Joni Mitchell's custom-built oceanfront home in Malibu has been listed for sale for $26.99 million, marking the first time the property has been on the market in nearly four decades. The estate, designed by architect Ron Goldman, offers celebrity provenance and a unique feature: a beachfront swimming pool and spa that predates current coastal development regulations, making its recreation unlikely today.
The approximately 4,000-square-foot residence is situated along Malibu Road within the Malibu Colony enclave. It features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, vaulted ceilings, extensive glass walls, and direct access to the beach. The design aims to blend indoor and outdoor living, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto a beachfront terrace and stone flooring that transitions seamlessly from interior spaces. The main living area includes an open-plan great room, formal dining space, and kitchen, all overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Mitchell, who was born in Canada and is now 82, purchased the beachfront parcel in the early 1980s and commissioned Goldman to design the Cape Cod-inspired retreat. She sold the property in 1988 for $2.75 million to a Walt Disney Company board director, whose family has owned it since. The current listing agents include Joyce Rey and Nanette Iggulden of Coldwell Banker Realty, along with Jody Katz and Leona Katz.
"This property is magnificent in every respect, from its refined architectural design and beautifully considered interiors to its rare beachfront amenities and irreplaceable Malibu setting," Rey stated. "The grandfathered pool and spa would be extraordinarily difficult to recreate under today's coastal regulations, making this a truly exceptional offering within the luxury coastal market."
The primary suite is located upstairs and features a private balcony with ocean views, a dressing area, and a spa-style bathroom. The main residence includes three additional bedrooms, and a detached guest house offers a fifth bedroom. A private courtyard surrounded by mature hedges and trees provides an additional entertaining space.
Despite updates, the home largely retains its original architectural vision. The listing comes at a challenging time for Malibu's housing market, which has seen increased inventory and softening prices following a devastating fire. However, prime beachfront properties with celebrity ties and unique features continue to be highly sought after.