This secluded beachfront Malibu estate is rooted in sand and sun, but it’s foundation is enlightened by zen. On the market for $8.5 million, the private beach house conveys a relaxing coastal existence, nature preserve grandeur, and a harmonious indoor-outdoor balance.
All this at Hollywood’s doorstep—a rare luxurious, peerless, zen gem hidden from heavily populated Los Angeles, near Beverly Hills, Pepperdine University, and the Hughes-Malibu Heliport. Although the California sun has let the zen in, this estate also has a rich backstory in sports, entertainment, and politics.
Originally built for late NFL star and character actor Alex Karras, the Pacific Coast Highway residence is currently owned by William F. Lynch who served under four U.S. presidents, including Richard Nixon. Lynch was a member of the landmark Nixon-Henry Kissinger delegation that reopened U.S.-China relations in 1972.
Now, Lynch and his wife Elizabeth are moving on from the waterfront home, willing to leave behind a few travel treasures. The listing is held by Madison Hildebrand (of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing LA) and Jennifer Chrisman, both with Pacific Union International.
Situated along a coveted stretch west of Marisol Malibu, the private estate offers 55 feet of coastal frontage directly on the beach, boasting ocean or mountain views from every room. Surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and code-protected from future building, its unobstructed vistas (whales, dolphins, surfers, County Line Beach) are forever preserved.
The estate evokes an elegant, rejuvenating lifestyle. Rare for a beach estate, the house is entirely infused with Feng Shui and furnished (for extra cost) with rare Chinese antiques acquired by Lynch during his overseas trips over four decades. This includes an intricate gilt dragon screen, ornate vessels, statues, Buddha heads, and carved wooden chests, tables, credenzas, etc.
The residence is primed for entertaining, featuring a 30-foot-by-50-foot living room with fireplace, panoramic windows, and multiple waterfront decks (including a 3,000-square-foot rooftop with 360-degree vistas of the ocean, Channel islands and mountains). Antiques and views are the focal point of every room—from the oceanfront deck to the formal dining room to the chef’s kitchen and family room.
The home has four bedrooms, a separate-entrance in-law suite, a direct-access beach stairway, and a rare protective sea wall. The master suite includes its own private ocean deck, a fireplace den, and a spa bath.
Karas, the home’s former owner, was a burly Detroit Lions football player who went Hollywood, starring in movies and TV—most notably as “Mongo” in Mel Brook’s satire Blazing Saddles and on the sitcom Webster with his wife Susan Clarke and Emmanuel Lewis. Prior to that, the property was owned by 1970s Australian pop icon (and Grease star) Olivia Newton-John.
This estate’s pedigree practically begs for the spotlight. But its vibe is far from Hollywood, Washington, D.C. and the gridiron. No political footballs here. Zen rules by day and night.
