Malibu’s 21 miles of sparkling coastline make it one of America’s longest cities, and its celebrity residents make it one of the most glamorous. The beachfront city, which borders Los Angeles, is known for its Mediterranean climate, excellent surf beaches, and relaxed yet upscale vibe. One of the most exclusive neighborhoods in this chic town is the gate-guarded Serra Retreat, nestled into the hillside of Malibu Canyon.
The community gets its name from the nearby Catholic retreat center operated by Franciscan friars, but residents of its roughly 100 properties do not take vows of poverty. This “Billionaires Enclave” has been home to Dick Van Dyke, John Paul DeJoria, Sergey Brin, and the famous “Queen of Malibu” herself, Rhoda May Knight Rindge.
A chance to join this prestigious club arises with the listing of the grand Italian estate known as Villa di Vita Bella for $29.925 million. Originally built in 1970, it was reimagined by owners Susan B. Noyes (founder of Make It Better Media Group and the Make It Better Foundation) and her husband, Nick, as a sustainable retreat, complete with an expansive organic garden designed by permaculture expert Tommy Teeple, featuring fruit trees, citrus groves, and seasonal produce.
A hidden garden featuring a mural hand-painted by renowned artist James Goldcrown is only accessible from the basement. An acre of terraced Italianate gardens, crossed by lush flower-lined pathways, includes numerous fountains, a mosaic-tiled infinity pool, a championship-sized tennis court adapted for basketball and pickleball, and an outdoor kitchen by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet with a pizza oven, all offering a spectacular outdoor lifestyle.
Inside, discover Venetian plaster walls, soaring ceilings, seven stunning fireplaces, and custom millwork. The design was carefully curated by former owner Deanna Staats, the ex-wife of 7 For All Mankind co-founder Peter Koral, using the finest imported European materials to blend old-world elegance with California’s relaxed vibe. The spacious La Cornue kitchen features a custom butler’s pantry. The impressive primary suite includes a wraparound terrace, a couture closet, and a spa-inspired bath with silver-plated sink basins, a sculptural marble tub, and an ocean-view steam shower.
Additional amenities include heated floors, a Creston home automation system, a wine cellar, a movie theater, and a recreation lounge. The detached guest house reflects the estate’s refined style, complete with its own La Cornue kitchen, living room, fireplace, and terraces offering stunning sunset views.
Perched on a peninsula, the estate’s stunning location offers both sunrise and sunset views from different vantage points. Ideally situated, it is away from Malibu’s busiest areas for peace and tranquility but just a short drive to world-class dining at Nobu, the exclusive Soho House members club, and the lively Malibu Country Mart, not to mention all those miles of pristine beaches.
The listing is held by F. Ron Smith, David Berg and Edward Hutchinson of the Smith & Berg Property Group at Compass.
Content Courtesy of TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.
