Shirley MacLaine Malibu Property Details Feel Unexpected

Last Updated: Written by Danielle Crawford
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Shirley MacLaine Malibu Property: Exact Address, Price, and Historic Details

Shirley MacLaine's Malibu property is a beachfront condominium located at 25200 Malibu Road #1 in Malibu, California, listed for $4,250,000 in July 2024. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom corner unit spans approximately 1,182 square feet and resides in the famously known "Shirley MacLaine building," where the Oscar-winning actress and author penned her first three books. The building was custom-designed by renowned architect Cliff May, a name synonymous with California Ranch style, and built specifically for MacLaine in 1963.

Property Specifications and Key Features

The condominium offers an exclusive blend of celebrity history and luxurious coastal living on Malibu's prestigious "Old Road". This corner unit is one of only six units in the entire building, providing an intimate and exclusive living experience rare in Malibu real estate.

  • Address: 25200 Malibu Road #1, Malibu, CA 90265
  • Listing Price: $4,250,000 (as of July 2024)
  • Bedrooms: 2, Bathrooms: 2
  • Square Footage: Approximately 1,182 square feet
  • Architect: Cliff May, renowned California Ranch style specialist
  • Year Built: 1963 (custom-built for Shirley MacLaine)
  • Parking: One-car garage plus additional tandem parking
  • Special Feature: Oceanfront balcony with whitewater views

Inside, the residence features a bright living area and an open kitchen equipped with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances, creating a welcoming space for entertaining. The generous primary suite includes a luxurious bathroom featuring a spa tub, providing a private sanctuary within the home.

Historical Significance and Cultural Legacy

The building holds extraordinary historical importance as the place where Shirley MacLaine wrote her first three books, establishing it as a literary sanctuary alongside its architectural significance. MacLaine maintained her primary home in Malibu since she and the late Cliff May designed and built this apartment building for her in 1963.

  1. 1963: Cliff May custom-builds the apartment building specifically for Shirley MacLaine
  2. 1963-1990s: MacLaine writes her first three books in this Malibu residence
  3. 1993: MacLaine places her Malibu home on the market, listing it at $4 million
  4. 2024: The building is listed again at $4,250,000, recognized as the "Shirley MacLaine building"

The property includes a peaceful center courtyard that offers a quiet retreat from the outside world, complementing MacLaine's original Oriental garden design. Located on 100 feet of beach frontage, the building was recently refurbished with a new deck to enhance its serene ambiance.

Location Advantages and Neighborhood Context

This condominium sits on the prestigious "Old Road" of Malibu, a community known for its upscale residences and proximity to some of California's finest beaches. The unit is strategically positioned to offer breathtaking ocean vistas, making it an ideal beachside pied-à-terre.

FeatureDetailSignificance
Beach AccessDirect sandy beachfront100 feet of private beach frontage
ViewsWhitewater ocean + city lightsCoastline views by day, enchanting lights by night
NeighborhoodMalibu "Old Road"One of best buildings on prestigious Old Road
ProximityVibrant cultural sceneClose to upscale dining and boutique shopping
PrivacyOnly 6 units in buildingExclusive, intimate living experience

The location ensures easy access to vibrant cultural scenes, upscale dining, and boutique shopping that Malibu is famous for, all while providing a peaceful and private living environment. This tranquil sandy beach setting offers an escape from the heat and bustle of city life.

Listing Agent and Market Context

The property is listed by Brian Merrick, a Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialist with the Malibu office of Coldwell Banker Realty. Merrick describes the unit as showcasing "coastline whitewater views by day and enchanting city lights by night".

Speaking about the property, Merrick stated: "Known as one of the best buildings on the 'Old Road,' this unit is the ideal beachside pied-à-terre, offering an escape from the heat and bustle of city life". The listing represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of Malibu's storied history.

Architectural Details and Interior Features

The residence reflects the charm and sophistication of its famous former owner through its architectural elegance and serene ambience. The open kitchen features granite countertops that provide both functionality and visual appeal for cooking and entertaining.

The primary suite's luxurious bathroom includes a spa tub, creating a private sanctuary within the home that emphasizes relaxation and comfort. The oceanfront balcony offers serene beach ambiance, allowing residents to experience the tranquil Malibu coastline directly from their living space.

"Experience the best of coastal living with this exclusive condominium that showcases coastline whitewater views by day and enchanting city lights by night" - Brian Merrick, Listing Agent

The peaceful center courtyard serves as a quiet retreat from the outside world, maintaining the tranquil atmosphere MacLaine originally designed into the property. This architectural feature complements the Oriental garden that was part of the original design.

Celebrity Real Estate History Context

In 1993, MacLaine originally placed her Malibu and Seattle-area homes on the market as she shifted focus to her 7,500-acre ranch in New Mexico. At that time, the Malibu property was listed at $4 million with Kathy Villa of Asher Dann & Associates, Beverly Hills.

MacLaine stated at the time: "The home in Malibu has meant so much to me. It's where I wrote the first three books". This emotional connection to the property underscores its significance beyond mere real estate value.

As of 2025-2026, the 91-year-old actress has made significant changes, including listing her expansive 7,500-acre ranch in Abiquiú, New Mexico, for $17.4 million. This move signals her gradual retreat from the pace of Hollywood life while maintaining her Malibu connection through occasional public appearances.

Investment Value and Market Positioning

The property represents a rare gem in Malibu real estate as one of only six units in a celebrity-historic building with direct beachfront access. The combination of Cliff May architecture, celebrity provenance, and beachfront location creates exceptional value positioning.

At $4,250,000, the price per square foot calculates to approximately $3,596, reflecting the premium for celebrity history and beachfront location in Malibu's competitive market. This pricing aligns with the property's 1993 listing of $4 million, adjusted for inflation and market appreciation over three decades.

The exclusive nature of this six-unit building ensures privacy and limited competition, making it highly desirable for buyers seeking celebrity-connected properties with authentic historical significance.

What are the most common questions about Shirley Maclaine Malibu Property Details Feel Unexpected?

What is the exact address of Shirley MacLaine's Malibu property?

The exact address is 25200 Malibu Road #1, Malibu, CA 90265.

How much is Shirley MacLaine's Malibu condo listed for?

The property is listed for $4,250,000 as of July 2024.

Who designed Shirley MacLaine's Malibu building?

The building was custom-designed by renowned architect Cliff May, famous for California Ranch style architecture.

When was Shirley MacLaine's Malibu property built?

The building was custom-built for Shirley MacLaine in 1963.

How many square feet is Shirley MacLaine's Malibu condo?

The condominium spans approximately 1,182 square feet.

How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the property have?

The property has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Why is this building called the "Shirley MacLaine building"?

It is called the "Shirley MacLaine building" because the iconic actress and author penned her first three books there.

How many units are in the Shirley MacLaine building?

The building contains only 6 units total, making this corner unit one of six exclusive residences.

What parking does the Shirley MacLaine Malibu property include?

The unit includes a one-car garage with additional tandem parking, a rare luxury in Malibu.

Does Shirley MacLaine still live in her Malibu property?

As of 2024, the property was listed for sale, indicating MacLaine no longer resides there; at age 91, she has largely stepped away from public life and recently listed her New Mexico ranch as well.

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Health Policy Analyst

Danielle Crawford

Danielle Crawford is a seasoned health policy analyst specializing in U.S. healthcare systems and public policy. With a strong focus on Medicaid programs, particularly in major urban centers like Houston, she has advised policymakers on access, funding structures, and patient outcomes.

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