Luxury Living on the Cliffs of La Jolla
The breathtaking Sand Castle mansion, perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, California, is now listed for $108 million. This price tag more than doubles the previous record for home sales in San Diego County, making it a standout property for the ultra-wealthy.
A Dream Home with a Rich History
Owned by tech billionaire Darwin Deason, the Sand Castle was created by combining two lots he purchased in 2009. Inspired by the opulence of the French Riviera and Palm Beach, Deason completed a full renovation in 2015, giving the estate its nickname due to its beige exterior and fortress-like design.
“It is just time to move on,” Deason said in an email, reflecting on his decision to sell after amassing his fortune from selling an IT services company to Xerox Holdings Corp. for $6.4 billion in 2010.
A Unique Location
The mansion is built atop a seawall constructed before California regulations restricted anti-erosion measures, making this cliffside gem unique. Real estate agent Brett Dickinson notes that La Jolla is increasingly popular with wealthy retirees and tech investors, thanks to its pleasant weather, low crime rates, and quality schools. The area’s median home price has surged to $2.3 million, a 22% increase in just a year.
“La Jolla is the jewel of San Diego—known for its stunning beaches and luxurious homes,” Dickinson stated.
Luxurious Features
The Sand Castle boasts 10 bedrooms, 14 full bathrooms, and three half baths, featuring exquisite touches like French-imported fireplaces and crystal chandeliers. The estate also includes a guest house with three en-suite bedrooms and a pool adorned with blue Thassos marble tiles.
Notably, a man-made beach features sand sourced from the same place as the sand traps at Augusta National Golf Club. Deason, who resides primarily in Dallas, also owns vacation homes in Texas and Mexico, along with a luxurious yacht named Apogee.
Highlights of the Property
Deason shared that his favorite spot in the Sand Castle is the master balcony, which offers stunning ocean views and a perfect relaxation spot. He is particularly proud of the nautical-themed bar, designed to resemble the one on his yacht.
The current record for home sales in San Diego County stands at $44.1 million, set last year by a waterfront property in Del Mar. The Sand Castle is set to shatter this record and redefine luxury living in Southern California.
