Inside ‘The Cactus House’: A $17 Million Restored Malibu Sanctuary on a Secret Beach

by Kellie Speed

A recently renovated midcentury Malibu estate with steps leading directly down to a former secret beach has just hit the market for $16,995,000.

Built in 1947 and designed by modernist architect Charles Kanner, the 3,861-square-foot estate known as The Cactus House last sold in 2021, when the sellers purchased it for $7,956,000 and decided to undertake a massive restoration project while taking great care to thoughtfully preserve its history.

"The home is architecturally unique and has been updated, but the sellers wanted to maintain the architectural integrity of the home, so it lives more like a sanctuary on the beach," says listing agent Sandeep Dhariwal of Sotheby's International Realty - Beverly Hills Brokerage.

"It has got a lot of character and charm, along with 58 feet of frontage on the beach."

She notes that while the property is for sale, it is also available for lease at a reduced winter rate of $67,500 a month.

Living and dining areas of beachfront retreat in Malibu, CA, on sale for $16,995,000 — The living and dining areas of the beachfront retreat boast views of the Pacific Ocean. (Mike Kelley)

Kitchen of beachfront retreat in Malibu, CA, on sale for $16,995,000 — The kitchen features French doors that open onto an expansive teak deck. (Mike Kelley)

A spacious open floor plan features French doors opening to an expansive teak deck with views to Point Dume and overlooks a gated terracotta courtyard designed to soak in the stunning Pacific Ocean views.

"It's a really unique midcentury home located on a really large lot, on what was once a secret beach," says Dhariwal. "It's also on a private road and has got significant parking space."

Following much consternation, in 2023, Malibu's "hidden beach" opened to the public for the first time in 40 years, when California's state agencies approved an agreement to provide access to Escondido Beach.

"When you walk in, it's so special and a rare find," she noted. "It's a very earthy house with spectacular, unmatched views."

View from beachfront retreat in Malibu, CA, on sale for $16,995,000 — The house is described as "earthy" with unmatched views. (Mike Kelley)

Primary suite of beachfront retreat in Malibu, CA, on sale for $16,995,000 — The primary suite features a double vanity. (Mike Kelley)

Deck of beachfront retreat in Malibu, CA, on sale for $16,995,000 — The home is situated on a large lot, which is rare for a beachfront property in Malibu. (Mike Kelley)

A sleek chef's kitchen has custom cabinetry, floating shelves, a breakfast bar, and a separate dining area facing the waterfront.

The primary retreat, with a soaking tub and dual-sink vanity, overlooks a private garden.

"One of the bedrooms is ocean-facing, straight onto the sand," she added. "You feel totally grounded when you are there. It's like having a boutique hotel to yourself."

Dhariwal believes the property will likely be used as a secondary residence.

"Most homeowners here have a portfolio of homes," she says. "These larger lots are harder to find. You could also build an ADU or a three-car garage on a portion of the lot, which is incredibly rare for a beachfront property."

Designed for entertaining, the estate has multiple dining and living areas for relaxing and hosting.

"It is located just a few minutes from Cross Creek Ranch, where there are loads of retail available," Dhariwal says. "I think the next buyer will be someone who has a deep connection to architecture and beachfront living with character."

The property is also near one of the area's most popular dining establishments, Geoffrey's, and is within close proximity to Escondido Falls, Zuma Beach, and El Matador.

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