Benedict Cumberbatch is going to have to be in LA a lot in the next few months. He’s been nominated for every major award this season, and there’s every reason to believe he’s one of the frontrunners for the Best Actor Oscar and a shoo-in for a nomination. There are still lots of hands to shake and babies to kiss for his campaign, so perhaps Harvey Weinstein is telling Bendy that a quick move to LA might be in order. Because that’s the only reason I can think of for this story: the Express claims that Benedict is looking to buy a big mansion in LA. What the what?

It is a long way from 221B Baker Street, but Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch has got this multi-million pound mansion under his magnifying glass as a potential home in Hollywood. The British actor, hotly tipped for Oscar glory for his latest film, may have discovered the perfect residence for a fast-rising star.

Cumberbatch, 38, who last month announced his engagement to 36-year-old theatre and opera director Sophie Hunter, has just viewed a magnificent £10.8million Tuscan-style villa in one of LA’s most sought-after areas. And as our exclusive photos show, the seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom property, nestling in 2.5 acres of perfectly manicured land with sweeping panoramic views, has more than enough cachet for the celebrity couple.

An estate agent involved in sales negotiations told the Sunday Express Cumberbatch “was almost doing backflips” when he first saw the Hidden Hills home.

Neighbours include fellow Britons Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne as well as Hunger Games actress Jennifer Lawrence plus singer Jessica Simpson.

The agent revealed: “Benedict’s representatives have indicated he is ready to make an initial offer which will not be too far off the asking price, so he could be moving in early in the New Year.”

Cumberbatch has been nominated in the Best Actor in a Drama category at next month’s Golden Globes ceremony for his role as code-breaker Alan Turing in Second World War spy biopic The Imitation Game. He is also expected to be nominated for an Oscar at the Academy Awards on February 22. By that time, he and Sophie could be enjoying the high life in the 18,000 square feet villa, which stands on a knoll.

The exclusive property has a spa and pool, featuring cascading water fountains. It also boasts his and hers bathrooms off an enormous master bedroom suite as well as a plush home movie theatre, where Benedict could show his work. There is a games room with pool table, bar and a second huge custom-built television, plus garages for five cars, a gym and library. And access to the mansion is through a private gate, which is guarded round-the-clock. Wealthy residential city Hidden Hills is a gated community where only the safety-conscious residents, their visitors and staff have unrestricted access to all areas.

And if Cumberbatch and his bride-to-be want to maintain their privacy even when friends or family members come for long stays, there is a separate guest house in the grounds.

The agent added: “It is among the most luxurious estates in the area; perfect for any celebrity who wants to entertain lavishly but also requires the comfort of being completely inaccessible to unwanted visitors or prying photographers.”

[From The Express]

This doesn’t really make sense because Benedict is scheduled for projects in England throughout the next year, you know? There’s also every reason to believe that Doctor Strange will probably be filmed (mostly) in England, like at Pinewood Studios or something. I could see Benedict RENTING a posh house for a few months while he campaigns, but buying a place when he’s going to spend most of 2015 in England? It just doesn’t make much sense. But… Benedict has “threatened” to move to America before. Maybe he’s finally pulling the trigger on it and he and Sophie will be half in LA, half in London. Hm.

Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet.