Iconic Lyon Estate in Coto de Caza, California For $125 Million

24331 Coto De Caza Dr, Coto de Caza, CA 92679

Tucked behind the exclusive gates of Coto de Caza, California, an extraordinary estate for sale offers a rare blend of grandeur, history, and opportunity. Priced at $125,000,000, the Lyon Estate is not just a house—it’s a landmark. Spanning 137 private acres, this iconic mansion is one of the largest residential offerings ever listed in Orange County’s luxury real estate market. Built in 1986 by U.S. Air Force Reserve Commander and real estate mogul Major General William Lyon and his wife Willa Dean Lyon, this spectacular home has been host to dignitaries, including President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan.

With over 47,000 square feet of structures and 23,000 square feet dedicated solely to a private car museum, this is an unparalleled estate where every square foot speaks to timeless luxury and vision. The main residence, inspired by classical Georgian architecture, measures approximately 21,000 square feet across three levels. Inside are eight spacious bedrooms and eleven bathrooms, surrounded by lavish craftsmanship—think coffered ceilings, ornate lighting, exquisite crown moldings, and large picture windows that perfectly frame the rolling hills and curated gardens that define the property.

This home for sale is a true sanctuary of refined elegance. At every turn, classical design meets California sophistication. Rich wood tones, refined marble accents, and a warm, welcoming palette create a residence that feels both palatial and personal. From the intimate family spaces to the sweeping entertaining areas, this house is built for both private enjoyment and grand hospitality.

The outdoor grounds are no less impressive. Step outside the main residence and discover manicured Italian-style gardens that wind through courtyards, stone paths, and tranquil seating areas. At the heart of it all is a sprawling resort-style pool and spa, flanked by a dedicated pool house complete with a dry sauna, changing rooms, and dual bathrooms. Everything about this home is built for leisure, serenity, and entertaining on a world-class scale.

Additional structures on the estate reflect the same attention to luxury and functionality. Three guesthouses provide space and privacy for visitors or extended family. One includes two bedrooms, a full bath, and kitchen; the others offer a bedroom and kitchenette, ideal for caretakers or guests. For those with equestrian passions, the estate is outfitted with an advanced 10-stall barn, a riding arena, and extensive equestrian amenities—perfectly integrating horse country lifestyle with high-end real estate.

But one of the most awe-inspiring features of this property for sale is its extraordinary car museum. This 23,679-square-foot automotive sanctuary can house up to 70 vehicles. It features a professional auto shop, a recessed lift turntable, and a full-service wash station, creating a one-of-a-kind showcase space for collectors. For the automotive enthusiast, it is among the most unique and compelling private facilities in the nation.

Even the landscape carries a sense of legacy. Forty-one acres are dedicated to a lush citrus orchard with more than 4,500 mature Valencia and Navel orange trees—planted over three decades ago and still thriving today. Two private lakes support irrigation needs, while a scenic pond and greenhouse add to the estate’s agricultural charm.

Privacy is paramount throughout the estate, yet its location offers the best of both worlds. Though completely secluded, the home is only minutes from the world-renowned amenities of Coto de Caza, including two private golf courses and a prestigious country club. A short drive leads to the beaches of Laguna and the luxury of Newport Coast, placing the house at the crossroads of countryside peace and coastal sophistication.

One of the most compelling aspects of this real estate for sale is its future potential. On the southern end of the property, 64 acres have already been approved for a residential development that could include up to 25 homes in a new gated enclave. This opens the door for investors, developers, or those envisioning a private compound unlike anything else in Southern California. It’s an incredibly rare dual offering: a legendary residence and a shovel-ready development opportunity in one sale.

The Lyon Estate is more than a place to live—it’s a piece of history. Few homes carry this kind of cultural and architectural legacy, built by one of California’s most influential realtors and military leaders. The estate has been carefully maintained and curated to honor its original vision while inviting the next owner to add their own chapter to its storied narrative.

For discerning buyers searching for an unmatched home for sale, this is a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition. It’s a trophy mansion, a private retreat, an equestrian haven, a collector’s dream, and a development opportunity—all in one. The magnitude and scale of this offering make it a crown jewel in the national real estate market.

In a region where luxury homes are the norm, the Lyon Estate stands in a class of its own. Its sweeping acreage, architectural pedigree, celebrity guest list, and multi-generational potential position it as one of the most exciting properties currently listed for sale in the United States. For realtors representing elite clients or buyers searching for the extraordinary, this is the pinnacle of West Coast living.

Whether the next chapter involves private enjoyment or residential expansion, the Lyon Estate is ready to deliver on every front. The privacy, the prestige, and the potential are unmatched. For those seeking a legacy estate with both history and future in mind, this is where the story begins.

This mansion for sale is not just where you live—it’s where history is honored, lifestyles are elevated, and futures are imagined. The Lyon Estate sells itself with the kind of presence and possibility that only the finest real estate can offer.

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