Stunning Carpinteria Compound Designed by Hoover Dam Architect Gordon Kaufmann Lists for $14.5 Million

A 15.75-acre luxury California compound designed by the architect behind the Hoover Dam has hit the market for the sky-high price of $14.5 million, and it's just a few minutes' drive from actor Kevin Costner's famed estate.

Located in Carpinteria, CA, the property was the brainchild of Gordon Kaufmann, who is best known for his work on Greystone Mansion, the Los Angeles Times' headquarters, and the Hoover Dam.

Offering ocean and mountain vistas, the stunning estate, which is known as Villa Calafia, was built in 1930, having been designed as a Tuscan-inspired retreat, something that is said to have given great inspiration to the architect who created it.

"According to the family who owns it, this was Gordon's favorite residential job because of its Italian influence," said Jason Siemens of Sotheby's International Realty, who is co-listing the property with Kate Blackwood of Compass.

Beyond the European influences, which immediately transport residents to the Italian countryside, the property has many other incredible features, including its proximity to the ocean, which affords it sensational views.

"It has fantastic ocean views and you feel like you might actually be in Tuscany," Siemens adds.

At the heart of the multistructure compound is a Mediterranean-inspired primary residence that has been thoughtfully modernized over the years.

Historic highlights found inside the four-bedroom residence include arched doorways, built-ins, preserved hardwood floors, and expansive windows to soak in the surrounding serene views.

The property has been owned by the same family for the last 66 years and during that time, they have carefully preserved its original design charms, while also putting their own spin on the property—particularly the grounds.

"The sellers bought the property in 1960," he noted. "The grounds are incredible. Not every square inch is manicured and that was on purpose."

Also found on the legacy compound are three guest homes: the one-bedroom Tower House; the one-bedroom Serenity House, which has previously been used as an artists' retreat; and a two-bedroom cottage known as Woods House.

However, Siemens does not believe that the estate will be purchased by someone who wants to carve it up into multiple residences, but rather by a family who envision the compound as the ideal place for several generations of their brood to reside.

"The Japanese-inspired Serenity House has been in the past a place where resident artists would stay for extended lengths of time," Siemens added. "I envision the next buyer as being a family who will keep the property intact and will be looking for a multigenerational property."

Designed for grand-scale entertaining, the estate also boasts a tennis court; equestrian facilities, including a multistall barn; and an eight-car garage.

There are also citrus and avocado groves along with ample space for a future pool, curated gardens, or a boutique vineyard.

"The estate seems like it would be the perfect property to be handed down for generations," he said. "The vast landscape is really unique to the area and it feels like you are really in the country."

It is sited about an hour and a half north of Los Angeles and just 10 minutes from Santa Barbara and Montecito.

Over the years, Carpinteria has become known as a sanctuary for celebrities looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, luring in Costner, Ellen DeGeneres, and Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis.

"It's located in a prestigious area that is beautiful and more rural, so you have these incredible views," Siemens said. "It is in the foothills of Carpinteria without being too high up. This area of Montecito is becoming really popular because you can get more land and it is generally considered a very private area."