A $91 million cliffside mansion once immortalized in Sharon Stone’s “Basic Instinct” is hitting the market, and it’s set to rewrite real estate records on California’s rugged Carmel coast.
Located in Carmel Highlands, the estate known as Seacliff—famously featured as Sharon Stone’s on-screen home—is now listed for $91.35 million, nearly double its previous 2019 price according to the Wall Street Journal.
The property, now owned by software entrepreneur Gary Vickers and his wife, Kerry, spans 5.35 acres, including six buildings anchored by the dramatic 12,440-square-foot main residence with eight bedrooms. In 2023 additions, they acquired another 1.31 acres for $1.7 million and poured roughly $11 million into renovations, pushing both luxury and price upward.
The living room blends luxury with coastal charm, offering sweeping ocean views and a dramatic stone fireplace at the heart of the home.
Hollywood Glamour Meets Wild Pacific Cliffs
Seacliff isn’t just any home—it’s a visual masterpiece. The main lodge boasts three kitchens, 11 fireplaces, and a two-story library under a golden domed ceiling filled with memorabilia tied to adventurer Steve Fossett, the estate’s previous owner.
The dining room offers a warm, inviting space where stone craftsmanship meets breathtaking Pacific vistas.
The estate’s craftsmanship includes four custom stone cottages, with Montana-sourced stone brought in over years by the truckload, plus added wellness features such as a steam room, wellness amenities, and a renovated pool according to Coldwell Banker. As real-estate veteran Tim Allen of Coldwell Banker Luxury puts it, Seacliff is “a once-in-a-lifetime aggregation of five contiguous lots,” perched on nearly 1,000 feet of Pacific coastline.
The estate’s kitchen combines luxury and functionality, perfect for hosting or enjoying casual meals with panoramic Pacific scenery.
From Personal Retreat to Luxury Villa
Gary Vickers, founder of P2 Energy Solutions, fell for Carmel after attending boarding school locally. Over a decade, he spent around $22 million acquiring 4 acres with a 1983-built home, and another $22 million constructing the four cottages and enhancing the property’s infrastructure. Although they listed the estate in 2019, a sluggish luxury market meant they received just one lowball offer at the time.
The primary bedroom offers serene coastal views and luxurious comfort, making it a private retreat in the $91 million estate.
Now, with real estate values soaring post-Covid and marquee sales in the area—with Brad Pitt’s nearby home selling for $40 million in 2022—Vickers says, “The market is just on fire.”
Why Now? The Market Has Evolved
Between 2015 and 2020, there were only six sales over $20 million in the region, all in Pebble Beach. Now, there have been 18 such sales, with eight in Carmel Highlands alone. Seacliff—with its cinematic legacy, breathtaking setting, and luxury upgrades—could shatter area records if it sells at asking price.
The estate’s two-tier library combines literary charm with unique historic touches, including memorabilia from adventurer Steve Fossett’s iconic balloon journeys.
People Also Ask
Why is the Basic Instinct house listed for $91.35 million now?
The listing reflects extensive renovations, added acreage, post-Covid real estate appreciation, and its limited supply as a dramatic coastal estate.
What upgrades did the Vickers family make to the property?
They added 1.31 acres for $1.7M, invested $11M in improvements—including cottages, wellness spaces, and pool upgrades—alongside restoring the main home and constructing four stone cottages.
What makes this property historically and culturally significant?
Beyond starring in Basic Instinct, Seacliff appeared in Big Little Lies, and its interiors honor explorer Steve Fossett, adding a rich narrative depth to its allure.
How does Seacliff compare to other luxury sales in the region?
If it sells for the asking price, Seacliff would surpass the previous record of a $45 million Pebble Beach property, reflecting the rising demand and values of coastal real estate.
The estate includes four beautifully crafted cottages, offering additional private spaces for family, guests, or rental use alongside the main mansion.
Final Take: A Slice of Hollywood with a View to Match
Seacliff isn’t just a home—it’s a piece of cinematic history, a custom-built retreat, and a bold real estate statement all rolled into one dramatic package. With its staggering coastal beauty and storied past, this estate stands as the ultimate trophy property—and perhaps one of the most unforgettable listings in California real estate history.
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