Site of the Former Malibu Castle Kashan Is on the Market for $16 Million

• Globe-Trotting Owner Decides that It Is Time to Move On to a New Chapter in Her Life

BY ANNE SOBLE

The 2.51-acre Malibu Crest Drive property that became known first as the site of “The Castle,” or “The Malibu Castle,” then to be named Castle Kashan, has been listed for sale by owner Lilly Lawrence for $16 million.

The castle built by former local family practice physician Tom Hodges in late 1970s may have collected its share of praise and detraction but it was a genuine celebrity in its own right.

The structure was often described as reminiscent of a medieval Scottish castle. It provided the backdrop for films, commercials and numerous public and private events from the time of its completion.

Hodges retired from family practice the next decade and the property remained on the market until Lawrence, the socialite and philanthropist who gave it an even more unique profile, acquired it.

Lawrence, an ardent supporter of the arts, named the residence after Kashan City and County in Iran, a center of weaving, tile making and other Persian arts. Kashan is also the Persian word for tile, connecting the structure to Malibu’s own rich tile-making tradition.

Lilly Lawrence had the property on the market for $17,000,000 when it and much of its unique and irreplaceable contents were destroyed in the 2007 Malibu Canyon fire. The loss garnered headlines around the world.

Lawrence told the Malibu Surfside News this week that after starting the municipal rebuilding process and paying over $17,000 in permit fees, she decided it was time for a new chapter in her life and scrapped plans to rebuild, which might have taken several more years.

The listing is being handled by Jade Mills of Jade Mills Estates of Beverly Hills who describes the site as a “private and secluded knoll adjacent to Serra Retreat and overlooking Malibu Colony and Surfer’s Point with stunning ocean views and private beach access. Located up a gated and private driveway off of Malibu Canyon, this land is special and unique, waiting for a new owner to build his own hilltop paradise.”

Mills website adds, “Previous structure(s) has been demolished and removed and some building has taken place, including sinking caissons, laying the foundation, pool footing, basement, etc. Plans and permits are available to the new owner.”

Additional information is available at Mills’ website located at http://www.jademillsestates.com