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A Property Impresses Not Only By Its Value Of US$ 125 Million, But By Its Unique Details. With A Car Museum, Orchards And Luxury Facilities, The Lyon Estate Reflects The Passion Of Its Former Owner For Classic Cars And Offers Future Buyers An Exclusive Space With The Possibility Of Expansion For New Residences.
A property located in Southern California is for sale for US$ 125 million. More than the high price, the highlight of the Lyon Estate is its car museum and grand structure, which blends residential luxury with a true passion for classic cars.
The property was built in 1986 by the late Major General William Lyon, a former commander of the Air Force Reserve of the USA and a real estate businessman.
According to the Wall Street Journal, William Lyon passed away in 2020 at the age of 97. His wife, Willa Dean Lyon, died in 2024. Following the couple’s passing, the property was put up for sale. “Without my parents, it’s not the same place,” said Bill Lyon, their son, to the WSJ.
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Exclusive Location And High-Standard Structure
The Lyon Estate is located in Coto de Caza, a high-end gated community with strict access control in Orange County, California.
The main residence covers 2,000 square meters, distributed over eight bedrooms. Its style follows Georgian architecture, which gives grandeur and sophistication to the property.
In addition to the main residence, the property includes three independent guest houses, a helipad, a tennis court, a brick-clad wine cellar, a game house, and a resort-style pool with its own pool house.
There are also full horse facilities, with a 10-stall barn and an equestrian arena.
The outdoor area maintains a well-kept appearance, with lawns and meticulously maintained gardens. Another highlight is the 16 acres of orange orchards that surround part of the property.
Private Car Museum
One of the most surprising elements of the Lyon Estate is the 2,160 square meter car museum, described by the Wall Street Journal as the “pièce de résistance” of the property.
Although the sale listing does not mention whether the vehicles will be part of the deal, the space reserved for the cars is a highlight.
William Lyon’s passion for cars began in childhood. According to his son Bill, it all started when, at nine years old, he saw actress Norma Shearer getting out of a red Cadillac on Sunset Boulevard.
The combination of Hollywood glamour with the vehicle marked the young boy’s mind and sparked his interest in classic American cars from before World War II.
Throughout his life, Lyon formed an impressive collection, which reached 100 vehicles at its peak. Although not all were stored on the property, the museum could accommodate up to 70 cars, but it has already hosted around 80 vehicles on display.
Some of the excess cars were displayed in another space: the Lyon Air Museum, located at John Wayne Airport and also founded by William Lyon.
Favorite Car And Rigorous Maintenance
Among all the vehicles in his collection, there was one that held a special place. A 1929 Duesenberg Model J, a 60th birthday gift from his wife, was William Lyon’s favorite.
This model is globally known as one of the greatest icons of the American luxury car era.
In addition to displaying the vehicles, the museum structure includes its own gas station, a complete mechanic shop, a car wash, and a full-time mechanic on staff.
All the cars are kept operational, undergoing regular maintenance to ensure seals and gaskets remain in good condition.
Event Space And Curious Elements
The property also features a turntable built into the museum, used for vehicle reveals during private events.
This feature allows the Lyon Estate to host car launches, with manufacturers utilizing the space for special demonstrations.
Another curious detail draws visitors’ attention: several taxidermy pieces. These mounted animals are the result of a family hunting trip to Tanzania during the 1980s.
The pieces share space with the gleaming vehicles, creating a unique visual contrast within the museum.
Expansion Potential And Real Estate Record
The Lyon Estate also has considerable expansion potential. A 26-acre portion of the property has already received preliminary approval for development.
If they wish, future buyers could build up to 25 new residences on site, forming a new gated neighborhood within Coto de Caza.
Should the sale proceed for a price close to US$ 125 million, the deal could set a new real estate record in Orange County.
Currently, the highest sale in the area is a mansion in Newport Coast, which was sold for US$ 61 million in 2020.
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