This $14.5 Million Malibu Home Has a Private Observatory

By : Wendy Bowman

Robyn and Rick Ross acquired an Ellis Gelman-designed Malibu home perched on a coastal bluff on the land side of Pacific Coast Highway, between Escondido Canyon and the Point Dume peninsula, in late 1999. Instead of immediately altering its footprint to suit their growing family, the couple moved in and took their time learning the baseline rhythms of the house and noticing how the Southern California light shifted across the Pacific. They discovered that the organic modern canvas had an exceptional layout with panoramic views stretching from Palos Verdes across the Santa Monica Bay, along with an inherent warmth that made every return feel like stepping into perpetual sunshine.

The Rosses eventually undertook a major redesign in 2002, with a goal of amplifying the scale for their family, which included twins just under 2 years old, without diluting the home’s authentic soul. They commissioned architect Carolbeth Cozen to preserve Gelman’s signature geometries—most notably its striking exterior contours and sweeping curved concrete wall—while simultaneously infusing the interiors with natural light and creating a seamless connection to the coastline.

The result is a masterfully layered residence featuring a thoughtful confluence of clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, exotic woods, and wave-inspired elements such as the primary bedroom’s Douglas fir wave-form ceiling that artfully draws the eye outward to the ocean. Among the perks are a gym and a surfboard-shaping shack. However, the most distinct addition is a professional-grade observatory where Rick, an astronomy devotee, regularly hosted local students for stargazing sessions.

Over the two-plus decades that followed, the aptly named Ross Estate served as a backdrop for family milestones, weddings, impromptu backyard campouts, and countless celebratory gatherings. Now, following Rick’s passing in 2015, Robyn is preparing for her next chapter alongside her husband, Michael, and their dog, Presley Elvis. Offered at $14.5 million, the property is now listed with Peter Hernandez of Side Real Estate and Jonathan Butler of Douglas Elliman.

Originally completed in 1996, the two-story dwelling offers six bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, and two powder rooms in roughly 9,000 square feet centered on a 100-foot-long hallway capped by a translucent Kalwall ceiling. Other highlights include a fireside living room with 11-foot-tall retractable glass walls, a formal dining area, family and game rooms, and a Poggenpohl kitchen equipped with a walk-in pantry and a breakfast nook.

The 1,400-square-foot primary suite has a separate office, dual walk-in closets, and a serene bath spotlighted by a copper soaking tub and access to a secluded Zen garden. Five additional en-suite bedrooms are spread across the layout, while the domed observatory sits up top to capture the night skies via a 14-inch Meade LX200 GPS telescope. Rounding it all off are the two-acre grounds, hosting a pool with a spillover spa, swim-up seating, and a sunken wet bar, along with a lighted tennis court.