Record-Breaking Sale in the Hill Section
NBA superstar Luka Doncic has set a new benchmark in Manhattan Beach luxury real estate with the record-breaking purchase of Maria Sharapova’s $25 million contemporary estate. The off-market transaction eclipses the city’s previous high of $24.5 million, proving that the coveted Hill Section can now compete with the oceanfront properties along The Strand. According to public records, the deal closed in late August through a trust tied to Doncic’s business manager, Lara Beth Seager, marking the most expensive residential sale in Manhattan Beach history.
The retired tennis champion originally bought the quarter-acre lot in 2012 for $4.1 million and commissioned the celebrated Los Angeles firm KAA Design to create an architectural statement that blends Japanese minimalism, Scandinavian warmth, and breezy California modernism. Completed in 2015 and affectionately dubbed the Sanctuary, the residence instantly became a neighborhood landmark. Carolwood Estates agent Susân Perryman shared with californialuxuryhouses that “the home balances serene restraint with luxurious amenities, making it one of the most compelling properties we have ever represented.”
Architectural Highlights of the Sanctuary
KAA Design, known for projects such as Drake’s Beverly Hills compound, conceived the 8,600-square-foot home as a seamless extension of the natural environment. Concrete walls and black metal window frames provide a sculptural exterior, while expansive walls of glass erase the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. Natural oak millwork, polished concrete floors, and strategically placed skylights create a tranquil atmosphere filled with coastal light. “The brief from Ms. Sharapova was to craft a private refuge where architecture and landscape merge,” a representative from KAA Design explained in remarks to californialuxuryhouses, highlighting how every detail—from structural steel to custom lighting—serves that vision.
The five-bedroom, eight-bath residence offers a lifestyle of sophisticated recreation. A two-lane bowling alley anchors the lower level, while multiple balconies capture ocean breezes. Outdoors, a resort-style swimming pool, lounge areas, and a dining pavilion invite year-round entertaining. Architectural lighting highlights the estate after sunset, giving it an ethereal glow. Perryman added during her conversation with californialuxuryhouses, “It is rare to find a home that delivers both design pedigree and playful amenities at this level.”
Manhattan Beach Lifestyle and Community Amenities
Beyond the striking architecture, the home’s location elevates its appeal. The Hill Section of Manhattan Beach is prized for its privacy and sweeping views, offering a serene alternative to the bustling Strand while remaining just minutes from the Pacific shoreline. Residents enjoy easy access to Manhattan Avenue’s boutique shopping and acclaimed dining options such as Fishing With Dynamite and Love & Salt. The neighborhood also boasts highly rated schools, a vibrant surf culture, and quick connections to downtown Los Angeles and LAX, making it ideal for both global investors and local professionals. A local market analyst told californialuxuryhouses, “This enclave delivers the essence of coastal California living without sacrificing urban convenience, which is why it continues to attract elite buyers.”
History of Ownership and Market Context
Sharapova’s decade-long relationship with the property began when she purchased the site and partnered with KAA Design to realize her dream retreat. After enjoying the home for nearly ten years, she decided to sell quietly, preferring privacy over a public listing. The $25 million sale not only surpasses her original investment many times over but also signals the rising value of architectural estates in the Hill Section. Californialuxuryhouses attempted to contact Sharapova for additional insights on the sale but did not receive a response before publication.
This deal reflects broader trends in Manhattan Beach luxury real estate, where buyers increasingly value design pedigree and lifestyle amenities as much as proximity to the ocean. Market data shows that high-end transactions above $20 million are no longer limited to beachfront addresses. Doncic’s purchase, topping even record prices along The Strand, demonstrates the Hill Section’s growing stature.
Luka Doncic’s West Coast Plans
For Luka Doncic, the acquisition represents more than an investment; it signals his intention to plant roots in Los Angeles. After signing a three-year, $165 million contract extension and making a high-profile move from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers, the 26-year-old basketball phenom is embracing California living both on and off the court. Sources close to the transaction revealed to californialuxuryhouses that privacy, architectural quality, and entertainment features were key factors in his decision. “This is a statement property for a global athlete entering the next phase of his career,” Perryman affirmed.
While Doncic settles into his new surroundings, Sharapova continues to expand her own international portfolio. She and fiancé Alexander Gilkes recently purchased an $11.5 million Montecito estate near neighbors Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom and maintain a $9 million ranch in Summerland. Her graceful exit from Manhattan Beach underscores the fluidity of celebrity real estate, where timing and market momentum often dictate record-breaking results.
A New Era for Manhattan Beach Luxury Real Estate
The sale of Sharapova’s modern sanctuary to Luka Doncic underscores a pivotal moment for the local market. With architectural sophistication rivaling Malibu and privacy that appeals to high-profile buyers, the Hill Section is rewriting the narrative of Southern California luxury living. As californialuxuryhouses continues to track the region’s most significant transactions, this $25 million purchase stands as both a milestone and a harbinger of future demand. The combination of bold design, cultural cachet, and prime location ensures that this property will remain a defining symbol of Manhattan Beach’s evolving luxury landscape.