At the time, the filmmaker-turned-developer broke the record for the most expensive sale of undeveloped land in the local beach community.
After successfully developing luxury homes in Malibu, Gillen wanted to create a new cluster of custom-built estates on one of California's most exclusive coastlines. After years of permitting and development, four of the five oversized luxury homes are now on the market. Each mansion has a staggering price tag, and its lavish design matches it.
Prices range from $60 million to $95 million, and one is already for sale.
Juggling five projects at once was a risky move, but the finished product is the proof.
It was Scott Gillen's vision - he came up with the concept of spec'ing five homes on five lots at once, says Stephen Shapiro, a listing agent with Westside Estate Agency, who is one of the five properties, Butterfly House ) is representing.
Three of the homes are almost complete, and the Butterfly House will be finished by the end of the year. The last one] will be completed in three to four months. Once [Gillen] finishes the Butterfly House, he will redeploy, so the fifth house will be completed soon.
Gillen is said to have admired the mid-century modern style of Case Study homes, hence the five homes are named The Case. Each of the luxury residences in the development is more than 10,000 square feet and offers spectacular ocean views.
Says Shapiro, "The quality of each residence is top-notch." For example, every wall must be perfectly level. The same goes for cabinets, bathrooms and wardrobes. Each home has an outdoor kitchen, guesthouse, gym, media room and wine room. Every detail was well thought out.
Every room in every home features high-end luxury finishes. Custom Bulthaup kitchens with Gaggenau and Miele appliances and many walls of glass are real highlights.
Shapiro says the privacy of the development's 24-hour gated access also sets the homes apart.
In terms of the neighbourhood, the homes sit on a bluff overlooking Malibu Road, where homes have sold for more than $100 million," he says. The difference is that the beach homes don't have land. The beach homes are more expensive, but they have neighbours on both sides. The beauty is right on the beach. Most people find they don't even go to the beach."
As you may have learned, land and ocean views don't come cheap when paired with luxury new construction.
The Butterfly House is now selling for $95 million. It's Gillen's most expensive creation, at 10,272 square feet on 3.3 acres.
If it sells for anywhere near the asking price, it will be the most expensive property in Malibu without direct beach access.
Highlights of the Butterfly House include a master suite with fireplace, a private outdoor spa, and views from Malibu's Colonial Beach to Palos Verdes and Catalina Island.
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping aspect of the Butterfly House is its 133-foot swimming pool, which seems to float above the landscape.
Shapiro says, "It's incredible." You can see crazy sunsets from here and have the most expansive views of the ocean."
To ensure an extremely high level of privacy, the two-bedroom guesthouse is tucked underneath the pool area.
"Buyers of the Butterfly House will be those who want a one-of-a-kind home in Malibu," Shapiro said." It's being built to serve as a primary residence, but likely won't be a full-time home. People like to travel and move around, so they will likely own several homes as well.
Flat House is listed for $60 million and is currently under contract. It sits on 3.5 acres and is 10,555 square feet.
The Edge is on the market for $69.995 million and is the first of The Case developments to be listed for sale. It is 10,527 square feet on 2.6 acres. It has been on the market for more than a year, but has yet to attract buyers.
Canitlever House was listed in June for $69.5 million. At 11,097 square feet, it is the largest of the five homes and has the most spacious footprint - 3.8 acres.
The fifth and final home, The Glass Tunnel, is currently under development and will be completed next year.
