Less than a month ago, Michael Sugar put his $6.3 million ocean-view mansion in the OC community of Dana Point up for sale. Now the Oscar-winning producer and his wife Lauren have decided to clean house entirely in California — the couple is also selling their Colonial-style main residence in Los Angeles. The asking price is nearly $14 million for those stately digs, which the Sugars picked up back in 2018, paying $9 million to previous owner Don Hankey.
Built in the early 1900s for produce wholesaler Thomas O’Neill, and designed by architect B. Cooper Corbett, the home’s exterior retains its historic charm, though the interiors have been fully modernized. Ritzy amenities of the three-story, 11,000-square-foot mansion include a plush movie theater and billiard room with wet bar and mirrored gym, plus a lounge room that spills out to a covered terrace ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining.
Resting on a nearly half-acre parcel, and separated from the street and sidewalk by a wide walkway flanked by a manicured lawn, the red brick and white stucco structure is crowned by a trio of dormer windows. The front door holds court beneath a columned and arched portico, and opens into sun-drenched interiors punctuated throughout by stone accents, rich hardwood floors, intricate moldings and coffered ceilings, along with a Crestron home-automation system.
A double-height foyer greets and displays a crystal chandelier and grand wraparound staircase. From there, a spacious formal living room boasts a fireplace; and a gourmet kitchen is outfitted with custom cabinetry, marble countertops, an eat-in island, and Wolf and SubZero appliances. A separate butler’s pantry leads to a huge blush-colored formal dining room, and an adjoining fireside family room has French doors that open to the backyard.
Upstairs, a library/office is adorned with ingrained shelves, while the sumptuous master retreat features a fireplace, private balcony, showroom-style closet, and marble bath equipped with dual vanities and a soaking tub. As for the picturesque backyard, you’ll find a firepit area, built-in BBQ, children’s playhouse, and large rectangular pool and spa. There’s also a detached guesthouse with a full kitchen, living room and bath.
Sugar is CEO and founder of Sugar23, a management, production and private-equity company with a multiyear Netflix deal. He garnered a Best Picture Oscar for “Spotlight,” and Peabody Awards for the TV shows “The Knick” and “Dickinson.” Additional credits include “13 Reasons Why,” “The Laundromat,” “Maniac,” “The Report” and “Worth.”
Oren Mordkowitz of Pinnacle Estate Properties serves as the listing agent.