast estate.

There are two main buildings connected by a walkway and tunnels below the ground, which makes it sound like the lair of a super-villain. Covering 6,400 square feet, Woods even had trouble making his way from one part to another when he was recovering from injury!

Among the amenities that he can enjoy while relaxing there are a media room, private gymnasium, cinema and a (presumably) well-stocked wine cellar. There is also a gaming room in the basement, in case Woods and friends fancy playing some blackjack games in the evenings.

LeBron James

James is one of the best players in professional basketball and many consider him to be an all-time NBA great. He certainly lives like one, with a jaw-dropping villa in Hollywood, California.

Found within the Post Office district, it has been designed to look like something you would see in a Mediterranean country and dates back to the 1930s. Indeed, at one time it was rented by Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn.

It is shielded from the prying eyes of the public by high gates and security cameras, but we know that the spacious living room is airy, with a huge picture window. This room has a vaulted ceiling with beams left on show.

Entertainment on offer includes a private cinema room with spotlighting and marble fireplace. There is also a tennis court and pool house for those who prefer more strenuous forms of amusement.

Guests will certainly enjoy a luxurious stay as the home boasts two separate houses for them to live in.

Tom Brady

One of the most brilliant stars that the NFL has ever seen, Brady has won a staggering 7 Super Bowl titles during his glittering career. You would expect someone like that to live like a king, and you would not be disappointed.

Having previously lived with his ex-wife Gisele Bundchen in a five-bedroom spread in Massachusetts, Brady has now relocated to Florida. He has certainly not opted to downsize in the wake of that divorce though.

His home is situated within a stretch of land that covers nearly two acres and offers him a waterfront of 200 feet. Unlike some of the other sports stars featured in this article, Brady has not allowed the media access to the interiors, but this is clearly another top-level athlete mansion.

More is known about the setting for it, the ‘Billionaire Bunker’ called Indian Creek Island. This is a place that only the super-rich can afford to live in and it has a private golf course and country club.

There is also a special police force. Well you would need them with all that wealth on display.

Serena Williams

The second most successful female tennis player in the history of the sport has a luxury home on Jupiter Island in Florida. Williams bought this after selling a previous home in the Palm Beach area that had five bedrooms and bathrooms throughout the building.

Her new home cost $8 million and has eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms, so it is clearly an upgrade. It boasts a Spanish Mediterranean design and features a room themed around princesses for Olympia, her daughter.

The house is also known to have an infinity pool located at the back, as well as a trophy room, wine cellar, gymnasium and sauna room. The huge mansion can be found on the waterfront of Jupiter Island, although good luck getting too close to it, as it is closed off by gates.

All of these sports stars own stunning homes that show why so many people are willing to endure the pressure that come with elite level competition. The rewards for those who succeed at the highest level are lavish enough to tempt anyone to give it a try.