Perched on a dramatic cliff in Carmel Highlands, this rare California compound combines Hollywood history, architectural magnificence, and coastal luxury across more than five acres.
More than three decades after the release of Basic Instinct, the legendary Carmel Highlands estate that once served as Sharon Stone’s cinematic home is back in the spotlight. Today, this iconic property, now known as Seacliff, is being offered for sale at $91.4 million, placing it among the crown jewels of California real estate.
A Landmark of Hollywood and Carmel Highlands Real Estate
The Lodge, the main residence of the estate, is recognized worldwide as Catherine Tramell’s striking home in the 1992 thriller Basic Instinct. Its cultural significance only grew when it later appeared in the hit HBO series Big Little Lies. Beyond its Hollywood pedigree, the property boasts an enviable location on Spindrift Road, offering breathtaking oceanfront views and an unmatched sense of privacy.
Ownership of this Carmel Highlands real estate gem traces back to financier and adventurer Steve Fossett, who purchased it in 1996 with his wife Peggy. Following Peggy’s passing in 2017, the estate was sold in 2018 to software entrepreneur Gary Vickers and his wife Kerry, who undertook a multimillion-dollar renovation that elevated the property into one of the most prestigious homes in California.
Architectural Grandeur and Refined Interiors
The Lodge spans approximately 12,400 square feet across three levels, offering eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and eleven fireplaces. Its most impressive feature is a two-story Art Deco library, highlighted by custom oak bookshelves, a wrought-iron spiral staircase, and a silver- and gold-leaf domed ceiling painted with a celestial mural of Johannes Kepler’s planetary laws.
Additional features include three gourmet kitchens, one complete with a brick pizza oven and climate-controlled storage for 1,250 bottles of wine, two luxurious primary suites, and a fireside formal dining room that seats ten. Each space is designed to frame sweeping Pacific Ocean vistas, creating an atmosphere of cinematic beauty and refined comfort.
Resort-Inspired Amenities
The Seacliff compound is designed to provide a lifestyle of unmatched luxury. A central courtyard surrounds a cascading waterfall pool and a hot tub, while wellness facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, steam room, and sauna. Outdoors, landscaped gardens with koi ponds, meditation spaces, and stone pathways provide serene retreats, while private staircases descend to over 1,000 feet of shoreline.
Several outdoor fireplaces, a barrel sauna, a cold plunge pool, and a greenhouse enhance the sense of retreat and connection with nature. The estate’s thoughtful layout ensures that every feature complements its extraordinary setting.
A Collection of Exclusive Residences
In addition to the main Lodge, the property includes four renovated guest cottages and a newly built one-bedroom residence. Together, they form a coastal enclave that can host family, friends, or serve as a private retreat compound, making it one of the most versatile estates currently available in California real estate.
California Homes for Sale at the Pinnacle of Luxury
Represented by Tim Allen Properties of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, the Seacliff compound is now listed at $91.4 million. Blending Hollywood legacy, architectural artistry, and unmatched ocean views, this Carmel Highlands estate represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in California homes for sale.