A one-of-a-kind Santa Monica mansion, nicknamed the “White Lotus Sanctuary,” is now on the market for $12.5 million. It comes with a backstory as rich and layered as its design. This serene estate is not just another luxury listing. It is a property with ties to Hollywood legend Charlie Chaplin and later became a creative haven for world-renowned abstract painter Sam Francis. Add in a pool that literally flows through the kitchen, and you have one of the most fascinating homes in Southern California.
An Organic Oasis in the Heart of the City
Located behind towering walls and 500-year-old monastery doors, the home immediately offers a sense of retreat from the bustling outside world. Once inside, you are greeted by a tranquil courtyard design that blends indoor and outdoor living with effortless style. Teak wood, limestone, hand-carved stone baths, and antique elements infuse the space with warmth and history. There are five bedroom suites in total. Two of them are considered primary suites. And each offers its own sanctuary-like atmosphere. One of the master suites features a show-stopping closet that could easily double as a boutique showroom. At the heart of the home is a bright, open-plan kitchen, dining, and family room setup. It flows seamlessly into the courtyard and out toward the stunning pool area. You will easily forget that you are in the middle of Santa Monica.
A Storied Past with Famous Names
It’s no wonder that the price of this place is so high. Luxury real estate like this operates on a completely different plane compared to daily consumer pricing. The situation is completely different from something like a Shein price adjustment, where small price fluctuations can influence mass-market buying decisions overnight. Here, you are not buying a trend. You are buying history, architecture, and exclusivity.
But let’s get down to the business. The estate sits on a rare double street-to-street lot with plenty of privacy and space. Part of the property was once a two-story fire station. According to Compass listing agent Frank Langen, it was used by none other than Charlie Chaplin to store his prized collection of vintage fire trucks. But perhaps the most compelling chapter in the history of this house came when acclaimed artist Sam Francis purchased the property. He transformed the space into his primary studio and artistic retreat, attracting a who’s who of the California art scene.
Francis had an open-door policy that welcomed major artists like Ed Ruscha, Larry Bell, Ed Moses, and Ken Price. He turned the estate into a true cultural hotspot during the height of L.A.’s modern art movement.
From Tragedy to Transformation
In 2007, tragedy struck when a fire destroyed much of the original 1920s home. But from that loss came a bold opportunity to rebuild. The new owner enlisted renowned Malibu architect Christopher Sorensen. He spent five years crafting a residence that honors the past while embracing sustainable, modern luxury.
Sorensen’s vision brought in a Southeast Asian aesthetic. This has resulted in a calming, resort-like ambiance. According to Langen, the entire look and feel of the house was transformed from its more traditional roots into what he describes as “pleasing Balinese powers with thoughtful, precise functionality.”
A Pool That Steals the Show
One of the most jaw-dropping features of the house is its pool. It is not because of size, but because of placement. Instead of sitting outside the kitchen, the pool actually flows through it, separated by bulletproof glass. While you are prepping dinner, you can literally glance down into the water. It is the kind of playful luxury you would expect from a place nicknamed after a luxury resort series.
The Final Touches
A three-car garage, lush landscaping, and an overall feeling of serenity wrap up the estate’s appeal. As Langen puts it, “The impressive innocuous wall surrounding the compound gives only a small hint of the ‘White Lotus’ vibe behind it.” Once inside, however, it is clear you have entered a peaceful and highly curated private world. With a price tag of $12.5 million, this is no ordinary listing. It is a rare opportunity to own a slice of Hollywood and art history, wrapped in sustainable elegance and Bali-inspired calm.
