Manhattan Beach Showpiece—3216 The Strand—With Maritime Influences, Impeccable Architectural Credentials and Uninterrupted Views Of The Pacific Exemplifies Iconic Oceanfront Living
Set along Manhattan Beach’s celebrated shoreline, in an area that those in the know call the Gold Coast, 3216 The Strand is a masterpiece of beachfront living, a soaring, precedent-setting work of prestige architecture rising cinematically from the sand and overlooking a world-class beach, making for a jewel of an opportunity as rare as they come—if they come at all.
“It’s a great location,” says agent Giovanni Altamura of the Altamura Real Estate Group about this sought-after stretch of the Strand, which is higher than its flatter south end, with the bike path well below the houses and the walking path almost on the same plane, separated by greenery.
“It’s private, quiet, and exclusive, away from the hustle and bustle and not near any public parking lots. The architecture was ahead of its time,” Giovanni Altamura affirms.
Built over four years, the house itself is a superior construction. More than a decade into its tenure, the meticulously maintained residence presents as recently arrived, making what was the most expensive property at the time of its building more priceless still.
Designed by the Strand starchitects at KAA Design Group and built by Matt Morris Development, this striking, four-story spectacle is defined by its timeless design, painstaking attention to detail, and pride of ownership with a maritime-inspired mix of materials (mahogany, bronze, glass, stone, and steel cable) marking the 7,454-square-foot residence as truly exceptional.
“The house is like a Ferrari—that’s the level of quality,” Giovanni Altamura says. “The owner had seen a bunch of high-end houses on the Strand but came back to this one because of that quality. There’s so much wow factor.”
Reflecting the nautical roots of its original owners, both experienced sailors, the house was conceived as a wooden vessel resting atop a concrete base—a kind of beach-level bulkhead. Featuring three floors of framed panoramic glass, 3216 The Strand’s striking beachfront façade is a paean to oceangoing, complete with two-story mahogany columns—actual ship masts, designed by craftsmen from Maine—paired with motorized panels of white fabric “sails” meant to guard against wind and ocean glare.
Entry to the house comes at mid-level, where, past the private gated courtyard and pivot door, is an interior of sky-high ceilings, vast glass walls, and fittingly, a boatload of natural light highlighting exquisite finishes, board-formed concrete as a design feature, and custom detail throughout—none more showstopping than the sinuous circular staircase. Wrapped in mahogany and backed by all that extravagant glass, this floating piece of sculpture facilitates a lofty, light-filled ascent to the living level above.
First, though, is the mid-level primary suite, a truly plum retreat, fixed with rich wood ceilings and pocket glass doors that open the whole sumptuous opus to a private terrace drowning in dreamy ocean views. The primary bath, meanwhile, is lavished in limestone and has all the confidence of a resort spa, complete with a large walk-in closet offering abundant storage, dual sinks, a modern vanity, a seductive shower and an equally alluring soaking tub. Here, too, grand glass doors open to a shaded balcony and the bright blue beyond.
The house crescendos on the top floor. Talk about leveling up! Clad in mahogany, this large living area, where light, openness, and flow are complemented by a quintessential Pacific vista, is a drama in many parts, with a formal dining space, a luxury private kitchen with custom bronze detail, and a living room.
Beyond is a spectacular covered terrace—an indoor/outdoor immersion with a fireplace, a gourmet barbecue and plenty of space to gather and dine en plein air for gracious entertaining year-round. Bronze shutters, a la luxe ocean liners, close the space for privacy or expose it to natural light, ocean breeze, and luminous coastal views.
“The house sits up so high from the Strand, you basically have a whole shot of the coastline,” Giovanni Altamura says. Because of this elevation, “It feels like you could be at the Amalfi Coast. You don’t know exactly where you are.” As it happens, losing oneself to the view could not be more sublime.
Balancing its social aspirations with sanctuary, the top level also hosts a work/study area and two guest en-suite bedrooms off the back, toward the alley.
“There are bedrooms on every single level of the house, which is unique,” Giovanni Altamura points out. “It allows for a big family, but also offers privacy and space for in-laws or even live-in help. You’re not pigeonholed to one level. There’s a lot of space.”
Beach level—or, “the fun level,” as Giovanni Altamura calls it—has every asset for vibrant entertaining, including an outstanding beach room with an upscale bar and a billiards table. While gathering for a game, bellying up to the bar, and sauntering straight onto the sand sets the tempo, an ocean-view guest room and a mahogany office march to a different beat.
“And then you’ve got the spa,” Giovanni Altamura says, piece de resistance style, referencing a centerpiece of the private wellness retreat. Situated at the opposite end of this level, it includes a fully equipped custom gym, as well.
A bolthole one floor below, lower level supports a state-of-the-art home theater and an additional lounge, plus a temperature-controlled wine cellar with cedar storage and an intimate tasting space.
Both inspiration and aspiration in a coveted West Coast enclave, 3216 The Strand is the beachfront oasis of discerning buyers’ dreams with every amenity they desire—including a Savant smart home system, an elevator, and a garage with a separate room for mechanicals.
“It’s the total package,” Giovanni Altamura says.
Giovanni Altamura | 310.503.9293 | DRE #01818979
Altamura Real Estate Group | JohnAltamura.com
List Price: $24,999,000
Photography by Adrian Tiemens
