Portabello Estate Could Set Record
Frank Pritt, founder of software company Attachmate Corp, is selling his custom-built Corona Del Mar estate and if it hit its list price of $75 million, it would set a record as the most expensive residential home sold in the United States. The 30,000-sq. foot home, interestingly named the "Portabello Estate," stretches to all the property lines on its 1/2 acre lot, adding the additional square footage (1/2 acre = 21,780-sq. feet) in additional floors. It boasts 8 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, multiple pools and a private grotto, though the beach that it sits on is not private. Most realtors don't think that the Orange County house is likely to make its asking price not only because it is far more expensive than any neighboring properties, but the house is right on a main road and offers virtually no privacy.
Full details are listed at the website of the realtor, John McMonigle.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jmchez May 17th 2006 9:13PM
First, in proper Italian, it should be either "Portabella" (beautiful door) or "Portobello" (beautiful port). Second, building a house to completely cover the property from road upfront to beach in back? That's just insane! Wait! The real insanity is asking for $75 million for a house that fronts a road and a public beach. Although, maybe that's a joke.
Luxist constantly shows huge estates with very large properties with private beaches for less than $11 million. I know location is important but $75 million is ridiculous.
Eric Cannon May 17th 2006 11:06PM
gross
Susanna May 18th 2006 12:32AM
I remember driving past this monstrosity in CDM when I lived there. Yes, it's completely publicly accessible. It was being built then, and it took three lots to build it. I think that was circa 1999-2000 when construction was being done. I recall thinking that it looked like George Jetson's living areas when I peeked indoors.
Amazing. I hope someone buys the ridiculous thing. That'd be great for the property values in the neighborhood.
Steve Pollack May 18th 2006 1:48AM
The house is awesome and my team is going to film tomorrow for a DVD. I'll post the link. Noteable highlights of this landmark property are too numerous to capture in text, and include: 3-story grotto with a pool, 2 spas, swim-up bar, tunnel slide, poolside lounge room and barbeque area; entertainment level with bowling alley, Art Deco theater, automotive museum, cafe, full exercise facility. Approximately 2,000 square foot 2-bedroom master suite, expansive living areas, immense oceanfront lawn/terraces...
I told Luxist about this property a week ago but they had to wait for Curbed to post.
Susan May 18th 2006 3:10PM
That house is amazing...given the $75 mil price tag is a bit crazy. I doubt it'll sell at that price but who knows...there are some crazy people out there. If anyone wanted to buy me the house i'd take it...lol. I love houses that are designed unique like this.
Eric Cannon May 18th 2006 10:48PM
it's still gross...
patricia May 19th 2006 10:27AM
Superb, but excessive. Petty the interior decor is so bland. What a waste of such provocative architecture!
Nicole Weston May 20th 2006 11:54AM
Jmchez - I know that ordinarily the term would be portobello or portabella, but this spelling is how it was listed on the realtor's site. I thought it was strange, too.
Jim Smith Jun 12th 2006 7:35PM
Just goes to show you engineers have horrible taste, and when they get money to play with they waste it on a poorly designed, bloated ugliness like this house.
Jim Smith Jun 12th 2006 7:36PM
Just goes to show you engineers have horrible taste, and when they get money to play with they waste it on a poorly designed, bloated ugliness like this house.
Van Uber Jun 24th 2006 10:28PM
I personally think it is a superb house. Excessive, yes, but a blend of fine architecture. It seems many people disagree with me, but I would definitely buy, even in spite of the public location.
julie Jun 28th 2006 5:52PM
The house is amazing but definately in the wrong location. It was amazing to watch the plans come together from the ideas of the homeowner. By the way, the Portabello name was taken from a mushroom! =)
I LOVE THIS HOME Jul 3rd 2006 7:13PM
i dont know y u dont like this house i agree that its kinda overpized but HAVE U SEEN THE INSIDE?!?!!?!?!?!? its gorgeous!
a Jul 6th 2006 10:05PM
dont criticize the price for this home. it takes up 3 housing lots in southern california which would make it 7 million dollars alone. adding its beautiful architecture and extravigant floor plan, i would say 75 million is the right price. if you dont like the price... dont buy this house
Randy Swenson Jul 8th 2006 6:33PM
I recently had had the pleasure of working on this house.my company is Modern Surfaces Inc, calcium removal specialists, I worked on two pools two spas and two water features, one that goes under glass at the entry to the inside of the house.
All I can say is WOW I had the oppertunity of seeing a good portion of the property,the craftmanship of the house is of the highest standard, stonework is superior, the travertine on the patios outside is all large slab radious cut and bevelded,amazing.
Never before have I seen a second deck pool w/a plexyglass bottom.
I worked for two days on the property and as soon as you step foot on the property one feels peace and relaxation,a great place to visit and I'de love to live there.
Thank you for the oppertunity.
Randy Swenson
Dan Corona Jul 9th 2006 5:56AM
Randy, I agree, I was blown away when I first stepped in the door, It's as big as a mall. I design and produce custom furniture and was there doing work for Dakota Jackson. I also sail the coast and have taken many friends out to see it from the ocean side. What a sight. One of the best homes I've ever worked in, besides the White house in La Jolla.
Kim Randazzo Jul 10th 2006 6:48PM
I have yet to see this house anywhere but on the internet but I would so love to see it in person. I have seen it on many websites and I keep looking for more. I have shown it to everyone I know. It is my dream house. One of which I could never afford. I will not be able to just drive past it and I would not go there uninvited so I'm sure I will not get the chance to view it in person. Darn it!!!
Whoa Jul 23rd 2006 8:01PM
http://www.portabello.com
Enjoy
Lindsay Jul 27th 2006 3:55PM
Vern Buwalda, Buwalda Construction, Inc. built this home. He is a fine contractor in Laguna Beach. The best there is. :)
Marc Talunt Aug 13th 2006 5:32PM
I would love to see the floorplan for the portabello estate, but its password protected :(
does anyone know how to get the password?
thanx
marc