La Jolla’s Sand Castle Estate Relists For $87.5 Million
The late billionaire Darwin Deason’s legendary La Jolla compound, nicknamed “ The Sand Castle,” has reentered the market for a reduced price of $87.5 million.
Widely regarded as one of California’s most architecturally significant beachfront estates, the property was created by combining two separate homes, one originally built in 1929 and the other in 1955.
Deason assembled the two oceanfront lots for a combined $26 million, ultimately transforming them into a single, irreplaceable coastal compound.
With its seawall, private beach, and grandfathered positioning along the shoreline, The Sand Castle represents a caliber of waterfront estates that could not be replicated today, making it a true one-of-a-kind.
Property Highlights
Price: $87.5 million
Size: 12,981 square feet on .9 acres
Bedrooms: 10
Bathrooms: 11 full and 3 powder rooms
Location: La Jolla, California
Notable Features: Private beach on the property, Thassos-tiled saltwater pool, custom interiors by Timothy Corrigan, cabanas, spa, fitness center, firepit, boat bar, elevator, gold-gilded rooms, ocean-facing terraces
For more information about this listing, reach out to Brett Dickinson at 858.204.6226 or Ross Clark at 858.442.2643 of The Dickinson & Clark Team.
Entering The Front Courtyard
Stepping into the front courtyard of La Jolla’s Sand Castle feels like entering a private European neighborhood.
Inspired by the finest manors on the French Riviera, the design centers around symmetry, classical detailing, and layered stonework.
Living Room With a View
Inside the main house, the living room opens up with a sweeping wall of arched windows that frame views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Shores.
Overhead, an intricately detailed coffered ceiling with plaster medallions adds to the estate’s French Riviera inspiration, while polished stone floors reflect the natural light underfoot.
At the back wall, sliding doors open to a columned loggia set up for outdoor dining, extending the living space outward toward the ocean.
Formal Dining Room
Down the hall, the formal dining room is one of the most beautiful rooms in the estate, with its extensive use of solid gold leaf applied across the walls in fine detail.
Floor-to-ceiling arched windows line the perimeter, their sheer drapery softening the light while preserving uninterrupted ocean views beyond the terrace.
In the center is a long polished dining table surrounded by intricately carved chairs upholstered in patterned fabric that mirrors the classical design.
Bedroom Suites
A couple of the estate’s most unique sleeping quarters include a private suite in the guest house and a grand primary suite in the main residence, each offering its own interpretation of coastal luxury.
Primary Suite in The Main House
The primary suite in the main house uses heavy, swagged drapery to frame a wall of French doors that open to a private terrace overlooking the water.
A carved wood bed, crystal chandelier, and layered ceiling moldings reinforce the estate’s European influence.
Guest House Bedroom Suite
Located within the guest house, this suite has a softer, contemporary take on the estate’s classical style.
A diamond-tufted upholstered bedframe adds an accent to one wall, and a tiered crystal chandelier introduces a subtle layer of glamour overhead.
French doors open directly to a private balcony with ocean views, while a built-in window seat creates a spot to take in the views from the inside.
Guest House
Set just behind the pool, the three-bedroom guest house is designed as a fully independent residence, complete with its own formal living areas, entertainment spaces, full kitchen, and private terraces.
Living Room and Bar
The guest house living room opens beneath a coffered ceiling designed with hand-painted panels, each inset framed by rich wood detailing, and has crystal chandeliers hanging down.
Within the same open-floor plan, a dedicated bar and entertainment area is built into the wall with various dining tables, creating a central area for hosting.
Throughout the entire room, 18th-century antiques are layered alongside bespoke furnishings, blending European provenance with custom-designed pieces tailored specifically for the estate.
Boat Bar
Next to an outdoor terrace, the Boat Bar is designed as a refined nautical salon, wrapped entirely in rich, high-gloss wood paneling that extends from the walls to the ceiling.
A sweeping marble-topped bar sits in front of arched glass cabinetry that displays crystal stemware and top-shelf spirits.
Leather-upholstered bar stools with rolled arms and nailhead trim line the counter, reinforcing the tailored, old-world atmosphere.
Beyond the bar, a lounge area features tufted leather seating, patterned armchairs, and dark round tables positioned beneath a series of arched windows framing uninterrupted ocean views.
Private Beach
Carved into the bluff and positioned just above the water, the expansive private beach stretches along the coastline.
Within the sand, a row of chaise lounges lines the perimeter, while a dining table provides space for open-air meals just steps from the water.
Deason’s Impact on The Sand Castle
After more than a decade of renovations, billionaire Darwin Deason had planned to sell this remarkable estate to spend more time at his properties in Dallas and Cabo San Lucas.
However, Deason, who poured years of vision and resources into perfecting every detail of the home, passed away in December 2025 in Texas.
With this, The Sand Castle not only holds a unique history from its own development but also from the impact Deason had during his years in ownership. Ultimately, leaving behind a coastal estate carved into the cliffs, unlike anything else on the California coast.
