C.W. Kim's Sundial House

From its perch on Mount Soledad above La Jolla Country Club, the Sundial House, as the estate at 7191 Encelia Drive is monikered, enjoys “brilliant design and panoramic views” of the San Diego coastline.

The property was designed as the personal residence for “world-renowned” local architect Chong Wan “C.W.” Kim, whose other local projects have included Loews Coronado Bay Resort, downtown’s Emerald Plaza, and the final expansion of the San Diego… err, Jack Murphy...whoops, Qualcomm…pardon me, SDCCU Stadium in Mission Valley.

Described in listing materials as Kim’s “finest and most personal work of art,” Sundial House features six bedrooms and seven baths spread across nearly 6700 square feet of “museum-worthy” indoor living space offering “exquisite craftsmanship, unexpected curves and an undulated perfection of casted light and circles.”

Prospective buyers are invited to “be enveloped by a sense of harmony, awestruck by dramatic design and unobstructed horizon-level ocean views and inspired by the richness of materials and storied architecture.”

Entry to the compound is gained through “magical gates” leading to a “welcoming private courtyard with pool, fountain,” and island fire pit. A “path-lit bridge” leads to the interior entryway, where buyers will be “wowed by a granite foyer and spectacular ocean views framed by massive floor-to-ceiling windows.”

“A magnificent, curved beamed ceiling is one of many notable architectural achievements found in the home that create an ambiance that is both intimate and compelling,” the listing continues. “Tranquility and clarity abound in the richness of surroundings and use of exquisite stones, Brazilian Cherry flooring, crafted cabinetry,” and more, while “multiple sculpted granite fireplaces provide warmth and beauty.”

A “unique circular kitchen” features a “grand piano-shaped granite island” and professional-quality appliances from manufacturers such as Miele, Viking, and Gaggenau, surrounded by “exotic lacy wood cabinetry” that “enable one to prepare and enjoy intimate dinners or create feasts for more than 100.”

Other features include a private wine cellar offering “an elegant home for your finest bottles” and an ocean-view master retreat with “hand-crafted marble bath, soaking tub, curved vanities, and his and her walk-in closets with custom glass doors and cabinetry for your finest apparel, shoes and handbags.”

The upstairs wing is dedicated to an “expansive, custom-built design studio” office with additional full bath that could be easily re-purposed as a second master suite, while the property is rounded out by “an expansive ocean-view deck,” providing additional outdoor living and entertaining space.

It’s not entirely clear just when the Sundial House was constructed — listing materials and tax records show a build date of 2000, but the property was previously offered for sale in 2002 with a construction date listed as 1991. The home, with similar features, was also featured in a 1992 issue of Transpacific magazine. The prior listing, however, indicated an improved space of just 4764 square feet, nearly 2000 square feet smaller than the home’s current incarnation – it’s likely extensive remodeling and addition work has been completed in the ensuing decade-plus.

After the 2002 listing failed to attract a buyer with a $5,999,876 list price, the Sundial House remained off market for more than 15 years, resurfacing in mid-March with an asking price of $8,495,000 that remains unchanged to date.