A Malibu Ranch

A Majestic California Ranch

Featuring its own vineyard and a splendid hacienda-style main house, this ranch is a short drive from Malibu

By Phil Butler

The dream of renowned real estate developer George Rosenthal, this Malibu hills estate mirrors the Mexican haciendas he admired. Here, two of the ranch’s swimming pools overlook the avocado orchard.

Tucked in the malibu hills, the 180-acre Rosenthal Ranch is a luxurious paradise that’s a world apart. Located just five minutes from the famous Malibu beaches, this estate is a spectacular, secure, and private oasis of tranquility surrounded by vineyards and the Santa Monica Mountains.

On the market for $38 million, the 180-acre estate surrounds a residential compound comprising 12,000 square feet of living space spread over the main hacienda, three guest homes, and staff quarters. For decades the home of renowned real estate developer George Rosenthal, the property reflects his love of Mexican architecture and wine country. The estate has more than 10,000 vines supporting Rosenthal’s eponymous wine label. There’s room for an additional 10,000 vines or more orchards as well.

Sitting at the terminus of a 1,000-foot-long oak-lined private lane, the main hacienda and guest houses embrace a fabulous courtyard. Inside the hacienda, the exquisite details of the home unfold underneath high wood-beamed ceilings, wonderful columns, fireplaces, and other unique features. Stunning pink walls are accentuated by hand-carved wooden doors, ornate tiles, and fine carpets. The compound overall sports eight lavish bedrooms spread out over distinctive areas. The main hacienda has living rooms, a professional kitchen, a butler’s pantry, a gym, and a sunroom, many with French doors opening onto fabulous patios. There are two guest cottages facing the inner courtyard, one with its own swimming pool.

Outside, manicured gardens and idyllic courtyards blend into vibrant vineyards, a mature oak forest, and a vast avocado orchard of more than 600 trees. Adjacent to the hacienda, a wonderful cascading pool is surrounded by a patio with a fireplace that’s perfect for entertaining. From there, multiple nature paths wind through the estate past woods and a pond, leading to a hiking trail through the mountains. The beautiful stables have been converted into a 2,545-squarefoot wine tasting room with a banquet area. This unique property also features a four-car garage and extensive wine storage facilities.

Above, one of the several dining rooms opens directly onto a marvelous patio and the hacienda’s lush lawns.

One of the hacienda’s living rooms is illuminated by ambient light from a faceted skylight from above, as well as expansive French doors and windows. Inspired by the wonderful rural haciendas in the countryside surrounding Mexico City, this estate is a transportive enclave of serenity. The term “showplace” is apt, and the owner's love of sharing it with guests is apparent.

Phil Butler is a publisher, editor, author, and analyst who is a widely cited expert on subjects ranging from digital and social media to travel technology.

ROSENTHAL RANCH MALIBU, CALIFORNIA $38 MILLION

• 8 BEDROOMS • 8 FULL BATHS • 12,000 SQUARE FEET • 180 ACRES

KEY FEATURES • UNIQUE RANCH DESIGN • FAMOUS VINEYARDS • BREATHTAKING NATURE • IDEAL LOCATION AND PRIVACY

AGENT JADE MILLS ESTATES STEPHANIE ZEBIK, MANAGING DIRECTOR 310-285-7508