Penelope Cruz makes property buck

Penelope Cruz is selling her house.

The 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' star has put her three-bedroom Hollywood mansion on the market for $3.7 million - $500,000 more than she paid for the property in May 2005.

The grounds surrounding the 'Balinese Modern'-style house include a small courtyard with a fountain, swimming pool, large lounge area furnished with a dining table, loungers, white chairs and a canopy bed and another courtyard leading to the glass doors.

The 3,334 sq ft single-storey property has three bedrooms, four bathrooms and a dressing area, while the fully-equipped kitchen is furnished in green with granite counter tops and comes complete with two cookers and a large dining table.

The actress - who is dating actor Javier Bardem - has barely lived in the house since she bought it.

Instead, it has been available to rent for $14,500-per-month and is still listed as available for hire for location shoots through many local agencies.

Penelope - who also has other homes in Los Angeles and her native Spain - is currently in Paris shooting an advertising campaign for the new Lancome fragrance Tresor.

Penelope Cruz and Blake Lively attend screening of "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" in NY

Actress Penelope Cruz attends a screening of "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" in New York November 15, 2009.

Penelope Cruz sparks gay director's desire

Penelope Cruz caused "sexual desire" in the gay director of 'Broken Embraces'.

Pedro Almodovar admitted that despite his sexuality he was intensely attracted to his muse, Penelope, when making his latest film – a concept he included in the plot.

He said: "Out of all the actresses I have worked with, Penelope really has been the one who has caused a sense of desire in me beyond the sensuality of a film shoot.

"Normally, as a director, you engage with your leading lady on an extremely emotional level, and there is everything but sex.

"But it is true that with Penelope it is different. She has caused me sexual desire."

Meanwhile it has been speculated this week the Spanish actress and her boyfriend, Javier Bardem, may be pregnant with their first child.

A source said: "Penelope is about four months pregnant. She's really healthy now and will be a great mother."

Penelope, 35, is on a promotional tour for 'Broken Embraces', and when she attended the UK premiere in London she wore a red Bottega Veneta trouser suit, which was sourced for her at the last minute.

At the time it was reported her luggage went missing on the flight to the UK capital from Madrid, but speculation spread that she wore the high-waisted outfit to disguise her fledgling baby bump.

Penelope Cruz pregnant?

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz arrives to the German premier of the film "Broken Embraces" in Berlin, August 3, 2009.

Penelope Cruz arrives to the German premier of the film "Broken Embraces" in Berlin

Penelope Cruz is reportedly pregnant.

The Spanish actress is said to be expecting her first child with long-term boyfriend Javier Bardem.

A source is quoted by website Just Jared as saying: "Penelope is about four months pregnant. She's really healthy now and will be a great mother."

The couple are believed to be thrilled with the news, although no further details are yet to emerge.

Cruz, 35, is currently on a promotional tour for her new movie 'Broken Embraces', and when she attended the UK premiere in London she wore a red Bottega Veneta trouser suit, which was sourced for her at the last minute.

At the time it was reported her luggage went missing on the flight to the UK capital from Madrid, but speculation is now rife she wore the high-waisted outfit to disguise her fledgling baby bump.

At the German premiere in Berlin on Monday (03.08.09) Cruz donned a one-shoulder, floor-length gown which could disguise any signs of the pregnancy.

Cruz - who previously dated Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey - recently revealed she wants to fully commit to motherhood when she starts a family.

She told Psychologies magazine: "When I have babies, I want to do it really well. I want it to be my best project in life. I don't know if I believe in marriage. But I believe in family, love and children."

Penelope Cruz at premiere of "Broken Embraces" at Somerset House in London

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz poses for photographers as she arrives for the British premiere of the film "Broken Embraces" at the opening night of Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House in London July 30, 2009.

Penelop Cruz for Mango summer 09

Check out the fresh and modern photo shoot Penelop Cruz, the Madrid-born actress and model, has taken for the new Mango Summer 2009 collection. Her Vicky Christina Barcelona costar Scarlett Johansson will be the face of its new fall-winter 09/10 advertising campaign.

Cast member Cruz arrives on the red carpet for the screening of film at Cannes

Cast member Penelope Cruz arrives on the red carpet for the screening of the film "Los Abrazos Rotos" at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival May 19, 2009. Twenty films compete for the prestigious Palme d'Or which will be awarded on May 24.

Cruz, Paris Hilton at 62nd International Cannes Film Festival

Penelope Cruz arrives at the Akvinta Presents A Night of Hollywood Domino Party at The House at Cannes during the 62nd International Cannes Film Festival on May 18 2009 in Cannes, France.

Penelope Cruz attends photocall for "Los Abrazos Rotos" at Cannes Film Festival

Director Pedro Almodovar (L) poses with cast member Penelope Cruz during a photocall for the film "Los Abrazos Rotos" at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival May 19, 2009. Twenty films compete for the prestigious Palme d'Or which will be awarded on May 24.

Wrinkle fan Penelope Cruz

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz poses before the premiere of her new movie "Los Abrazos Rotos" (Broken Embraces) in downtown Madrid March 18, 2009.

Penelope Cruz can't wait to get older.

The 34-year-old star is not worried about getting wrinkles and grey hair because she has worked with so many beautiful actresses in their 60s and 70s.

She said: "Age holds absolutely no fear for me. I'm working with Judi Dench on my film 'Nine'. When she's in a room, it's as if she has a light bulb inside her. She lights it up!

"People like Meryl Streep and Sophia Loren. Sophia is 74 and amazing - every time I talk to her, she's full of wonderful stories about old actors. We've become very good friends. There's so much enjoyment ahead for us all."

However, Penelope admits she will always feel insecure, no matter how successful she becomes.

