A golden opportunity has arisen for the discerning, well-heeled buyer looking for a quiet home on the range that’s also commuting distance to Los Angeles. Jack Giarraputo, veteran film exec and Adam Sandler’s producing partner at Happy Madison, has hoisted a monumental Malibu property onto the market, where it’s saddled with a $31.5 million pricetag.
Known as Sweetwater Ranch and tucked into the Santa Monica mountains, Giarraputo’s property is located high in the secluded rolling foothills of the celeb-favored, guard-gated enclave of Serra Retreat, and measures in at approximately 40 acres — a rare amount of acreage in Malibu. The land doesn’t currently have any structures built upon it, but detailed 3D renderings illustrate what life on the ranch might be like after the construction of a planned modern mansion.
Perched on the edge of a high bluff, the big spread features stunning views of Malibu’s iconic coastline as well as the surrounding mountains. As an added bonus, nearly 2,000 acres of land surround the estate, but only five homes will be allowed to be constructed on that tract as per the decree of the California Coastal Commission. So, for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet (and who can afford the very premium price tag), this place is ideal.
Although the estate’s house — designed by the Los Angeles architecture firm Standard AIA — hasn’t yet been built, construction has already been approved by the CCC. Renderings of the home feature a sprawling Napa Valley farmhouse-style residence that beautifully blends into Malibu’s rugged scenery.
The proposed residence is distinctly modern, with seven bedrooms and a whopping 17 bathrooms in about 12,250 square feet. The exterior architecture will be completely clad in limestone and dark-colored siding, while a fire-thwarting metal roof will top the long and low structure. To shoo away any uninvited guests or lookie-looks, a private guardhouse will sit at the front of the property, where the curving driveway meets the road.
Inside, there’s an airy open floor plan, pale hardwood floors, pure white walls and tongue-and-groove ceilings. The home’s first floor will hold the roomy formal living and dining rooms, both of which offer soaring ceilings and walls of glass. Other first-floor amenities include a two-story wine room that boasts spectacular ocean views and a private theater with pocket door access to an outdoor kitchen and a covered loggia — an ideal set up for easy-breezy indoor/outdoor entertaining.
Upstairs, there’s a spacious master suite perfectly positioned so the owners can enjoy sunset views. Plans call for dual master bathrooms, oversized walk-in closets and a wraparound balcony. In a fun twist, a glass-encased bridge connects the master suite to a separate wing where the residence’s other four guest and family bedrooms are located. Each of the guest bedrooms has a private bath and access to a deck with knockout views. The bridge also provides access to a succulent-covered rooftop terrace that sports a shaded dining area, a firepit and two fancy water features.
Of course, the property’s greatest draw is the fact that it sits on 40-acres of land — a lot of space for to play in the California sun! Renderings have imagined a reflecting lap pool, a tennis court and several loggias from which to bask in the Malibu countryside. A stone path leads from the main house down to a 75-foot-long infinity pool with a Baja shelf and a sunken bar, both of which provide jetliner views of the surrounding countryside. The poolside terrace will offer multiple seating areas, a firepit and even a zero-edge Jacuzzi.
In addition to all the goodies located around the house and pool, there are also five acres of delightfully flat land sited on the property’s lower plateau. For the enthusiastic equestrian, the space will accommodate fenced pastures, a riding arena and a state-of-the-art three-stall barn complete with a couple of shaded outdoor areas, a tack room and a wash stall.
In addition to his Malibu digs, Giarraupto also owns a stately Pacific Palisades home that he purchased from former NBC chairman Ted Harbert’s ex-wife, Susan, for a touch under $13.3 million in 2014.
Tracy Tutor and Gina Dickerson of Douglas Elliman hold the listing.