5 Private Southern California Estates with Panoramic Coastal Views

From its elevated setting above historic Verdugo Viejo in Glendale, Lorelei unfolds as a commanding Spanish Revival estate with exceptional privacy and sweeping panoramic views—from downtown Los Angeles across Glendale and Burbank to the San Gabriel Mountains, and, on clear days, the Pacific Ocean. Originally constructed in 1929 by renowned architect Peter Damm, the residence is thoughtfully designed to honor its historic character while accommodating modern living. Arrival is framed by a grand gated courtyard, where hand-painted Spanish tile and a tranquil fountain set a quiet, cinematic tone. Inside, authentic craftsmanship carries through arched doorways, Venetian plaster walls, trellis-pattern marble floors, and rich hardwoods—details that lend warmth and permanence to everyday routines. It’s a setting that invites slow mornings, long afternoons, and evenings spent watching the city give way to distant horizons.

Originally built as a unique Spanish style residence in Pacific Palisades’ Chautauqua-on-the-rim, this restored and remodeled home unfolds behind gates into a courtyard entry that feels transportive—evoking Mexico, Spain, or the South of France. Cathedral beamed ceilings and French doors create an easy indoor/outdoor rhythm, carrying you from the front courtyard to the back patios. The floor plan is notably flexible, with a newly remodeled chef’s kitchen and a flow that suits entertaining without feeling formal. Upstairs, the romantic primary suite includes an office and dressing area, along with an ideal covered patio. Downstairs, two bedrooms are complemented by an unbelievable wood-paneled family room. Light, bright walls offer a clean backdrop for artwork, while windows frame incredible vistas. A guest house adds privacy and versatility for everyday living.

From its elevated 3.8-acre setting in West Malibu, this modern sanctuary is defined by privacy and sweeping mountain and ocean views. Meticulously sourced materials meet cutting-edge technology, including an 11.3-kilowatt solar system with two Enphase back-up batteries and complete home automation integrated into the Home Kit system. A central glass elevator anchors the interiors with a note of industrial elegance, while a private theater with Focal speakers and a 144” Stewart Screen sets the scene for cinematic nights at home. In the primary suite, 14-foot ceilings, a custom closet, steam shower, private balcony, and an 85” fireplace frame ocean vistas. The living space features a porcelain and Italian marble fireplace, and the chef’s kitchen centers on a waterfall island with top-of-the-line appliances. Outside, a limestone-clad 75-foot Jr. Olympic infinity-edge pool with passive solar heating overlooks the peaceful grounds, alongside a separate 400 sq ft multi-purpose structure.

Set behind privacy hedges at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac just off Mulholland Drive, this meticulously remodeled 1965 Mid-Century compound offers rare seclusion on a flat double corner lot spanning over a third of an acre in Upper Laurel Canyon. Post-and-beam architecture meets refined modern upgrades, with wide-plank hardwood floors, original stonework, and soaring beamed ceilings. Walls of Fleetwood sliding glass doors open the single-level plan to sweeping canyon, mountain, and city views. A private internal courtyard leads to a bright foyer with motorized skylights and retractable blinds, while the recessed living room centers on a fireplace. The chef’s kitchen pairs custom cabinetry with Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele appliances, plus wine and beverage refrigeration. Outdoors, expansive lawns, a covered loggia, and a resurfaced PebbleTec saltwater lap pool with bubbling fountain shape an easy indoor-outdoor rhythm.

Along the water’s edge in Marina Del Rey’s Marina Peninsula, this canal-front residence sits just one block from the sandy beach and leans into the rhythms of coastal living. An expansive split-level rooftop deck crowns the home with panoramic 360-degree views, while a balcony below frames tranquil canal outlooks and ocean breezes. Inside, rich hardwood flooring and fresh interior paint set a bright, modern tone. The layout is designed for both daily ease and entertaining, with a spacious great room and a cozy family room, each centered around its own fireplace, plus a formal dining room. A chef-inspired kitchen is outfitted with premium Miele and Thermador appliances. Downstairs, a generous bonus room with its own bathroom, wet bar, and patio offers flexible potential, with direct access to the three-car garage—ideal for shaping a lifestyle that’s distinctly your own.