Though Charlie Munger is probably best known as Warren Buffet’s longtime right-hand man at Berkshire Hathaway, where the legendary billionaire investor serves as vice chairman, he also has a lesser-known side gig as an amateur architect. He’s financed and designed residence halls at the University of Michigan and UC Santa Barbara — the latter of which is stirring up controversy as of late due to its windowless design. Back in 1989, he also developed Montecito’s oceanfront Sea Meadow community. It’s to Sea Meadow where the 97-year-old Nebraska native has now returned, falling for a stylish vacation home.
Per records, Munger doled out $11 million for a French Normandy-esque mansion in the oceanfront enclave, a guard-gated community known for its 22-acre collection of luxury estates, all of them sited just minutes from the posh Rosewood Miramar Beach and Four Seasons resorts. Worth an estimated $2.3 billion, per Forbes, Munger also serves as chairman of the L.A.-based newspaper publisher Daily Journal and is a Costco board member. He continues to maintain his longtime primary residence, a grand estate on one of the best streets in Pasadena.
As for Munger’s newly acquired home in Sea Meadow — often affectionately referred to by locals as “Mungerville” — the place has four bedrooms and five baths spread across 4,657 square feet of open-concept living space on two levels. Sited on a quarter-acre parcel of land, some 700 feet from the sand, the structure was originally built in 1992 and designed by architect Jock Sewall. It’s since been “meticulously renovated,” per the listing, replete with blonde hardwood floors, designer light fixtures, and wood-beamed and cathedral ceilings. Walls of glass doors open seamlessly to outdoor environs ideal for entertaining and relaxing.
A tree-shaded cobblestone motorcourt and two-car garage greet, with the home’s front door opening into a grand double-height entrance gallery displaying a curving staircase. From there, a formal living room boasts a fireplace and doors that lead to an outdoor lounge area centered around a cozy fire-pit. A windowed and wallpapered fireside dining room adjoins a butler’s pantry, which connects to a sleekly designed gourmet kitchen outfitted with high-end stainless appliances and an eat-in island. There’s also a family room sporting yet another fireplace and glass pocket doors spilling outside.
All four bedrooms can be found upstairs, including the sumptuous master retreat hosting a sitting area with coffee bar, Juliette balcony and spa-like bath equipped with a large copper-clad soaking tub. The picturesque grounds, meanwhile, are punctuated by landscaped gardens and fruit trees, and include an al fresco dining terrace flanked by a built-in barbecue and a full-size tennis court ensconced in greenery. In addition to private Miramar Beach access, a $2,687-per-month homeowner’s association fee includes the use of a pool, tennis court and clubhouse facilities.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ Bartron Real Estate Group served as the listing agent; the buyer was repped by Kathleen Winter, also of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.