Timeless $26 Million Home In La Jolla Is An Instant Classic

When well designed and built with quality materials, classic homes never go out of style. They can look as fresh down the decades as they did the day they were built.

This Monterey Colonial-influenced mansion in La Jolla, California, has such a timeless appearance. Hallmarks of the style include the second-floor balconies that face a brick courtyard with a koi pond. Sturdy columns continue from the ground to the gently sloping hip roof and emphasize the symmetry of the design.

Constructed in 2013, the white-brick house is set on nearly 1.4 acres that take in ocean views. Gates and towering hedges provide privacy from the street.

Within the 11,404 square feet of living space are living, dining and family rooms designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber for both everyday living and entertaining. The widely published decorator is known for mixing periods and styles.

The white-and-gray kitchen centers on large island with bar seating and a sink. 

The well-thought-out floorplan includes a main level choice for the primary bedroom, a second floor option and guest quarters above the car garage for a total of six bedrooms, six full bathrooms and two powder rooms. 

A sweeping staircase connects the two floors. An elevator also accesses all the levels.

The upstairs primary suite has sitting areas, a fireplace, dual closets and toilets, and a balcony with a spa and fireplace. A large bathtub sits in a window nook. There’s a separate shower.

The main bedroom deck shelters an outdoor living area below, which also has a fireplace. Pocket doors off of the family room open to this covered patio for ease of indoor-outdoor living.

Below grade is a wine cellar, a theater room with bar and storage.

Perhaps the most unexpected feature is the 18-plus car showroom, which currently houses a museum-like collection of vintage convertibles and sports cars. The space could be converted to others uses such as a bowling alley, a gym, a recording studio or a shooting range.

Extensive brick patio space opens to lawn and a swimming pool with underwater speakers. The estate is large enough to accommodate a pool house, a sport court or even an additional ocean-view house.

Smart home technology, hidden in-wall speakers and heated bathroom floors are among the countless amenities.

Drew Nelson and Tim Nelson of Willis Allen Real Estate are the listing agents for 1410 Inspiration Drive, San Diego. The asking price is $26 million.

Willis Allen Real Estate is a founding member ofForbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.