Inside California’s most expensive property listing: The Sanctuary at Loon Point is second only to Jeff Bezos’ Warner Estate in value, with a cool US$160 million asking price
California boasts one of the United States’ most expensive real estate markets, led by the city of San Francisco with the nation’s highest median home price of US$1.5 million. San Jose, Oakland and Los Angeles also rank in the top 10 by the same measure. California’s current priciest home for sale, however, isn’t actually in one of those urban centers.
Currently owned by hedge fund manager and Juilliard School chairman Bruce Kovner, the cliffside estate known as The Sanctuary at Loon Point overlooks the central California coast from the beach town of Carpinteria.
The property’s 2,129 feet (649 metres) of coastline cliffs and 22 acres (9 hectares) of lush landscaping is divided into five parcels featuring two distinct estates, known as Ocean View and Bellevue, with both connected by a private, gated road.
The homes have been carefully positioned to take advantage of the natural contours of the landscape and maximise the ocean views.
Both homes feature stunning Mediterranean-style mansions crafted from the finest materials from around the world. Terracotta tile roofs, high ceilings with exposed natural beams, hardwood floors, stone archways and marble accents impart an atmosphere of rustic grandeur. Open floor plans and floor-to-ceiling windows take advantage of the natural light.
Huge kitchens, grand libraries, fireplaces with intricate mantles, oversized pools, beautifully designed courtyards with marble statues, lovely rose gardens and ocean-view terraces with palm trees provide a stunning backdrop for entertaining guests or enjoying the private serenity afforded by the home’s unique location.
Between the two residences, the property offers 10 bedrooms, 21 bathrooms and 14,189 sq ft of indoor space.
A large natural pond on the grounds attracts ducks, herons and other local fauna. The scenic Barranca Path winds down the cliff to the beach below, where coastal birds can be observed. Located on the migration route of the California Grey Whale and home to both sea lions and harbour seals, the property’s combination of beach and bluff offers a unique opportunity for wildlife lovers. The area is well known for its spectacular sunsets.
Carpinteria, located in southeastern Santa Barbara County and about 80 miles (128km) from Los Angeles, calls itself the “world’s safest beach”. In addition to calm waves and sandy shores, the idyllic community is home to the world’s largest Torrey pine tree, the University of California’s Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve, the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary, and the Santa Barbara Polo Club.
Beautiful and secluded, the small city has long been a draw for Hollywood types looking to escape from the stress of LA’s busy metropolis. Celebrities with beach homes in the area include George Lucas, Kevin Costner, Ellen DeGeneres, Robert Zemeckis and Ashton Kutcher.
- With 650 metres of coastline, 9 hectares of lush landscaping and 14,189 sq ft of indoor space, the estate is split into two grand residences: Ocean View and Bellevue
- Both residences boast beautiful swimming pools, epic sea views, and terracotta tile roofs – oh and famous neighbours like Ellen DeGeneres and Kevin Costner