Inside an Oceanfront Jewel in Malibu

Sotheby's International Realty Extraordinary Living Blog

When someone mentions that they own a beach house, they often mean a charming cottage with coastal-themed decor and a view of the ocean, a convenient location a block or two from the sunny shore, or a perch just above the strand on a cliff or promontory. This 2,861-square-foot gem, however, takes the notion to a new level, sitting as it does on a rocky outcropping amid the sand itself, where the waves of Matador Beach wash up almost to its very verge. The interiors are a bastion of dazzling light and views as well as clean, minimalist contemporary design—a place where relaxation is paramount and vistas of the coveted serene surroundings take center stage.

The living spaces are remarkably open and bright, the palette refreshingly restrained, with warm, grounding woods offering an earthy contrast to crisp, polished surfaces of white. The corner dining room is wrapped in windows that create a veritable wall of dynamic, cinematic art capturing ocean waters, clear blue sky, the Channel Islands and Point Dume in the distance, and further beyond, the definitive, far-reaching line of the horizon. The space flows directly to an open kitchen with an island, plentiful white cabinetry, new modern tile, refreshed countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. The nearby living room benefits from a similar expanse of glass with a dramatic view, conjuring the feeling of being at sea—or at the very least, somehow magically suspended over the water. The room’s fireplace creates welcoming, comforting warmth on cooler days and nights.

One of four bedrooms, the vast primary suite includes a sitting area, wall-sized picture windows, and sliding doors to a romantic private Juliet balcony. The en suite bath offers a generous dual-sink vanity, heated towel racks, a glass-enclosed rainshower, and a vintage-inspired soaking tub perfectly poised to appreciate views of the horizon. Two additional bedrooms and baths are secluded on the upper level as well, while one guest suite is located on the main level.

Suffused with sea-salt-laden Pacific breezes, the expansive deck is bounded by a glass railing that ensures the picturesque vista of sand, surf, and sunsets remains perennially uninterrupted. From further up the hill, a switchbacking flagstone path descends to the beach and an idyllic sunset cove. The property’s location, in a small exclusive enclave on a private gated road, puts it within a moment’s reach of fine shops and restaurants and all the other allurements and enticements of Malibu.