
After seven years in various executive roles, David Marcus departed Facebook’s parent company Meta at the end of last year, following his time as co-creator of the social media giant’s heavily-scrutinized (and now defunct) Diem digital currency project. The early Bitcoin proponent joined Facebook as head of its Messaging app before migrating to crypto initiatives; prior to Facebook, Marcus had served as PayPal’s president.
At the time of his Facebook resignation, Marcus hinted that he planned to forgo another corporate role in order to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. And it would appear those upcoming ventures may be based in or near Los Angeles, where the Wall Street Journal reported that the French-born tech veteran has just dropped $37 million on an all-new estate in prime Bel Air. Built on speculation by New York-based developer Zach Vella and designed by Paul McClean, the glass-walled contemporary residence was last publicly offered on the for-sale market with a $41 million ask.
Sited at the very end of a particularly swanky cul-de-sac, where residents employ their own 24/7 guard service, the Marcus mansion lies on a gated lot that spans more than two-thirds of an acre. Inside, the 12,700-square-foot structure offers a gym, a temperature-controlled wine room, a “wellness center,” and a negative-edged swimming pool overlooking the Bel Air Country Club.
Water seems to be a central theme at the estate — the swimming pool and spa are adjoined by a step-stone “water courtyard,” and out by the front door there’s also a three-level waterfall flowing down into a peaceful reflecting pool. And on a very clear day, views from the property’s hillside perch drink in the deep blue Pacific Ocean.
Other notable amenities include a limestone façade, a three-car garage plus covered carport parking for an additional four vehicles, numerous mature olive trees and an outdoor fireplace lounge. Upstairs, the palatial primary suite packs in dual stone bathrooms and a single closet that’s the size of a small boutique. Oak detailing warms up the white-walled interior spaces, which would otherwise risk looking sterile.
Besides the new Bel Air digs, Marcus continues to maintain a home base in his longtime Silicon Valley stomping grounds. Last year, he sold a posh Atherton mansion for $8.5 million and upgraded to an all-new, significantly larger $22.2 million estate just a few streets away.
David Parnes and James Harris at The Agency held the listing; Kurt Rappaport at Westside Estate Agency repped the buyer.