A Treehouse Treasure Above the Coast

Coastal Del Mar, California is one of the nation’s most luxurious beach towns. It was founded in 1885 as a seaside resort town by railroad official Theodore Loop, who declared it “the most attractive place on the entire coast.” Still famous for its Surfliner train that runs along its exquisite bluffs, it also hosts the stunning Del Mar Racetrack, a summer destination for world-class horse racing, and the San Diego Fairgrounds. It is one of only two places in the world where the endangered Torrey pine tree grows, and much of the city is made up of nature reserves. Building and development in this exclusive enclave is tightly controlled by both the city council, which aims to preserve the coastal resort atmosphere, and the California Coastal Commission, which seeks to protect the region’s vulnerable ecosystem. 

A rare opportunity to own a newly constructed mansion presents itself with the listing of Casa Alta, a stunning modern-inspired residence perched atop a lushly wooded private parcel, for $16.5 million. The construction of this remarkable home was a testament to patience, requiring more than five years and an extraordinary level of precision and coordination to bring architect Brian Church’s vision to life. 

Images by Sam Chen, alohaphotovideo