Perched dramatically above the serene waters of La Jolla Bay, the Sandcastle defies the typical beachside aesthetic of Southern California.
Owned by billionaire Darwin Deason, this mansion is more than just a home; it is a cliffside tribute to the regal opulence of France’s Palace of Versailles.
From its carved stone columns to its elaborate balconies, the Sandcastle captures the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Its most striking feature, a private elevated beach, further sets it apart from the array of luxury homes in La Jolla.
Now listed at a breathtaking $108 million, this estate is poised to make history in San Diego County’s real estate market.
The Sandcastle: A New Benchmark in San Diego Real Estate
The Sandcastle’s listing price far exceeds the current San Diego County record of $44 million, set earlier this year by private-equity billionaire Egon Durban’s purchase of an oceanfront property in Del Mar.
If it fetches its asking price, it will redefine the luxury real estate market in the area.
According to listing agents Brett Dickinson and Ross Clark of Compass, the property’s unparalleled location, size, and design contribute to its extraordinary valuation.
Old-World Elegance Meets Modern Luxury
Stepping inside the Sandcastle is like entering a different era. The home’s interior is an homage to old-world European elegance.
Mosaics meticulously crafted by artisans adorn the floors, while marble stretches across expansive spaces.
Antique statues, relics of a bygone age, populate the grand halls. Solid-gold detailing, often associated with royalty, decorates the walls and ceilings, echoing the grandeur of Versailles.
This meticulous design evokes an atmosphere where luxury meets timeless European sophistication.
The Vision Behind the Mansion
Darwin Deason’s journey to creating the Sandcastle was driven by a desire to capture the essence of places he admired.
As the founder of Affiliated Computer Services, Deason’s business acumen led to its sale to Xerox for over $6 billion in 2009.
Shortly after, he acquired the Sandcastle and its neighboring parcel for approximately $26 million.
Driven by his fascination with Versailles and the luxurious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, Deason embarked on a renovation project that would transform the property.
Enlisting designer Timothy Corrigan, known for his work with Hollywood stars and royalty, Deason ensured that every detail of the Sandcastle exuded luxury and elegance.
Unrivaled Views and Exquisite Craftsmanship
The Sandcastle’s architecture was carefully planned to take full advantage of its unique cliffside location.
The grand living room serves as the centerpiece, featuring intricately detailed coffered ceilings and a series of arched windows that offer panoramic views of La Jolla Bay.
The room flows seamlessly onto a large wraparound terrace, perfect for entertaining or quiet contemplation.
The dining room, designed to accommodate at least 16 guests, exudes opulence with gold-leaf detailing, antique cabinets, and a magnificent crystal chandelier.
These elements highlight the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail that permeate the estate.
A Guesthouse Fit for Royalty
Adjacent to the main house, the guesthouse carries on the theme of elegance with a unique twist.
Deason’s love for the sea is reflected in the guesthouse’s nautically themed bar. The bar is reminiscent of those found on luxurious yachts, complete with hand-painted sea imagery and adorned with 18th-century mermaid statues.
This guesthouse, inspired by the design of Versailles’s Le Petit Trianon, offers visitors a taste of royal treatment with a maritime flair.
Luxurious Amenities for a Lavish Lifestyle
Luxury at the Sandcastle extends beyond its design to its state-of-the-art amenities.
The estate features a stunning pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and a wood-paneled office adjacent to the primary suite.
Each room and furnishing within the home has been custom-designed, from the opulent rugs and drapes to the bespoke furniture.
Every detail has been curated to reflect the homeowner’s commitment to luxury living.
An Exclusive Beach with Imported Sand
One of the most exclusive features of the Sandcastle is its private elevated beach.
However, Deason’s aversion to the coarse texture of California’s sand led him to import the finest, whitest sand from Georgia, famously used at Augusta National Golf Club.
This detail alone underscores Deason’s pursuit of perfection, providing a soft, pristine beach experience akin to that of a luxury resort.
Unique Features: Cabanas, Boathouse, and Caves
The Sandcastle’s grounds are a marvel of design and luxury. Two cabanas offer shaded retreats, perfect for enjoying the California sun.
The beachfront boathouse, with a small kitchen and slate roof, exemplifies Deason’s meticulous attention to material and design, with the roof tiles sourced from a single vein of rock in a Chinese quarry.
At the base of the cliffside property, two naturally occurring caves add a touch of mystery and natural beauty to this already stunning estate.
The Cost of Grandeur
The transformation of the Sandcastle came at a significant cost. Deason estimates that he spent up to $60 million on the property’s renovation, in addition to the original purchase price.
This immense investment reflects the scale and quality of the upgrades, ensuring the estate’s position as one of the most luxurious homes in Southern California.
Deason believes the property’s unique features, like its seawall and direct beach access—now restricted under the California Coastal Act—add immeasurable value.
A Trophy Property on the Market
Despite the Sandcastle’s grandeur and beauty, Deason has decided to sell. With multiple residences across Dallas, Cedar Creek Lake, and Cabo San Lucas, Deason finds himself using the La Jolla estate less frequently.
As such, he has placed this trophy property on the market, offering a rare opportunity for a new owner to own a piece of California history.
The Sandcastle stands as a testament to Deason’s taste for luxury and his ability to transform a cliffside plot into a palatial estate.
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