Luxe Living

San Francisco Giants World Series Champion Barry Zito is looking for another big win – this time in the real estate game. The San Francisco Giants pitcher who famously signed a $126 million-dollar contract is looking for a buyer for his stunning Kentfield, CA Mediterranean mansion. Just across the San Francisco bay, Zito’s home is asking $11,450,000. Perhaps the allure of owning the home of a two-time World Series champion will be enough to clinch a buyer for this amazing estate.

When the home first hit the market in June of 2012, Zito’s publicist Kathy Jacobson told the Huffington Post that the motive for the move was a shorter commute. “Barry loves Marin and the house; he was married there…but with the drive over the bridge all the way across town to the ballpark, it was just too much, especially with a new marriage.”

No telling where the star pitcher and his new wife Amber Seyer will head next, but we do know that they’re leaving behind a champion-worthy estate. Called “Villa Della Pace,” Zito’s for-sale home is sited on over 2 acres of hillside directly overlooking Phoenix Lake. The gorgeous, rare home features a new, spectacular guest house and both the main home and the guest house enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of acres of coastal hills and park lands.The property is surrounded by stone terraces, lawns and gardens as well as an outdoor fireplace, barbeque, fountain, spa, and spectacular swimming pool. Thanks to teak Nano doors, which allow the home’s glass walls to open, indoor-outdoor flow is maximized.

Situated on a private lot with two iron gates, this estate features 4 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, an enormous combination kitchen/family room. The large master suite, which opens to the back yard and spa, is on the main level and features an imported limestone fireplace. The master bath is accented with beautiful granite countertops and an extra-large custom stone shower, double sinks, and a gracious walk-in closet. The main level also comes with an office – the perfect place for Zito to consider all the ways to spend that nine-figure paycheck.

Marilyn Rich of Pacific Union real estate holds the listing.

The man behind the making of Toy Story, A Bug’s Life and Finding Nemo, Pixar cofounder and Walt Disney Animation Studios president Ed Catmull, is looking to bid his park-like, Kentfield, CA estate farewell – he has just listed the property for $10.9 million. For the past twenty-six years Catmull has been heading Pixar Studios, and most recently been overseeing animated films at both Pixar and Disney alongside chief creative officer John Lasseter following the Disney acquisition in 2006. His soon-to-be-ex California home town of Kentfield is about thirty minutes from Pixar Studios,  located in Emeryville, CA., and about forty five minutes-to-an-hour from tech hub San Francisco.

Given Catmull’s ultra-creative mind and decades of animating experience, it’s no surprise his exquisite, custom-made estate pops with storybook charm. The three quarter acre parcel is simply majestic with expansive level lawns and views of Mt. Tamalpais and the Southern Marin Ridgeline. Built by Steve Wisenbaker, the six-bedroom, eight full and two half bath property is designed with a South Hampton personality. The white trim against the white walls and white coffered ceiling pairs beautifully with the dark hardwood flooring. The interior is furnished with modern minimalistic influence creating an elegant and traditional atmosphere.

A beautifully-lit island sits in the center of the spacious gourmet kitchen fully equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, including a Charvet Caumartin Range. The master suite features an exquisite walk-in closet and vintage ceramic tub. The upper level opens to the main patio, garden and pool with attached water slide. The exterior grounds are lined with lavish landscaping giving the home lovely vast hues of green – a perfect Bug’s Life paradise.

The estate also includes an executive sized home office, a spa-sized gym, a separate maid’s quarter and library. State-of-the-art technology is also incorporated throughout, although does not include your own private Wall-E. A 7-car auto court and underground 2-car parking allows for plenty of room for your real and/or animated Cars.