Wave House: Malibu’s Iconic Surf-Inspired Retreat Sells for 49.5 Million
Within the sun-kissed shores of Malibu, a legendary residence known as Wave House rests on the market with a asking price of 49.5 million dollars. This listing brings back attention to a home that has long been part of the California coastline’s storied architectural narrative, a story that has repeatedly hooked readers of publications like the New York Post (New York Post).
Designed in the 1950s by the American architect Harry Gesner, Wave House earned its name from a bold, sculptural form that mimics the crest of a giant wave sweeping over the Pacific. The structure sits along the edge of the ocean, where the crashing surf and expansive skylines frame every room. The residence spans roughly 600 square meters and has six bedrooms along with eight bathrooms, creating a generous canvas for both grand entertaining and private, quiet retreats. A vast living room centers the home, anchored by a fireplace that offers warmth during cool coastal evenings, while a generous terrace invites uninterrupted views of the water and horizon beyond. This blend of indoor and outdoor space is a signature feature, emphasizing a seamless connection to the sea that residents and visitors alike often describe as serene and immersive.
Described in promotional materials as a space with a unique design and a welcoming atmosphere, Wave House frequently elicits admiration from architecture lovers and casual observers alike. The home’s exterior and interior feel like a narrative in motion—an homage to the shifting moods of the shoreline, rendered in concrete, glass, and wood. The result is a dwelling that not only provides luxurious living but also serves as a living piece of California architectural history, inviting occupants to experience the coast in a manner that few others can offer.
Historical records trace the residence to the era when pop culture and rock music intersected with celebrity lifestyles. In the 1970s, the house became a personal sanctuary for Rod Stewart, a period during which the musician reportedly called Wave House home until 1987. The ownership then passed to Warner Bros. Records, which transferred the property to Mo Austin, a prominent figure in the music and entertainment industry. The passage of time also marks a changing of hands following Austin’s death in 2022, when his family decided to place the property back onto the market, continuing the Wave House’s long-running presence in the real estate spotlight.
Alongside this ongoing story of ownership, other high-profile properties frequently capture media attention, underscoring Malibu’s reputation as a magnet for celebrities seeking space, privacy, and breathtaking views. The Wave House stands as a counterpoint to those stories—an architectural landmark that embodies a specific moment in mid-20th-century design while maintaining relevance in today’s luxury market. Its legacy extends beyond mere aesthetics; it is a reminder of how architecture can shape living experiences by framing nature as a constant, soothing backdrop to daily life. As such, the listing invites prospective buyers to imagine a continuity of life in a home that has weathered decades of fame and fashion, now offered as a portal to the next chapter in a coastline icon’s story.
In Malibu, the conversation about Wave House is also a conversation about the enduring appeal of bold, sculptural forms. The property showcases how a design intent rooted in the dramatic curves of a breaking wave can translate into practical luxury—spacious rooms, generous daylight, and a layout that favors social gatherings as well as solitary contemplation. While the market for such distinct homes can ebb and flow with broader price trends, Wave House remains a reference point for investors and enthusiasts who value architecture as much as provenance. The 49.5 million price tag reflects not only the dwelling’s size but the enduring power of its concept, its scenic location, and its connection to a broader arc of cultural history tied to music, cinema, and coastal living.
Current conversations about Malibu properties often revolve around how such homes balance spectacle with livable comfort. Wave House leans into that balance with a design that rewards daily use—open sightlines, accessible terraces, and an interior flow that encourages both grand entertaining and intimate, quiet moments. For those who seek a residence that is as much a conversation piece as a place to live, Wave House offers an opportunity to own a piece of the California coast that remains highly recognizable and deeply evocative. This is not merely a home; it is a narrative habitat where architecture, landscape, and o ceanic beauty converge to create a living experience unlike any other in Southern California (New York Post).