American Billionaire Lists Spectacular Cliffside Mansion for a Jaw-Dropping $108 Million
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a castle that resembles the Palace of Versailles, now’s your chance: The Sand Castle, a stunning waterfront property in La Jolla, California, is up for sale. You’ll just need to shell out a cool $108 million.
Owned by American billionaire Darwin Deason, the Sand Castle is a whopping 12,981 square feet — and if it sells for asking price, it’ll set a record for San Diego real estate. Let’s take a look inside the extravagant property.
The Main House
Deason spent 15 years building this castle — and the attention to detail certainly shows. With seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and two (TWO!) powder rooms, the Sand Castle’s main house pulls out all the stops. The primary suite offers his and hers baths, and there’s a fitness center and spa for those who like to feel pampered within their own home. Want a house with a fireplace? This palace has multiple fireplaces imported from France. Interior designer Timothy Corrigan decorated the Sand Castle with decor and furniture from around the world, including hand-laid New Ravenna mosaics. And, of course, there’s an elevator that brings residents to each level — because who needs stairs?
The Guest Residence
It’s only natural that a property as luxurious as this one would have an equally impressive guest house. And by guest house, we mean guest palace, one that features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room, and stone terraces. Situated by the property’s pool, the guest residence also has a gourmet kitchen and outdoor pizza oven.
The Grounds
Despite having an entrance to the La Jolla Shores below, the Sand Castle’s grounds have plenty of amenities that make it difficult to leave the property. There’s a private beach, a pool with blue Thassos glass mosaic tiles, and a European-style garden path. Cabanas provide a relaxing place for lounging, while a firepit on the terrace invites people to hang out on cool nights.
The Neighborhood
Love the beach life? La Jolla is a beachgoer’s haven located just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. Restaurants, golf courses, shopping, and museums dot the town, and with weather that remains pleasant for most of the year, you can enjoy the spoils of La Jolla through all four seasons.
The Price Tag
The Sand Castle’s listing price of $108 million is eye-popping, but it’s not entirely unusual for La Jolla. In 2024, the median sale price for a home in the town was $2.3 million. The Sand Castle’s price is notable, though: If the property sells, it will break the current San Diego County record of $44 million. That record is held by Egon Durban, a private equity billionaire who bought a Del Mar oceanfront property for $44 million in October 2023.