Estate of Legendary Sports Agent Barry Axelrod Hits the Market for $3.995M

The Encinitas house of legendary sports agent and lawyer Barry Axelrod is on the market. The Hacienda-inspired 4-bedroom, 4-bath house on 1243 Crest Drive is listed for $3,995,000 with Rande Turner Collective of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty. 

Axelrod, who died in May at 77, was known for cultivating a family atmosphere amongst a star-studded client roster that included Hall of Famers Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio with the Astros, All-Stars Rick Sutcliffe and Mark Grace, and a coterie of golden-era Padres: Phil Nevin, Wally Joyner, Jake Peavy, and Mark Sweeney.

The Union-Tribune described him as “a deal maker with a heart,” who preferred to conduct business old-school style — over Bordeaux, not board rooms. His rambling house on a 29,600-square-foot lot also reflects a bygone era. 

Uniquely set in a pastoral canyon off a private driveway, the single-level house is awash in natural beauty with pastel bluffs and refined warmth. Kick back on endless communal outdoor spaces with wraparound porches, bluff-side patios, and a corner kiva where countless contracts were shaped.The spectacular backyard features a waterfall spa and firepit with Eastern canyon views toward Rancho Santa Fe, dotted with hot air balloons.

The house is an invitation to bask in natural beauty.

“I have so many fond memories of fireside chats with Barry about his days at UCLA, and memories of John Wooden and Bill Walton,“ says Turner. “The house has so much soul and peacefulness that immediately captures you.“ 

Connection is a design priority. Three of the four bedrooms connect to the family room, which opens onto the sprawling bluff-side patio through 14-foot bifold doors. Similar to Sedona’s Red Rocks, the bluffs dramatically change color in the light. At sunrise, grab your coffee and wake up to illuminated vistas. Come evening, the kiva is the centerpiece for cocktails and conviviality. 

Laidback luxury thrives here. The primary bedroom features an adobe fireplace and French doors opening onto the backyard, where owls provide the nightly soundtrack. Spilling onto an outdoor dining area, the living room and dining room are warmed over with a large fireplace. Entertaining is seamless: The kitchen boasts 3 ovens, 2 dishwashers, and a 6-burner Dacor stainless stove-top. 

The Southwestern-inspired property features arched doorways and Saltillo floors. 

The 750-square-foot casita follows suit. It features a full kitchen, bath, fireplace, and wraparound porch with canyon views. A carport is equipped for RV parking while the garage features a Honduras mahogany door. 

Fun feature: A donkey barn, replete with a vintage mission bell, can easily be transformed into an art studio, Man Cave, She Shed, or mini-office. 

Proximity is one of the big boasts on Crest. Aside from being one of the most picturesque streets in North County, where walkers savor ocean views, the neighborhood is close to the 5 Freeway and plugged into the energetic Encinitas lifestyle. Beaches, hiking, and downtown Encinitas are close by. Meanwhile, the conveniences of El Camino Real are a quick jaunt. 

It was in Encinitas where Axelrod first established his own law firm in 1979. Axelrod’s original client was his UCLA roommate, actor Mark Harmon. He also represented Harmon’s wife, Pam Dawber. His legacy of client connections also includes professional skater Michelle Kwan and baseball-playing Deion Sanders. He taught sports law at Pepperdine University Law School, and served on the board of directors of the United States Anti-Doping Agency.