Laguna Beach, California, has long been a haven for artists, dreamers, and those seeking a slice of coastal paradise. With its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, it’s no surprise that this charming seaside town has also become a magnet for celebrities looking to escape the hustle of Hollywood while staying close enough to the action. Over the decades, Laguna Beach has welcomed a roster of A-listers who’ve left their mark on its real estate landscape, turning luxurious homes into iconic properties steeped in history and glamour. In this blog post, we’ll take a peek inside some of the most notable celebrity-owned homes in Laguna Beach, exploring their architectural beauty, unique features, and the famous faces who once called them home.
Why Laguna Beach Appeals to Celebrities
Nestled along the Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach offers a rare blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, all within an hour’s drive of Los Angeles. Its seven miles of protected coastline, framed by rolling hills and dotted with hidden coves, create a serene backdrop that feels worlds away from the urban sprawl. Add to that a thriving arts community, a temperate climate, and a low-key vibe, and it’s easy to see why stars have flocked here since the early 20th century. The completion of the Pacific Coast Highway in the 1920s opened the floodgates, transforming Laguna into a retreat for Hollywood’s elite, a tradition that continues to this day.
Celebrities aren’t just drawn to Laguna Beach for its scenery—they’re also investing in some of the most stunning properties in Southern California. From historic cottages to modern mansions, these homes reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their famous owners, offering a glimpse into how the rich and famous live when the cameras stop rolling.
Bette Midler’s Norman House: A Landmark of French Flair
One of the most recognizable celebrity-owned homes in Laguna Beach is the Norman House, also known as “La Tour,” once owned by the legendary Bette Midler. Perched above Victoria Beach, this 1926 French Provincial-style cottage is as much a local icon as it is a piece of Hollywood history. The standout feature? A 60-foot Norman tower that spirals down to the sand below, originally built by California Senator William Edward Brown as a beach access point for his summer retreat. Midler purchased the property in 1988 for a reported $1.9 million, drawn to its whimsical charm and breathtaking ocean views.
The Norman House oozes character, with its stone facade, arched windows, and nautical-inspired interiors. During her ownership, Midler embraced its quirky elegance, and it’s said to have inspired scenes in her 1988 film Beaches, though filming took place a few miles north at Crystal Cove. She sold the home in the late 1990s, but its legacy endures—today, it’s a favorite subject for artists and photographers captivated by its storybook silhouette against the Pacific horizon. While exact details of its current value fluctuate, similar oceanfront properties in the area now fetch upwards of $10 million, a testament to Laguna’s enduring allure.
Lauren Conrad’s Coastal Dream Homes
Reality TV star turned fashion mogul Lauren Conrad has deep roots in Laguna Beach, where she first rose to fame on MTV’s Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. Her childhood home in the gated Three Arch Bay community—a sprawling 8,000-square-foot estate designed by her architect father, James Conrad—set the stage for her lifelong love affair with the town. Featuring seven bedrooms and ocean views, it was a fitting backdrop for her teenage years on screen.
As an adult, Conrad doubled down on her Laguna connection, snapping up not one but two beachfront properties. In 2009, she bought a three-bedroom home for $2 million, a cozy retreat she briefly listed for sale in 2014 before deciding to keep it. That same year, she splurged $8.5 million on a stunning oceanfront estate in lower Three Arch Bay, boasting four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and half an acre of prime coastal land. With its clean lines, open spaces, and panoramic vistas, it’s the epitome of modern California living—perfect for Conrad, her husband William Tell, and their growing family. These homes reflect her signature style: understated elegance with a touch of beachy sophistication.
Mark Cuban’s Montage Mansion
Billionaire entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban took Laguna Beach luxury to new heights when he purchased a $19 million mansion in 2012. Located among the exclusive Montage Resort Residences, this 7,867-square-foot masterpiece offers six bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and jaw-dropping ocean views. Disappearing glass and mahogany doors blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, while amenities like a pool, wine cellar, gym, and media room cater to Cuban’s larger-than-life persona.
