Actor Seann William Scott has officially listed his longtime Malibu retreat for $17.5 million, bringing one of the area’s more distinctive celebrity estates to market after more than 20 years of ownership. Known as The Vanaya House, the Balinese-inspired compound sits on 1.45 acres above Zuma Beach and combines sweeping Pacific Ocean views with resort-style amenities and a landscape-focused design rarely found in contemporary Malibu homes.
Best known for his role as Steve Stifler in the American Pie franchise, along with more recent appearances in The Righteous Gemstones and Shifting Gears, Scott purchased the property in 2004 for just under $4 million, according to public records reviewed by californialuxuryhouses. The residence has since undergone a substantial renovation, and the current asking price reflects both the upgrades and the continued strength of Malibu’s ultra-luxury market.
The estate offers 4,176 square feet of living space with five bedrooms and five bathrooms, along with a full-size tennis court, lily ponds, a gated motor court, mature tropical gardens, and a curved swimming pool overlooking the Pacific.
A Balinese-Inspired Retreat Reimagined for Malibu Living
Unlike many of Malibu’s newer glass-and-concrete showpieces, The Vanaya House embraces a warmer, more organic aesthetic. Exposed timber beams, vaulted wood ceilings, white plaster walls, and expansive glass openings create a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape.
The main living spaces flow together beneath soaring timber-and-glass ceilings. A media room, formal dining area, breakfast nook, and open kitchen are connected in a layout designed for both entertaining and everyday living. The kitchen is centered around a long island with seating for four, complemented by custom wood cabinetry, marble surfaces, and sculptural lighting that adds a contemporary California touch.
Listing agent Sam Plouchart of Christie’s International Real Estate SoCal told californialuxuryhouses that the recent renovation was intentionally restrained.
“The goal was to preserve the home’s original spirit while enhancing its connection to the landscape and the ocean,” Plouchart said. “It feels more like a private resort than a typical Malibu residence.”
A slightly sunken living room opens through large glass doors to the lawn, pool, and Pacific beyond, creating a gathering space that remains visually connected to the rest of the main level.
Ocean-Facing Primary Suite Designed as a Private Sanctuary
Upstairs, the primary suite occupies a secluded wing beneath a vaulted timber ceiling. A full wall of glass doors opens directly onto a private terrace that runs along the ocean-facing side of the home, offering uninterrupted views across the grounds and toward Zuma Beach.
The en-suite bathroom continues the home’s natural material palette with pale stone, wood detailing, a freestanding soaking tub, and a glass-enclosed shower positioned to capture abundant natural light.
Three additional guest bedrooms maintain the same mix of warm timber, white plaster, and bright coastal light, while a fifth bedroom provides flexibility for visitors, staff, or a home office.
Plouchart said the upper level was conceived as a retreat within the retreat.
“You wake up to the ocean, step onto the terrace, and the entire property unfolds below you,” he told californialuxuryhouses. “That sense of privacy and calm is incredibly rare in Malibu.”
Resort-Style Grounds With Pool, Lily Ponds, and Tennis Court
The outdoor spaces are arranged as a series of landscaped terraces descending the hillside toward the lower grounds. Closest to the house, a curved swimming pool is surrounded by a broad stone patio with lounge seating and space for outdoor dining.
A stepped pathway leads past mature tropical plantings to two lily ponds, which sit just above the full-size tennis court. Positioned at the lowest point of the property, the court takes full advantage of the elevated setting, with open ocean views stretching beyond the far fence.
According to the listing, the grounds were designed to emphasize privacy, water features, and the feeling of moving through a resort landscape rather than a conventional residential backyard.
Zuma Beach Location Adds Lifestyle and Long-Term Value
The estate is located above Zuma Beach, one of Malibu’s most desirable coastal enclaves, known for its wide sandy shoreline, surf breaks, and relative privacy compared with areas closer to Santa Monica.
From the property, residents can reach Trancas Country Market in minutes, with restaurants such as Broad Street Oyster Co., Zinqué Malibu, and Kristy’s Village Café nearby. Malibu Country Mart and the civic center are roughly a 15-minute drive away, while Los Angeles International Airport is typically about an hour depending on traffic.
Local real estate professionals say large parcels with usable outdoor space have become increasingly scarce in this section of Malibu, particularly those that combine ocean views with a tennis court and mature landscaping.
“Buyers are looking for properties that offer a true lifestyle experience, not just square footage,” Plouchart said. “This home delivers privacy, recreation, and a strong architectural identity in one package.”
Transaction History and Ownership
Public records show that Scott acquired the property in 2004 for approximately $3.98 million. The home was originally built in the 1990s and has been significantly updated during his ownership, including the recent renovation completed before the listing came to market.
californialuxuryhouses reviewed available property records and found no indication that the estate has publicly changed hands since Scott’s purchase more than two decades ago. The actor has also listed a separate home in Venice, suggesting a broader reorganization of his Los Angeles real estate holdings.
When asked about the reason for the sale, Plouchart declined to discuss Scott’s personal plans but emphasized the rarity of the offering.
“Properties with this level of privacy, acreage, and architectural character rarely become available in Malibu,” he said. “It appeals to buyers who want a genuine retreat rather than simply a house near the beach.”
californialuxuryhouses also attempted to contact representatives for Scott for additional comment on the sale but did not receive a response by publication time.
A Different Kind of Celebrity Estate
In a market increasingly dominated by minimalist new construction, The Vanaya House stands out for its emphasis on texture, craftsmanship, and landscape. The residence feels less like a speculative showcase and more like a carefully composed retreat shaped by years of ownership and thoughtful investment.
For buyers seeking a Malibu property that combines Balinese-inspired architecture, Pacific Ocean views, resort-style amenities, and exceptional privacy, Scott’s longtime estate offers a compelling alternative to the area’s more conventional contemporary offerings.
At $17.5 million, the listing represents not only a celebrity real estate opportunity but also a rare chance to acquire a sizable coastal compound above Zuma Beach—one that has remained in the same hands for more than 20 years and has now been reintroduced to the market in thoroughly updated form.