Benjamin and Azyra Bequer initially designed their cliffside estate in Malibu, California, as a rejuvenating retreat but soon found it inadequate after establishing Kavanâ, a planned retreat and learning center in southern Mexico.
They are now selling the 3.2-acre compound and its treehouse-inspired home on McAnany Way for $25 million. The home boasts a Scandinavian design that harmonizes with the surrounding natural environment, featuring natural tones and organic materials to complement the property’s old-growth oaks, eucalyptus trees, and century-old olive trees.
The expansive grounds also include various structures for entertainment purposes, such as a guest house linked to the main residence via a second-story bridge, a converted barn, an airstream trailer, and horse stalls.
Benjamin Bequer explained in an email that they initially purchased and renovated this compound for hosting in-person community events, retreats, and experiences. He added that they had never anticipated outgrowing the space and relocating to Mexico.
The original mid-century home, built in 1958, boasted a roster of celebrity owners such as Olivia Newton-John, Sally Field, and James Gunn. Newton-John owned the property during the 1980s and ’90s, according to public records, selling it in 1994. Field acquired the home a decade later and subsequently sold it in 2011 for $5.5 million, as documented in records.
After purchasing the home for $6.8 million in 2019, the Bequers completely renovated it, stripping it down to its core and enlisting Ryan White of Ryan White Designs for a complete transformation. “From bespoke finishes to unique features, this mountain retreat is a true masterpiece of design, seamlessly blending luxurious living with a deep connection to nature,” remarked Adam Brawer of Compass, co-listing the property with Aaron Kirman and Matt Adamo of Christie’s International Real Estate. The property was listed on Friday.
Incorporating abundant natural woods, fluted glass, and other organic materials, the home includes several elements designed to enhance the residents’ immersion in the surrounding nature. These features include a wraparound deck integrated with majestic oak trees and a secluded fire pit nestled amidst the mountains.
The heart of the home is its great room, characterized by a vaulted ceiling adorned with white oak crossbeams, and featuring a sunken conversation pit described as a “plush cuddle puddle,” enclosed by a glass curtain wall. The great room opens directly onto a patio with a zero-edge pool offering breathtaking views of the Big Rock cliffside.
Benjamin and Azyra Bequer, co-authors of the 2022 book “Beqoming,” unveiled the 30-acre Kavanâ in April.
“In our work, we focus on uncovering the layers of fear and self-doubt that often disguise themselves as reality,” Azyra Bequer shared in an email. “Through exploring past traumas and reshaping our perspectives, we aim to overhaul our entire internal framework and access a deeper level of fulfillment and understanding.”