As a Montage resident, Cuban also enjoys access to the resort’s perks—think room service, spa treatments, and a private beach. The property’s sleek design and high-tech features align with his forward-thinking approach, making it a perfect West Coast base for the Dallas Mavericks owner. While he’s kept a relatively low profile in Laguna, the home’s grandeur speaks volumes about his taste for the finer things.
Diane Keaton’s Spanish Mediterranean Gem
Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, known for her keen eye for real estate, once owned a slice of Laguna Beach history. In 2004, she scooped up a 1928 Spanish Mediterranean home in North Laguna’s Shaw’s Cove for $9.5 million. With its tiled roof, stucco walls, and oceanfront perch, the 4,000-square-foot residence exudes Old Hollywood charm. Highlights include a beach-level garage, a master bedroom with a balcony overlooking the waves, and lush grounds that invite relaxation.
Keaton, a serial home flipper, lived there for just two years before selling it in 2006 for $14.5 million—a cool $5 million profit. Her knack for spotting potential paid off, and the home’s value has only climbed since, with comparable properties now listed in the $16 million range. It’s a classic example of Laguna’s timeless appeal, blending vintage architecture with modern luxury.
Ozzie and Harriet Nelson’s Lagunita Retreat
The Nelson family—Ozzie, Harriet, and their sons Ricky and David—brought a touch of sitcom nostalgia to Laguna Beach. Stars of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, they settled into an oceanfront home in the gated Lagunita community in the 1950s. Ozzie, an avid swimmer, loved the daily ritual of swimming from Victoria Beach to Goff Island and back. The family’s original property, sold in 1997 for $1.85 million, has since been redeveloped, but its legacy lives on in Laguna lore.
The Nelsons were drawn to Lagunita’s laid-back, artistic vibe, a stark contrast to Hollywood’s glitz. Harriet remained in the home after Ozzie’s passing, and Ricky later owned a nearby property, cementing the family’s ties to the area. Their story highlights Laguna’s role as a sanctuary for stars seeking a simpler life by the sea.
John Wayne’s Thousand Steps Haven
Western icon John Wayne traded his cowboy boots for flip-flops when he and his wife Pilar purchased a beach house above Thousand Steps Beach in the late 1950s. The couple owned the property until 1973, enjoying its prime location and sweeping views. Originally a single-family home, it’s since been converted into a four-unit residence, complete with a tram that descends to the shore—a nod to Wayne’s love of convenience and the outdoors.
Wayne’s Laguna retreat embodied his rugged yet refined persona, offering a peaceful escape from his larger-than-life career. Today, the property’s estimated value hovers around $5 million, a bargain compared to some of Laguna’s pricier estates, but its historical significance adds immeasurable cachet.
A Legacy of Luxury
These celebrity-owned homes are more than just real estate—they’re chapters in Laguna Beach’s storied history. From Bette Midler’s fairy-tale tower to Lauren Conrad’s chic coastal abodes, each property tells a tale of fame, fortune, and the pursuit of paradise. What unites them is Laguna’s unique ability to offer privacy, beauty, and a connection to nature that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The town’s real estate market remains a hotbed for high-profile buyers, with oceanfront homes routinely fetching eight-figure sums. In 2021, a $70 million sale in Irvine Cove set a local record, and listings like a $50 million Paradise Cove compound underscore the area’s elite status. For celebrities, Laguna Beach isn’t just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle, one that blends luxury with the laid-back spirit of the coast.
Final Thoughts
Peeking inside these celebrity-owned homes in Laguna Beach reveals more than just architectural splendor—it offers a window into the lives of the stars who’ve shaped its legacy. Whether it’s the historic charm of the Norman House or the modern opulence of Mark Cuban’s mansion, these properties capture the essence of a town that’s equal parts glamorous and grounded. So next time you’re strolling along Victoria Beach or driving past Three Arch Bay, keep an eye out—you might just catch a glimpse of a home with a Hollywood story to tell.
Have you visited Laguna Beach or dreamed of owning a piece of its coastal magic? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going about this star-studded paradise!
