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

Oct 12 , 2021

The Sanctuary boasts two epic properties: Ocean View and Bellevue – this is Bellevue at sunset. Photo: Jim Bartsch

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

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.

The Sanctuary at Loon Point is currently California’s most expensive real estate listing. Photo: Jim Bartsch

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.

An ocean view pool at Sanctuary at Loon Point. Photo: Jim Bartsch

If the property gets its US$160 million asking price, it will be the second-most-expensive home ever sold in the state, second only to Jeff Bezos’ purchase of the Warner Estate for US$165 million, but nowhere near the US$238 million sale of a massive Manhattan apartment overlooking Central Park in New York.

Ocean View, one of two mansions at Sanctuary. Photo: Jim Bartsch

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.

Ocean View’s kitchen features exposed natural beams and an adjacent dining room and fireplace. Photo: Jim Bartsch

The homes have been carefully positioned to take advantage of the natural contours of the landscape and maximise the ocean views.

Bellevue’s Great Room is one of the house’s main rooms for entertaining guests with a view. Photo: Jim Bartsch

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.