Malibu Ocean View 9Br Sleep 20 MAL531

Behind, the hills of Malibu; ahead, the Pacific Ocean; between, the incredible Malibu Villa Contenta. This lavish estate sits on over six oceanfront acres and epitomizes California luxury in its location and design. Classical architecture, interiors filled with collectibles and antiques, and a collection of outbuildings that includes a Romanesque pool pavilion and greenhouse give the feeling not just of a resort, but of your own private world.

One of the most significant properties in the U.S., Villa Contenta is comprised of a main house, guest house, casita, pool pavilion and greenhouse, all surrounded by landscaping with desert and rose gardens and plenty of secret garden nooks. A saltwater infinity pool, tennis court, croquet lawns, and sitting and dining areas offer ample space to entertain outdoors. With spectacular friezes, hand-painted murals, onyx paneling and seashell adornments inspired by European follies, the breathtaking pool pavilion alone is worth a visit. A billiards room, library and wine cellar let you entertain in grand style, and as this is L.A., there is, of course, a screening room.

Reclaimed marble, restored artifacts and carefully selected antiques give Villa Contenta the rich, considered atmosphere of a royal-family residence. The entryway alone features two stories of carved limestone, a sweeping staircase, a colorful marble mosaic laid by hand and a 2,500-year-old Italian sculpture of a lion’s head. Yet the property feels like a house, not a museum, with comfortable roll-arm sofas perched on natural-fiber area rugs, graceful linen-toned wingback chairs at each end of the stately dining table and a sun-drenched eat-in kitchen that’s fully equipped.

With nine well-appointed bedrooms, this palatial vacation rental can accommodate up to twenty guests. There are four suites in the main house, four in the guest house and one in a separate casita. Though the main-house master suite has an incredible lounge area with a fireplace and views of the Pacific, the casita, tucked away in a fern grove and furnished in tranquil zen style, is perfectly suited to a honeymoon or other romantic holiday.

Villa Contenta may feel like an estate from the Riviera or Capri, but it’s surprisingly close to the premiere attractions of Malibu.