“La Fenice,” Venetian-inspired Home in La Jolla, Calif., is on the Market with 10,000 Square Feet of Opulent Living Space

La Jolla, California – “La Fenice,” a classic Italianate residence designed by acclaimed architect Thomas Shepherd and just steps away from the Pacific Ocean, is now being marketed by Christie’s International Real Estate, the world’s leading luxury real estate network. Offered by exclusive affiliate Willis Allen Real Estate, the residence is noted for its beautiful detailed European appointments and fixtures. The home derives its name from the Venetian opera house, La Fenice, which tragically burned down in 1996. The estate, listed at $9.875 million, is in many ways a prescient homage to the design and ambience of that Venetian landmark as well as a tribute to French influences.

In 2002, the present owners began to painstakingly renovate and expand La Fenice to its current 10,000-square-foot expanse. Also known as the Katherine Smith/Thomas Shepherd home (after its first owner and its architect), the property is currently historically designated, giving it property-tax advantages under the Mills Act.

The many formal rooms of La Fenice include a grand living room with a 14-foot leaded glass bay window; a magnificent dining room with fireplace majestic Murano chandelier and sconces mimicking the Venice opera house; a private and grand master suite that boasts stunning ocean views; and five additional en-suite bedrooms with private patios. Other attractions include original murals from Venice, a powder room with original Wedgwood sconces, a designated theater, and a wine cellar.

The estate’s interior courtyard is perfect for entertaining, with many French doors leading from all public rooms. The large swimming pool glistens with a glass mosaic tile bottom, and formal gardens with manicured topiaries and rose bushes surround the large entertainment patio and private pool. In addition, the home is located one block from the Pacific Ocean.

“This property is one of La Jolla’s most classic residences, with provenance and history,” said Zack Wright, Senior Vice President of Christie’s International Real Estate. “Its recent renovations render it a superb home for the lover of the Renaissance style who values the amenities of a 21st century household.

Adds Linda Daniels, the listing agent with Willis Allen Real Estate, “La Fenice, at one time, was owned by noted Del Mar jockey and art collector Billy Pearson—also famous for being a contestant on “The 64,000-Dollar Question,” and a friend of such celebrities as director John Huston and singer/actor Burl Ives -- who often stayed there; but the home itself is the true celebrity—one of La Jolla’s Renaissance gems.”

About Willis Allen Real Estate
Willis Allen’s local roots are as deep as the Pacific Ocean waters that lap at San Diego’s pristine shores. Independent and family-owned, the company has been guiding clients in the home-ownership process since its founding 100 years ago by businessman Frederick L. Brown. In 1940 the company’s namesake, Willis Allen, Sr., bought the business, changed its name and grew with the city. Under his strategic stewardship Willis Allen opened a second location in Rancho Santa Fe in 1952 and expanded to Del Mar in 1973. In 1981 Willis Allen’s current president and CEO, Andrew E. Nelson, took the helm. Under his leadership the company has more than doubled in size, with a specialty in the luxury market.

About Christie’s International Real Estate
Christie’s International Real Estate is an invitation-only affiliate network composed of the world’s most proven and qualified real estate specialists in the luxury residential sector. The company has offices in London, New York, Hong Kong, Beverly Hills, Chicago, and Palm Beach, and approximately 135 global affiliates with 25,000 real estate professionals in 45 countries. For additional information about Christie’s International Real Estate, please visit www.christiesrealestate.com.