Nestled along Southern California’s coveted Laguna Beach coastline, a contemporary craftsman-style home long owned by James Mellor, the former chairman and CEO of defense contractor General Dynamics, has debuted on the market for $29 million.
One of only 14 private residences within the exclusive Montage luxury resort, the 2006 property was acquired by Mellor and his wife, Suzanne, in July 2009 for $17.7 million. They later commissioned builder Jim Burningham and architect Chris Light to expand the living spaces, add custom skylights, and install a private spa. Following the couple’s recent passing, the reimagined estate is newly available, listed with Shauna Covington and Leita Covington at the Laguna Beach office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.

An open-concept living space with a wood-beam ceiling opens to an ocean-view lanai.
Alisam LLC
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Set on a bluff-top parcel spanning a third of an acre with ocean and Catalina Island views, the striking wood and stone structure offers three potential bedrooms and four bathrooms in roughly 6,900 square feet across two levels. Open-concept interiors showcase hand-finished walnut floors, Venetian plaster walls, and vaulted ceilings lined with 600-year-old timber beams from France.
Main-level highlights include a fireside living room that spills out to a spacious ocean-view terrace, which hosts a covered lanai with a fireplace and an infinity-edge spa. An adjacent dining area connects to a sleek gourmet kitchen outfitted with custom-honed marble countertops, dual islands, top-tier appliances, and a walk-in pantry.

A home office features rich wood-paneled walls and an intricate coffered ceiling.
Alisam LLC
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Occupying its own wing, the primary retreat boasts a fireplace, a sitting area, and a luxe bath equipped with a deep soaking tub, a steam shower, dual walk-in closets, and a nearby art room. The lower entertainment level, meanwhile, features an office, a media room, a billiards room with a wet bar, and a 690-bottle climate-controlled wine cellar with a tasting area.
A $2,500 monthly HOA fee unlocks the Montage Laguna Beach amenities, including a dedicated residential concierge team, 24-hour security, in-residence wellness services, and priority dining and spa reservations. Homeowners can also enjoy full use of the 20,000-square-foot Spa Montage and fitness center, oceanfront pools, and easy access to Treasure Island Beach.
Click here for more photos of the Laguna Beach residence.