The Spanish beauty told Britain's Cosmopolitan magazine: "I know myself a little bit more. Of course, some things remain a mystery and that is a search that never ends. I'm still looking for answers. I wouldn't change the way I feel now, but I wish I was less insecure.

"I've always had my insecurities, and most of them have not gone away. I guess we're all vulnerable."

Penelope Cruz's award-winning sleep

Best supporting actress Penelope Cruz from "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" poses backstage at the 81st Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, February 22, 2009.

Penelope Cruz is sleeping with her Oscar award.

The Spanish star picked up the Best Supporting Actress prize for her role in 'Vicky Christina Barcelona' on Sunday (22.02.09) and was so thrilled she took the famous golden statue to bed.

She told US TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey: "When they gave it to me I could not stop crying for 20 minutes. I could not look at it - is it for real, or one of those things my friends gave me or something?

"This morning I woke up with the same feeling. But I had put the Oscar in my bed, on the other pillow, I looked - and it was there!"

Penelope's friends and family all painted the letter 'P' on their foreheads to show their support for the actress at the awards.

In her acceptance speech, Penelope said: "I grew up in a place called Alcobendas, where this wasn't a very realistic dream."

The mayor of her hometown, a suburb of Madrid, has since said he may name a street after her.

Penelope - who is her country's first ever female Oscar winner - celebrated her win by partying until 5.30am after the ceremony.

In collecting an Academy Award, Penelope follows in the footsteps of her boyfriend Javier Bardem, who became the first Spanish actor to win an Oscar last year.

Javier didn't attend the awards on Sunday because he was filming his latest movie 'Beautiful'.

Penelope Cruz of "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" wins the Oscar best supporting actress

Penelope Cruz holds up her trophy for Best Supporting Actress of the 81st Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California, the United States, Feb. 22, 2009.

Penelope Cruz of "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" has won the Oscar for best supporting actress.

Penelope Cruz holds up her trophy for Best Supporting Actress of the 81st Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California, the United States, Feb. 22, 2009.

Actress Penelope Cruz, nominated for best supporting actress for her role in "Vicky Christina Barcelona", arrives at the nominees luncheon for the 81st annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California Feb. 2, 2009.

Penelope Cruz arrives for the 2009 BAFTA awards ceremony in London

Spain's Penelope Cruz poses with the award for Best Supporting Actress during the 2009 BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards ceremony at the Royal Opera House in London February 8, 2009.

Hathaway,Cruz and other celebs arrive at nominees luncheon for 81st Oscars

Actress Penelope Cruz, nominated for best supporting actress for her role in "Vicky Christina Barcelona" arrives at the nominees luncheon for the 81st annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, California February 2, 2009.

Oscar nominees be warned: Surprises lay ahead

Actress Penelope Cruz arrives at the 24th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival in Santa Barbara, California Jan. 24, 2009.

"I am so happy to be part of a group of people that can work, that can make a living out of this profession that I've loved so much since I was a little girl, that I really don't want to obsess about winning," Cruz said.

Oscar newcomer Melissa Leo, a best-actress nominee for her role as a destitute mom who turns to crime in the border-smuggling drama "Frozen River," said she never gave a thought about competing for an Academy Award.

U.S. actress Melissa Leo holds her Silver Shell best actress award for the film "Frozen River" at the San Sebastian International Film Festival Sept. 27, 2008.

"I'm an actor. I think about what the next job is. I think about what my character is. I think about what my director's needs are. I don't dream about this. So it's a dream I have not yet dared to dream," Leo said. "Win, lose or draw come the 22nd, I've gotten more than I ever dreamt of."

Frank Langella, a first-time nominee with an acclaimed stage background, said his Oscar nomination as Richard Nixon in "Frost/Nixon" was a career high-point but that it would not alter his career.

Spanish actress Cruz wins her Best Supporting Actress "Goya" award in Madrid

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz reacts as she holds her Best Supporting Actress "Goya" award for her role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" during the Spanish Film Academy "Goya" awards ceremony in Madrid February 1, 2009.

Spanish actress Cruz wins her Best Supporting Actress "Goya" award in Madrid

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz (R) and her sister Monica attend the Spanish Film Academy "Goya" awards ceremony in Madrid February 1, 2009.

Spanish actress Cruz wins her Best Supporting Actress "Goya" award in Madrid

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz poses for photographers after her arrival for the Spanish Film Academy's "Goya" awards ceremony in Madrid February 1, 2009.

Penelope Cruz's comedy confusion

Penelope Cruz didn't realize her new movie was a comedy until filming had finished.

The 34-year-old actress - who has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of gun-wielding maniac Maria Elena in 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' - couldn't understand why people were laughing during screenings of Woody Allen's latest project.

She said: "When we were in the middle of shooting, I felt like I was doing the most intense and disturbing drama I ever did in my career.

"I never laughed until months later, when I saw the movie with an audience. At the beginning, I remember feeling like, 'Why are they laughing?'"

The Spanish actress - who was nominated for an Oscar in 2006 for morbid drama 'Volver' - recently finished filming musical movie 'Nine'.

Penelope plays Carla, a beautiful seductress who at one point performs a sexy song while swinging on ropes.

It was a role that left the actress blistered and bruised, but she loved every minute of it and was in tears on her last day of shooting.

She said: "You carry on and forget the pain, and at the end of the day you see all the blisters and bruises.

"I couldn't stop crying, because I had been doing dance classes and rehearsals for so many months. It's in the film and it will be there for ever, but I don't get to do it again. I was addicted to it!"

'Nine' - which also stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Fergie, Judi Dench and Sophia Loren - is due for release in November.

Jolie, Diaz and other celebs at 66th annual Golden Globe awards

Actress Penelope Cruz arrives at the 66th annual Golden Globe awards in Beverly Hills, California January 11, 2009.