7301 Encelia Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037

• 4 beds |
• 4 baths |
• 5,004 sqft

Property Description

SEALED BID SALE | BIDS TO BE DELIVERED TO: The Regents of the University of California Real Estate Services & Strategies 1111 Franklin St, 7th Floor Oakland, CA 94607-5200 ATTENTION: JULIE WONG NO LATER THAN 5PM PST ON APRIL 15, 2026 Perched high above the Pacific with panoramic views suspended between sea and sky, the former home of Theodor Seuss Geisel—known globally as Dr. Seuss, the most famous children’s author in the world—comes to market as one of La Jolla’s most storied residential offerings. Today, the property is widely regarded as one of the best view lots in all of Southern California, celebrated for its extraordinary elevation and sweeping coastal vistas. Originally designed in 1950 by master architect Thomas L. Shepherd, the estate was thoughtfully built around a pre-existing Spanish Revival observation tower dating back to 1923–1924, created to showcase the site’s remarkable outlook. From this hillside retreat, Geisel wrote 42 of his 68 published works, with the tower and adjoining office and study standing as enduring symbols of the property’s creative legacy. Both the observation tower and the office/study have been formally recognized for designation under the City of San Diego’s Historical Resource Board Criterion B and must remain. Extensively renovated while preserving its historic core, the 5,000+ square-foot estate sits on approximately 1.51 acres and includes a separate pool house, all positioned to capture breathtaking ocean, coastline, and sunset views. Located moments from the La Jolla Country Club, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, and the shops and dining of La Jolla Village, this is a truly rare opportunity where history, architecture, and setting converge. IMPORTANT NOTE: For all developers or potential buyers out there who are looking to do a lot split, tear down or complete renovation, the office and observation tower must remain.

Listing Status:

Pending

Date Added:

January 26, 2026

Data Last Updated:

May 20, 2026 at 7:16AM

Listing Office:

Barry Estates : 858-756-4024

Listing Agent:

Jason Barry : 858-756-4024

MLS ID:

NDP2600802

Interior

• General: All Bedrooms DownMain Level PrimaryPrimary SuiteWalk-In Closet(s)
• Laundry: Laundry Room
• A/C: See Remarks
• Heating: None
• Fireplace: Living RoomPrimary BedroomFireplace

Exterior

• Style: Spanish
• Pool: In GroundPrivate
• Parking: Parking spaces: 10

Construction

• General: 1

Location

• HOA Amenities: 0.0
• Originating MLS: CRMLS_CRP
• School District: La Jolla
• County: San Diego

Lot

• Zoning: R-13522321500
• View: BayCity LightsCoastlineGolf CourseMountain(s)OceanPanoramicView

Financial

• Source: CRMLS_CRP