Seaview’s views in Del Mar

The key thing to know about the 5900-square-foot mansion at 2008 Seaview Avenue in Del Mar is that it has views. Lots of views.

Situated just south of San Dieguito Lagoon and less than a quarter-mile inland from the Pacific, this 2005-built estate has views that are “west facing – ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!” It has “unobstructed ocean views the moment you walk into the home. Not a tree or rooftop to compete with – ALL VIEW.” There are “Views, Views, and more VIEWS from the kitchen,” an outside dining area where “dinner parties never had better views,” “incredible views” from the main suite, “gorgeous views” from a main level en-suite, and “ocean views even from the driveway!”

Indeed, the views are lovely, and truly unobstructed. The home, outdoor entertainment pavilion, and saltwater infinity-edge pool all enjoy 180-degree vistas of the ocean, including a peek at some whitewater breakers crashing onto the shore. Which I suppose could also be enjoyed from the driveway. But let’s move on.

According to remarks retrieved from Zillow, the Seaview property represents “the very BEST of Del Mar-custom built & masterfully crafted” homes, blending “timeless design with modern finishes, comfortable spaces with seamless indoor/outdoor living, ULTIMATE privacy on the coast,” and yes, again, “DRAMATIC WHITEWATER OCEAN views!”

“Blending seamlessly into the rolling hills of the Del Mar landscape,” the listing continues, “this prized offering designed by notable architect Dean Meredith and custom builder Jim Sylvester will have you in awe.”

“The attention to detail and quality are unparalleled,” with luxury appointments including “a stunning multi-level, solid mahogany staircase, warm redwood soffits, custom mahogany casements around all doors and windows throughout the home, beautiful stained glass entry doors, natural blonde slate floors, a new dog run, integrated smart home system with one-touch lighting and sound, fresh landscaping and cascading water feature at front entrance!”

After entering through the unique, geometrically-patterned glass entry past the aforementioned water feature (sadly turned off when photographed), there’s a spacious living room with an otherwise inviting fireplace overshadowed by an enormous flat screen TV with canned lights shining down on it. Slide-away glass doors, however, offer a seamless transition onto the outside patio.

An oversized galley-style kitchen isn’t as grandiose as some others we’ve seen, but there’s still an expanse of stone countertops, ocean-facing windows, plus a double-wide commercial range and built-in stainless steel refrigerator.

Upstairs, the owner’s suite features a private balcony overlooking the pool deck below (and yes, of course, the ocean), separate oversized soaking tub and shower, and more of the custom woodwork that’s on display here, with ceiling inlays matched to the dual vanity. A corner window that makes a 90-degree turn without breaking sight lines at the edge of the tub is a subtle, yet likely pricey touch.

Elsewhere, the home features a dedicated private office, home theatre, wine cellar, and bonus game room with a wet bar and another fireplace. An attached garage provides parking for a pair of your favorite cars, though there’s room in the driveway for probably a few more.

Public records indicate ownership of the Seaview estate lies with Patrick Kilkenny, who made his millions in the insurance business before going on to become the athletic director of Oregon University and co-founding the Lucky Duck Foundation, a local non-profit that advocates for San Diego’s homeless.

When newly constructed, the home sold for just shy of $7 million in late 2005. After a decade and a half off-market, it was listed for sale in early January with an asking price of $11,500,000 that remains unchanged to date.

• 2008 Seaview Avenue | Del Mar, 92014
• Beds: 5 | Baths: 6 | Current Owner: Patrick Kilkenny | List Price: $11,500,000