The Razor House in La Jolla, Calif. has hit the market for $30 million. Marketed by Laleh and Niloo Monshizadeh of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in La Jolla, The Razor House is one of the Pacific coastline’s most stunning architectural wonders.
“They said it could not be built,” says Laleh. “The lot was modestly sized and steep. Yet the architect had the extraordinary vision to create a masterpiece nestled sensitively into the hillside. It is art as architecture. We are honored to represent this home.”
Designed by one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 designers, Wallace E. Cunningham, the modernist house was named after Razor Point — fitting for a property that pays homage to a stunning yet treacherous landscape where majestic cliffs meet the infinity of the ocean. Following the Wrightian tradition of organic architecture, Cunningham drew inspiration from the challenging terrain, imagining a dynamic residence spread across the land that takes advantage of its position amid deep canyon, golden sandstone and jagged bluff leading into vast views of the Pacific. He designed a gallery of white concrete, stainless steel and glass in a cantilevered design, offering some of the most hypnotic panoramas of the Pacific ever seen. Walled in by sheets of glass, the house is so transparent that you feel as if you are suspended in air, completely surrounded by water. When The Razor House was completed in 2007, the property was widely regarded as an architectural marvel. The cinematic nature of its design has made it a highly sought-after filming location, featured in TV commercials for Calvin Klein and Visa.
Sunk deep into the hillside, the property allows for panoramic views from the very moment one enters the privacy gates. The procession from the driveway to the front entrance provides an almost complete view of the ocean-facing side of the house.
“An infinity-edge pool lies between the carport and the front entrance, further blurring the lines between ocean and home,” describes Niloo. “A wide lawn serves as a visual courtyard to the house, which curves and angles around the lawn and patio. You can often see hawks or paragliders from Torrey Pines Gliderport hovering in the sky above you. It’s one of the many treasures that add to the allure of The Razor House.”
Inside, nature passes through the 10,653 square-foot main house in seamless harmony. Floor to ceiling frameless glass has been generously used throughout, allowing ocean views from almost every living space. The entertaining spaces have been carefully arranged to take full advantage of the views and maximize the indoor/outdoor connection, while offering world-class amenities. “Every detail at The Razor House has been carefully curated with a high regard for form and function,” says Laleh.
A rich palette of materials and finishes such as Travertine stone floors, solid walnut flooring, Quarter-Sawn stained walnut veneer cabinetry and accent walls, luxe suede wrapped walls and VetroStone engineered stone surfaces create a warm and sophisticated canvas for modern living. “Special attention was paid to the materials that the future homeowner would touch and feel everyday,” adds Niloo, including Vola, Boffi, Duravit, TOTO and Kohler plumbing fixtures throughout. State-of-the-art technology, including a computer room housing all integration and automation systems, an integrated audio system and Lutron shades throughout means that the future homeowner will enjoy a seamless, smart home lifestyle.
As you tour the home, you notice a unique circular living room — set in a glass drum — which blurs the boundaries between indoors and out. Structural walls of glass provide the only dividing line between courtyard, bluff and ocean.
A family room provides three wine cabinets, each with a capacity of 78 bottles and custom Shagreen liquor cabinet and bar with built-in Sub-Zero refrigerator. Two kitchens blend form and function for those who want the best of both worlds: an entertaining kitchen with a Gaggenau cooktop, Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer and Miele dishwasher, plus a restaurant-grade service kitchen with multiple Gagggenau ovens and induction cooktops, a Miele dishwasher and two Sub-Zero refrigerators and freezer. A short flight of stairs reaches the dining area, where it is not hard to imagine taking meals surrounded by ocean blue. A glass-enclosed library offers an intimate space for work or quiet contemplation. There is also state-of-the-art screening room on the lower level with acoustically treated walls and ceiling, tiered floors, a Stewart curved multi‐aspect ratio screen and Christie HD digital projector. A glass elevator takes you upstairs, where you find four bedroom suites, including two master suites that feel spa-like with spacious showers, freestanding tubs and wardrobes.
Situated in an enclosed bridge, the primary master suite has an adjoining exercise room and outdoor lounge, overlooking the courtyard with an open sightline to the horizon. A sculpted ceiling mimics the shapes of the waves, and recessed lighting in the floors makes you feel as if you are one with the ocean.
The outdoor spaces reveal a reverence for the spectacular oceanfront surroundings. Over 6,100 square feet of exterior stone tiled terraces beckon you outdoors at all moments of the day. A mesmerizing rooftop entertaining level encompasses a stainless-steel spa, heaters and an outdoor kitchen with grill, refrigerator and sink. A black-tiled pool arches across white Travertine stone floors, heated for year-round enjoyment. Finally, a 1,301 square-foot detached guesthouse offers five-star privacy and luxury with a separate personal carport and two bedrooms, each with their separate entrances.
What nearly gets lost in all this architectural beauty is the home’s premier location near Torrey Pines Golf Course, Del Mar Racetrack and the La Jolla Playhouse.
“The Razor House captures the magnificent beauty of La Jolla like no other house ever could,” the real estate agents conclude.
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