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sweeping aerial shot captures the dramatic landscape of this Kauai North Shore estate, a 2‑acre oasis nestled beside 1,000 acres of protected wilderness. The property, once a private retreat for cinematographer Dan Mindel and his family, is now listed for $4.47 million after a comprehensive renovation.
Mindel, whose credits include “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” “Mission Impossible III,” “The Amazing Spider‑Man 2,” and “Twisters,” has spent his career filming epic adventures. Yet the home he calls home is far from the set of a blockbuster; it is a rustic‑chic sanctuary that feels like its own cinematic backdrop.
The residence, built in 2006 and later personalized by Mindel and his wife Lisa, spans 2,502 sq ft across three bedrooms and four baths. High ceilings, Indonesian hardwood floors, skylights, and custom triangular windows create an airy, indoor‑outdoor flow. A chef’s kitchen—accented with teal accents—serves as the heart of the house, while a spacious lanai of 1,200 sq ft offers panoramic views and a place to unwind. The décor blends granite, Italian terrazzo, teak accents, and polished stone baths, giving the space a refined yet natural feel.
A secondary structure, a 1,250‑sq‑ft barn with custom siding and teak‑encased Fleetwood doors, adds versatility for hosting guests. Two outdoor showers, a 24‑panel solar array, and a landscape dotted with fruit trees underscore the property’s sustainable and self‑contained lifestyle.
Mindel reflects on the home’s allure: “The natural light and shifting colors throughout the day made this place feel like an extension of who we are.” He purchased the property in 2016 for $1.64 million, and describes the nights as silent, the skies dark, and the island’s rhythm as a constant reset—“a weightless, nurturing way to exist with no outside noise, no stress.”
The listing, brought to market by Tiffany Spencer and Ben Welborn of Hawai‘i Life, highlights the estate’s privacy, two entertaining‑ready structures, and the seamless blend of indoor luxury with outdoor serenity. The property’s proximity to the North Shore’s pristine coastline and its expansive natural surroundings make it a rare find for those seeking a tranquil yet sophisticated escape.
