Sweeping ocean and treetop views on Mt. Soledad

“Timeless architecture is considered to be designed in such a way that it evokes special feelings, outlasts trends, relevant for many years and masterfully constructed of the finest materials,” begins the Realtor.com sales pitch for 6349 Castejon Drive, a 7700-square-foot newly constructed mansion on a half acre along the southern slope of La Jolla’s Mt. Soledad.

“The scale of the residence is impressive, yet inviting,” continues the listing. “Upon entering the property a stately drive directs you through the cedar wood and ironclad security gates.” The vestibule entry “is covered inside and out in old world stone,” with “deep set windows, a custom wood ceiling, creative lighting and an oversized dramatic entry door.”

Inside, the luxe kitchen features “a massive Calcatta gold marble island integrated with a custom maple butcher block and detailed beam ceiling design,” along with “full panel softclose rift oak cabinetry” and “the highest quality appliance package” including a gas range with 15-inch induction and Teppanyaki burners and dual exhaust hoods “tastefully concealed in the cabinetry.” An additional prep kitchen behind the showcase version adds its own sink, Sub Zero refrigerator, warming drawer, and steam oven.

Alongside the kitchen is a “creatively designed and temperature-controlled 580 bottle wine display room with floor-to-ceiling glass and stone feature wall to display your favorite varietals allowing one to create conversation in the adjacent formal dining room.”

Take the “roomy staircase” or opt for a ride in a private elevator to the top floor, where you’ll be “greeted by a grand art hall.” This level houses two en-suite bedrooms along with a laundry room “custom designed with beautiful tile flooring and two sets of front-loading Samsung washers and dryers.”

The theater room is outfitted with a subwoofer-enhanced surround sound system and ten-foot drop down movie screen with high-definition projector, though there’s also an option to install a more pedestrian LED television. A wet bar with its own refrigerator ensures mid-movie libations are always at hand.

The 400-square-foot master suite “greets you with double doors, custom wood panel cloud ceiling, cove lighting and art feature wall.” It’s billed as “the perfect blend of elegance and functional comfort, complemented with sweeping ocean and treetop views.” The master further features a private sitting area highlighted with a “cozy fireplace pinned by custom glass shelving,” oversized walk-in closet, and a “spa quality master bath that is a Zen-like sanctuary with his and her vanities, water closets and shower heads, steam shower, heated floors and heated towel rack, and a 72-inch soaking tub perfectly positioned to reveal the master deck complete with gas fireplace and privacy living wall.”

Outside, a bridge from the main residence passes over the courtyard to a detached guest casita with its own full bath and kitchenette. Below, a covered patio offers shaded seating and an outdoor kitchen alongside the pool, spa, and manicured grass lawn.

The whole residence is finished with smart home technology, “allowing the homeowner to control many features from a smart phone or tablet, including Lutron Lighting, Sonos Surround Sound, Amazon Alexa voice command, alarm system with a ‘safe’ room and pre-wired security camera options,” along with automated window coverings and a five-zone heating and cooling system. The home is also pre-wired for a solar system and has a charging station for electric vehicles in the garage.

The project was completed by Pelican Development, a La Jolla-based luxury real estate developer boasting dozens of projects across the county. Originally purchased in 2018 for a reported $1.8 million, the site was at the time home to a 3100-square-foot dwelling built in 1968.

With construction of the new home completed in early 2020, the property was re-listed for sale in late February. The asking price of $8.95 million remains unchanged to date.