7301 Encelia Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037

$9,000,000
4
BD
4
BA
5,004
SqFt

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Sold Price
$9,000,000
List Price
$9,950,000
Closing Date
May 29, 2026
Status
CLOSED
MLS#
NDP2600802
Year Built
1950
Bedrooms
4
Bathrooms
4
Living Sq. Ft
5,004
Lot Size
65,775
Acres
1.51
Lot Location
0-1 Unit/Acre
Days on Market
88
Property Type
Single Family Residential
Style
Spanish
Property Sub Type
Single Family Residence
Stories
One Level

Property Description

SEALED BID SALE | BIDS TO BE DELIVERED TO: The Regents of the University of California Real Estate Services & Strategies 1111 Franklin St, 7th Floor Oakland, CA 94607-5200 ATTENTION: JULIE WONG NO LATER THAN 5PM PST ON APRIL 15, 2026 Perched high above the Pacific with panoramic views suspended between sea and sky, the former home of Theodor Seuss Geisel—known globally as Dr. Seuss, the most famous children’s author in the world—comes to market as one of La Jolla’s most storied residential offerings. Today, the property is widely regarded as one of the best view lots in all of Southern California, celebrated for its extraordinary elevation and sweeping coastal vistas. Originally designed in 1950 by master architect Thomas L. Shepherd, the estate was thoughtfully built around a pre-existing Spanish Revival observation tower dating back to 1923–1924, created to showcase the site’s remarkable outlook. From this hillside retreat, Geisel wrote 42 of his 68 published works, with the tower and adjoining office and study standing as enduring symbols of the property’s creative legacy. Both the observation tower and the office/study have been formally recognized for designation under the City of San Diego’s Historical Resource Board Criterion B and must remain. Extensively renovated while preserving its historic core, the 5,000+ square-foot estate sits on approximately 1.51 acres and includes a separate pool house, all positioned to capture breathtaking ocean, coastline, and sunset views. Located moments from the La Jolla Country Club, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, and the shops and dining of La Jolla Village, this is a truly rare opportunity where history, architecture, and setting converge. IMPORTANT NOTE: For all developers or potential buyers out there who are looking to do a lot split, tear down or complete renovation, the office and observation tower must remain.

Additional Information

Pool
Yes
Pool Description
In Ground, Private
Fireplace Description
Living Room, Primary Bedroom
Cooling
Yes
Cooling Description
See Remarks
View
Bay, City Lights, Coastline, Golf Course, Mountain(s), Ocean, Panoramic
Garage Spaces Total
2
School District
La Jolla
Interior Features
All Bedrooms Down, Main Level Primary, Primary Suite, Walk-In Closet(s)
Attached Structure
Detached

Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Jason Barry (Jason@barryestates.com) from Listing Office: Barry Estates.

Listing sold by Meridith Lacey from Compass

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Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.