Cliffside Malibu Estate Formerly Owned by Johnny Carson Listed for $110 Million
This striking Cliffside Malibu estate is, much like its previous inhabitants, designed for hosting gatherings.
Once the residence of the late talk show icon Johnny Carson, the estate is now on the market, listed by e-cigarette investor Riaz Valani and his wife, Augusta Tigret.
The expansive property, prominently perched over the California coastline, is seeking a remarkable $110 million.
Carson acquired the estate in the 1980s, around ten years before he stepped back from late-night television.
Designed by modernist architect Edward R. Niles, the triangular main house boasts features like soaring glass ceilings and wooden accents, with mature trees integrated into the indoor spaces. Spanning 4 acres, the grounds also include a luxurious outdoor pool and what are claimed to be tennis courts gifted by NBC.
The current owners, Valani and Tigret, are selling their investment, having purchased Carson’s former home in 2019 for $40 million. They had acquired the estate, situated on Point Dume, as part of a collection of properties but are now looking to reinvest elsewhere in Northern California.
According to Compass Broker Chris Cortazzo, the positioning, architectural integrity, and location of the estate are exceptional.
This 7,100-square-foot residence centers around an indoor arboretum. The main living area features impressive 30-foot glass ceilings, while a triangular dining room, spacious kitchen, and a glass-walled office add to its charm.
The home spans three stories and includes two bedrooms, with the master suite occupying its own floor.
The grounds resemble a park, complete with a security office, tranquil fish ponds, and unique cooking facilities.
A major highlight of the property is the tennis pavilion, reportedly a gift from NBC to Carson, which includes two bedrooms, a courtside dining deck, and a spa-like locker room.
Valani and Tigret’s move to sell is in line with their plans to pivot toward other investment opportunities.
A sale at the listed price of $110 million would significantly benefit the entrepreneurial couple.
The Journal notes that the estate changed hands post-Carson’s death in 2005, when American businessman Sidney Kimmel bought it for $46 million. Kimmel later attempted to sell it for over $80 million in 2017, ultimately accepting a $40 million offer from Valani and Tigret.
Cortazzo emphasizes that the heightened price reflects the property’s unique position and features that can’t be replicated in today’s market, as the original home is located much closer to the bluff than current regulations would allow.
