A Point Dume property previously owned by Gail Zappa, widow of rock icon Frank Zappa, has come onto the market for US$28.5 million. Some of her unique design accents have been preserved. Gail Zappa acquired the Malibu property in 1997, four years after Frank's death, for US$2.4 million and spent the subsequent years designing the house with pieces collected during her travels.
In 2003, she sold the estate for US$5.8 million to Melissa Mathison, the screenwriter of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and former wife of Harrison Ford. The property recently underwent extensive renovations over two years, in collaboration with HGTV designer Leanne Ford. Elements from the Zappa era, such as a snake mosaic designed by Frank, were retained, while new features like a swimming pool, spa, and lily pond were added.
Beyond the expansive forecourt, which offers space for about a dozen vehicles, the main entrance opens into a compact foyer. A massive wooden door leads to a curving plastered staircase that sweeps up the wall, while a smaller arched opening, framed in dark stone, leads to another part of the house. The entrance area boasts structured stone flooring, exposed wooden beams, and irregular architectural details reminiscent of Gail's travels.
- —Price: $28.5 Million
- —Location: Malibu, California
- —Living Area: 4,200 Square Feet
- —Plot Size: 1.13 Acres
- —Bedrooms: 6
- —Bathrooms: 7
The living room, with its high beamed ceilings, is the heart of the home. At the end of the room, a sunken lounge overlooks a fireplace surrounded by tall geometric windows that offer views of the water. The open layout of the room is softened by rugs, a furniture collection, and warm wood accents, while a chandelier unifies the space.
A few steps to the right, the formal dining room sits beneath a decorative beamed ceiling with carved geometric details. A long glass table dominates the centre of the room under a sculptural chandelier, while tall patterned windows and glass doors line one side of the room, opening to an outdoor terrace. On the other side of the dining room is a bright sunroom, almost entirely surrounded by the house's geometric windows. Currently furnished as a gym, the open space with plenty of natural light would also serve well as a family, play, or meditation room.
Upstairs, the staircase branches off to an open landing, converted into a colourful library, before leading to the bedrooms. Turquoise built-in shelves frame the upper level under the sloped roof, while a wooden table in the centre invites reading or work. The library opens into a private reading nook, where a built-in daybed is framed by vibrant red walls. The primary suite features a carved bed opposite a fireplace. Sliding doors lead to a private balcony with ocean views, and the suite extends into its own reading area with built-in shelves and a window seat.
The suite's balcony extends along the exterior to the bathroom, providing both areas with ocean views and outdoor access. Inside, the bathroom offers two separate glass showers, arranged between opposing vanity units. Above the main residence, a separate office creates a secluded workspace, set apart from the primary living areas. The compact room is situated beneath a steeply pitched, exposed beamed ceiling with painted geometric details above three ocean-facing windows.
