A Refurbished 1970s Contemporary in the Famed Malibu Colony Can Be Yours for $18.5 Million
There are many impressive, not to mention forbiddingly expensive, homes tightly sandwiched between the roaring surf and the infamously congested Pacific Coast Highway as it snakes along the California coast in Malibu. The Malibu Colony enclave, however, offers not only unfettered access to some of the most exclusive sand in all of California, but a guard-gated entrance and a quiet and beachy neighborhood feel that feels far from the maddening crowds and frustrating bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Easily accessible from top Malibu attractions like Nobu and the Malibu Pier but tucked away from the throng of the highway, the Colony has been a private playground for Hollywood since the 1930s, and the eclectic array of homes along the Colony’s single narrow street have been owned and rented by the likes of Bing Crosby, Liz Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Pink, Britney Spears, Jim Carry, Howie Mandel, Tom Hanks, and about a thousand other showbiz heavy hitters.
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Originally designed and built in 1972 by renowned Southern California architects Conrad Buff and Donald Hensman and recently revamped by the Montreal and L.A.-based firm Warren Garrett, one of the Colony’s land-side residences, which face the Santa Monica Mountains as opposed to the Pacific Ocean, is now available for $18.45 million after it first appeared on the market with a too optimistic price of $19.95 million. Within the more than 3,000-square-foot home are five bedrooms and five bathrooms. The property listed with Chad Rogers at Hilton & Hyland.
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From the moment you enter the serene residence, you feel nestled within a private oasis. Beyond the gated entry, a landscaped pathway leads to the glass-enclosed front door. The airy, light-filled home retains some original details, though Warren Garrett recently transformed the home into one suitable for today’s living. Even though many cosmetic alterations were made to the floors, walls, and fixtures, they were adamant about retaining the post-and-beam construction that is a staple of Buff and Hensman-designed homes.
Quiet luxury has become an overused phrase in both fashion and design, but the residence is nonetheless imbued with that timeless element, which is embodied through a neutral color palette, scrumptious fabrics, and organic, quality materials including wide-plank, white oak floorboards. Soaring, 20-foot-high ceilings add volume and grandeur, while sandblasted and brushed limestone mimic the nearby beachfront.
The home is minimalist in nature, with oversized windows that flood every room with natural light, along with a striking stainless steel fireplace, and plenty of white wall space that can be utilized for an art collection. It’s clear that the landscaping and tropical foliage were designed to serve as a lush backdrop to the spare interiors, and sliding glass doors in several rooms, including the great room and kitchen, encourage indoor-outdoor living.
The grounds are enveloped by mature Sycamore trees and intentional landscaping that feels almost like you’re ensconced within a jungle rather than being just steps from the beach. The mountain-view yard includes a swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen, and an al fresco dining area, while access to the beach as well as a shared beachfront deck designated for a limited number of nearby homeowners is a quick stroll away.
Click here for more photos of the modern Malibu sanctuary.
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