How’s this for a location? Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean on one side, 32 acres of manicured land on the other and Alicia Keys staring out at the beach on yet another? That’s what someone buying San Diego real estate developer, Doug “Papa Doug” Manchester’s French chateau-style estate can look forward to.
Okay, so Alicia Keys isn’t literally next door but the Grammy winner is also a member of the tight-knit coastal community of La Jolla, California. Papa Doug’s place, known as Foxhill, is adjacent to the La Jolla Country Club golf course, according to Andy Nelson of Willis Allen Real Estate, one of the listing agents. The main house was developed in the late 1950s by James Copley, publisher of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Mr. Copley entertained often at the home, hosting President Nixon there in the late 1960s.
The estate itself is about 27,000 square feet and has been decorated traditionally with a nod to the historic, featuring four-poster beds, gilded detailing, original moldings, wood paneling, chandeliers and stained-glass windows. There’s also a billiards room outfitted with plaid carpeting and lampshades with fringe details. It conjures a very old school California Country Club vibe, which isn’t surprising as Manchester was a one-time President Trump ambassador pick. “Yes, it’s traditional,” Nelson says. “But I’d expect if someone younger came in and bought it they would want to renovate.”
If the potential new buyers wished to put a contemporary spin on the house they might be inspired by neighbor Keys’ recent purchase, known as Razor House — a cutting-edge blend of concrete and glass. Keys’ and husband, producer Swizz Beats picked up the jagged, sweeping, cantilevered structure in August for $20.8 million. Quite a contrast to Manchester’s home and its blue coffered ceilings, blue patterned carpeting and gold-and-blue curtains with ornate tassels. However, the location and size of Manchester’s place make it a valuable asset. The main house sits on eight acres. An additional 24-acre parcel of land next door contains a small golf course. The parcels could, according to Mr. Nelson, be sold separately. Mr. Manchester purchased both properties for a combined roughly $27 million in 2015. He is seeking $25 million for the home, and the adjacent site is asking $12 million.
Josh and Matt Altman of Douglas Elliman, Greg Noonan of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties and Andy Nelson of Willis Allen Real Estate held the listing.