See dreamy $25M California home on bluff with grand brick stairway winding down to ocean

A dreamy, historic Southern California mansion built high into a corner bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean — and graced by a long, dramatic and private brick stairway that descends directly to the beach below — has hit the market for $25 million.

The distinctive flight of stairs — perhaps one of the grandest private ocean accesses on the coast of California — provides flat viewing areas on the way down to the sands of Three Arch Bay in Laguna Beach, California.

“Resting high on a direct oceanfront corner bluff overlooking all of Three Arch Bay, this estate transcends every other home in Three Arch Bay, perhaps even all of Laguna Beach,” according to the official property listing. “Tender care of ownership is evidenced by the exemplary attention to detail given to each aspect of this extraordinary property.”

Originally built in 1933, the French Normandy-style home at 6 Barranca Way spans 5,333 square feet with six bedrooms, including two luxurious primary suites, and six full baths.

“There is no other estate positioned in Laguna Beach offering such extensive and sweeping panoramic views of the white water, sand, and Catalina,” according to the property listing.

Listing agent John Stanaland of Douglas Elliman Realty was not available to provide comment to The Sacramento Bee.

“The property’s age and history are significant as is the fact it’s absolutely magical, in pristine condition and one of a kind location with direct beach access,” he told the Los Angeles Daily News.

The compound last sold in 2018 for $9.4 million, according to public records. The property has undergone upgrades and expansions through the Mills Act, the California law that allows property tax relief to owners who restore and preserve historic structures.

Laguna Beach’s historic register rates the estate “E” for “exceptional.”

“Careful, delicate improvements were made to this property, including but not limited to a complete gourmet kitchen, with top-of-the-line appliances, Lutron whole house lighting, updated technology and P E X plumbing/ re-piping of the entire home,” according to the property description.

The estate has an independent guest house, with two separate units, that sits 35 feet from the main residence on its own deeded parcel attached to the property.

There are 20 outdoor vistas to take in views of the sunrise and sunset “from every angle,” according to a Douglas Elliman representative.