Legendary L.A. Lakers owner Jerry Buss considered his custom Rancho Santa Fe estate a dream home— a grand statement of luxury living that was close enough to L.A. but far enough to escape. And now the home that the Lakers built is once again on the market, this time asking $11.850 million.
Jerry and Karen Buss purchased the property in 1994 for $280,000 and custom built the home to mirror the Rosewood Montage Resort in Montecito. (The driveway was even built to allow for the extra stretch limos that once brought in legends like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and others.) Since then, the property has exchanged hands while being thoughtfully maintained over the years.
Dubbed Rancho Sueno, or ‘Dream Ranch,’ this sprawling estate spans a generous 9,792 square feet, offering eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms. Sitting on 3.18 acres, the property includes a championship tennis court/pickleball court, eight-car garage, guest house, three-stall barn with two turnouts, two putting greens, a swimming pool, pool house and orchards.
The chef’s kitchen is a masterpiece of design and function, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and adorned with Calcutta marble and natural light. It’s a space that invites culinary exploration, complemented by a cozy breakfast nook that opens out to a fragrant herb garden.
Each bedroom suite has been thoughtfully designed with large walk-in closets and ensuite bathrooms. The primary suite includes French doors that open out to a sweeping veranda. With soaring 10-foot ceilings (at a minimum), the main living spaces exude an air of openness and grandeur, designed to cater to both intimate family life and the grandest of gatherings.
Khaki Wennstrom with Compass and Jason Saks with Douglas Elliman hold the listing.
Photos by Taylor Allan Creative