The term “artist’s retreat” gets bandied about often in the world of luxury real estate, but in the case of this distinctive 6,830-square-foot residence on 1.61 acres in Malibu, the epithet is absolutely apt. A famed composer and member of a lauded musical family shares the home with a visual artist and contains spaces specifically suited to their crafts. Magnifying the home’s artistic pedigree is its renowned architect, Lloyd Wright, son of the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright and one of the designers of the Hollywood Bowl’s acoustic shell. Some wings of the home have private entrances, making them ideal for use as effortless creative and professional pursuits.
Malibu, California | Neyshia Go, Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage
Shielded by a colorful wall of flora, an inviting lighted path, and a minimalist metal gate, the home combines the sleek lines and minimalism of contemporary style with the modernist approach and dedication to organic materials favored by Wright’s prestigious predecessor. The overall ambience is one of cool, gentle light; grounding natural hues; and an airy, welcoming spaciousness. The signature aesthetics of the elder Wright make cameos here and there, most notably in the main stairway, which is accented with eye-catching millwork.
The artistry begins immediately, in a foyer with intriguing angles, oversized windows, and a circular skylight. A dramatically detailed vaulted wood ceiling and a breezy mezzanine float high above the formal living room, which includes an inglenook straddling a cozy fireplace—a hallmark of the younger Wright’s style—and tall windows and glass doors that overlook and open to the grounds. Anchored by an iconic midcentury modern light fixture, the formal dining room is warmed by a contemporary brick fireplace and opens to both the outdoors and the cook’s kitchen, which boasts stainless-steel appliances, a generous pantry, bar and breakfast areas, and an island with counter seating. Among the numerous other alluring spaces are a hobby room; a library; an upper-level balcony that seems to float amid the treetops; and a media room with built-in shelving, a projector, and a cinema-worthy screen.
One of five bedrooms, the primary suite enjoys easy access to the office loft and includes dual baths and walk-in closets and a private patio giving way to the backyard. The current owners have thoughtfully expanded the home since its initial construction, augmenting it with spaces such as a recording studio with de rigueur sound-proofing and electrical specifications; secluded in the east wing, it could easily serve as a lower-level apartment with a private entrance and its own living area and bath. An upper-level apartment—which has long served as an art studio—can be adapted to serve as an additional bedroom.
The soigne setting includes an outdoor kitchen with a grill and a pizza oven, a swimming pool and spa, terraces, and an enchanting gazebo with picturesque views—all enveloped by lush lawn and mature foliage—including curvaceous palms—that creates a serene sphere of privacy. The grounds are generous enough to accommodate the addition of a pickleball or bocce court, and the coveted location is minutes from the Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu’s famous beaches. For the especially discerning new owner, this estate represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of American history—musical, cinematic, and architectural.
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