Massive multi-family compounds

This compound in The Woodlands, Texas, measures over 30,000 square feet.
Photo: woodlandshomelisting.com

Sometimes, one house just isn’t enough. After all, who knows when Cary Grant might show up for an extended stay? That’s what prompted the former owners of Villa Paradiso, a 4-acre estate in Palm Springs, Calif., to build a poolside guest house. Mr. Grant’s private one-bedroom abode with its fireplace and dressing room is actually only one of the four dwellings here. Talk about major visitor’s perks.

On the market for $11.5 million, Villa Paradiso offers more than 15,000 square feet of illustrious living space and its formal grounds give way to mountain views. The main house also has a separate three-story wing that includes, among other accommodations, a room to store your furs.

In Pictures: Massive Multi-family Compounds

For a multiple-dwelling home that’s more understated, consider Stone Canyon Ranch in San Benedito County, Calif. Its four architecturally gracious dwellings look out onto 10,000 secluded acres of breathtaking landscape. Long considered one of the finest equestrian properties in the country, the compound’s beauty is a tribute to its architect, Ugo Sap, who designed the contemporary residences – one main house and three guest houses – in a way that ensures they are always filled with light.

Equestrian properties not your thing? Check out La Casa Sin Nombre in Palm Beach, Fla. This five-dwelling oceanfront compound is surrounded by four park-like acres of formal gardens and with its grand Mediterranean Revival Ocean House designed by Addison Mizner, and its elaborate Garden House built in 1935, a walk on the property is like a walk back in time. The price for that walk? $59 million..

Read on for more about these and other multi-dwelling compounds:

La Casa Sin Nombre
Location:
Palm Beach, Fla.
Price: $59 million
Number of Dwellings: 5 houses

The four-acre compound retains its vintage feel.
Photo: Christie's International Real Estate

Situated on four acres, this oceanfront compound includes two residences and three staff or guest houses. The Garden House, built in 1935, has a hand-painted rotunda and arched entryway. The Ocean House was designed in 1921 by Addison Mizner and retains its Mediterranean Revival style. The compound was assembled by the late billionaire, entrepreneur, and philanthropist John Kluge, resulting in a parklike retreat with 150 feet of oceanfront and a private beach.


Villa Paradiso
Location:
Palm Springs, Calif.
Price: $11.5 million
Number of Dwellings: 4 houses

Cary Grant used to spend his off time here.
Photo: luxuryrealestate.com/Lyle Realtors

This walled and gated historic compound sits on four beautifully landscaped acres in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. Over 15,000 square feet of living space are available at the estate, which includes a lavish main house, built in 1928, features original beamed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, a two-story Italian-style rotunda and three-story wing with two sundecks. In addition, there are three self-contained guest houses, one of which was built for Cary Grant so he could enjoy extended stays at the estate.


DanMar Manor
Location:
The Woodlands, Texas
Price: $19 million
Number of Dwellings: 2 houses and 2 apartments

The pool house is among the deluxe amenities here.
Photo: woodlandshomelisting.com

At 30,717 square feet, the main house in this compound includes bedroom suites, each with private sitting areas. The main house also has details such as a glass-and-wrought-iron elevator and walk-in cooler. In addition, there are two one-bedroom apartments, each with full kitchens and bathrooms. There's also a pool house with a full kitchen, fireplace and bathroom.


Huntsman Family Compound
Location:
Park City, Utah
Price: $44 million
Number of Dwellings: 1 house and room for 22 more

There's plenty of room to build at this 63-acre property.
Photo: utahskiproperties.com

When you have a 20,000-square-foot home with 10 bedrooms, two bunk rooms (and a total of 20 mattresses), an indoor pool, a couple of playrooms for the kids, a fitness center for the adults and enough garage space for 28 cars, you can pretty much guarantee everyone can show up for the holidays. But this 63-acre property is further valued for the fact that it has room for up to 22 more homes. Grandchildren? Prepare to build.


Stone Canyon Ranch
Location:
Paicines, Calif.
Price: $59 million
Number of Dwellings: 4 houses

Stone Canyon ranch makes a spacious home for people and horses.
Photo: Christie's International Real Estate

Stone Canyon Ranch, one of the finest horse ranches in the country, encompasses 10,000 pristine acres. Architect Ugo Sap designed the contemporary compound, which sits on a ridge line that allows for 360-degree views. The 7,900-square-foot main residence looks over the reflecting pool and grounds. Three one-bedroom guest abodes, each light-filled with open floor plans, offer a soft landing for visitors.


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