The most expensive beach house in San Diego? Del Mar makes history

All eyes were on San Diego for the record-breaking sale of a legacy property: Ocean House Del Mar. The unprecedented $50 million sale in October not only shattered records as the highest residential sale ever recorded in San Diego County, it reaffirmed the region as a world-class investment haven. 

Represented by Rande Turner of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, the sale underscores the continued strength of the North County luxury market, now rivaling Malibu and Montecito. 

“This sale authenticates the deep value for San Diego’s unique coastal real estate while positioning Del Mar’s white sandy beach as the crown jewel,”  says Turner, listing agent. 

The buyer, whose name was not disclosed, was represented by Jason Barry of Barry Estates.

The sale is a testament to Ocean House’s unparalleled quality and luxuriously low-key architecture. Studio William Hefner masterfully wove a beachgoer’s DNA and Del Mar heritage into this modern, meditative compound. The design prioritizes what North County residents treasure most: Life at the beach. 

A superyacht on the sand, the 7.5-bedroom, 7.5-bath estate features marine-grade durability. It was designed to emphasize livability while embracing 21st century technology, longevity, and functional elegance. The award-winning architect created the “deliberately understated,”design so lifestyle would be a centerpiece. Featuring a new seawall, the concept took over a decade to complete. 

The 30,491-square-foot estate includes a 4,500-square-foot main residence, 75 feet of beach frontage, two guesthouses, a sprawling interior courtyard with a saltwater pool, ping-pong pavilion, and private beach access.  

In terms of marketing this legacy property, Turner’s team went beyond the real estate purview, producing this documentary-style video, delving into the architecture and design. There’s also a dedicated property website and magazine-inspired brochure. The sale garnered megawatt headlines including The Wall Street Journal and Robb Report. Turner’s office is located on 15th Street in the Village of Del Mar. 

It was lifestyle before “lifestyle.” That’s the essence of North County — and buyers from LA and around the world want what we have, according to Turner. Case in point: Turner closed over $100,000 million in Del Mar sales alone this year.  

“Today’s buyers seek properties that transcend mere luxury. The ideal acquisition prioritizes lifestyle, privacy, security, and multi-generational usability. Ocean House embodies all these,” says Turner, a lifelong Southern Californian and Del Mar resident of over 35 years.

The previous San Diego County record stood at $47 million for a La Jolla estate sold earlier this year. With this new Del Mar sale, the region cements its place among California’s most prestigious coastal markets.

“As this record-breaking transaction demonstrates,” says Martha Mosier, President of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, “San Diego’s luxury market continues to attract global attention. Properties of this caliber don’t just reflect exceptional design — they embody a lifestyle, legacy, and investment that is increasingly sought after by the world’s most discerning buyers.”